Packers training camp: 5 starting positions up for grabs

The majority of the Green Bay Packers‘ starting positions are set for 2021, but there will still be plenty up for grabs at training camp.

As is always the case with roster turnover during the offseason and new players being brought in, there will be competition for starting positions at various spots.

Here are five starting positions that could be available during training camp.

5. Wide receiver

We know Davante Adams will be starting at receiver for the Packers, but they have a few different options for the other starting spots.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling started 12 games last season, while Allen Lazard started all but one of the 10 games he played. Outside of the top three, no other wide receiver on the roster had more than one start.

But Devin Funchess is now back and could be a starter. Rookie Amari Rodgers might be the top choice in the slot. There will be more competition for snaps at receiver than a year ago.

4. Center

Josh Myers is the clear frontrunner for the starting center job after the Packers drafted him in the second round. But he’s a rookie and it’s no guarantee he’ll be in the starting lineup in Week 1.

If the Packers go for more experience, Elgton Jenkins or Lucas Patrick could come into play. Other names to watch are Jon Runyan Jr. and perhaps Jake Hanson.

3. Inside linebacker

Christian Kirksey, Krys Barnes, and Kamal Martin all started multiple games for the Packers last season. Kirksey has gone but the Packers have added De’Vondre Campbell and Isaiah McDuffie this offseason.

Campbell is the likely frontrunner as he has 70 starts in 75 career games with the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals. But even if we assume Campbell is a starter, the other starting spot when the Packers have two ILBs on the field is open.

2. Edge rusher

Za’Darius Smith will continue to start every game he plays, but Preston Smith’s position in the starting lineup is less certain. Preston Smith started 13 games last season but could make way for third-year Rashan Gary.

If Smith gets back to his 2019 best and Gary continues to improve his game, it should make for a fun battle between the two at training camp. That said, the Packers will find ways to get all of their top three pass rushers on the field together as Za’Darius Smith and Gary can shift inside.

1. Cornerback

Jaire Alexander is the clear No. 1 corner for the Packers, but Kevin King will face competition from first-round pick Eric Stokes on the other side of the field.

Similarly, Chandon Sullivan could face competition from Shemar Jean-Charles in the slot. Sullivan started 10 games last season and will likely be the top choice in the slot again, but there should be plenty of competition at training camp.