The Packers have a chance to be a real good team in 2021. Due to the Aaron Rodgers drama, the Packers are not getting the real respect that they deserve. There are lots of factors that can make them a real dominant football team in 2021. They might be the most overlooked team in the NFL this season.
The Packers Had a Great Draft
Thanks to the Aaron Rodgers drama the Packers draft really got overlooked. The draft they had this year went under the radar and it was really a shame. They addressed all their needs and got the best available players on their board. They clearly got better on both sides of the ball and now the team looks better than it was in 2020. Also, they did a great job addressing the holes they had on the roster due to the departures of players in free agency. The Packers arguably had the best draft in the NFL this year.
The Pass Rush Group
This is certainly not being talked about enough this offseason. The Packers pass rush group is looking pretty scary this year. Zadarius Smith, Preston Smith, and then Rashan Gary could be a deadly trio this year. Gary already took a step forward last season and if he continues to develop he can be a dominant player this year. Preston Smith with his restructured contract should be motivated for a bounce-back season after a poor 2020 campaign. Also, they have Jonathan Garvin who had flashes in 2020 and looks to make a leap in 2021. If everyone can stay healthy and improve, watch out for the Packers pass rush this year.
Defensive Line Becoming Sneaky Good This Year
The Packers defensive line definitely looks strong this year. Kenny Clark is coming back and may have a partner in crime in Kingsley Keke who took a huge step forward in 2020. Anthony Rush can be a good rotational piece and help move Kenny Clark around and give him a breather. Newly drafted rookie Tedarrell Slaton can be a player that might get plenty of time as a rookie while he still develops. They also have guys in Tyler Lancaster and Dean Lowry who are not great but can be solid rotational depth pieces. This group has the chance to be a really dominant group this year.
The Receiving Core Looks Really Strong this Year
With no big name receivers outside Davante Adams everybody questions the Packers offense. Do not let that fool you. Every receiver brings something to the offense. A good example is Marquez Valdes-Scantling who can be a true deep threat. Allan Lazard is due for a break-out year after being hampered by a core injury after a hot start in 2020. Amari Rodgers can be deadly in the slot along with Equanimeous St. Brown who should be fully healthy. Then add in Devin Funchess who can bring another big receiver that can win the 50/50 balls especially in the end zone. There is hidden talent in the Packers receiver room that can really do damage for the Packers this year.
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The tight end group looks really good as well. Not just Robert Tonyan who tied for the lead in touchdowns for all tight ends, but Josiah Deguara is coming back from a torn ACL and will look to be a big part of the offense after showing flashes as a rookie in 2020. The vet of the group coming back is Mercedes Lewis who does the dirty work in the run game. Jace Sternberger will be motivated as this is a make-or-break year for him.
Depth at Cornerback
The Packers cornerback room is certainly looking deep for the Packers. They have a shut-down corner in Jaire Alexander. They have Kevin King who is looking to prove himself after his shaky 2020 season. The Packers drafted Eric Stokes who’s speed is something the Packers might have been missing at corner. They also drafted Shemar Jean-Charles who might be the biggest sleeper from the cornerback class this year. In addition, Chandon Sullivan will return as the starter in the slot and might have competition from Kadar Holman. Josh Jackson is more of a depth and camp body as he may not make the roster this year. There is a good amount of talent at this position that can make the Packers dominant secondary.
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