The Green Bay Packers added nine new players in the 2021 NFL Draft. Entering the draft, the Packers had some needs to fill, but most of them involved adding depth rather than a need for players who could step in and start immediately.
With the nine players now selected, here is a look at what role these players will likely play in their rookie seasons. This is subject to change depending on injuries, player performance and additional roster moves between now and the start of the season.
Round 1, 29th Overall: CB Eric Stokes, Georgia
Stokes has blazing speed and was selected to eventually replace Kevin King who re-signed what is essentially a one-year, prove-it deal with voidable years. The question is how soon will Stokes be ready to take over for King?
Stokes needs to work on his technique a bit and the adjustment to the NFL will take some time. King has a long injury history so Stokes may have to assume his new role sooner than the Packers would prefer.
Assuming he has a strong training camp, expect Stokes to battle with Chandon Sullivan to be the third cornerback as the season starts with a chance to supplant King as CB2 before the season is over.
Round 2, 62nd Overall: C Josh Myers, Ohio State
Myers probably has the best chance of starting as a rookie of any of the Packers 2021 draft picks. The Packers lost Corey Linsley to the Chargers in free agency and have a hole at the position.
Myers called the signals for the offensive line at Ohio State and was a leader on the team. He has a high football IQ and should be able to step in relatively quickly.
If Myers is not ready to go, the Packers have other options at center including moving either Elgton Jenkins or Lucas Patrick there or going with 2020 pick Jake Hanson.
Myers is the favorite to be the starting center as the Packers enter minicamp. If he doesn’t win the job, he will likely push to take over that role shortly.
Round 3, 85th Overall: Amari Rodgers, Clemson
Rodgers has a different body type and skill set than the other receivers on the Packers roster. While the other receivers on the roster are all over six feet tall, Rodgers is 5’10” and 210 pounds.
The Clemson alum is unlikely to start as a rookie but should see plenty of action. He will likely contribute on gadget plays like end arounds, jet sweeps and screens much like Tyler Ervin did in the past. He should also see some plays in the slot on short passes over the middle.
Another use for Rodgers in his rookie season could be as a return specialist, something he has experience doing in college. The Packers have struggled returning punts in recent years and Rodgers will be one of several young players who will be given a chance to fill that position in 2021.
Despite his lack of height, Rodgers doesn’t have a small frame and he should be able to handle the physicality of the NFL. By season’s end, I would expect Rodgers to have an increasing role in the offense as well.
Round 4, 142nd Overall, G Royce Newman, Mississippi
Newman played right tackle in college but is projected as a guard in the NFL by most scouts. He will likely contribute on special teams and be a backup offensive lineman in his rookie year.
Newman’s best chance to start may be if either Jenkins or Patrick are moved to starting center which would open a starting position at guard. Still, most scouts believe Newman is at least a year away from being able to start because he needs work on his footwork and his ability to block defenders on the second level.
Round 5, 173rd Overall, DL Tedarrell Slaton, Florida
Slaton is a big man at 6’5” and 330 pounds. He projects as a defensive lineman who will play predominantly on running downs and showed the ability to penetrate to stop running plays in college.
The Packers lack of depth at this position should give Slaton a chance to see snaps on defense, mostly as a rotational player who sees the field on running downs and in short yardage situations. His size and strength potentially make him a great candidate to occupy blockers and help free up Kenny Clark to make more plays.
Round 5, 178th Overall, CB Shemar Jean-Charles, Appalachian State
Jean-Charles is a ball hawk who broke up a lot of passes in college. He lacks the ideal size the Packers like at corner but has the body type to play well in the slot and has good anticipation and football smarts.
It’s a big jump from Appalachian State to the NFL, so Jean-Charles may need time before he makes a major contribution on defense. He should see extensive action on special teams as a rookie and if he plays very well, could compete to be the Packers dime back before the season is over.
Round 6, 214th Overall, OL Van Lanen, Wisconsin
Van Lanen will fight for a depth spot along the Packers offensive line. If he sees the field as a rookie, it will likely be on special teams. The Packers value versatility on the offensive line and Van Lanen fits that bill. That will help him in his fight for a roster spot or to at least make the practice squad.
Round 6, 220th Overall, LB Isaiah McDuffie, Boston College
McDuffie projects as a cover linebacker who can stay with running backs and tight ends on pass plays. He started his college career at safety before moving to linebacker.
As a rookie, he will play mostly on special teams if he makes the final roster. He will only likely get significant reps on defense if injuries strike.
Round 7, 256th Overall, RB Kylin Hill, Mississippi State
Hill will compete with Dexter Williams and a few others for the third spot on the depth chart at running back behind Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. The big key for him will be pass blocking and route running which are essential in Matt LaFleur’s offense. Both Jones and Dexter Williams struggled with this early in their careers.
If he makes the active roster, expect Hill to contribute mostly on special teams as a rookie with the occasional carry on offense unless either of the top two backs get hurt.
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May 07, 2021 at 01:27AM
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The Projected Role for Each Packers Draft Choice in 2021 - Cheesehead TV
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