The Green Bay Packers went 13-3 and went to the NFC title game a year ago. Somehow, it doesn’t feel like they were actually that good. Green Bay had just a +63 point differential and got smacked by San Francisco twice. Neither game was close. Can Green Bay get over the hump in 2020? Let’s take a look at potential storylines as training camp is set to open soon.
3 Position Battles To Watch:
Running Back: Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams, AJ Dillon
Aaron Jones is obviously entrenched as the starter. That’s not a question. I’ll keep this short and sweet. How do the Packers split carries? It’s no secret they want to run the football more. How much is each involved in the offense? It could depend on performance.
Wide Receiver: Allen Lazard, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Devin Funchess, Jake Kumerow, EQ St. Brown
Davante Adams needs a side kick in the worst way. Allen Lazard could be the sneaky option to take on the 2nd role. After having zero production up until week 6, Lazard finished the season with 35 receptions for 477 yards and 3 scores. Will EQ St. Brown or Valdes-Scantling become more than just a guy? Jake Kumerow was talked about as a fantasy hero.
Tight End: Marcedes Lewis, Jace Sternberger, Josiah Deguara
Jace Sternberger was picked in the 3rd round of the 2019 NFL Draft and proceeded to do nothing. Literally… Not a single catch as a rookie. Marcedes Lewis is the ageing vet taking up space. He can certainly block. Green Bay took another flier at a third round pick with Josiah Deguara. Who the hell wins the job? Jimmy Graham is no longer on the roster.
Ready To Breakout: Elgton Jenkins
Elgton Jenkins is on the path to becoming a star. Yes, guards are people too! After taking over the starting role in Week 3 as a rookie, Jenkins played his ass off. The former Mississippi State product didn’t allow a sack over 571 pass-blocking snaps. That was as a rookie. The Packers nailed this pick.
Rookie To Watch: Jordan Love
This one really is nothing more than drama. Does Aaron Rodgers give Jordan Love any dirty looks? We need to make a bingo card for this one.
Fantasy Sleeper: Patrick Taylor
I didn’t list Patrick Taylor in the running back discussion but he qualifies as a sleeper. First, he has to make the roster as the 4th back ahead of Dexter Williams. I’m not even sure that happens but if he does, Taylor is a player I liked at Memphis. For some reason, he got lost in the shuffle there. 6-foot-2, 217, and a 5.4 career carry mark in college. This is a deep backfield but who knows.
