Coaching
Matt LaFleur took over as the head coach of the Packers in 2019 after spending the previous two seasons running the Rams and the Titans offenses. Green Bay went 13-3 in back-to-back years, with a push to first overall in points scored (509 – 133 more than 2019). They improved to fifth in the league in yards gained.
Lafleur has six years of experience in the NFL as a quarterback coach. His best success came in 2016, helping Matt Ryan and the Falcons reach the Super Bowl.
Nathaniel Hackett returns for his third season as the offensive coordinator after spending the previous five years in the Jaguars’ system as their quarterback’s coach and offensive coordinator. Hackett ran the Bills’ offense for two seasons as well.
Their defense gave up 56 more points (369 – 13th) despite improving to ninth in yards allowed.
Green Bay named Joe Barry as their defensive coordinator. Over the past three years, he worked in the Rams’ system (assistant head coach and linebackers coach). Barry ran the Lions and Redskins’ defense over four seasons while having 19 years of coaching experience in the NFL.
Free Agency
Their offensive line lost C Corey Lindsey and G Lane Taylor.
Linsley allowed minimal pressure on the quarterback while also shining in run blocking. His resume is long with success, and Aaron Rodgers may have a smaller passing window in 2021 due to his loss.
Injuries cost Taylor most of the last two seasons. He projects as a backup this year, with his best asset coming in pass protection. In 2016, he made 16 starts for the Packers.
More Green Bay Packers Coverage from SI
Green Bay lost RB Jamaal Williams to their division rival Detroit Lions. He came off the bench over four seasons with the Packers to gain 2,946 combined yards with 18 touchdowns and 122 catches. He averaged 10.4 touches per game while delivering RB4 production in PPR leagues.
The only other significant player added via free agency was LB De’Vondre Campbell. He has been a liability in all areas over the past three seasons.
Draft
CB Eric Stokes
His press and chase style grades well while having more upside when he gets stronger. Stokes projects to be a liability against the run early in his career. When given a chance to return a turnover, he brings scoring ability, but Stokes doesn’t offer playmaking ability early in his career.
C Josh Myers
His foundation skill set points to an upgrade in run blocking with the base to handle bull rushers. Pass rushers will test Myers outside his frame. Green Bay expects him to win the starting job in 2021.
WR Amari Rodgers
His game should rise to another level under the guidance of Aaron Rodgers. He gives Green Bay an open-field runner with the route running and hands to succeed out of the lot. His first challenge is improving his release vs. press coverage.
G Royce Newman
His pass blocking has risk against power and defenders with the ability to beat him with width off the snap. He should upgrade the run game while offering depth at both tackle and guard.
DT Tedarrell Slaton
Slaton has an inner battle to keep his weight under control, limiting his endurance and motor. He looks like an anchor against the run with surprising quickness and push in the pass rush, but his strength isn’t where it needs to be to produce consistent wins.
CB Shemar Jean-Charles
Jean-Charles has a couple of flaws (weakness against the run and lack of size to handle physical receivers in press coverage). He does project well in reading routes and staying connected to receivers out of their routes. Jean-Charles defers to holding in the deep passing game when in chase mode and trailing by a step.
G Cole Van Lanen
Van Lanen will transition to guard in the pros. His range looks limited, with questions about his value in pass protection. He brings vision while offering the hands to help in the run game.
LB Isaiah McDuffie
McDuffie has a green light feel in run support. When given a clean run, his vision and feel for play development put him on time when moving toward the line of scrimmage. McDuffie takes a hit in heavy traffic areas while lacking the size to push to higher as an interior defender. He works hard and shows up for every play, which increases his chance to get on the field.
RB Kylin Hill
Hill is a power runner with the wiggle to make defenders miss in the open field. His vision and patience hold him back from reaching a higher ceiling. He’ll provide depth on early downs with questionable value on passing downs.
