The Packers Have a Big Decision to Make On Elgton Jenkins' Future
By GilMartin
Packers offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins is one of the most versatile players on the team. The second year man out of Mississippi State played at all five spots along the offensive line in 2020 and earned Pro Bowl recognition for his outstanding play.
Jenkins has primarily played at left guard, but he also has taken significant snaps at center, played at both tackle spots and right guard during his first two NFL seasons. His versatility was evident in college where he started games at four different places along the offensive line throughout his career.
The key question is what is Jenkins’ long-term position? The answer makes a big difference for the Packers organization as they head into the 2021 NFL Draft. If Jenkins projects as a tackle long term, then drafting a tackle is not as vital for the Packers. But if the Packers believe Jenkins’ future is at either center or guard, offensive tackle becomes a much higher priority for GM Brian Gutekunst in this year’s draft.
Head coach Matt LaFleur has been impressed with Jenkins’ versatility. “Elgton, I mean the fact that he can anywhere on the offensive line is absolutely incredible,” LaFleur told reporters in November. “I’ve never been around somebody like that who has that ability.”
Jenkins seems to downplay the difficulty of playing multiple positions. “I played all positions in college and I play all positions here in the NFL, so just going out there it's really about knowing your assignment, knowing the technique and doing your job,” Jenkins explained.
Changes are likely coming to the Packers offensive line in 2021. Pro Bowl center Corey Linsley is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent and may not return. All Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari suffered a serious knee injury late in the season and may not be ready to play in Week 1 depending on the speed of his rehab. Guard Lane Taylor, who won a starting job in training camp but was lost to injury in Week 1 is also an unrestricted free agent and may not be back.
The Pack has options at the interior offensive line positions. Either Jenkins or Lucas Patrick can play center if called upon. That would create a void at guard, but the Packers have several young players with potential along the interior of the offensive line.
In anticipation of Linsley’s possible departure, Gutekunst selected three interior linemen in the late rounds of last year’s draft. Jon Runyan, Jr. saw action at guard in several games when injuries hit along the line and played well when called upon.
The Packers also drafted center Jake Hanson and guard Simon Stepaniak on day three. Neither of them got into a game in 2020, but they will be back to compete for a spot along the line in 2021. It may be asking a lot of any of these three to step in as an immediate starter, but they will be available to add depth and to compete for roster spots.
The tackle situation is a bit more uncertain. Bakhtiari is a major part of the team, but he may not be ready to start the season on time as he recovers from his injury. He is also turning 30 in September so the Packers should start thinking about grooming his successor in a year or two.
Billy Turner is the other top tackles on the roster. Like Jenkins, Turner can play both guard and tackle. He is a reliable starter but he will struggle against elite, speedy pass rushers. The Packers just released Rick Wagner who served as the Packers swing tackle last season and did a good job. The Packers may look to bring Wagner back at a lower salary if he's willing, but his departure leaves the team with much less depth on the line.
If Jenkins long-term future is at tackle, then Jenkins and Bakhtiari could give Green Bay two Pro Bowl-caliber bookends on the offensive line. If Jenkins is projected to be settling in at guard or center, then the Packers will need to consider drafting a tackle this season with the anticipation of having him take over as a starter in 2022.
In his first three drafts, Gutekunst has yet to pick a player who projects to play tackle in the NFL. As a franchise, the Packers have a mixed record when it comes to drafting tackles over the last decade. Busts include Jason Spriggs, who Green Bay selected in the second round in 2016 and former first-round pick, Derek Sherrod who was the team’s top selection in 2011.
Bakhtiari was a fourth-round pick back in 2013 and became a Pro Bowl player while the Packers selected nine-year starter Bryan Bulaga in the first round back in 2010.
Ultimately, the Packers will have to decide on Jenkins’ ultimate position and the direction they want to move their offensive line in going forward. This offseason will go a long way to determining that future, although all decisions are subject to change.
Jenkins has already made the NFL’s All-Rookie Team and the Pro Bowl in his first two NFL seasons. The Packers want to maximize his impact on the offensive line and surround him with as much talent as possible to protect Aaron Rodgers and open holes for the running game. This decision will be an important one for Jenkins and the Packers for both 2021 and beyond.
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Comments (66)
89Chewy
February 20, 2021 at 12:12 pm
Leave Elgton at LG. They can move him around if need be, but with him and David, it gives the Pack a dominant side of the ball and the most important side, Aaron's blind side. This draft is deep at tackle. Move Patrick to center and have Runyan and Taylor duke it out for RG.
arthurl
February 20, 2021 at 04:31 pm
That’s exactly the way I see it; well said.
dobber
February 20, 2021 at 05:13 pm
Taylor's a FA. I don't see them signing him until after camp starts if they choose to do so at all.
Leatherhead
February 20, 2021 at 12:21 pm
Gil, I think this decision has probably already been made, because there is, and has been, a plan.
Left Tackle is the biggest priority on the line, and we resigned Bakhtiari. Center is the 2nd most important position on the line, because they handle the ball, start every play, call out the blocking assignments, and keep the pocket from being pushed.
It’s Jenkins. If we extend or resign him, that position is rock solid for the next several seasons. He’s our center.
jeremyjjbrown
February 20, 2021 at 12:26 pm
How do you know Jenkins is at center now?
jhtobias
February 20, 2021 at 12:42 pm
He has no clue my friend just another arm chair gm who thinks replacing linsley with runyan or whoever is not a drop off at all. These arm chair gm's on this site will tell you they played fine without llinsley for three games and they are wrong.. Go rewatch the games if you have time the interior of the line especially guards were not good jenkins was good a center no doubt but when linsley came back it became elite again ..
Leatherhead
February 20, 2021 at 01:15 pm
We agree Linsley is real good.
We agree Runyon would be a drop off.
But Linsley is going to sign a big contract elsewhere. He’s gone, and he’ll be replaced by the best guy we have, Jenkins, because center is more important than guard..
Leatherhead
February 20, 2021 at 01:16 pm
Who replaced Linsley when he was out?
jhtobias
February 20, 2021 at 03:12 pm
jenkins did but did you see what happened to the guard play big dip
Leatherhead
February 20, 2021 at 04:14 pm
We agree again. The guy we had to play at guard because we moved Jenkins to center was not as good as Jenkins.
Left tackle, center, right tackle, left guard, right guard. Ron Wolf "You can find a guard anywhere". Translation= guards aren't as important as the other offensive line positions.
From Larry McCarren to Flanagan to Wells to Linsley, the organization has done a good job of putting solid players at that position. We might have to line up Wil WHittaker and Adrian Klemm at guard but we're going to have a good guy at that center spot.
So if you like Jenkins...and I do....and you want him to be a maximum asset for us....and I do....then you put him at center and eventually sign him to a second contract and that position, center, is well manned for the next 6 years.
Meanwhile, Bakhtiari is locked up at Left Tackle. So your two most important offensive line positions are in good shape for several years. Of course, then Bakhtiari gets hurt but he's expected to be back at some point. They'll probably back him up with Turner/Runyan. I mean, Runyan did have a bunch of starts at left tackle in college.
Guam got me thinking the other day about what the confidence level in 1265 must be to release Wagner. They have to believe the guys they have are part of the solution.
Predicted Mid-Season offensive line: Bakhtiari-Turner-Jenkins- Patrick- Day Two draft pick.
Coldworld
February 20, 2021 at 04:43 pm
Sounds like it was driven by Wagner’s knee and he apparently told them he was probably retiring as a result. I suppose he might be a Veldheer like emergency fill in option, but it sounds like he’s done as a season long player at least. I don’t think this was hoped for.
flackcatcher
February 20, 2021 at 06:05 pm
(Stares at run-on sentence) (pause) Dude where's the period. (Yells "Get off the smartphone"...) Sigh.
PeteK
February 20, 2021 at 06:38 pm
Runyon held his own for a rookie and Patrick was at times very good, as proof look at Suh's stats in the championship game. Jenkins at center might even improve our running game as I thought Linsley was overrated as a run blocker.
dobber
February 21, 2021 at 06:22 am
Any time you move an all-pro and throw a backup out there, it's not likely to get better.
Coldworld
February 21, 2021 at 06:43 am
Interesting to see if Jenkins would have been long term center if Linsly had missed a lot of time. It’s also clear that he wasn’t center when he played T.
The idea that one would play a competent tackle inside is diametrically contrary to NFL wisdom. For one thing, you are soon going to have to pay him as a tackle if he is truly good enough. It looks to me like Jenkins us going to get the opportunity at T this season. Really wish Wagner’s knee had held up one more season.
dobber
February 21, 2021 at 06:56 am
I agree: if Jenkins was viewed as being a high-end T, he'd be playing T--those guys are just too valuable. He might still end up playing T in 2021 with the Packers current situation, but I think they're better off with him playing at an all-pro level inside.
When they drafted Jenkins, my first thought was that he was Linsley's replacement two years down the road, and a swing IOL backup until that point. Glad to admit I underestimated him. He's been a tremendous find.
dobber
February 20, 2021 at 01:53 pm
I would amend this to say that the Packers had a plan up 'til December 30. Then Bakhtiari's injury pushed them in to a form of damage control for 2021 until the plan can resume. Jenkins quality of play and versatility are likely important in damage control mode.
Whatever the case, Jenkins is making himself a boatload of money when that first big payday comes.
Leatherhead
February 20, 2021 at 04:20 pm
dobber, what do you think the plan is for left tackle on opening day?
Turner was the last guy who lined up for us there. Runyan had quite a few college starts at left tackle. You've got some other guys and the rest of the offseason and training camp to get somebody ready to start there until Bakhtiari is ready.
What does your gut tell you? Turner?
XXXXXXRegarding Jenkins payday, the smart money play would be to work a new deal after this season that rolls the last year of his rookie contract into the new deal. We could keep him in the middle of our offensive line for six years yet.
dobber
February 21, 2021 at 06:59 am
I agree on Jenkins contract. He's a valuable guy and his value is only increasing. They can probably keep him happy and save a few bucks long term if they extend him early.
It's no stretch to say that with Bakhtiari on the shelf, the Packers are OT-poor right now, which surprised me when they let Wagner go so early. I'm hearing more about a persistent/degenerative knee, so that grants more context for the move beyond modest cap savings.
That leaves Turner and Nijman as the only true OTs from the end-of-season 53, so at this very early stage I think Turner is going to be earmarked as the opening LT. When players were getting hurt and the Packers were shuffling the OL in-game (think Bakh's injury earlier in the season), Nijman never saw the field. Things could change, but I don't expect him to be a factor on the left side. Runyan played a lot of LT in college, but has been panned for his feet and short arms--all measurables that push him to G in the eyes of scouts. By all accounts, he wasn't getting any snaps at OT last year, but I wouldn't be surprised if they cross-train him at OT and see what he has in camp.
I think they need to be looking OT early in the draft, and will likely be sorting through the chaff in FA to find a cheaper Wagner-type insurance policy. I think there are going to be a whole lotta line combos tested in OTAs, minicamp, and early in camp. In all--unless they get a shot at a good LT candidate early in the draft (which you need to wonder whether they would do that with Bakh under contract for a long time)--I think it's gotta be Turner on the left side by default at this stage. It might be a bit contrarian, but I'm inclined to think they leave Jenkins at LG to help that LT out, and allow Patrick and Hanson to slug it out at C (if they don't sign/draft anyone).
I thought at this stage of the off-season two years ago that they would be drafting a tackle high. They signed Turner and drafted Jenkins. I thought at this stage of the off-season last year that they would have to take a shot a tackle early with Bakh's contract coming up and Bulaga a free agent. They signed Wagner and drafted a pile of IOLs. This is a team that will have turned over all but one OL starter (Bakhtiari) in a little over two years...and they've continued to get better. They brought in Milt Hendrickson about that time, and his background in OL has seemed to pay off. I was critical of Stenavich when they hired him--mostly because he seemed to be a "settle" hire and a wild card--but he appears to be a great hire as OL coach. I'm bullish on their chances going forward.
My gut is big. It tells me many unhealthy things... ;)
mrtundra
February 21, 2021 at 08:02 am
Leave Elgton at LG. Patrick has, and can play Center, or RG. Lane Taylor is still on the team, so they may find a team friendly deal for him at RG. Otherwise, I say we have Bahk at LT, Elgton at LG, Patrick at C , Runyan at RG and Turner at RT. All the O lIne speculation depends on what happens with Linsley, in the next few weeks.
jhtobias
February 20, 2021 at 12:38 pm
I'f i'm rodgers for once I use my power and tell Gutey or whoever you have two choices keep corey that is my center or if you refuse Then O.K. you better restructure my contract to make sure my last 3 or how every many years I play is guaranteed Mahomes money . your choice packer managment .. rodgers holds the power not packer managment without rodgers this team is 500 or below at best .. And rodgers could retire if gutey said no and be fine smart man financial intrest outside football and a first ballot hof ..
Please Aaron use your power not by snide remarks in the media but goto the top .. This is not a shot at Jenkins he is a bonfide stud .. But true champions need a voice and that is Rodgers you don't let the best center in football walk . Linsley is so much more important than aaron jones or JJ Watt .. Give them heck Rodgers !
PBacker
February 20, 2021 at 03:34 pm
While I respect your opinion, there’s an old saying. I was looking for a job when I found this one (and I can be looking again) that works also the other way around. JC Tretter left and everyone was all worried, Linsley comes in as a FIFTH rounder and starts DAY 1 in SEATTLE. There’s not that much difference between a good C and a great C. GB needs a good Center and a better OT. Plus there are 3 guys already on the team who can play Center. Hanson played all 4 years in college at a high level so don’t think he was an afterthought. This team lost because it couldn’t win inside the trenches on Defense. Nothing personal but Watt paired with Z, Gary and Kenny would be very formidable and would lay shame to Linsley’s impact. If they don’t like Patrick or Hanson? You can draft an upgrade by round 4. I’ll take Watt over Linsley 10 out of 10 times
Cheesey51
February 20, 2021 at 05:18 pm
Please Aaron is right. "Show me the money" and sign Linsley,he's a skilled pro bowl player. Having Rodgers defer his money means he'll be around for 3 more years and Love sits longer. Linsley made a big difference when he returned to the lineup . 3x MVP's do not come around very often. Keep the "O"line intack and continue to introduce the reserved lineman into games.
Since'61
February 20, 2021 at 12:50 pm
My choice is too keep Jenkins at LG or move him to Center if Patrick or Hanson prove to be busts at Center. Jenkins has proven to be very effective at LG. Why mess that up? Bak will be back at some point in 2021. Why shuffle the OL
and then reshuffle again when Bak returns.
Moving Jenkins to Center would be my next choice if Linsley walks because he is the best of the 3 options; himself, Patrick or Hanson. He knows the position and most importantly he knows the OL calls/adjustments.
With Wagner gone, maybe we bring back Veldheer for OT depth and/or draft an OT and sign a vet FA at a reasonable price. In any case I believe in continuity along the OL to the extent possible. Thanks, Since ‘61
Lphill
February 20, 2021 at 01:01 pm
John Runyan will start someplace plus he made 26 starts at left tackle in college , just a matter of where .
Leatherhead
February 20, 2021 at 01:19 pm
I think Runyan, Jenkins, and Patrick are our interior line starters. Maybe for the next several years.
PBacker
February 20, 2021 at 04:13 pm
I believe Runyan is going to be around for awhile. He’s more sized as a OG (unlike Sr). We drafted 3 OL last season and at least 1 will start in 2021 at some juncture. Hanson is a 4 year starter and now has 2 offseason programs. Also don’t count Lucas out, even Rodgers was impressed and made positive remarks about him. We have at least 2 players who can compete at Center without using Elgton. Lucas is just ideal size at 6’3 X 313lb. We can go after another Center/G day 3 but what we really need is RT and that’s a priority. I’m very confident we’ve already got a C on the team that not named Linsley. The only question is will they play at a higher level at OG (Lucas scored high grades in the playoffs and was 11 spots behind Elgton who was Probowler.
If nothing else draft a bonafide Center by round 4 compensatory that has a similar mauler style POA like Linsley. It’s just my opinion that Hanson is nothing more than a solid backup plan.
Tabin
February 20, 2021 at 04:57 pm
Round 4 will be traded to get a guy in round one that was a rumor about some team wanted to trade up to get him. So Gute been smarter he traded up and got it first.
splitpea1
February 20, 2021 at 01:31 pm
I'm sort of sidestepping the question because others are more qualified to answer it than I am. But it would seem to be smart to leave him on the interior. I'm mildly surprised we let Wagner go; now we have an urgent tackle need. Since the draft is loaded with prospects in the first two rounds, you know we'll be going there. Here's where our man Milt is going to hopefully come through again with another stellar OL recommendation.
PBacker
February 20, 2021 at 04:16 pm
Yeah. I could also see us gambling and resigning Wagner near vet minimum. This season will present challenges for paying mediocre OT. Logistically we can get similar production closer to veteran minimum or draft a day 2 RT (or maybe even both)
PhantomII
February 20, 2021 at 01:35 pm
Bak wanted to be the highest paid LT in the NFL and unfortunately Packer Management made that happen. Not even table scraps left to sign anyone without back loading everyone. So long Linsley. The real problem is Jenkins is good at every position. Bak will not be back until game 10-13 of next season more than likely. The combo of Bak/Jenkins on the left side does make a good, strong tandem. Jenkins made A. Donald a non factor. I would think how other teams strengths on the line and how they are constructed would be a factor for where his position is next season and the future. I'm not a fan of rotating vets on their down slide to OT as good positions for slowing down elite Defensive pass rushers. If someone else can man the (C) position. I would like Jenkins at LT this season until Bak is back and Turner at RT. When Bak gets back Jenkins to RT and Turner back to guard. We need the RT position held permanently by a good OL that does not allow our QB to get hit and once our OL is up to positional strength I like Jenkins at RT for the future. I'm sure he won't mind. OT get paid more. Unless Nijiman steps up in a big way, I think this is the best way to protect our QB. Really I want the high draft picks to go to other positions. If A. Jones is not back we better pick up a stud WR in FA and draft one to make up for Jones production on Offense.
PBacker
February 20, 2021 at 04:28 pm
Well said. 90% sure GB has 1 2020 OL selection that can start at either C or OG. I’d like to see us go after a RT of the future day 2 draft if it presents itself. There may be a heap of vets that will take a pay cut this season because most teams are suffering cap wise. I like our chances at a Veteran in that 3-5mil range and then draft another RT round 3-5 that needs refining but is a physical specimen.
Just please don’t put Turner at LT again, what a nightmare. Keep him between RG and RT
PS. I’m expecting us to draft both a WR and RB by 4th round Comp latest. Give me a Jonathan Franklin by round 4 (without the injury).
flackcatcher
February 20, 2021 at 06:18 pm
Gute has a plan. As we all saw last year starting with the draft. 30WR Gute takes not one. What fans want, is not what Green Bay needs. (according to Green Bay) Gute has a plan...
Lare
February 20, 2021 at 01:49 pm
Offensive guards are a lot easier to find (and pay for ) in the NFL than offensive tackles. I say move Jenkins to RT and leave him there. They already have his replacement at LG (Runyan) so the only real questions are at C, LT and RG. Patrick and Turner can fill in at two of those positions so that leaves one position to fill from within, in the draft or free agency, until Bakhtiari returns.
MarkinMadison
February 20, 2021 at 01:56 pm
I don't see Jenkins as a Tackle. Like Turner, I think he can play T but G/C may be his better position. I've been thinking he would move to center when Linsley moves on. I'd be excited to see him place C because I think he is so sound and so smart. But the draft picks the Packers have used the last few years give them flexibility to play Jenkins at either LG or C. So to me it is just a matter of who are the best five players. If Bakh is out any significant amount of time then I think you have to pencil in Turner at LT. Nijman is an ERFA. If the coaches can't see him holding down the RT spot in his 3rd year, at least while Bakh is out, then I think it is time to move on and give someone else a shot.
PhantomII
February 20, 2021 at 02:24 pm
How good do you have to be at LT,RT/C/LG/RG and never......EVER.....allow a QB sack. He's as good and reliable as it gets....Period.!!!!
MarkinMadison
February 21, 2021 at 09:34 am
I've been high on the guy since he was drafted. You won't find a single post I've ever made criticizing any aspect of his play. But for the coaches he was the last viable option they were willing to play at T, even though I think they pretty clearly had more back-up talent on the inside than the outside this year. With an off-season to work on technique it wouldn't shock me if they moved him to the outside, because he has the frame to do it. But he has been an interior OL for his last two years in college and his first two years in the pros. They put him in at LT for 1/2 game but he didn't go back there. They used him at RT but not when they didn't have to do so. NFL coaches aren't dumb. They are certainly smarter than me.
PhantomII
February 21, 2021 at 09:39 pm
I see a lot of people do a lot of dumb stuff like moving up in the draft to get a QB to sit behind an MVP for 4 yrs after getting 1 win from a Super Bowl with a historic WR talent laden draft. Anyone can see at this point Jenkins is good at ANY position. He may be a perennial All Pro guard but right now we need our MVP QB clean. How about MM just telling our WR's to beat their man instead of scheming them open.....dumb. I have been watching good bad and greatness for over 40 yrs., He's definitely between good and great.....good enough.
pack69go
February 20, 2021 at 01:57 pm
I would like to see them have Jenkins play left tackle til Bak is back (he is more athletic and quicker than turner). Move Turner back to RT, If the don't resign Linsley, then Patrick at C. Have Runyon and the the other young plays compete for guard spots, maybe sign W. Taylor back on the cheap.
stockholder
February 20, 2021 at 02:12 pm
Jenkins will play where they want him. The Guard position will be determined by who is ready. So until Jenkins is pushed. He'll stay put. The smart play now is to Franchise Linsley. And Rodgers should "only" re-work his contract for that purpose. You pay the All-pros. (Until they regress.) Why weaken the OL if you don't have too. Why destroy the trust? It gives the packers Time. Stability! And the packers can then concentrate on other NEEDs.
Coldworld
February 20, 2021 at 04:39 pm
At about 13 million a year, franchising Linsley is not likely to be feasible without making the team worse overall.
stockholder
February 20, 2021 at 07:55 pm
He's making 10. The Cap should go down. Thats why I said Franchise him for a year. He'll get 10 no matter what. Isn't it worth 2- 3 mil. to keep him a year more. That way they can draft a OT. And last years picks should be ready for full time work.
Tabin
February 20, 2021 at 05:01 pm
From a cap point of view I dont´see Linsley been tagged. The logical move is to let him walk move Jenkins to C and put Runyan as LG.
stockholder
February 20, 2021 at 08:05 pm
Thats logical. But is Runyan ready?(FULL TIME) Also how long before Bahk is ready? Taylor and Wagner Gone? Turner is Free in 2022. Rodgers needs time to throw. Take the sure thing. Tag him. Give your draftees time.
dobber
February 21, 2021 at 07:07 am
An ACL is all about the severity of the tear and how quickly the player regains flexibility and strength (and learns to trust the knee). If there was minimal additional damage to the knee and the player puts in the work, an ACL can recover pretty quickly. Case in point: Bryan Bulaga tore an ACL in mid-November and was back by week 1 the following season...because it wasn't a severe knee. I've heard nothing about Bakhtiari's knee and its severity beyond the ACL itself.
canadapacker
February 20, 2021 at 02:52 pm
I guess the questions that I have is do we need to have a Go To center - Linsley is kind of that - Tretter was kind of that. We even had Jeff Saturday of Manning's fame - he was supposedly the Oline quarterback for Manning helping with the protections etc. Does AR utilize that type of inference with this centers? If so then we either resign Linsley if he will take less money - maybe he is willing to do a 1 year deal and go for the big bucks next year - or do we make Jenkins the center. I also am wondering about Bak. Everybody is guessing that he may be back later in the season but - is it too early for an update on his health? His injury was apparently not a gruesome one, the reporting didnt say it was in padded practice or whatever. In any case it has been a month and a half - so some prognosis must be available - at least how the operation went. The other issue that I am wondering about is - how much money does the Pack need to save and allocate to this years draftees. They must have some sort of idea as they know where they are drafting and what those players get paid.
13TimeChamps
February 20, 2021 at 03:43 pm
"maybe he is willing to do a 1 year deal and go for the big bucks next year"
It would make zero sense for him to do that. He'd be risking a career ending injury, plus he'd be a year older. As much as I'd love to retain him, I think it would be insane for him to turn down more money elsewhere. This is his last shot at a big contract.
canadapacker
February 20, 2021 at 04:37 pm
Yes and you are alway risking injury - but if the pandemic is over and if they sign a new deal with TV next season and the cap goes up - teams might be willing to pay a bit more next year than they might this year, that is what the rationale might be. Especially if he has a relatively injury free year this year - he is probably getting less money because he didnt play every game this year and it was his back.
13TimeChamps
February 21, 2021 at 08:06 am
A lot of 'ifs' in that scenario.
Thegreatreynoldo
February 21, 2021 at 03:05 am
Draft picks will be under $2M this year, about $1.7M.
Remember, under the rule of 51, 5th, 6th and 7th rounders don't cost anything against the cap, and 4th rounders cost a couple of hundred K each.
If you are asking this question, then you didn't read my article linked below! Sad face.....
https://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/are-the-packers-all-in-for-the-2021-season...
Coldworld
February 20, 2021 at 04:37 pm
To start the season I see Jenkins at RT. Simply much easier to find and start a guard, and we probably don’t have to with last year’s draftees. I’d repeat Taylor’s contract too if he’s willing. Patrick starts as center.
After that, I’d rather have Jenkins revert to guard when Bakh can start. Then it’s likely between Runyon and Stepaniak based on pkay and health for the other guard position. I just think Jenkins can have more impact athletically at guard.
I now expect us to draft an OT. Highly skeptical that we will get a vet who is of similar quality and durability for the price of Wagner, who was actually good last year. Looks like his knee persuaded him to call it a day.
We may pick up a true back up. Ugh. Those of us who remember Marshall Newhouse or Alex Light and the like know what a step down that means. Jenkins is probably by far our best option to start out the season at right tackle. Patrick was decent at center in 2019.
stockholder
February 20, 2021 at 08:18 pm
No Way Jenkins goes to RT. And No way you put a Rookie at LT, if Bahk can't go. How do you put Turner back at LT? When he and Wagner played so bad against TB? If you sign a vet. You tag Linsley, just for the above. And the plan was to move Turner to RT.
Art
February 20, 2021 at 05:02 pm
With the reduced salary cap a lot of teams are going to be hard pressed for spending big money on free agents. And perhaps some agents might advise their clients to stay put and take a one year deal and wait for next year when salary cap goes up and everyone will have more money and perhaps more willing to spend big.
Also is taking big money from a losing franchise better than earning a little less and playing for a perennial winner and a solid franchise with a legit Super Bowl chance? What makes you happy? It could be most money, team atmosphere, (why play in a hellish locker room) , how to fit in the teams scheme, is a winning team important , even weather and franchise location. Every player may weigh the factors differently. The grass isn't always greener on the other side of the road, goes the same for both players and teams.
13TimeChamps
February 20, 2021 at 05:55 pm
"Also is taking big money from a losing franchise better than earning a little less and playing for a perennial winner and a solid franchise with a legit Super Bowl chance? What makes you happy?"
Why are you assuming only a losing franchise would offer him a contract? He's an All Pro/Pro Bowl center. You don't think a winning franchise might want him? Didn't Pittsburgh's center just retire?
canadapacker
February 20, 2021 at 06:32 pm
Pitts in cap hell and they just lost their Oline and either Ben takes a big pay cut or he retires and Ben is losing Juju - rebuild time - even though they wont say so and their D isnt what it use to be even though they have a Watts up
13TimeChamps
February 21, 2021 at 08:03 am
I wasn't implying that Pittsburgh was the ONLY winning franchise out there that could offer Linsley a much more lucrative contract than GB. My only real point is he will be 30 by the start of the year, and he's coming off a career year. This will, in all likelihood be his last shot at a big contract. He'd be foolish to wait a year, in my opinion. But we'll see.
PhantomII
February 20, 2021 at 07:25 pm
What would be cool is if players left some money on the table for their friends to stay on the same team and win a championship. This works mentally if you see management making the right decisions during the draft, FA and trade deadline to put your team in the best position for success, including good coaching candidates and not being too cheap. Everyone has eyes, players, coaches and fans.
flackcatcher
February 20, 2021 at 06:33 pm
Maybe the best scenario the Packers can hope for, at least for this year. Hard situation for FA players, could be worst for them next year with flooded market and Cap bounce not as high as some think. We'll see.
Art
February 20, 2021 at 05:02 pm
With the reduced salary cap a lot of teams are going to be hard pressed for spending big money on free agents. And perhaps some agents might advise their clients to stay put and take a one year deal and wait for next year when salary cap goes up and everyone will have more money and perhaps more willing to spend big.
Also is taking big money from a losing franchise better than earning a little less and playing for a perennial winner and a solid franchise with a legit Super Bowl chance? What makes you happy? It could be most money, team atmosphere, (why play in a hellish locker room) , how to fit in the teams scheme, is a winning team important , even weather and franchise location. Every player may weigh the factors differently. The grass isn't always greener on the other side of the road, goes the same for both players and teams.
Art
February 20, 2021 at 05:02 pm
With the reduced salary cap a lot of teams are going to be hard pressed for spending big money on free agents. And perhaps some agents might advise their clients to stay put and take a one year deal and wait for next year when salary cap goes up and everyone will have more money and perhaps more willing to spend big.
Also is taking big money from a losing franchise better than earning a little less and playing for a perennial winner and a solid franchise with a legit Super Bowl chance? What makes you happy? It could be most money, team atmosphere, (why play in a hellish locker room) , how to fit in the teams scheme, is a winning team important , even weather and franchise location. Every player may weigh the factors differently. The grass isn't always greener on the other side of the road, goes the same for both players and teams.
Art
February 20, 2021 at 05:02 pm
With the reduced salary cap a lot of teams are going to be hard pressed for spending big money on free agents. And perhaps some agents might advise their clients to stay put and take a one year deal and wait for next year when salary cap goes up and everyone will have more money and perhaps more willing to spend big.
Also is taking big money from a losing franchise better than earning a little less and playing for a perennial winner and a solid franchise with a legit Super Bowl chance? What makes you happy? It could be most money, team atmosphere, (why play in a hellish locker room) , how to fit in the teams scheme, is a winning team important , even weather and franchise location. Every player may weigh the factors differently. The grass isn't always greener on the other side of the road, goes the same for both players and teams.
OnWisconsinGoPack
February 20, 2021 at 08:03 pm
I think they will draft another prospect as a potential T/G as they have always done, for depth. Hanson was a good center at Oregon and he's had a year to learn. Runyan came in as a Tackle and played well at Guard. Stepaniak is a bit of a unknown as well Njman, but the draft capital is there. Even without Linsley, there's a solid line in the making, just need to find the best combination. Jenkins will get Bahk money because of flexibility and pure dominance, so cheap/young players who can be developed will be key so I don't foresee Linsley coming back.
stockholder
February 20, 2021 at 08:19 pm
Center before Guard.
Coldworld
February 20, 2021 at 11:16 pm
Tackle before either, then it depends what else you have as to where. It’s about the best 5 available.
Thegreatreynoldo
February 21, 2021 at 03:14 am
Tackles make more money than OGs and OCs.
Tackles are harder to find than OGs and OCs.
Jenkins will play where the Packers want him to play.
Jenkins might have some ideas on which is his best position, and which is best for his career in terms of money.
CalPacker
February 23, 2021 at 01:57 pm
Being the eternal optimist, I take the release of Wagner as evidence that the coaches are ready for Nijman to begin cashing in on his considerable potential at RT. Based on his VaTech tape and an impressive combine performance, Nijman obviously has the athleticism to play the position, and in year 3 he's now had plenty of coaching as well. With both tackle positions locked down, we can leave Jenkins and Turner at guard, and perhaps draft a dominant center as an eventual upgrade over Patrick--David Moore, perhaps?