Close to the midpoint of the 2021 season, the rookie class has had ample time to do their part in helping the Packers obtain a third consecutive division title, while also affording us plenty of opportunities to overreact to their long-term potential. Despite deep talent already on the roster, the class has already produced three starters, in addition to supplying critical depth that’s come in handy during an early-season health crisis.
Rating each rookie’s performance was not done on an absolute basis. The grades below are handicapped against a) expectations associated with the round in which the player was selected and b) the real playing opportunities each rookie has received, given roster depth at their respective position.
Round 1 - CB Eric Stokes: B
When Green Bay selected Stokes with the 29th overall pick, they made a conscious trade-off between NFL readiness and the potential for raw skills to evolve into production at corner. His footwork on mid-distance routes was a known problem, which became quickly manifested on a number of occasions in September. Through eight games, the Georgia product is still raw, still guilty of taking bad angles on receivers and whiffing on ball carriers in open space.
However, playing without Jaire Alexander and Kevin King across from him in October, Stokes has been able to grow up quickly, assuming the No.1 cornerback role on Joe Barry’s defense and competing with some of the best: Allen Robinson, Ja'Marr Chase, Terry McLaurin and DeAndre Hopkins. Though he hasn't been perfect, Stokes has been able to lean on a unique combination of speed and size to contest deep balls and apply physicality in coverage to break up short passes.
Round 2 - C Josh Myers: A-
Knowing there were big shoes to fill when center Corey Linsley departed in free agency this past offseason, the Packers’ front office went to work in the draft, snagging another fellow Buckeye in the second round. And, despite Myers winning the starting job outright in training camp, most expected there to be some drop-off between the 2020 and 2021 production at center.
Hardly the case. During his first three games, Myers held up quite well, anchoring an interior O-line that brought a collective one year of NFL experience to the huddle. Though Myers isn’t yet Linsley, the real gap has occurred when the rookie hasn’t been available. During the times that Myers has been sidelined this season, the Packers have been beaten in the trenches, with backup center Lucas Patrick less capable of winning one-on-one battles against opposing D-tackles.
Round 3 - WR Amari Rodgers: C
When GM Brian Gutekunst traded up for Amari Rodgers in the third round of this past draft, Packers fans had immediate visions of Randall Cobb 2.0. Ironically, Cobb “1.0” was brought back to Green Bay in July, a move that many expected to hamper Rodgers’ overall development and limit opportunities for the rookie to contribute on offense this season. Truthfully, the addition of Cobb hasn’t been a deciding factor in Rodgers’ lack of involvement through eight games. Part of a generally-crowded receiving corps, Rodgers has managed to see about as many snaps as Cobb himself.
However, aside from a nice catch-and-run against the Bears, Rodgers hasn’t been able to catch Aaron Rodgers’ eye as a target in the passing game, nor has he been able to fully take over the jet sweep and motion-heavy “gadget” role in Matt LaFleur’s offense. Finally, despite winning the punt returner job, Rodgers hasn’t provided much spark there, even on the returns where he’s had green space in front of him. Still, he’ll have more opportunities to reinvigorate his Clemson self throughout 2021.
Round 4 - OL Royce Newman: B-
Seeing a little bit of David Bakhtiari in this physical Ole Miss product, the Packers may have rushed Newman into NFL action prematurely, electing to go with the rookie at right guard over Ben Braden and Lucas Patrick in late August. Now, the weakest link on an otherwise talented O-line, Newman has been the guy that defensive coordinators are deliberately choosing to pick on. For the most part, going after the rookie has been working for opposing defenses, getting penetration inside and shutting down the Packers’ ground game early.
But, we'll give Newman some additional handicap for having to play out of his normal, offensive tackle position. Relatively speaking, he’s held up well against some of the better defensive fronts in the league. Time will tell if he can follow the same guard-to-tackle transition that worked well for former Packers’ lineman Bryan Bulaga. That development plan, however, may be put on hold: when Bakhtiari and Myers both return to the starting lineup, Newman is a candidate to be the odd man out.
Round 5 (first pick) - NT T.J. Slaton: C
If you saw yet another former Packer look-a-like in this draft pick, you’re not alone: Slaton has the size and power of another Gilbert Brown. But, the late-rounder hasn’t made much noise halfway through the season, aside from a blocked field goal against the Washington Football Team. This is confounding only from the standpoint that the Packers’ defensive line desperately lacks talent and depth after Kenny Clark.
My hope is for the rookie to eventually begin taking snaps from backup lineman Tyler Lancaster, while occasionally relieving Clark. On running downs in particular, I ponder whether Barry would consider playing both Slaton and Clark, the way that Dom Capers occasionally did with B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett for several years.
Round 5 (second pick) - CB Shermar Jean-Charles: D+
Many fans saw the selection of Jean-Charles in the fifth round as a value pick. Slightly smaller but more fluid than Stokes in the slot, SJC seemed like a complementary DB that could eventually replace Chandon Sullivan. However, even despite a critically thin cornerback position, Jean-Charles hasn’t been called upon to play a regular role on defense, even in nickel and dime packages, as defensive backs coach Jerry Gray has opted to go with veterans Rasul Douglas and Isaac Yiadom instead.
It’s hard to expect significant production from a late-round rookie cornerback, especially in today’s pass-happy NFL (Micah Hyde being one notable exception). However, having secured a roster spot over a number of other talented skill position players, it’s important that Jean-Charles at least begin contributing on special teams to prove his worth.
Round 6 (first pick) - OL Cole Van Lanen: D-
The hometown, feel-good story behind lineman Van Lanen quickly dissipated when the former Wisconsin Badger was cut during training camp after simply not showing enough to justify a roster spot. He did, however, secure a position on the Packers’ practice squad, which could position him to find a way onto the team later in the season or in 2022.
Round 6 (second pick) - ILB Isaiah McDuffie: D+
As is the unfortunate case for a number of rookies, McDuffie found health troubles fast, missing the first few weeks of training camp with a strained hamstring and preventing him from making a name for himself early on. He did, however, land a spot on the 53-man roster coming out of camp, mostly by virtue of significant special teams potential. Halfway through the season, he’s been quiet - which, on special teams, can sometimes be a good thing.
Round 7 - RB Kylin Hill: B+
Rarely has a seventh-rounder made a significant impact in his rookie season with the Packers. But, through just eight weeks, Hill has been one of the most impactful R7s in recent memory. He quickly turned heads in training camp, cleanly beating out veteran Dexter Williams for the final running back spot on the roster. With Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon getting plenty of rest in August, Hill (literally) ran with the opportunity, becoming the Packers’ 2021 preseason hero.
When he's been boxed out of touches on offense, he's been a contributor elsewhere. Hill has nabbed positions on multiple special teams units, including winning the kick return specialist job to begin the season. Week 8, however, brought an unfortunate end to Hill’s season during an ill-advised kick return out of the end zone. There’s lots of reason to be excited for Hill to resume his second-fiddle role in 2022 and as a potential successor to Jones or Dillon down the road.
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