Orange = injured reserve
Quarterbacks: A- Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love
The grade here is obviously tethered to the vast majority of drop-backs made by Aaron Rodgers this season, instead of the trying few that Jordan Love made in the Packers' Week 9 loss. Rodgers' season to-date may lack the blockbuster numbers he's amassed in past years - but his performance in 11 starts, the most recent that have been made while playing through a toe injury - puts him on the periphery of the MVP conversation.
Running Backs: A Aaron Jones, A.J. Dillon, Kylin Hill, Patrick Taylor
While the offense as a whole hasn't operated at the level it did last season, no one can question how important the running game has been to moving the ball and keeping the Packers' defense on the sideline for sustained periods of time. But, what really makes this backfield special is its involvement in the passing game, where Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon have become receivers that defensive coordinators are forced to account for.
Wide Receivers: B- Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Randall Cobb, Allen Lazard, Amari Rodgers, Equanimeous St. Brown, Malik Taylor
While the Green Bay wide receiver corps is talented on paper, it hasn't quite executed on its potential in 2021. Outside of the always-reliable Davante Adams and a few strong performances by Cobb, few receivers have been able to consistently step up in the passing game. Especially disappointing have been three-year vet Allen Lazard and the rookie Amari Rodgers.
Tight Ends: C Robert Tonyan, Marcedes Lewis, Josiah Deguara, Dominique Dafney, Tyler Davis
The Packers had one of their most productive seasons in the red zone in 2020, mostly thanks to the emphasis on Robert Tonyan. As defenses began to key in on their tight end usage around the goal line this season, LaFleur struggled to find ways to get Tonyan and his two H-backs regularly involved in the passing game. With Tonyan's season-ending injury in Week 8, the Packers now find themselves without a true tight end on the roster.
Offensive Line: A David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, Jon Runyan, Royce Newman, Billy Turner, Yosh Nijman, Lucas Patrick, Dennis Kelly
Managing to hold up during long stretches without the names in orange says it all. No matter the permutation of available bodies, O-line coach Adam Stenavich has been able to assemble a fortifiable offensive front that yields ample running lanes and a clean pocket for Rodgers. In tough matchups versus San Francisco, Pittsburgh and Los Angeles, Stenavich leaned on the relative strengths of youngsters Jon Runyan, Lucas Patrick and Yosh Nijman to get by.
Defensive Line: B Kenny Clark, Kingsley Keke, Dean Lowry, Tyler Lancaster, Jack Heflin
With the knowledge of Joe Barry's preference for generating pressure organically, it was concerning to think of how the mixed bag of talent on the Packers' defensive front would regularly manufacture QB hits and sacks. Aided by all-pro play from NT Kenny Clark and the ascending Kingsley Keke, the unit has been surprisingly effective versus the pass and good enough against the run.
Inside Linebackers: A- De'Vondre Campbell, Kyrs Barnes, Ty Summers, Oren Burks, Isaiah McDuffie
At historically one of their weakest positions, the Packers have gotten pro bowl-caliber play from De'Vondre Campbell, who was without a job only six months ago. While there haven't been many "splash" plays from this position group, Campbell and former UDFA Krys Barnes have provided a new level of reliability against the run, containing elite backs like Dalvin Cook, Joe Mixon and Najee Harris.
Outside Linebackers: B+ Rashan Gary, Za'Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Jonathan Garvin, Whitney Mercilus, Chauncey Rivers, Tipa Galeai
At the important EDGE position, the Packers have encountered major health issues in 2021. But, without the face of the pass rush in Za'Darius Smith, third-year linebacker Rashan Gary has risen to the occasion. Though he's tallied only 6.5 sacks on the season, Gary has generated consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks that has led to plenty of bad throws.
Cornerbacks: B+ Jaire Alexander, Kevin King, Eric Stokes, Rasul Douglas, Chandon Sullivan, Shermar Jean-Charles, Isaac Yiadom
Like the outside linebacker position, the Packers instantly lost one of their leaders in the secondary early on, forcing Joe Barry to roll with the Georgia product, Eric Stokes, as a starter in games where Kevin Kevin was unavailable. Though wildly inconsistent, Stokes has taken on a hefty workload for a rookie, regularly facing the opposition's No.1 receiver. Even more impressive has been Rasul Douglas, who went from practice squad member to instant hero in less than a month.
Safeties: A- Darnell Savage, Adrian Amos, Vernon Scott, Henry Black
One of the few positions where the Packers have stayed healthy in 2021 is at safety. While playing injury-free, the Packers' starting safeties have made the most of it. Darnell Savage is beginning to turn into the ball hawk he was advertised to be as a rookie while Adrian Amos continues to make plays all over the field.
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