We're just a week away from the return of football, which represents another opportunity for the Packers to get over the hump and notch their first Super Bowl ring since Aaron Rodgers' early days as starter.
For a team labeled by most as a 2022 contender, the Packers have a surprising number of unknowns when it comes to the starting lineup. Roster turnover in March - coming in the form of releases, trades and free agency - has cast openings in the starting spots at several positions.
Let's have a look at the rookies and up-and-comers that have a chance to seize the opportunity when training camp kicks off this month.
Inside Linebacker
Many fans have already anointed rookie Quay Walker the starter alongside ILB De'Vondre Campbell. Indeed, one would hope to see the 22nd overall pick of April's NFL Draft crack the starting lineup sooner rather than later. However, former undrafted free agent Krys Barnes has been as reliable as any Packers defender since earning a starting spot the hard way in late 2020 - and won't be unseated easily.
Despite Walker's impressive college resume and highly touted RAS, it may be too soon for him to displace Barnes and jeopardize the continuity built at inside linebacker in 2021. However, even if he doesn't win the starting job outright, expect to see No.7 on the field regularly, lined up in a traditional 3-4 ILB spot, or on the edge in sub-packages.
Early Prediction: Krys Barnes
Right Tackle
An offensive line that was as deep as any unit in the league last season has a much foggier outlook entering camp. This starts at the tackle position opposite David Bakhtiari, where the Packers will no longer be able to lean on veteran Billy Turner (free agency) or star-in-the-making Elgton Jenkins (beginning the season on IR).
With several spectacular fill-in performances last year, Yosh Nijman will absolutely be in the mix to start at right tackle. But he'll face stiff competition from rookie Zach Tom and potentially even second-year lineman Royce Newman, who played tackle during his time at Ole Miss.
Early Prediction: Yosh Nijman
Guard
With Lucas Patrick now in Chicago and Jenkins unavailable until mid-season at the earliest, the Packers also have a vacancy at the guard position opposite Jon Runyan. That spot was occupied by Newman for most of 2021, but he's not a lock to retain it to begin the 2022 season.
Expect the Packers to slide rookie lineman Sean Rhyan inside - the same way Newman did last season - and allow him to compete for a starting role at guard. It's also possible that Green Bay native and 2021 sixth-round pick Cole Van Lanen will be given meaningful reps at right guard during camp and afforded an outside chance at a starting job.
Early Prediction: Sean Rhyan
ST-Capable Wide Receivers
The Packers face an unfamiliar situation at the wide receiver position this camp, lacking talent atop the depth chart while also needing proven contributors on special teams. Barring an unexpected cut atop the position (Sammy Watkins, Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Christian Watson), five wide outs will be fighting for a maximum of three roster spots (Romeo Doubs, Amari Rodgers, Malik Taylor, Juwann Winfree, Samori Toure) - roster competition that will almost certainly come down to special teams ability.
Rodgers did nothing with his opportunities as a return specialist in 2021, but will likely get the chance to reverse that trend in a new system under special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia. However, his ineffectiveness in the 'gadget' role on offense means he's not fully immune to the risk of an impulse release, similar to the Packers' decision to abruptly cut losses on 2019 third-round pick Jace Sternberger last August. All four other roster hopefuls are capable of doubling as special teams contributors.
Early Prediction: Amari Rodgers, Romeo Doubs, Juwann Winfree
Closing Thoughts
Battles for starting positions at linebacker and along the offensive line will be the focus of Packers training camp dialogue, but there will be plenty of looming competition brewing elsewhere on the roster as well.
At defensive end, veteran Dean Lowry and newly acquired lineman Jarran Reed will look to stave off rookie Devonte Wyatt for the job of flanking nose tackle Kenny Clark up front. On the other side of the ball, third-year running back Patrick Taylor has a very real chance at a roster spot with Kylin Hill unlikely to return from a torn ACL by Week 1. His greatest competition: undrafted free agent Tyler Goodson.
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