Green Bay Packers: 5 Potential breakout players in 2021
By Joe Kipp
These five Green Bay Packers players are on the verge of breaking out in a big way in 2021.
The Green Bay Packers won’t be taking the practice field again until the last week of July when training camp begins. The team wrapped up OTAs this past week and will have roughly a month-long break before officially prepping for the 2021 season.
Coming off back-to-back seasons with NFC Championship game appearances, the Packers’ roster is in excellent shape for another potential title run in 2021. Of course, whether Aaron Rodgers returns to the team is a major factor. But even Rodgers can’t do everything himself. A strong supporting cast is needed for every superstar.
The Packers already have several star players; receiver Davante Adams, left tackle David Bakhtiari and running back Aaron Jones, to name a few. But who are some lesser-known names who could breakout in a major way this coming season? Here are five potential breakout players for the Packers in 2021.
5. A.J. Dillon, RB
The Packers decided to re-sign running back Aaron Jones this past offseason despite drafting A.J. Dillon in the second round of the 2020 draft. The team is obviously very high on Jones and he will continue to be the first option at running back, but Dillon will replace the departed Jamaal Williams as Green Bay’s No. 2 option.
The big-bodied Dillon will have an excellent chance of breaking out, especially if he becomes the offense’s No. 1 option on the goal line. At 250 pounds, it only makes sense for the Packers to utilize his skill-sets inside the five-yard line. Think of how the Tennessee Titans utilize Derrick Henry.
Last season, Williams received 119 rushing attempts and caught 31 passes, racking up 741 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns in the process. Dillon should easily eclipse those numbers, paving the way for a breakout season.