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Green Bay Packers: 5 Potential breakout players in 2021

By Joe Kipp

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 15: Linebacker Rashan Gary #52 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after a tackle against the Chicago Bears during the game at Lambeau Field on December 15, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 15: Linebacker Rashan Gary #52 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after a tackle against the Chicago Bears during the game at Lambeau Field on December 15, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 27: Kingsley Keke #96 of the Green Bay Packers is congratulated by Za’Darius Smith #55 after a sack against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 27, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 27: Kingsley Keke #96 of the Green Bay Packers is congratulated by Za’Darius Smith #55 after a sack against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 27, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

3. Kingsley Keke, DL

The Packers’ defensive line didn’t improve this past offseason, which isn’t a good sign considering the depth on the current roster. The team added TJ Slaton, a rookie fifth-rounder from Florida. Other than that, the top four linemen are made up of Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, Tyler Lancaster and Kingsley Keke. Clearly, the Packers are relying on in-house talent to make some big improvements in 2021.

Of the aforementioned players, Keke has the greatest chance of breaking out and becoming an impact player. Although he didn’t play much last season, he still had several splash plays that stood out on tape. He appeared in 15 games (nine starts), while playing 40 percent of the defensive snaps. He racked up four sacks, eight quarterback hits and 21 tackles (12 solo).

Will Keke improve enough to take snaps from players like Lowry and Lancaster this season? Neither of the two are incredible athletes, and Keke has all the tools to be a three-down lineman in the NFL. He can stop the run and hold up at the point of attack, and has the versatility to rush the passer when called upon.

Expect new defensive coordinator Joe Barry to utilize Keke in a variety of positions this coming season. At 6-foot-3, 288 pounds, Keke has the size and strength to play anywhere along the defensive line.

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