3 Packers NFL Draft needs that don’t involve Aaron Rodgers

3. Interior Offensive Line

The Packers held on to star running back Aaron Jones, but it came at a price that included them allowing first-team All-Pro center Corey Linsley to hit the open market and sign with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Linsley was just as critical to the success of the Packers’ ground game as the running ability of Jones and he will need to be effectively replaced if Green Bay is to excel to the same degree in that area again in 2021.

Green Bay may see the ultra-versatile Elgton Jenkins as the perfect fit to slide across to the center spot and take Linsley’s place, yet even if that is the case, the Packers will then need to fill the void vacated by Jenkins at guard.

Rodgers obviously has the experience to negate pressure with his proficiency in reading defenses and what he is still able to do with his legs when required. However, if Linsley’s departure means he is subject to significantly more interior pressure and the running game is not as effective as in 2020, the ceiling of Green Bay’s high-powered offense will be limited.

After gambling on picking Jones over Linsley, the Packers cannot afford to ignore the middle of the trenches.