A Packers' 53-man roster projection with Aaron Rodgers at QB - ESPN

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GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers open their 2021 training camp on Wednesday at team headquarters in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They're coming off their second straight 13-3 season and second straight NFC Championship Game loss. They return 20 of 22 starters, including Aaron Rodgers, who reported to camp on Tuesday after staying away from offseason workouts.

Here's a 53-man roster projection:

QUARTERBACKS (2): Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love

With Rodgers back, there's no need to keep Blake Bortles, who was signed on to a minimum deal that will cost the team nothing if they dump him before the season. Love needs to be the No. 2 (after spending his entire rookie year as the inactive third-string QB) in order to take a step in his development. Expect him to get the bulk of the playing time in the preseason. He needs it.

RUNNING BACKS (4): Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, Patrick Taylor, Kylin Hill

Dillon said he believes he and Jones can become the best duo in the NFL, but coach Matt LaFleur has said he needs more than just two backs. He's shown in the past that he'll spread out the carries. They like Taylor's running style and believe Hill can help right away, too.

RECEIVERS (6): Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Allen Lazard, Devin Funchess, Amari Rodgers, Equanimeous St. Brown

Funchess still has plenty to prove to secure a roster spot but his experience could help this group, while Rodgers gives them a slot dynamic they haven't had since Randall Cobb. Malik Taylor could edge out St. Brown with a strong camp.

TIGHT ENDS (4): Robert Tonyan, Marcedes Lewis, Josiah Deguara, Dominique Dafney

Jace Sternberger won't count on the roster until Week 3 because of his two-game suspension. Deguara should be back from his torn ACL in Week 4 last season.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (9): Billy Turner, Jon Runyan, Josh Myers, Lucas Patrick, Elgton Jenkins, Ben Braden, Royce Newman, Simon Stepaniak, Cole Van Lanen

This assumes David Bakhtiari won't be ready for the opener; that would be an accelerated timetable considering he tore his left ACL on Dec. 31. In this case, he'll start the season on PUP and won't count toward the 53.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (5): Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, Kingsley Keke, Tyler Lancaster, T.J. Slaton

Lowry's contract restructure ensured his spot. Swap Slaton, the fifth-round pick, with Montravius Adams and it's mostly the same group as last year.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS (4): Za'Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Rashan Gary, Randy Ramsey

This group also returns largely intact from last year.

INSIDE LINEBACKERS (5): Krys Barnes, Kamal Martin, De'Vondre Campbell, Ty Summers, Oren Burks

Campbell's contract included a $1.01 million signing bonus, which makes him the highest-paid member of this group and a sure bet for the roster. The question is does he edge out Barnes or Martin for a starting spot? Summers and Burks are around largely for special teams.

CORNERBACKS (6): Jaire Alexander, Kevin King, Eric Stokes, Chandon Sullivan, Shemar Jean-Charles, Josh Jackson

It's either Jackson or Ka'dar Hollman for the last spot here. Stokes, the first-round pick, could surpass King as the No. 2 corner behind the All-Pro Alexander.

SAFETIES (5): Adrian Amos, Darnell Savage, Will Redmond, Vernon Scott, Henry Black

Another group that returns intact from last year.

SPECIALISTS (3): Mason Crosby (K), JK Scott (P), Hunter Bradley (LS)

Scott and Bradley have competition in camp so don't be completely surprised if they're replaced.

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