Tuesday Cheese Curds: Packers have no shortage of breakout candidates in 2021

AJ Dillon remains primed for an expanded role combined with a step forward in his own game.

When the Green Bay Packers take the field to start their 2021 training camp, the biggest question they face will be whether Aaron Rodgers will join the rest of the team. But there are plenty of other questions for this team to answer this summer, including which young players will carve out roles and opportunities to have breakout seasons.

There are no shortage of breakout candidates on this team, of course. Many of Brian Gutekunst’s recent draft picks appear to be on the verge of big seasons, with a certain second-year running back among them.

But what truly makes a breakout player? Is it unexpected production or just taking a major step forward year-over-year? Give us your breakout definition and your likely breakout candidates in the comments.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers ‘thankful’ for opportunity to work on mental health | ESPN
For any of the faults Rodgers has and his responsibility for the current rift between him and the Packers, his focus on mental health is an admirable one. He earned praise from teammate Jace Sternberger recently and is evidently trying to practice what he preaches.

MT5: Return to ‘normal’ training camp great for fans, community | Packers.com
Mark Murphy’s monthly column did not make any mention of Rodgers this time, but he did note that the Packers’ new alternate jersey will not feature camouflage or blaze orange.

Packers’ 5 best breakout candidates entering training camp | Packers Wire
It should come as no surprise that AJ Dillon and Rashan Gary are on this list. A few of the other names might surprise a bit, though.

Who are the best breakout candidates for all 32 NFL teams? – The Athletic (subscription)
This list pegs Amari Rodgers as the team’s breakout candidate, a lofty expectation for a rookie.

Looking back at the 3rd season of Packers championship coaches | Packer Report
There’s no strong consistency for the third seasons of these coaches; Curly Lambeau and Vince Lombardi won league titles in year three, Mike Holmgren coached a playoff team, and Mike McCarthy’s squad went a disappointing 6-10 in Aaron Rodgers’ first season under center.

Duo robs Virginia gas station with watermelon head disguises – ABC7 Los Angeles
This is one option for how to avoid being recognized during a robbery, but it apparently didn’t work very well as one of the two is already in custody.