The Green Bay Packers are going to be relying on a lot of young players, especially on the offensive side of the ball, in key spots in the lineup. One of those young players is Jordan Love, who will be leading the offense for the first time as a starter.
Love has the tall task of replacing Aaron Rodgers as the team’s starter under center. But, he isn’t the only young player on the team who has had to follow in the steps of a legendary player. The same thing happened to wide receiver Christian Watson.
Watson, a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, was part of the group that the Packers put together to help replace All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams. Adams was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders last offseason, leaving a huge void in the offense.
Replicating the impact that Adams had was an impossibility, especially for a rookie. But, the Packers are hopeful that Watson can continue developing and rounding out his game, eventually turning into a go-to No. 1 receiver as Adams was for so many years with Rodgers.
After a shaky start to his rookie season, Watson really turned things on in the second half of the campaign. His role expanded as Rodgers and the coaching staff gained more trust in him. From Week 10 on, he was one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.
That success at the end of the season is expected to be built upon in Year 2. Over at FantasyPros, some season-long projections were shared and Watson is projected to see a jump in production.
70 receptions for 958 yards with six receiving touchdowns is something the Packers and their fans would certainly sign up for. With the passing game still a mystery being led by Love, that is a solid season for Watson. He is also projected to run the ball seven times for 67 yards and another score.
Don’t be surprised if he does manage to surpass those projections. Fantasy Football managers who select him and Packers fans alike certainly hope that he does. Love and he have been developing a strong connection throughout training camp. It has translated onto the field in joint practices and preseason games, where Watson has proved unstoppable in some situations.
