The Green Bay Packers are going to need players to step up this season at the wide receiver position. They lost a lot of pass-catching production this offseason with Davante Adams being traded to the Las Vegas Raiders and Marquez Valdes-Scantling signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency.
The Packers brought in a ton of players to help compensate for the loss. Sammy Watkins was signed in free agency, while they selected two players in the 2022 NFL Draft; Christian Watson out of North Dakota State in the second round and Romeo Doubs out of Nevada in the fourth round.
They will join holdovers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb to try and replace what was lost this offseason. Another player to keep an eye on that gets lost in the mix is Amari Rodgers.
Rodgers was a third-round pick of the Packers in 2021 out of Clemson. He played only 106 snaps on offense as a rookie, receiving five touches; four receptions and one rush. Rodgers received a majority of his playing time on special teams with 20 punt returns and 11 kick returns.
Knowing there was a chance to get more opportunities on offense, Rodgers committed to getting into better shape this offseason. He accomplished that, as he entered camp weighing 202 pounds this year compared to 218 last year.
Conditioning was a big part of his offseason program and the work that he put in has paid off. Now, he just needs a chance to showcase it on the field as he is exuding confidence and looking for an expanded role on offense and special teams. Whatever is thrown at him, he is ready to handle it.
“I really wasn’t ready. I can say that now. I wasn’t ready. Now, I know I’ve prepared, and I’ve put the work in this offseason and I’m ready for any situation now for sure.”
Rodgers was referencing how different he feels now compared to last season when he was thrust into the lineup because of injuries. He compared it to being a freshman getting thrown into a top-five matchup in college football, as the lights were just a little too bright for him and he wasn’t ready to help the team.
That is different now, as Rodgers has gotten himself into great shape and is ready to help the Packers win some games whether it is as a playmaking receiver or special teams contributor.
