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Packers draft Amari Rodgers in third round: The good, the bad, the grade

By Brian Sampson

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 13: Wide Receiver Amari Rodgers #3 of the Clemson Tigers on a punter return during the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the LSU Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 13: Wide Receiver Amari Rodgers #3 of the Clemson Tigers on a punter return during the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the LSU Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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The Green Bay Packers finally(!) added a wide receiver in the early rounds of the draft when they selected Clemson wide receiver Amari Rodgers in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Rodgers played four years at Clemson where he had a very productive collegiate career and put a cap on it with a great senior campaign. In 2020, he hauled in 77 receptions for 1020 yards and seven touchdowns–all career-highs. He also returned punts earlier in his career and could provide the Packers with another option there.

The Packers are returning their top four wide receivers from a year ago plus Devin Funchess who sat out. However, none of them are under contract past 2021 so they desperately needed a cheaper wide receiver to replenish some of those guys who are sure to move on. Rodgers is a good blend of someone who can contribute in year one and who can step up down the road. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of his game as well as hand out a draft grade.

Let’s grade the selection of wide receiver Amari Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers’ third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Packers draft Amari Rodgers: The good

What jumps off the page about Rodgers’ game is how hard he is to bring down in the open field. Despite lacking elite physical traits, he makes would-be tacklers miss on the regular, as he forced 17 missed tackles last year–tied for seventh-best in the nation according to PFF.

Head coach Matt LaFleur will be able to use him in the slot, in the Tyler Ervin motion role, or even in the backfield. He caught 30 screens last year–second-most in the nation–and Green Bay will definitely work that into his game. His reliable hands will quickly earn Aaron Rodgers’ trust as well. Some compare him to former Packers Ty Montgomery or Randall Cobb.

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