Packers: 3 bold predictions for Amari Rodgers’ rookie season
The Green Bay Packers finally selected a wide receiver in the NFL Draft before Day 3 when they nabbed Amari Rodgers in the third round this year. Aaron Rodgers rejoice!
In all seriousness, Amari Rodgers is a dynamic and unique weapon that will be creatively used by head coach Matt LaFleur. He’s a zig to the zag of the rest of the receivers–where the other receivers have height and big bodies, Rodgers is a smaller guy with open field quickness. This added weapon should help Green Bay’s offense get to the next level considering they are returning every one of note not named Jamaal Williams.
So far in this series, we’ve made predictions for Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Jones, A.J. Dillon, Davante Adams, Allen Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Today, let’s preview Rodgers’ rookie year.
What will third-round rookie wide receiver Amari Rodgers contribute to the Green Bay Packers in the 2021 NFL season?
3. Amari Rodgers will get at least 45 returns (punt and kick).
It’s been a few years since Amari Rodgers was a full-time punt returner–he only returned nine punts in 2020 and 18 in 2019–and he’s never been a full-time kick returner. However, the Packers have a glaring need at each of those positions and Rodgers figures to get the first crack at it. He was a dynamic returner when given the opportunity at Clemson, finishing his college career averaging 7.8 yards per punt return and he took one to the house. That would boost this Packers’ offense even more, finally providing them with half-decent field position. Last year, Green Bay returned 11 punts and 33 kicks. When you add in the extra game and a returner with some skill it’s easy to think he’ll get at least 45 returns in 2021.
2. Amari Rodgers will get at least 50 touches on offense.
Combined with his featured return role on special teams will be a unique role in this offense. Not only will he fill the Tyler Ervin role (motioning all over the offense and faking a plethora of jet sweeps), but LaFleur will find a way to get him the ball on handoffs out of the backfield, wide receiver screens and crossers. Rodgers will be a true wildcard that will make defenses think twice about all the parts he adds.
Next. Packers: 5 most intriguing players for 2021 season. dark
1. Amari Rodgers will be in the conversation for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.
It’s rare for a third-round rookie to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year, especially at wide receiver. And I’m not saying Rodgers will win the award. What I am saying is that he’ll be in the conversation for the offensive rookie of the year based on his versatile role on the most dangerous offense in the NFL. He’ll come close to 700 total yards between returns and yards from scrimmage. That will vault some analysts to mention him in the conversation.