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Packers: 3 breakout candidates due for big 2021 season

By Brian Sampson

Nov 15, 2020; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (83) catches a pass against Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Sidney Jones IV (35) before scoring a touchdown during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2020; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (83) catches a pass against Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Sidney Jones IV (35) before scoring a touchdown during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Green Bay Packers
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 03: Marquez Valdes-Scantling #83 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after catching a 72 yard touchdown pass against Danny Trevathan #59 of the Chicago Bears during the second quarter in the game at Soldier Field on January 03, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Packers’ breakout candidate 1. Marquez Valdes-Scantling

I smell a MONSTER 2021 season coming from Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The wide receiver group is deeper than ever for Green Bay, as they return their top four receivers from a year ago plus Devin Funchess and third-round pick Amari Rodgers. Robert Tonyan is also coming back, as is Aaron Jones and 2020 third-round selection Josiah Deguara.

Still, that won’t stop Valdes-Scantling from posting his first career 1,000-yard season. Yes, you read that right.

Next. Packers: 3 bold predictions for offensive line. dark

Valdes-Scantling wasn’t that far off a year ago, catching just 33 receptions for 690 yards–a whopping 20.9 yards per reception. He saw 63 targets, but drops played a major role in his inability to haul in more receptions. Even if he doesn’t have the best hands next year, improving his catch rate by just a few points will go a long way. He continues to be the only true deep threat on the Packers’ roster and Aaron Rodgers and Matt LaFleur will use him in that way. Expect a few drops from years past to be erased and for Valdes-Scantling to give Green Bay a second 1,000-yard receiver.

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