Don't Write Off Amari Rodgers

By: Simon Janeczek

After an off-season where the Packers traded away Davante Adams to the Raiders, the receiver room looks a little bare. Even after the additions of Sammy Watkins, Christian Watson, and Romeo Doubs, the receiver room does not have an established receiver to handle the load. While it may not appear that there is a true number one wide receiver, I do believe that many people are sleeping on the possibility of Amari Rodgers helping with the wide receiver production.

Amari Rodgers is a second year wide receiver out of Clemson who was picked in the 3^rd round of the 2021 draft. After a disappointing rookie season where he played about 10% of the total offensive snaps and at times exhibited poor special teams’ performance, it’s time to look forward for what he can contribute to the 2022-2023 campaign.

At the end of the year, he totaled only four catches for 45 yards, with much of his playing time coming as a returner. The good news is he has a very defined role as a slot receiver due to his size of 5’9.5" and 212 lbs. The only other person to compete with slot snaps is Randall Cobb, who is in the twilight years of his career and has struggled with injuries. There is reason to believe there will be opportunity for Amari Rodgers to find many more offensive snaps than last year. 

Historically rookie wide receivers often don’t fare well in the NFL and take a couple season to adapt. Randall Cobb didn't have the most tremendous rookie season of all time after being selected in the second round of the 2011 draft. Most will remember his kickoff return against the Saints on opening day, but only amassed 25 catches for 375 yards and 1 touchdown. In his second season, Cobb burst on the scene with 954 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Is it fair to expect the same production in his second season from Amari Rodgers? Probably not, but I think it’s fair to assume there will be an uptick in his production and time spent on the field as a receiver. At the end of the day we need to be patient with players as they come along this NFL season. Discussing cutting a third round pick serves no benefit for this squad if we don’t give him time to develop. I believe with the right coaching, development behind a pro such as Randall Cobb, and the opportunity to play behind one of the best Quarterbacks in the league, Amari Rodgers can help guide the passing attack to a successful season in 2022.

There is growing optimism among Packers coaches that Amari Rodgers could be a factor this upcoming season. Packers wide receiver coach Jason Vrable was quoted saying "I feel really good about Amari. Cobby (Randall Cobb) bumped me the other day and was like "Yo, you can feel it from him." I just smiled. It's just the start right now." Vrable also said Amari Rodgers is "stronger, faster and in the best shape of his life."

Prediction: 560 Yards and 3 TDs.