Green Bay Packers 2020 roster preview: Allen Lazard

Green Bay Packers, Allen Lazard (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Green Bay Packers, Allen Lazard (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Can Allen Lazard build on his impressive 2019 season?

Allen Lazard stepped up when the Green Bay Packers needed him in 2019.

An injury to Davante Adams opened the door for Lazard to get more playing time and he made the most of it.

Can Lazard become an even bigger part of this offense in 2020?

2019 stats

Lazard caught 35 passes for 477 yards and three touchdowns. He played on 44 percent of the team’s offensive snaps after only playing a single snap the season prior, according to Pro Football Reference.

2019 review

Lazard was a standout performer in the preseason but didn’t get an opportunity in the regular season until after Adams went down with a toe injury.

His performance against the Detroit Lions proved to be a turning point. Without him, the Packers may not have fought back to win the game with a walk-off Mason Crosby field goal. Lazard caught four passes for 65 yards and the all-important 35-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. It was an incredible throw and an equally-as-impressive catch, a moment that caused everyone to take notice.

Lazard’s snap counts would increase and he’d finish the season second on the team in receiving yards among wide receivers.

Odds of making roster: 95 percent

There was always a good chance Lazard would make the roster even if the Packers made big additions at wide receiver in the offseason. But with the receiver corps remaining much the same, Lazard is set for a featured role. Unless he struggles in the preseason and in training camp, he’s close to being a roster lock.

What to expect in 2020?

Lazard was a surprise last season, making the most of his opportunity and becoming a trusted receiver for Aaron Rodgers. This will be an important season for him. Can he find the same kind of consistency as last year or, even better, take another step forward?

Still just 24 years old, Lazard’s best football could still be ahead of him and he could be the latest undrafted player to find great success in Green Bay.

Lazard will be competing for the number two role in this offense and, based on his performances last season, he should be considered the frontrunner.