Packers 2021 post-draft position review: Wide receivers
The Green Bay Packers drafted a wide receiver in the first three rounds, something they hadn’t done for six years.
Along with the return of Devin Funchess, the Packers have better depth and more talent at the wide receiver position for the 2021 season.
In the first part of our position-by-position series for the Packers following the 2021 NFL Draft, we begin with a closer look at the wide receivers.
Currently on the roster
Davante Adams, Allen Lazard, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Devin Funchess, Amari Rodgers, Equanimeous St. Brown, Reggie Begelton, Chris Blair, Malik Taylor, Bailey Gaither, Juwann Winfree
Offseason moves
The most notable move at wide receiver was trading up for Clemson’s Amari Rodgers in the third round of April’s draft. Often compared to Randall Cobb, Rodgers can become a playmaker on offense and special teams and should be a key contributor early on.
Improved from 2020?
Yes. The Packers’ receiver room remains intact from last year but they also get Funchess back and Rodgers joining. Funchess signed with Green Bay in free agency last offseason but opted out due to the pandemic. He can help this offense.
Key player
Davante Adams.
Adams is coming off a season for the ages. He’s Aaron Rodgers’ go-to target and the same will be true if Jordan Love is under center. A first-team All-Pro last year, Adams isn’t just Green Bay’s top pass catcher, but the best in the NFL.
Position outlook
Whether it’s Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love, or even Blake Bortles at quarterback, they will have plenty of targets at wide receiver.
Adams needs no explanation. He will lead the way and see number one cornerbacks covering him every week.
But defenses also need to be prepared for Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s speed and home-run ability. He averaged a league-best 20.9 yards per reception in 2020 and also had five touchdowns of at least 45 yards, including the playoffs.
Allen Lazard and Devin Funchess will be reliable targets for Rodgers, and Funchess can be particularly effective in the red zone.
Now defenses also need to worry about short to intermediate passes, and what Rodgers can do after the catch. He should get plenty of opportunities early on and his skill set will complement the other receivers on the roster perfectly.
This is a talented group and the Packers have receivers who can give defenses all sorts of problems. Factor in tight end Robert Tonyan and Aaron Jones’ ability as a pass catcher, and this offense can be special.