Packers 2021 roster preview: Allen Lazard a starter on offense?
Allen Lazard was one of the Green Bay Packers‘ biggest surprises in Matt LaFleur’s first season as head coach, with the former undrafted free agent making a big impact.
He entered 2020 with some expectations to build on that good work and solidify a role as the Packers’ number two wide receiver.
Lazard was hit with an injury that kept him out for almost half the season, but he had another good year.
Entering 2021, Lazard should again be a starter in LaFleur’s offense.
2020 stats
Playing in 10 games, Lazard caught 33 passes for 451 yards and three touchdowns.
2020 review
Lazard couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season, catching 13 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns in the opening three games. That included a six-catch, 146-yard, one-touchdown night against the New Orleans Saints, despite playing much of the game with a core muscle injury that would require surgery.
That injury put Lazard on the sideline until Week 10 and, unsurprisingly, it took a little time to get going again.
Lazard was unable to rediscover his early-season form later on, but he stepped up in the playoffs with seven catches for 158 yards and a touchdown in two games.
It’s also hard to blame Lazard for his production dropping slightly post-injury. It was a difficult injury to come back from, especially as it cost him so many games.
Will he make the roster?
Yes. Lazard started nine of the 10 games he played last season and will have every opportunity to land a starting job again this summer.
What to expect in 2021
In the opening three games, Lazard looked on course for a career-best season in 2020. The injury derailed that, but there’s no reason why Lazard can’t push on this year and become the clear number two receiver in this offense.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling will get plenty of targets and it’ll also be interesting to see how LaFleur gets Devin Funchess and rookie Amari Rodgers involved. But Lazard has proven he’s a reliable receiver who doesn’t make many mistakes.
Whether it’s Aaron Rodgers at QB or not, Lazard will be a dependable receiver for the Packers in 2021.