Packers: Can Allen Lazard take the leap to become a true WR1?
Who will be WR1 for the Green Bay Packers at the beginning of next season?
That question has been floating around on social media polls and message boards over the last few days following the culmination of the NFL draft.
Usually once we reach May, the top few names on depth charts are pretty much set in stone, but that’s not really the case for Green Bay at wide receiver.
At the moment, the Packers have a roster packed full of WR2s and 3s, but the absence of a top dog, a truly dominant alpha, is pretty noticeable. Christian Watson is arriving from a run-heavy FCS offense. He’s not your typical plug-and-play rookie producer, but that’s not to say he can’t be just that.
Randall Cobb is a slot-only player and as he gets older, his ability to remain healthy is becoming an increasing concern. The same injury doubts can be applied to Sammy Watkins, whose one and only 1,000-yard receiving season came seven whole years ago.
The jury is obviously out on Amari Rodgers and Romeo Doubs, but it’s safe to say neither are due to become Aaron Rodgers’ go-to target in the upcoming season.
That leaves us with Allen Lazard as the only remaining candidate. He’s got a decent floor and would make for a relatively reliable #2 or #3 on most NFL teams. But the Packers need Lazard to be THE guy, at least until Watson finds his footing — which in itself is no guarantee.
Lazard has only two career 100-yard games, and the most passes he’s ever caught in a game is six. Those are not the sheer volume numbers you feel comfortable in for a supposed top guy.
What is the trajectory of Lazard’s development?
While he is 26 years old and looks maxed out from an athletic standpoint, it’s important to remember that Lazard has only played three seasons in the NFL, and all three with Aaron Rodgers. The pair’s chemistry will continue to grow with every snap they share.
But let’s not kid ourselves, the Lazard we watched last season was not significantly better than the guy we saw in 2020. In fact, at the beginning of the year it looked like he had taken a step back. It wasn’t until Week 14 when he amassed 75 yards and a touchdown against the Chicago Bears that Lazard began to find his footing.
Two more strong performances against divisional rivals to close out the regular season is probably what has the Packers feeling at least a little relieved with the current state of the wide receiver group.
If Lazard remains healthy, 2022 will be his most productive NFL season by default. But requiring him to take a tangible leap in areas like route-running, contested-catch winning and yards after the catch is just wishful thinking.
This isn’t 2016 Davante Adams. Lazard is a 26-year-old former undrafted free agent who’s been a WR3 throughout virtually his entire career. The Packers are obviously hoping they can survive with this ho-hum cast of receivers, but I have my doubts.