Packers 2022 roster preview: Allen Lazard the WR1?
Davante Adams’ departure leaves the Green Bay Packers without a clear WR1.
Enter Allen Lazard?
Lazard has been a reliable target for Aaron Rodgers in recent years and has stepped up in the past when Adams has missed time.
Can Lazard take that next step to WR1?
2021 stats
Lazard played in 15 games with 13 starts in the regular season. He caught 40 passes for 513 yards and eight touchdowns, setting career-bests in each category.
2021 season review
With Marquez Valdes-Scantling missing six games due to injury, Lazard stepped up as the Packers’ number two wide receiver behind Adams.
Lazard finished third in receptions for the Packers, second in receiving yards, and second in receiving touchdowns.
Lazard finished the season strong, catching 23 passes for 303 yards and five touchdowns over the final six games.
Will he make the roster?
Yes. ProFootballTalk reported last week that Lazard has signed his restricted free agent tender.
What to expect in 2022
Under Matt LaFleur, Lazard has been an excellent complementary receiver. Not only is he a reliable pass-catcher with Aaron Rodgers’ trust, but he is also one of the top blocking receivers in the game.
Rodgers had high praise for Lazard this month and believes he is ready to become the team’s No. 1 wide receiver.
Aaron Rodgers on Allen Lazard: “He’s been our dirty work guy for most of his career here. Now he’s getting an opportunity to be a No. 1 receiver. I’m not worried about him at all stepping into that role.”
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) June 8, 2022
He certainly has the opportunity.
Randall Cobb might be the most experienced receiver on the roster and has outstanding chemistry with Rodgers, but he is unlikely to be the Packers’ leader in receptions this season.
Sammy Watkins could be, but he has struggled to stay healthy and hasn’t got much experience playing with Rodgers.
Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Samori Toure are rookies and will need time to develop.
Lazard has stepped up in Adams’ absence in previous years (six catches for 146 yards and a touchdown vs. New Orleans comes to mind). He understands the offense, has Rodgers’ trust, and is currently the top candidate to lead the wide receiver room in 2022.
Entering a contract year, this is a fantastic opportunity for Lazard.