Christian Watson can unlock a whole new level for Packers passing attack

When it comes to Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson, it has never been a question of talent. The third-year wideout out of North Dakota State clearly possesses the skills to be a number one wide receiver in the NFL, which is why the Packers decided to make him a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

It has been somewhat of a struggle for Watson in the NFL thus far, but if he is able to play up to his potential, it could help lead to Green Bay's passing attack to a whole new level.

There was some hope entering last season that Watson would be able to realize his potential after putting up respectable numbers as a rookie with future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers at the helm. Watson hauled in 41 passes for 611 yards and seven touchdowns in what ended up being Rodgers' final season in Green Bay. With Rodgers out of the mix and a few of his preferred targets in the passing game departing as well, the stage was set for Watson to take over as the number one target in Green Bay. Unfortunately, that did not come to fruition.

Christian Watson is a breakout candidate for Packers in 2024

Appearing in just nine games last season due to repeated hamstring injuries, Watson struggled to find rhythm as a receiver from first-year starting quarterback Jordan Love. The then-24-year-old receiver caught just 28 passes for 422 yards and five touchdowns. It was clear that timing and chemistry were off between Watson and Love, making it incredibly difficult for the two to generate a consistent connection.

It should be mentioned that it took some time for Love to become comfortable as Green Bay's starting quarterback last season, and he really did not start playing at a high level until the second half of the season, a stretch that Watson missed the majority of. While Love did start to play much better in the last few games Watson made an appearance in, he was on an entirely different level for the final five games of the year, a period in which Watson could have put up some monster numbers.

This upcoming season will not necessarily be a make-or-break year for Watson with the Packers, but some will attempt to frame it that way due to last season being such a disappointment, but that is really an unfair judgment. Putting any stock into the results of last season is analytical malpractice and should not be taken seriously, now or ever.

The reality is that Watson should be able to come in and be a contributor right away for the Packers. The combination of Watson and Love being on the same page should result in an already promising air attack in Green Bay becoming one of the league's best in 2024.

More Packers news and analysis