20 role players who are going to become NFL stars in 2020

8 of 10

Someone has to be Green Bay’s No. 2 wide receiver. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, Green Bay Packers

Just in case you haven’t heard, the Packers failed to draft a wide receiver to help Aaron Rodgers this offseason. That doesn’t change the fact that someone other than Davante Adams needs to catch passes for Green Bay in 2020.

Valdes-Scantling has the most natural ability out of the internal candidates. It’s fair to point out that he didn’t make the most of his opportunity in 2019, but he’s a year older and wiser now. Don’t be shocked if he puts up solid numbers as the Packers’ No. 2 wideout this year.

Irv Smith, Jr., TE, Minnesota Vikings

Kyle Rudolph may start the year for the Vikings at tight end, but it’s only a matter of time before Smith takes over. He simply gives Minnesota’s passing game more juice down the field.

The departure of Stefon Diggs at wide receiver will force Kirk Cousins to work more with his tight ends to keep the chains moving. That will give Smith a chance to develop into a star. It might take him until midseason to really wrestle the job away from Rudolph, but his time is coming in Minnesota.

Home/NFL