Allen Lazard provides a surprising amount of value to the Packers

Allen Lazard has stepped into a solid role for the Green Bay Packers, but he adds great value beyond catching passes.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard had a breakthrough game on the Sunday night stage in Week 3 last season, with six receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints. But it came out afterward that he played part of that game with a core muscle injury that would sideline him for six games.

In 10 games last year Lazard finished with 33 catches for 451 yards and three touchdowns. Plucked off the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad by the Packers late in the 2018 season, Iowa State’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards carved out a role as the 2019 campaign went on (35 catches for 477 yards over the final 11 games).

Allen Lazard adds significant value to the Packers’ offense

According to Pro Football Focus, Lazard is the highest-graded run blocking wide receiver over the last two seasons (108 qualifiers).

Via Packers Wire, here’s what head coach Matt LaFleur said about Lazard last season.

"He’s a complete receiver. You can see it in the running game. He’s kind of our enforcer. Defensive backs know where he is at all times because he’s going to try and punish you”"

At 6-foot-5, 227 pounds, Lazard is a big receiver who would stretch toward being a tight end if he ever added substantial weight. He was PFF’s No. 1 ranked run-blocking wide receiver on zone run plays in 2020, and sixth overall in run-blocking grade among those with at least 100 run-blocking snaps.

Lazard has had 351 run-blocking snaps over the last two seasons, taking on corners, safeties, linebackers, etc. lined up all over the field (left side, right side, in the slot, tight to the line). Last season, via RotoWire, he lined for a total of 69 snaps as a tight end or in the backfield.

With the Packers line to use their first-round pick this year on a wide receiver, Lazard may not post a huge catch total in 2021. But there’s no denying the value he brings to the offense, even if it’s hard to see at first glance.