3 Packers rookies with the most to prove this offseason for Green Bay to get back to NFC Championship

1. Amari Rodgers, receiver

Davante Adams is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, but the Packers have not found a real running mate for him. Marques Valdez-Scantling has moments, but he’s not consistent enough. Equanimeous St. Brown has battled some injuries and never gotten traction. Allen Lazard has shown some promise, and his value to the Packers’ offense goes beyond his ability to catch the ball as practically an extra tight end.

The Packers did break down and draft a wide receiver this year, taking Amari Rodgers in the third round (No. 85 overall). After totaling 104 catches in his first three seasons at Clemson, he led the ACC in receptions last year (77) for 1,020 yards (second in the ACC, 10th in the country) and seven touchdowns.

Rodgers is short (5-foot-9) yet fairly stout (212 pounds), but he lacks the top-end speed (4.52 40-yard dash) and agility. He clearly profiles as a slot receiver in NFL. The easy comparison is former Packer Randall Cobb, but with more bulk.

Rodgers could find a path to the field as the Packers’ punt returner. But his immediate development at wide receiver will be center stage, and it will ultimately be of great importance to the full functioning of Green Bay’s offense in 2021.