For the first time in years, the Packers have a dependable defense. Now, if only the offense could be what it used to be.
While the Packers worry how much is left in the tank for Aaron Rodgers, the team should worry more about the lack of wide receiver depth, and the quality for that matter. The Packers’ receiving corps suffered a terrible case of dropped passes last year.
In recent video footage that highlights the drops, it shows that Rodgers has done a great job of getting the ball to his receivers. If only, they could catch the ball.
According to QB Data Mine, which highlighted these drops, as well as other coverage of NFL quarterbacks, receivers from the Packers cost Rodgers 648 yards last season. The average for quarterbacks was 282, while the second-highest was just 507.
In other words, outside of Devante Adams, the combination of Equanimeous St. Brown, Geronimo Allison, Allen Lazard, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling need to get it together.
The Packers have been linked to trade rumors with other teams about a receiver, but appear to be ready to draft one this Thursday. The team would love to draft a player like CeeDee Lamb, Henry Ruggs II, or Justin Jefferson, but are too low in the draft at No. 30 overall.
Some options could be Clemson’s Tee Higgins, TCU’s Jalen Reagor, or Notre Dame’s Chase Claypool.
Higgins averaged 19.8 yards per catch last year. According to many scouts, he could be like Cincinnati Bengals A.J. Green in his prime. With his long, lanky frame, Higgins compared to Green in terms of his outstanding catch radius, and how he fights for 50-50 balls while in the air.
In 2019, Reagor finished with 43 receptions for 611 yards and five touchdowns. However, his 2018 season, which was his sophomore year, stands out. In 2018, Reagor had 1,061 yards and nine touchdowns. He also rushed 170 yards on 13 attempts with two touchdowns. His 14.7 yards per reception that season also stands out.
Aaron Rodgers' receivers cost him at least 648 yards last season because of drops. The average for qualifying quarterbacks was 282 and the second-placed quarterback had only 507. pic.twitter.com/UCkG2iYXpM
— QB Data Mine (@QBDataMine) April 19, 2020
Claypool was a playmaker for Notre Dame last season. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, he is coming off a season in which he hauled in 66 receptions for 1,037 yards and 13 touchdowns. Imagine having two big receivers that can reach up and grab a 50-50 ball.