Rodgers in lead for starting job

Packers insider Rob Demovsky believes TE Richard Rodgers will head to training camp as the favorite for the starting job.  The fact that Rodgers was a 3rd-round pick gives him a built-in edge over Andrew Quarless, Brandon Bostick and Colt Lyerla.  But Rodgers also had a "strong offseason," per Demovsky, looking "dynamic" as a receiver.  If the rookie is able to capture a full-time role, he'll be an intriguing fantasy football sleeper.  We just updated our projections for the Packers TEs.

The Eagles have signed TE Richard Rodgers to a 1-year deal. The former Packer posted a 58-510-8 line back in 2015 but has totaled just 42 catches across the past 2 seasons. Rodgers owns a career 9.7 yards-per-catch average and doesn't offer much play-making ability. He'll slide in as Philly's #2 TE and will need a Zach Ertz injury to have a shot at fantasy relevance.

Andrew Quarless led Packers TEs with 695 snaps last year.  Richard Rodgers was 2nd with 528.  But insider Rob Demovsky writes, "It wouldn't be a surprise if those numbers are reversed this year."  Rodgers was the more efficient receiver last year, besting Quarless in catch rate, yards per catch and yards per route run.  We project Rodgers to lead Packers TEs in fantasy points this season, but it's still tough to imagine him emerging as more than a matchup option.  Quarless will remain involved, and Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Davante Adams are the clear top 3 targets.

Packers beat writer Rob Demovsky believes TE Richard Rodgers “might have the inside track” at the starting job.  The rookie showcased his athleticism in OTAs, catching the eye of HC Mike McCarthy.  He also received extra snaps, as holdover Andrew Quarless missed every practice session for undisclosed reasons.  Rodgers – who stands 6’4 and 257 pounds – will need to prove that he can block in training camp.  If he wins the #1 job, though, there’s certainly some deep league appeal.  But consistent targets figure to be an issue given Green Bay’s loaded group of pass-catchers.

Packers HC Mike McCarthy likes what he sees from rookie TE Richard Rodgers in the pass-catching department so far.  "I just think he's a natural in space," McCarthy said.  "I'm excited to see him when we get into the in-line work into training camp, but as far as all of the movement, playing in space, picking up the scheme, I think Richard's off to a very good start."  We'll see how Rodgers fares when the hitting starts in training camp, but the 3rd-round rookie certainly has a chance to win a significant role in 2014.  He's battling for snaps with Andrew Quarless, Brandon Bostick and Colt Lyerla. 

The Packers snagged TE Richard Rodgers in the 3rd round of the draft.  Rodgers' Cal career was crushed by ankle, foot, shoulder and thumb injuries.  But he flashed playmaking ability by averaging 15.2 yards per catch in limited action.  At 6'4 and 257 pounds, Rodgers has the look of a pure pass-catching TE.  He joins Andrew Quarless and Brandon Bostick on Green Bay's depth chart.  Whoever emerges as the team's primary pass-catcher will have some TE2 upside.