Am. Rodgers a 2022 long-shot

Packers beat writer Matt Schneidman writes that the “NFL stage was far too big” for rookie WR Amari Rodgers. That certainly shows in his production. A 3rd-round pick, Rodgers totaled only 4 catches in 16 games while handling 31 returns. Schneidman doesn’t believe Rodgers will have a “substantial role” in 2022 unless this WR corps undergoes a major overhaul. Prior to the quiet year 1, Rodgers exited Clemson on the shorter side (5’10) and never profiled as a downfield threat. He’s not a recommended pick in early best ball drafts.

The Packers released WR Amari Rodgers. The 2021 3rd-rounder mustered just 8 catches over 1-and-a-half seasons in Green Bay. The move could be a sign that WR Randall Cobb (ankle) is ready to come off IR. The Packers also released RB Kylin Hill.

Update: Rodgers has been claimed by the Texans.

Packers WR Amari Rodgers gave a candid assessment of his rookie season. The Clemson product caught only 4 passes across 16 appearances. “It’s the longest season I ever played,” Rodgers said this week. “I didn't really have a break, it was like two years straight of football. So you know, I feel like it kind of took a toll on me mentally and physically towards the end of the year. “I’ve had an offseason to actually take care of my body, get my body right. So I feel like I'm back to myself.” The 23-year-old (in September) watched Green Bay trade Davante Adams over the offseason, only to bring in 2 rookie WRs and Sammy Watkins. Green Bay could still add another veteran pass catcher, too. Rodgers remains a fringe deep-league sleeper.

The Packers finally added a WR for Aaron Rodgers, grabbing Clemson’s Amari Rodgers in Round 3. Rodgers’ college career was disrupted by a March 2019 torn ACL. He unbelievably made it back for the 2nd game of that season -- just about 6 months after the injury -- but was noticeably limited. He bounced back to set career highs across the board in 2020 with 77 catches, 1,020 yards and 7 scores. All 3 marks led the Tigers. The 5’10, 212-pounder is at his best after the catch, with good vision, enough wiggle and strong contact balance. The concerns: he doesn’t create a lot of separation, has a small catch radius and is subpar in contested situations. Rodgers tested as an average athlete at Clemson’s Pro Day, including a 4.52-second 40 time. There was some pre-draft talk about him moving to RB, but the Packers announced him as a WR. Rodgers doesn’t look like a difference-maker in the NFL, but this is a solid landing spot as long as Aaron Rodgers sticks around. Amari has a chance to win the slot receiver job right out of the gate.