Rodgers feels rejuvenated

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 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 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 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.