Every pre-season, NFL players, coaches, and scouts are polled to see who they believe is the best player at each position. This year, in a vote of the best wide receivers, Green Bay Packers’ number one receiver Davante Adams was voted the best in the NFL by his peers. According to reports, it was not even that close.
Davante Adams was voted as the NFL's No. 1 WR on more than half of 50+ submissions. 👀
Thoughts?
(h/t @JFowlerESPN) pic.twitter.com/xBD3iSVzBz
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) July 15, 2021
Why Davante Adams Is Number One
Over the past four seasons, Davante Adams has emerged as a lethal receiving threat. Just last season alone, Adams put up All-Pro numbers while only playing in 14 games. He finished the 2020 season with 115 receptions, 1,374 yards, and 18 touchdowns. His 115 receptions broke the Packers’ franchise record. In addition, his 18 touchdowns tied the team record. He now shares it with Packers’ Hall of Famer Sterling Sharp. Adams’ 1,374 yards were the eighth most in Packers’ history. Among all NFL pass catchers last season, no one averaged more receiving yards per game than Adams (98.1.)
You think @tae15adams is top two and not two?
(via @jfowlerespn) pic.twitter.com/22LDjlmbcZ
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) July 15, 2021
Davante Adams Has Earned This Recognition
While he is now regarded by many to be the best wide receiver in the NFL, it has taken years for Adams to reach this level. At one time, Packers’ fans were so frustrated with his drops that they demanded his release from the team. Thankfully, the Packers’ front office did not listen to these armchair GM’s.
After recording 88 receptions, 929 yards, and four touchdowns in his first two seasons combined, Adams made a massive third year leap. In 2016, he had 75 receptions for 997 yards and 12 touchdowns. He more than doubled his career receiving yards and quadrupled his touchdown total.
The next year, 2017, saw Adams make his first of four straight Pro Bowls. In 14 games, he had 74 receptions, 885 yards, and 10 touchdowns. He was even better in 2018. That season, he had his first 1,000 yard season when he recorded 1,386 receiving yards and 111 receptions. He also had a then-career high 13 touchdowns.
The injury bug bit Adams in 2019 and he only appeared in 12 games. Regardless of missing a quarter of the season, he still put up Pro Bowl numbers. That season, he had 83 receptions, 997 yards (again), and five touchdowns. Despite how consistent he had become, few regarded him among the top tier receivers of the game.
Then came the 2020 season. Not only did Adams put up insane numbers, but he also drew praise from national analysts for his precise route running. No matter which defensive back was assigned to him, Adams was able to out-maneuver them and create separation.
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What to Look for in 2021
This season could very well be the last Davante Adams spends in Green Bay. His contract his up at the end of the year, and many experts believe that he could fetch $25-$30 million per season on the free agent market. The Packers’ salary cap situation is known to be tight, and there is little hope that they would be able to afford that kind of a contract.
That being said, Adams is a fierce competitor. Whether or not Aaron Rodgers is under center, Adams will be productive. After all, he made his first Pro Bowl in 2017 with Brett Hundley as his quarterback for much of the season. There is no doubt: Adams is going to be fun to watch this season.
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