The 2022 NFL pre-season gave Packers fans a great insight into the team. The Packers have seen multiple players rise, and some fall. Among the top performers on the team are a couple bright young players who provide versatility.
Amari Rodgers and Zach Tom are both extremely versatile, future X-factor players for the Packers. Here’s an in-depth look at what each player can provide for the team, along with a bonus player.
RB/WR, Amari Rodgers, 22-years old
Amari Rodgers hasn’t been the guy for trick or gadget plays in the past. In a separate breakdown, the experience Rodgers has is limited, but throughout pre-season it has been clear the Packers’ made it a focus to develop his rushing game.
Not only has Rodgers been taking snaps at running back in practice, but he also had a couple rushes against the Chiefs. At 5-9, 212 pounds Rodgers sits in an odd position as a wide receiver. He isn’t the tallest receiver and he gets smothered by larger corners, if they can keep up. As a running back, Rodgers could be better suited as a shifty back but he would still be small compared for the position.
If Rodgers or the Packers wanted him to commit to running, adding some weight could help. However, his best abilities are being able to cut efficiently and maintain his speed. If the Packers plan on using him in a flex role, he could truly excel since he can lose most defenders and surprisingly can’t be arm tackled.
Rodgers also provides a boost to the struggling Packers special teams. While he isn’t perfect either and won’t be the final solution to the struggles, if he focuses on the return game he could be a top returner. Given his speed and instincts the potential is there.
Offensive Lineman, Zach Tom, 23-years old
If there could only be one stud for the Packers future, it would be Zach Tom. The Wake Forest product was redshirted his freshman year, but went on to become a 3 year starter at center. Tom was drafted as an offensive tackle, and also was listed as a right guard on the Packers depth chart for a while.
Most fans are under the impression the positions on the line all do the same thing. However, switching between multiple offensive line positions is incredibly difficult. There are different angles from each position and switching from interior to exterior would cause the lineman to see different size players as well. Linemen have also been vocal about how difficult it is to play different positions. It is comparable to writing with your opposite hand.
Tom has the ability to takeover the line, and he has done so. In over 70 snaps this pre-season, Tom didn’t allow a single pressure on his quarterback. He has also been doing this at right tackle, which isn’t even his natural position. He is a force, and the fact that he can play virtually anywhere on the line shifts him into a different breed.
BONUS: OLB, Kingsley Enagbare, 22-years old
Kingsley Enagbare was drafted in the fifth round this year and the majority of analysts wondered why. Enagbare played predominantly on the defensive line for the Gamecocks as the extra lineman. While he is listed as an outside linebacker, he can do whatever the Packers need him to do.
Enagbare played time dropping back into coverage this pre-season after mainly rushing in college. He is still trying to develop his game all around, so he is by far the most raw player out of the three. The biggest key to Enagbare is the fact that he can cover ground. He is able to get behind people, he is able to chase people to the sideline, and most importantly he can contain a quarterback.
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