Amari Rodgers had a less than ideal start to his NFL career. In all of 2021 he only managed 8 targets, 4 receptions for 45 yards, and two first downs. The Packers played him at punt returner much of the season, however he only averaged 8.3 yards per return. He was in for kick returner as well much of the season, however he averaged just over 18 yards per return. That ranked 33rd in the NFL for return men who had 11 or more attempts (Rodgers had 11).
None of this means “it’s over” for Rodgers. He is focused on improving, just last week he posted this to Twitter:
In the best shape of my life right now, It’s comin together . . .⏳🙏🏾
— Amari Rodgers3️⃣ (@arodgers_3) March 31, 2022
Don’t forger how explosive Rodgers was in college:
Rodgers was a force in college. His senior season especially. That year he accumulated 77 receptions, 1,020 yards, and seven touch downs. He averaged over 13 yards per catch that season. He pushed out 24 reps on the bench press at his 2021 pro-day. That is A LOT for a wide receiver, dude is STRONG. Here’s a few of his highlights:
The Packers add a weapon in Clemson’s Amari Rodgers with the No. 85 pick in the #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/pxsrYa4XiU
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 1, 2021
Amari Rodgers gonna do dangerous things with the #Packers. pic.twitter.com/kc3jp6AGSI
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) May 1, 2021
Many Packers fans were calling for Davante Adams to see the field less after a slow start in his first season. Jordy Nelson, James Jones, even Greg Jennings all had slow start to their careers. Granted none of them had a 45 total receiving yards, slow start to their career. However Rodgers was buried on the depth chart much of the season.
Rodgers has a 4.4 40 yard dash time and 33″ vertical jump. The man is an athlete, let Lafleur scheme him into some open looks and see what he does with the ball in his hands.
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