There is a possibility father and son could be reunited at some point in the upcoming NFL Draft.
The Baltimore Ravens enter the draft with a need at wideout and former Clemson Tiger Amari Rodgers is one of the players they’ve had discussions with.
Rodgers’ father, former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Tee Martin, is the new wide receivers coach for the Ravens, adding a little more intrigue to the possibility of Rodgers going to Baltimore.
In meeting with the media recently, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh joked about knowing a little to much about the versatile wideout.
“We have a good character report, I think we know what he liked for breakfast growing up, at some point in time,” Harbaugh said. “He didn’t need a good report.”
On a more serious note, Harbaugh said Rodgers is absolutely a player they have some interest in.
“He stands on his own,” Harbaugh said. “He has high grades from the coaches and the scouts, and he’s definitely a player that we’re talking about.”
Ravens Director of Player Personnel Joe Hortiz smiled when he said Martin was the one person who didn’t officially evaluate Rodgers, smiling and saying, “He knows him too well.”
“On top of the player, he’s just a great kid and highly competitive, versatile,” Hortiz said. “At his Pro Day, he did running back drills, and he looked like a natural running back, which he was a running back in high school. But as a slot receiver, he’s really physical, strong, knows how to get open; a reliable player. He also has some returner abilities. So, he’s a fun player to watch.”
Being selected by the Ravens is something that Rodgers said he would very much be interested in.
“I would love to play for my father and the Ravens,” Rodgers said at Clemson’s Pro Day. “That would be the perfect situation. I had the chance in high school to play for him, so now is the perfect time. So, you know, hopefully, God blesses me with that opportunity.”
Rodgers is coming off his most productive season at Clemson, catching 77 balls for 1,020 yards and seven touchdowns. He had the most catches in the slot of any receiver in college football and came in just behind Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith in yards after catch per reception (8.0), per Pro Football Focus.
Whether or not the Ravens actually pull the trigger on drafting Rodgers remains to be seen. While they absolutely have a need at the position, conventional wisdom has them going with a bigger guy, a possession-type receiver that can compliment Marquise “Hollywood” Brown.
Not to mention, Rodgers is similar to Devin Duvernay (5-11, 210), who the Ravens drafted in the third round last year. Duvernay was used on jet sweeps and quick passes some last year and expects to have a bigger role in his second season. Duvernay’s presence could lessen the chances of Baltimore selecting Rodgers.
Either way, the former Clemson standout should hear his name called before the end of Day 2. Whether it’s the Ravens or someone else.
