Amari Rodgers: Next NFL Member of Clemson’s WRU

Amari Rodgers quite possibly could be the next Clemson Tiger to hear his name called when the NFL Draft resumes tonight.

The former Clemson receiver looks to continue what is shaping up to be one of the programs better drafts as the second round begins on Friday and there are a number of teams who could wind up pulling the trigger on drafting Rodgers.

Teams with an emphasis on yards after catch (YAC) would seem to benefit most from Rodgers’ presence. Although, he has enough overall talent and versatility as a playmaker to help in other ways as well.

Some of the teams that have been looked at as possible landing spots for Rodgers are the Kansas City Chiefs, the Washington Football Team, the Miami Dolphins, the San Francisco 49ers and the Houston Texans.

Another option for Rodgers could be with the Baltimore Ravens. With his father Tee Martin serving as the WR coach it would at the very least provide the draft with one of its more heartfelt moments. The Ravens trade of offensive tackle Orlando Brown with the Kansas City Chiefs gives them more than one shot at Rodgers, but not until round three.

Landing in Baltimore would also have him teamed up with another former Clemson receiver in Sammy Watkins, who recently signed with Baltimore. Rodgers would certainly give QB Lamar Jackson another dynamic weapon on offense.

Again, for this scenario to happen it would would mean that he will not be taken until at least the third round. After the aforementioned Brown trade, Baltimore owns zero second-round picks but do hold two choices in the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth rounds. Unless the Ravens make an attempt to move up, they hold picks No. 94, 104, 131, 136, and 171.

Then you also have the Cleveland Browns who could be looking at parting ways with Jarvis Landry after the coming season. If that were to happen Rodgers could step in at the slot and give that position the versatility that Landry is missing.

Another team believed to be a possible landing spot is the New York Jets. Rodgers could go there and end up playing a similar role to the one that Deebo Samuel has played in San Francisco.

Rodgers story is an inspiring one to say the least. After waiting his turn he hoped to use his 2019 season as an opportunity to take the next step to the league. However, his path saw a roadblock that he turned into just a speed bump.

In late March during spring practice, Rodgers tore his right ACL. This is an injury that normally the average recovery time is eight to ten months. He returned in less than six.

The unbelievable and unheard of recovery was more about Rodgers work ethic than anything else. Through the entire rehab, he stayed focused on his goal. He wanted to be back for the team’s game against Syracuse and pushed hard to get it done. He came back one week earlier.

His drive along with his heart are just two small parts of why Rodgers should thrive in the right system at the next level. Whoever does land him will be getting a player that’s going to be all in and give it everything he’s got on and off the field.