Former Clemson receiver Amari Rodgers’ went from getting his dream draft scenario to having to wait to see if he will get to play with the quarterback in that scenario.
After the Packers selected Rodgers in the third round, the former Clemson receiver called the Green Bay Packers his “dream scenario,” partially because of the chance for him to catch passes from reigning NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers.
Then, just before the draft began reports surfaced that the Green Bay quarterback was not happy and is wanting out of Title town. As far as the former Clemson wideout’s knowledge of the situation, Rodgers said he was aware of the news regarding reports pertaining to Aaron Rodgers’ desire to move on and not play for the Packers again.
“Of course I want to catch passes from the reigning MVP and future Hall of Famer,” Rodgers said. “I know for sure I would love to have the opportunity to play for somebody like him on the field. I’m looking forward to that.”
If there has been any question about how hard he will work for a chance or how much he wants it, that has already been answered. Rodgers fought hard to recover from a torn ACL he sustained in 2019. Not only was he able to do that but also did it much faster than anyone thought or expected he could. After the injury there some that questioned how it would impact his explosiveness when he returned.
By watching him on the field in 2020, the answer to that question was not at all. Rodgers proved that he still has excellent stop-and-start ability, and he’s able to gear up quickly across short distances. His speed also wasn’t affected.
“Amari Rodgers is the total package. He is what you want in a player and in a person. He’s a high-effort guy who is going to lead by example. As a player, he is going to do everything you ask and more.”
Clemson WR coach Tyler Grisham
The Clemson receiver had 77 catches for 1,020 yds and seven touchdowns in 2020. Over his four seasons as a Tiger he had 181 total catches for 2,144 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also had six rushes over his four years for 46 yards and one touchdown. He has the ability to be a do-it-all type of player and hopes to become the the versatile slot guy the Packers have been missing since Randall Cobb left two seasons ago.
As far as Clemson history goes, Rodgers’ pick extended the Tigers school-record number of consecutive drafts with a wide receiver selected to six, which is currently the nation’s longest active streak.
It gave the Tigers at least one receiver selected in eight of the last nine NFL Drafts, dating all the way back to DeAndre Hopkins’ selection in 2013. With this pick Rodgers became the 68th player to have played for head coach Dabo Swinney that was drafted into the NFL and is the seventh third-round pick of Swinney’s tenure.
