Amari Rodgers Named One of Packers Most Important Players in 2021

Amari Rodgers was one of the more intriguing prospects in April’s NFL Draft.

In dire need of a dynamic slot receiver, the Packers moved up in the third round to select Rodgers in what appears to be on the surface, a perfect marriage.

The former Clemson wideout has a proven during his college career that he can be a dangerous weapon for most any offense, but even more dangerous in an offense like the Green Bay Packers run behind triggerman Aaron Rodgers.

With training camp rapidly approaching Rob Reischel, who covers Green Bay, is naming his most important Packers heading into the 2021 season and Rodgers is a guy he thinks could play a vital role, not only on offense, but special teams as well.

Here is what Reischel had to say about Rodgers:

Bio: The Packers gave up their third-round pick and one of their fourth-rounders in a trade with Tennessee to move up in the third round and select Rodgers.

The Packers have always had an affinity for bigger receivers and had an unwritten rule that they wouldn’t draft a receiver under 5-foot-10. But the 5-9 ½”, 212-pound Rodgers was potentially too dynamic to pass up.

Outlook: The Packers haven’t had a legitimate slot receiver since Randall Cobb left after the 2018 season. Cobb, a second-round pick in 2011, was just 5-foot-10 himself, but had 470 receptions and 41 touchdowns as a Packer.

Rodgers could be a dynamic weapon in the slot, and also help in the return game, which has been a problem in Green Bay for years.

“I think without a doubt he’s going to do some cool things for us this upcoming year,” Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett said. “I think any time you have a young player, there’s always this kind of process of them trying to learn this new system and there’s ups and downs with it. It’s easier in the beginning and then once more of the system gets put on, they start thinking almost too much.”

“I think Amari’s doing a very good job. He’s not intimidated by what we’re handing to him. He’s a student of the game and you can see that. He’s got a natural feel to the game in these limited reps. I think that’s only going to develop with time and I’m excited about the progress that he’s making.”