The Packers brass was ridiculed for their decision not to draft a weapon for Aaron Rodgers in what was coveted as the “Greatest WR Draft Ever”.
So far, the Packers developing WR talent has matched the production level of the rookies from the “Greatest WR Draft Ever”.
Of the 37 rookie WRs in 2020, only 17th overall pick Ceedee Lamb (165) has more yards that Marquez Valdez-Scantling (160).
Allen Lazard (108) also only trails 15th overall pick Jerry Jeudy (118) and 49th overall pick Chase Claypool (127) in total receiving yards. It is worth mentioning that 84 of Claypool’s 127 yards came on one play, so his gaudy 25 yards/catch will be difficult to maintain.
Instead of overreacting and drafting based on apparent immediate need of WR, the Packers felt confident in their current roster’s development and used the draft to invest in players who can develop to be great Packers.
Shockingly, undrafted rookie Krys Barnes has been the most productive rookie for the Packers in 2020. The UCLA product has 10 total tackles and two for loss in his two starts.
Jon Runyan, the sixth round OL out of Michigan has been flung into the mix due to injuries and showed flashes of a strong NFL career ahead of him.
AJ Dillon, the second round RB out of Boston College has been given a few opportunities to showcase his talent, and he has not disappointed.
Josiah Deguara, the third round TE/HB out of Cincinnati showed his versatility in week one against the Vikings, but he missed week two with an ankle injury.
The Saints made Las Vegas TE Darren Waller look like Jerry Rice on Monday Night in week two. If Deguara is healthy Lafluer could utilize him in the same role Gruden used Waller.
Kamal Martin, the fifth round LB out of Minnesota showed potential of being a starter before a knee injury derailed his season in training camp.
The Packers believe in their system and their development. These rookies are just tipping their toes in the NFL ocean, and their impact will not need to be rushed.
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Kirien is a big fan of the Packers, Beer, and Battlestar Galactica. You can follow him on twitter at @KirienSprecher.
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2 responses to “Packers draft proving doubters wrong”
Considering the production (or lack thereof) of this year’s draft class, I would say it’s looking like the doubters are right.
Nobody is playing right now except Barnes and he came off the practice squad and wouldn’t be playing except nobody trusts burks or summers. This article is wrong in just about every way.