Packers WR Allen Lazard is just getting started and has a very bright future in front of him.

With all of the present attention on the NFL Draft, Salary Cap and Free Agency, it’s understandable that the general focus isn’t on existing players that will be a part of the Pack in 2021. However, I believe it’s important to recognize the development and impact of a player like Allen Lazard, now and for the future because he doesn’t get talked about enough.

It’s easy to forget that Lazard, who recently turned 25, only has a little over 1.5 years of NFL experience. The 6’5 wide receiver for the Packers will basically be beginning his 3rd NFL season in 2021 and his growth potential is very exciting.

Lazard, as you may recall, bursted onto the scene on Monday Night Football in Week 6 of the 2019 season against Detroit. Called off the bench and looking for a spark, Lazard delivered. He finished the game with 5 catches for 65 yards and added that extremely crucial, clutch 35 yard touchdown which Green Bay desperately needed.

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 14: Allen Lazard #13 of the Green Bay Packers catches a touchdown in the fourth quarter Justin Coleman #27 of the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on October 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

That performance was the catalyst for Lazard which jumpstarted his career. He finished 2019 with 35 catches for 477 yards and 3 touchdowns. In 2020, Lazard played in 12 games (including playoffs), where he had 40 catches for 609 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Although those numbers don’t jump off the charts at first, it’s not uncharacteristic for wide receivers to develop at a slower pace. That’s not a knock on Lazard, especially considering the fact that he’s playing in an offense with Davante Adams. For reference, here are some excellent former and current Packers WR’s statistics through their first two seasons:

Donald Driver (First 3 Seasons): 3 receptions, 21 receptions, 13 receptions

James Jones: 47 receptions, 20 receptions

Jordy Nelson: 33 receptions, 22 receptions

Davante Adams: 38 receptions, 50 receptions

Lazard falls right in line for production with the players referenced. Additionally, he is the type of player that has a never-ending thirst for personal improvement. Lazard is driven to maximize his potential. He works extremely hard and has fallen in love with “the process”.

Over the course of slightly over 1.5 full seasons in Green Bay, Lazard has also proven to embrace the dirty work. He’s a fantastic run-blocker, a smart football player and the ultimate team player. He’s usually not going to burn defenders running vertical and he’s not the flashiest football player. With that said, the Packers have found a very solid and ascending football player and will be in good hands with Lazard moving forward.

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Alex grew up in a family of Chicago Bears fans in the suburbs of Chicago but was always a Packers guy. Alex\'s AIM name when he was in elementary/middle school was PackerAlex. He now lives in Nashville, Tennessee and you can follow him on twitter at @Alex_Mayer93.

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