Aaron Rodgers Says Packers Need to 'Temper Expectations' with Young WR Group
Aaron Rodgers does not appear completely comfortable with his new, younger receiving corps for 2022.
“I like production over potential. There’s some production and a lot of potential," Rodgers told reporters Tuesday. "So we need to temper expectations and heighten accountability.”
The Packers traded Davante Adams, Rodgers' top wideout for the last six seasons, to the Las Vegas Raiders in a blockbuster deal in March. The trade came after Adams requested a move and allowed him to sign a massive new extension in Las Vegas but left Rodgers without a clear WR1.
Green Bay also lost Marques Valdez-Scantling in free agency, leaving Rodgers with a crop of past-their-prime veterans and unproven young players. Rookie Christian Watson, Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb project at the top of the depth chart at the moment, and the Packers also signed veteran Sammy Watkins.
“I was 100 percent on board with that," Rodgers said of signing Watkins. "I think it's important you get guys who have a lot to play for, and I think Sammy has the opportunity to continue and travel down a new path in his career. We can help him here as he continues to improve and get opportunities. ... I love the disposition. I really enjoy the person.”
Watkins is actually the receiver on the roster who has the most recent 1,000-yard season. Unfortunately for the Packers and Rodgers, that came in 2015.
The onus will arguably be heavier on Rodgers than it's been at any point in recent memory. Until Rodgers has the trust in his new collection of talent, don't be surprised if the Packers heavily feature running backs Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon.
Christian Watson Drafted by Packers: Green Bay's Updated Depth Chart After Round 2
The Green Bay Packers added a wide receiver with plenty of upside in the 2022 NFL draft when they selected North Dakota State's Christian Watson with the No. 34 overall pick on Friday.
Here is a look at how he fits into his new team's depth chart:
WR 1: Allen Lazard
WR 2: Sammy Watkins
WR 3: Randall Cobb, Christian Watson
Watson is coming off a breakout season at North Dakota State when he finished with 43 catches for 800 yards and seven touchdowns. The Bison also used him as a runner (15 carries for 114 yards and one touchdown) and a kickoff returner at times, underscoring his versatility.
This draft is loaded with talented wide receivers, and Watson is just one example.
Headliners such as Drake London, Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jameson Williams, Treylon Burks and Jahan Dotson stood out, but the North Dakota State product was part of a deep group of secondary options that included Alec Pierce, Skyy Moore and George Pickens, among others.
It is a testament to how many wide receivers there were in this draft that B/R's NFL Scouting Department ranked Watson as the 15th-best wide receiver in its final big board but still had him as a top-100 player at 97th overall.
It also put Watson as the 42nd overall pick in its last mock draft, and his "long speed when given a runway to take the top off the defense," physicality at over 6'4" and route-running ability were highlighted in a scouting report.
He can use that size as a red-zone threat, speed when defenders focus on the other playmakers in his new team's offense and route-running to get open underneath as something of a safety valve early in his rookie season.
If he does, Watson figures to be one of the under-the-radar picks who thrives given a specific role in the aerial attack.
With Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling no longer on Green Bay's roster, the Packers needed more talent. Throw in the opportunity to develop alongside a star quarterback in Aaron Rodgers, and there is plenty to like about this pick.
Christian Watson NFL Draft 2022: Scouting Report for Green Bay Packers' WR
HEIGHT: 6'4 1/8"
WEIGHT: 208
HAND: 10 1/8"
ARM: 32 1/2"
WINGSPAN: 6'5 5/8"
40-YARD DASH: 4.36
3-CONE: DNP
SHUTTLE: DNP
VERTICAL: 38.5"
BROAD: 11'4"
POSITIVES
— Very good height and built solidly for the position.
— Flashes understanding of route concepts and polish with his route running. Consistently gets his depth and will stay friendly to the quarterback after his route breaks.
— Good hands. Will snatch throws away from his body.
— Has build up long speed when given a runway to take the top off the defense.
— Has had success as a kick returner in his career. Also has experience on designed rushes.
— Above-average play strength. Will flash good contact balance when bouncing off defenders with the ball in his hands.
— Competitive player who never misses an opportunity to talk to his opponent.
NEGATIVES
— Average tracking deep throws. Inconsistent high pointing throws and will fall away and make himself a small target.
— Can get caught playing high, and more physical cornerbacks can disrupt his releases.
— Inconsistent as a blocker. Doesn’t always utilize his size.
2021 STATISTICS
12 G, 43 REC, 801 YDS, 7 TD, 15 ATT, 114 YDS, 1 TD
NOTES
— 2021 FCS second-team All-American (Associated Press)
— 2021 first-team All-MVFC
— 2020-21 FCS first-team All-American (returner)
OVERALL
Watson brings very good height and size to the receiver position that allows him to play outside, but he does have experience from the slot and even the backfield. Watson is a straight-line runner with build up speed that can take the top off of defenses when given a runway. While he has just average lateral quickness because of his size, he still flashes the ability to create yards after the catch because of his balance and play strength.
His balance and body control also show up with his route running. Watson flashes polish with his routes, consistently getting to the proper depth for the concept being run and not getting antsy and convoluting the play. However, he can be a little loose when breaking on routes and will need to continue to refine. He will also have to continue to learn to use his size when releasing against press coverage and be more consistent with his bend. As he can get caught playing high and exposing his chest on releases and when breaking on routes, which more physical corners will take advantage of.
Watson is a comfortable catcher of the football and will extend for throws away from his body. He is inconsistent when tracking deeper throws and can play small instead of using his size to high point the ball above his head.
Watson’s size and play strength will flash as a blocker, but he will need to be more consistent in that area, as his energy in the run game will come and go based on how he’s doing as a receiver. He is also a very competitive player who loves to bring energy after every one of his catches.
Overall, Watson has the size and enough athleticism and route-running ability to have the upside of a starting X WR. He does require runway to get his long legs going, but he has enough balance to be under control when breaking on routes. He is best when being able to operate in a straight line on routes with no breaks or even as a ball carrier where he can get downhill quickly. Watson does bring some kick return ability that will appeal to teams early in his career. While you would have wanted to see him dominate more at the level he played at, he shows enough athleticism and polish to be useful working outside or on vertical routes from the slot, and he could be a good No. 3-type weapon for NFL teams looking to add size in their receiver room.
GRADE: 7.1 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter - 3rd Round)
POSITION RANK: WR15
PRO COMPARISON: Bryan Edwards
Written by B/R NFL Scout Nate Tice