Packers Rnd 3 -Amari Rodgers WR Clemson

[Sparkey]

.
Amari Rodgers NFL Draft Profile
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Clemson
Current Year: Senior
Height: 5’9 1/2″
Weight: 212 pounds
Wingspan: 74″
Arm: 30″
Hand: 9 1/2″

Tony Pauline’s Amari Rodgers Scouting Report
Positives: Slightly undersized receiver who also doubles as a return specialist. Quickly releases off the line, fires into routes, and stays low on exit. Displays terrific quickness in and out of breaks and positions himself to make the reception. Extends his hands to snatch the ball out of the air and lays out to make the difficult catch.

Reliable, possesses terrific eye/hand coordination, and nicely adjusts to the errant throw. Follows the quarterback across the field and finds the soft spot in the defense. Plays bigger than his size and fights to come away with the difficult grab in a crowd. Effective returning punts.

Negatives: Easily taken down in the open field by a single defender. Lack of height is a hindrance, especially trying to grab high throws. Plays to one speed and lacks a deep burst.

Analysis: Rodgers was a terrific receiver for Clemson both coming off the bench and as a starter. He comes with average physical dimensions but nicely projects as a slot wideout who can also return punts.

[Joemailman]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tnz80KZiTNY

[RashanGary]

Anti Gute pick. Below average athlete and short.

[Joemailman]

Anti Gute pick. Below average athlete and short.

This pick and Deguara last year show maybe MLF has some influence. In 3rd round anyway.

[Joemailman]

nm

[George Cumby]

This pick and Deguara last year show maybe MLF has some influence. In 3rd round anyway.

From the highlight reel, Rodgers looks like he's versatile. One of those jack-knives that MLF can do different things with.

[RashanGary]

From the highlight reel, Rodgers looks like he's versatile. One of those jack-knives that MLF can do different things with.

Built like a running back, 5’9.5” and 212. Should be a tough runner and good after catch and fill that jet sweep position perfectly

[red]

Pretty exciting looking player

[Joemailman]

Amari Rodgers' father coached Randall Cobb at Kentucky. https://twitter.com/jasonjwilde/status/1388334434110345220

[Joemailman]

Brian Gutekunst said he "immediately" turned to his lieutenants after drafting Josh Myers to see if he could trade back up and draft Amari Rodgers. They'd gone to get something to eat. Took longer than he'd like, but finally able to get back up to get Rodgers.

They considered drafting Rodgers at #62.

[RashanGary]

I sense the packers got lucky this draft. This might be a good one. I mean, all three are good football players. And great guys. And good upside. This just looks like a good, rock solid top three picks.

[RashanGary]

They considered drafting Rodgers at #62.

And WRs do really well from the 2nd round, historically. Polished, smart, big like a running back, able to do slot things and gadget things. Aaron should be able to make something happen with this kind of weapon.

[bobblehead]

I like Gainwell more. He is such a good WR he could line up in the slot just as well as Rodgers can. Plus he is a RB. Also might have gone with the other St. Brown at this point. I like him a lot too. Wasn't real high on this pick.

[The Shadow]

A. Rodgers will be on the Packers this year!!!!

[smuggler]

Packers just admit they don't have any clue how to draft DL and LB, so they're sticking to their strengths. Rodgers is a pretty safe pick because he's pretty likely to produce in an offense like ours and he can also return punts.

[Sparkey]

I really like the pick and the comp to Randall Cobb seems accurate. He looks explosive in game tape in all areas of the field.

[Joemailman]

Gute on Rodgers (the new one)

On Rodgers: “Amari, son of a coach. He’s been a pro from an early age. Polished route runner.”

– On Rodgers’ versatility: “He fills so many holes for us. That’s one of the reasons why we traded up for him. Not only as a punt returner and a slot receiver, but the creativity that Matt has within his offense. The jet sweeps, and screens. He’s a 212-pound receiver, he’s not one of these smaller guys. So I think kick returning could be part of his arsenal as well. He’s just built for us up here in Green Bay. Very versatile plyer. Very smart player.”

– On drafting a shorter receiver: “It has to do with Matt’s creativity and using some of these different body types. This guy is short but he’s not small. He’s 212 pounds. When you see him, he’s not a small man, he’s just not tall. I do think he’s a little different than some of the other slot guys around the league. He’s built more like a running back. He gave me great comfort because you can’t run by everybody in this league. You have to take on contact and break tackles and he can certainly do that.”

[Fritz]

Packers just admit they don't have any clue how to draft DL and LB, so they're sticking to their strengths. Rodgers is a pretty safe pick because he's pretty likely to produce in an offense like ours and he can also return punts.

These kinds of posts always crack me up.

Gute: "Say, scouts, our new defensive coordinator tells me we could really, really use a top-flight defensive lineman or inside linebacker, and Matt concurs. We've got a couple of guys at those positions ranked really high on our board. But you know, we just don't know how to draft defensive linemen or inside linebackers, so we'd better just draft an offensive skill player."

Scouts: "Good idea, boss."

[run pMc]

His routes need work but he seems versatile and is a hands catcher. His build might help him hold up over the middle. I don't think he's going to outrun anyone, and I'm not sure he'll break a lot of tackles. He has some quickness, so maybe those awful WR bubble screens will be his bread-and-butter. Could see them doing some jet sweep/motion stuff with him as well with Lazard and MVS blocking. Honestly, I have to watch more videos of him.

They needed a WR and he's an interesting fit as a gadget player. I think he's close to a Ty Montgomery comp than a Randall Cobb personally. Not sure about the Deebo Samuel Lite comp either, although his injury history is better (despite a 2019 ACL tear). There are traits to work with and MLF will find ways to use him.

They could do a lot worse with their R3 pick. (Khyri Thornton anyone?) I still think they need another WR.

[Fritz]

His routes need work but he seems versatile and is a hands catcher. His build might help him hold up over the middle. I don't think he's going to outrun anyone, and I'm not sure he'll break a lot of tackles. He has some quickness, so maybe those awful WR bubble screens will be his bread-and-butter. Could see them doing some jet sweep/motion stuff with him as well with Lazard and MVS blocking. Honestly, I have to watch more videos of him.

They needed a WR and he's an interesting fit as a gadget player. I think he's close to a Ty Montgomery comp than a Randall Cobb personally. Not sure about the Deebo Samuel Lite comp either, although his injury history is better (despite a 2019 ACL tear). There are traits to work with and MLF will find ways to use him.

They could do a lot worse with their R3 pick. (Khyri Thornton anyone?) I still think they need another WR.


Like many people, I was amazed at how less productive the Packer offense became once Ervin got hurt. You can't just fake a jet sweep over and over and over - once in a while you've got to run one.

I wonder if his punt return ability was a larger factor than we think. He doesn't appear to be good at breaking tackles, yet Gutes said he was a big guy who broke tackles. So what does the guy have that we can't see?

Guter really apparently wanted this dude. Hope it pans out.

[Sparkey]

I think 5-10 and 212 is a compact, well put together build. He's just not tall.

[George Cumby]

I think 5-10 and 212 is a compact, well put together build. He's just not tall.

Taller corners are gonna' have a hard time jamming him at the line with that low center of gravity.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Watch his Senior Bowl 1v1s. Dude will be a good route runner.

[HarveyWallbangers]

This was an excellent pick. I like him better than the tiny slot WRs available—like Tutu and Darden.

[run pMc]

Watch his Senior Bowl 1v1s. Dude will be a good route runner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sawT5CMm9Gc

I did before my prior comment. He rounds some routes off and needs to manipulate the leverage of the CBs better. Overall his reps were good and he had a couple excellent individual ones. He also had some head scratchers (and had to endure a few atrocious QB throws) so there's work needed there. Overall I think he has tools the coaches can work with, and they can plug him in for a few snaps per game this season while he refines his game. I think he can play outside but is more likely to struggle there and is a much better fit in the slot. They could really do some fun things with him in the slot, in motion, or even in the backfield, and Tonyan may benefit most from that.

I think his thicker build is going to help him give and take hits, I'm not concerned there. I don't think his injury history is that significant, and he played as WR1 for a top college program...so he's a step up from Tyler Ervin IMO. Not bad for a R3 pick.

[call_me_ishmael]

I like the pick.

[Zool]

He also had some head scratchers (and had to endure a few atrocious QB throws)

I really hope a couple of those QBs didn't get drafted. If you can't throw a semi-accurate ball in a 1:1 receiver drill, what hope do you have with 285lb DEs trying to kill you?

[HarveyWallbangers]

Good stuff

Amari Rodgers: The Best WR at the 2021 Senior Bowl (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0AJ4an3igE)

[Bretsky]

Good stuff

Amari Rodgers: The Best WR at the 2021 Senior Bowl (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0AJ4an3igE)


Great stuff and I love the pick of Rodgers in round 3. Heck, would you have taken him over the OSU Center ? I might have.

[RashanGary]

Great stuff and I love the pick of Rodgers in round 3. Heck, would you have taken him over the OSU Center ? I might have.

Gutebag said they were between Meyers and Rodgers in round 2 and went with the size, something TT always seemed to do too. You just take big guys first cuz theyre more rare.

I love our 2nd and 3rd round picks. The way scouts and reports go, these guys are both smart, savvy, instinctive football players who work hard and do everything right. Guys like that fail far less than the project types.

We might actually hit on a 3rd round pick! Rare! Joemailman was right that if we wait long enough one will hit.


As far as my opinion goes, he's an ideal slot guy. It's the style of player we needed most to complete our copycat 49er offense.

[RashanGary]

Gutebag seems to be changing a bit. Deguara was a smart, tough guy last year. Meyers and Rodgers are smart, tough guys. Helps a QB work magic when your line and skill guys are reliable and smart.

[Joemailman]

Am Rodgers, Deguara and Dillon should all be big contribitors this year. If Aa Rodgers wants his best chance of winning a Super Bowl, he'll stay here. Am Rodgers is the final piece of the puzzle in my opinion.

[texaspackerbacker]

I'm really loving this draft. I'm predicting star quality for Stokes, at least Linsley quality for Myers, and big things for Amari Rodgers too. I wasn't in favor of a WR very early at all, but third round isn't bad. In addition, we got exactly the right kind - a returner who can fill the Tyler Irvin role better than Irvin or Austin ever did, seemingly anyway. And the rest of the picks seem like keepers too. Hill, the 7th round RB, obviously has the potential to play like the star he seemed like as a high school recruit. Newman and Van Lanen seem to have a world of potential too. And Jean-Charles could be an upgrade from Chandon Sullivan, although he's probably the draft pick I have the least confidence in.

[Upnorth]

Lol, at least linsley quality... Dude was all pro for goodness sakes. Low bar there.

Any way I would love a single wing that utilizes dillion and am rodgers. I would live to see the d's wtf reaction. Break it out on an Important 3rd and 2 or something.

[bobblehead]

I think 5-10 and 212 is a compact, well put together build. He's just not tall.

I don't mind the pick, but I would have gotten more creative with a player I loved. Kenny Gainwell is an incredible talent at RB and runs routes like a WR. He came in 5'11" and 202 at his pro day. He absolutely could have been the pick in the same spot (eagles in the 4th) and we would have had a much more talented version of Ervin. Gainwell has great vision running the ball as well. He could have been used in the same way they will use Rodgers, but I believe he is an even better talent and has even more versatility. He might be called a RB, but he is a true duel threat. I expect big things from him in Philly where Hurts will find him as a security blanket.

[RashanGary]

I don't mind the pick, but I would have gotten more creative with a player I loved. Kenny Gainwell is an incredible talent at RB and runs routes like a WR. He came in 5'11" and 202 at his pro day. He absolutely could have been the pick in the same spot (eagles in the 4th) and we would have had a much more talented version of Ervin. Gainwell has great vision running the ball as well. He could have been used in the same way they will use Rodgers, but I believe he is an even better talent and has even more versatility. He might be called a RB, but he is a true duel threat. I expect big things from him in Philly where Hurts will find him as a security blanket.

I don't know as much about gainwell. Similar body types with our guy being heavier. I doubt gainwell is as polished or smart or savvy as am Rodgers. The passing game requires a lot of connection with the QB and some savvy. If we're really drafting the guy to be a slot weapon first, I think.the pure, natural WR is probably going to be a faster study and more diverse weapon in the passing game. Gainwell will take a lot more time to become a WR than the WR by trade.

[Joemailman]

Plus, Kylin Hill has some pretty good receiving skills. Looks like a Jamaal Williams type. Aaron Jones started lining upas a WR on some plays last year, and you'll probably see more of that as the Packers try to get Jones and Dillon on the field at the same time. Packers have some real diversity in the passing game for whoever the QB is.

[texaspackerbacker]

Lol, at least linsley quality... Dude was all pro for goodness sakes. Low bar there.

Any way I would love a single wing that utilizes dillion and am rodgers. I would live to see the d's wtf reaction. Break it out on an Important 3rd and 2 or something.

Isn't that pretty much what they call "wildcat" these days? Why not use Love that way for a couple plays a game? I think it's safe to say he would be more of a threat to pass than Amari.

Linsley was ok then good then eventually all pro. I could see Myers being at least that.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I don't mind the pick, but I would have gotten more creative with a player I loved. Kenny Gainwell is an incredible talent at RB and runs routes like a WR. He came in 5'11" and 202 at his pro day. He absolutely could have been the pick in the same spot (eagles in the 4th) and we would have had a much more talented version of Ervin. Gainwell has great vision running the ball as well. He could have been used in the same way they will use Rodgers, but I believe he is an even better talent and has even more versatility. He might be called a RB, but he is a true duel threat. I expect big things from him in Philly where Hurts will find him as a security blanket.

I like Rodgers a lot more than Gainwell for this offense. Rodgers can be the jet motion guy, but he can also gives us a bit of what Cobb did as the slot guy.

[Sparkey]

I don't know if this has been touched on, but Amari Rodgers father is Tee Martin, former Vols QB and now WR coach for the Baltimore Ravens. I can't imagine a better base of knowledge for a young WR growing up.

[run pMc]

I liked Gainwell. He has a little Alvin Kamara to him and could be used similarly -- ok as a runner, dangerous as a receiver.

I've warmed up to the Amari pick. I think he'll be a utility player who takes on multiple roles. Big hands, catches away from his body, can run more than 3 routes and will improve his running (he rounds off too much and need to stack corners better). Good background, and he seems like he's smart and focused -- and in the NFL the difference between success and failure is often between the ears. Short but stout enough, which will be helpful in the winter and against corners who don't tackle well. Might struggle against the press a bit, and his catch radius and level of athleticism will limit his contested catch ability.

MLF will scheme him open and get him opportunities to break off big gains by forcing a missed tackle. I think Randall Cobb was more dynamic but Amari is a nice add to the WR room.

As for taking a RB or a WR for Ervin's role, IDK. I guess I'd lean WR but I'd go for someone more like Mecole Hardman than Amari Rodgers. Either way I'm just glad they drafted a WR to (temporarily) end that tirade from people.

[run pMc]

I don't know if this has been touched on, but Amari Rodgers father is Tee Martin, former Vols QB and now WR coach for the Baltimore Ravens. I can't imagine a better base of knowledge for a young WR growing up.

IIRC Tee Martin did what his predecessor (Payton Manning) could not - win a national championship. Got drafted by the Steelers, saw a little action and had cups of coffee a few other places.
Basically, the guy knows football and knows what it takes to be a pro, so his kid should be well prepared. Some scouts like kids who had pro athletes as parents because they are seen as more mature or better prepared. Having Tee Martin, former player and current coach, as a parent isn't a bad thing.

[bobblehead]

I don't know as much about gainwell. Similar body types with our guy being heavier. I doubt gainwell is as polished or smart or savvy as am Rodgers. The passing game requires a lot of connection with the QB and some savvy. If we're really drafting the guy to be a slot weapon first, I think.the pure, natural WR is probably going to be a faster study and more diverse weapon in the passing game. Gainwell will take a lot more time to become a WR than the WR by trade.

I can see why you would think that, but if you watched gainwell in 2019 you wouldn't think that. If he focused on WR he would be equal to Rodgers in no time imo. He is actually faster than Rodgers and had something like 1600 yards rushing to go with 60 catches or something obscene like that (I'm not a big stat buff on college guys). Just like I think Najee Harris will be a stud RB due to his vision, I think Gainwell will be Kamara like but a better WR. The only reason he lasted to the 4th is his size and he sat out 2020.

[bobblehead]

Plus, Kylin Hill has some pretty good receiving skills. Looks like a Jamaal Williams type. Aaron Jones started lining upas a WR on some plays last year, and you'll probably see more of that as the Packers try to get Jones and Dillon on the field at the same time. Packers have some real diversity in the passing game for whoever the QB is.

Agree. Was very high on Hill as well. A little like Stewart was for us when he and Lacy were together.

[Joemailman]

Agree. Was very high on Hill as well. A little like Stewart was for us when he and Lacy were together.

? You mean Starks?

[run pMc]

? You mean Starks?

Good guess -- probably. I get Starks vibes from Patrick Taylor Jr.
Big dude (6-2+, 225) who will push Hill and Dexter for that RB3 spot. I don't think Mike Weber beats them out.

Ultimately I think Dexter will be gone, unless he has PS eligibility or the light goes on.

[call_me_ishmael]

Wanna feel old? Tony Fisher tenure started almost 20 years ago for the Packers. I would have guessed like 7 at the most. Yes, thought Fisher was the aforementioned Stewart.

[run pMc]

Wanna feel old? Tony Fisher tenure started almost 20 years ago for the Packers. I would have guessed like 7 at the most. Yes, thought Fisher was the aforementioned Stewart.

Seeing Joe Horn's and Asante Samuel's kids getting drafted makes me feel old.

[bobblehead]

? You mean Starks?

yea, that guy. I'll never forget old stewart starks knocking that cheap shot artist out of the game after Lacy got concussed. Hill is kinda long, but incredibly physical like Starks was. Runs angry. Mountain of talent. We got a steal.

[texaspackerbacker]

Suddenly we've got a plethora of RBs that seem decent. I tend to agree about Hill being a 7th round steal, although it's gonna take him playing up to his potential a helluva lot more than he did in college. I like what I've heard about Patrick Taylor, though, too. I wouldn't be surprised if they find away to keep both him and Hill. The odd man out would be Dexter Williams who I always had hope for but who never seemed to play up to his ability.