As the Green Bay Packers solved the Aaron Rodgers situation, they faced another one when Davante Adams left for the Las Vegas Raiders.
It would be difficult to replicate his production last season, wherein he finished second in receptions, third in receiving yards, and fifth in touchdowns.
Those ratings would have made him Offensive Player of the Year, if not for Cooper Kupp‘s dominance.
But his departure gave the Packers another concern to address, and they may have found the solution in Sammy Watkins.
The former Clemson standout joined Green Bay on a one-year, $4 million deal.
Watkins’ numbers are nowhere near Adams’, but there are positive signs of him being an able replacement.
He’s in the prime years of his career, and Rodgers’ accuracy will help elevate his performance.
Likewise, The Packers Wire managing editor Zack Kruse pointed out that Watkins is also a legitimate deep route threat.
Sammy Watkins only caught 27 passes last season, but…
One was a 36-yarder on 4th-and-19, setting up game-winning field goal vs. LIONS
One was a 29-yarder on 3rd-and-12, setting up game-winning touchdown vs. BEARS
He'll fit right in
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) April 15, 2022
Kruse cited two instances last season when he suited up for the Baltimore Ravens.
Aside from completing receptions of 36 and 29 yards, those plays also prove that he is a clutch performer after making critical catches on third and fourth down.
More importantly, Watkins made those receptions against the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears.
Therefore, he will have more opportunities to fill his highlight reel because he will be playing those teams at least twice next season.
Packers Will Still Draft A Wide Receiver
Yes, Watkins still has the speed to attract the attention of defensive backs.
That way, fellow receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb could get favorable coverages in their routes.
But Green Bay must surround Rodgers with more talent, and they might use one of their first-round picks to select a wide receiver.
The 2022 NFL Draft will feature a deep wideout class, making it the perfect opportunity to draft Adams’ successor with their No. 22 or No. 28 selections.
If the Watkins experiment fails, the rookie sensation can help save the day.
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