The Green Bay Packers need a wide receiver and will almost certainly draft one out of this year’s deep and talented class of incoming pass-catchers. At any point, especially within the first two or three rounds, the Packers could find a really good player to add to the passing offense led by Matt LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers.
Rookie receivers – even really talented ones – don’t always make an immediate impact. It takes time to learn a new offense, get on the same page with a quarterback and figure out how to consistently win against NFL-level cornerbacks and coverages. In Green Bay, a young receiver has to not only know the offense inside and out and prove they can play, but also earn Rodgers’ trust, and that can be a long process.
It could be even more difficult this year.
The coronavirus pandemic might not stop the NFL draft, but it has real potential to wipe out the entire offseason workout program and even abbreviate training camp, shortening the time on the field that rookie receivers often need to transition to the pro game. Valuable reps for Rodgers and the rookie receiver could be lost, potentially setting back the trust-building process by months and further lessening the opportunities for the rookie to make a true impact in Year 1.
More than likely, GM Brian Gutekunst and the Packers considered this possibility when they signed veteran Devin Funchess to a one-year deal. Funchess isn’t a game-changer, and he might be nothing more than a slight upgrade on Geronimo Allison, but he’s experienced and knows how to play the position at the NFL level, which could be really valuable as the Packers attempt to integrate him into the offense. At the very least, Funchess will be a step or two ahead of the rookie.
Allen Lazard, one of last year’s breakout players, already knows the offense and has developed a rapport with Rodgers. He’ll be a step or two ahead of Funchess. That might leave the rookie, even a first-round pick, having to settle for the scraps while battling Funchess, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown for snaps and targets in 2020.
Later this month, the Packers will grab a receiver they think can complement Davante Adams and improve the passing offense. But instant impact isn’t guaranteed – in fact, it’s possible the rookie will provide little impact in Year 1, partly due to the stresses of the transitions to the pro game but also because of the potential lack of a true offseason.