Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst is anticipating his group of young receivers to take a big jump in 2020.
His continued confidence in Allen Lazard, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown – who are all entering their third season in the NFL – helped explain why Gutekunst didn’t take a receiver in the 2020 draft.
“I really like our group of young receivers and where they’re headed,” Gutekunst told Larry McCarren of Packers.com. “I’ve always talked how, I think it’s very true if you look back, that most receivers in this league really start to come into their own in Year 3. Look back at our history here, with guys like Davante (Adams) and Jordy (Nelson), that’s really where they’ve started to come into their own. So I’m excited for those guys.”
The Packers were widely expected to take a receiver early in the draft, which many considered to be strong at the position, but Gutekunst admitted he was “probably” more comfortable with his current receivers than most outsiders. The Packers made nine picks but didn’t spend one on a receiver. Michigan State’s Darrell Stewart Jr. is expected to be added as an undrafted free agent.
Lazard, Valdes-Scantling and St. Brown, the three young players fitting Gutekunst’s description of a soon-to-be third-year receiver, will all be expected to play vital roles in the passing game in 2020.
Lazard, an undrafted free agent, broke out with 35 catches for 477 yards and three touchdowns in 2019, his first season as a contributor. Valdes-Scantling, a fifth-round pick, produced some flash moments early in his second season but hurt his knee and ankle in October and was never the same. St. Brown, a sixth-round pick, suffered an ankle injury during the preseason and missed the entire season.
Lazard played a number of roles, including as a perimeter receiver, in the slot and as a go-to blocking receiver. Valdes-Scantling remains a one-trick pony, but his one trick – in the vertical passing game – can be valuable. St. Brown flashed some route-running ability from the slot as a rookie.
The Packers are now banking on all three to develop into quality players within their specific roles. Gutekunst pointed to several of the Packers’ more recent success stories, such as Adams and Nelson, as reasons to be optimistic about their individual growth as young receivers. Both Adams and Nelson enjoyed breakout statistical seasons in Year 3 and eventually became difference-making players for Aaron Rodgers and the passing game.
However, Adams and Nelson were both high picks with considerable talent coming out of college. They were also far more versatile and well-rounded as individual pass-catchers.
Gutekunst also added veteran Devin Funchess, who will be playing for his third team in three seasons. He played just one game last season before breaking his collarbone. Packers coach Matt LaFleur sees him as a physical receiver with considerable NFL experience.
Former CFL star Reggie Begelton was signed in January. The Packers will also return Jake Kumerow, Darrius Shepherd and Malik Taylor from last year’s team. All four must be considered long-shots to be consistent contributors.
Will Lazard, Valdes-Scantling and St. Brown emerge from the offseason and make good on Gutekunst’s optimism? Will they take a big step in their development and become consistent and reliable playmakers in the passing game? The Packers are banking on it.