Allen Lazard has been NFL’s best blocking WR over last 2 years

There’s a reason Matt LaFleur calls WR Allen Lazard his “enforcer” in the run game.

No wide receiver has been better as a run blocker over the last two seasons than Allen Lazard of the Green Bay Packers.

According to Pro Football Focus, Lazard has graded out as the top run-blocking receiver in the NFL among 108 qualifying players at the position since 2019.

Last season, Lazard ranked sixth in run-blocking grade among receivers with at least 100 run-blocking snaps. He was the No. 1 receiver in run-blocking grade on zone run snaps.

The Packers have asked Lazard to block on 351 running plays over the last two seasons. He has been tasked with blocking cornerbacks, safeties and even linebackers and edge rushers depending on the playcall.

Coach Matt LaFleur values run blocking in his receivers, and Lazard – a tight end-sized receiver at 6-5 and 227 pounds – has embraced the role. In fact, LaFleur once called Lazard his “enforcer” in the run game.

“He’s a complete receiver. You can see it in the running game. He’s kind of our enforcer. Defensive backs know where he is at all times because he’s going to try and punish you,” LaFleur said last season.

An undrafted free agent claimed by the Packers off the Jaguars practice squad late in the 2018 season, Lazard has turned himself into an indispensable player for LaFleur in his offense. He can operate out wide and in the slot, and his ability to block from a variety of angles and formations keeps the Packers’ run game diverse and unpredictable.

Including the playoffs, Lazard caught 40 passes for 609 yards and four touchdowns over 12 total games and 592 total snaps last season.

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