A former running back who led the 2020 draft class in yards after the catch could help the Green Bay Packers solve a major issue on offense.
Arizona State receiver Brandon Aiyuk has the ability to be a dynamic player after the catch in the NFL, and there’s no doubting the Packers’ need for a player who can create after the catch.
According to Pro Football Focus, Aiyuk, one of the top senior receivers, led all players in the 2020 draft class with an average of 9.9 yards after the catch. A little over half of his total receiving production came after the catch.
A history at running back and experience returning punts and kicks helped create Aiyuk’s rare ability to break tackles and create space after making the catch.
“My background is at running back,” Aiyuk told Dane Brugler of The Athletic in October. “It’s like being a back again after the catch. I think it’s the strength of my game and it really makes a difference.”
After Pro Bowl receiver Davante Adams and running backs Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams, the Packers lack a player capable of creating on his own after the catch.
As noted by Bill Huber of SI, Packers receivers forced a total of nine missed tackles in 2019. Pro Football Reference was even more harsh, crediting Packers receivers with only six broken tackles – three from Adams, two from Jake Kumerow, one from Geronimo Allison and zero from everyone else.
Jones and Williams led the team in broken tackles after the catch, with both creating 10. Aiyuk could give the Packers a similar threat at receiver.
The Arizona State star is a gifted athlete who showed the vision to find space, instincts for creating creases in the defense and acceleration to get around and past defenders. Even if his route tree is limited early in his NFL career, he could be a difference-maker on quick in-breaking routes or tunnel screens. Aiyuk was particularly dangerous on slants, turning several into long touchdowns during his senior season.
The Packers are going to be on the hunt for explosive offensive players this offseason. Acquiring playmakers in the passing game is one of the major needs for GM Brian Gutekunst.
Expect Aiyuk to be on the Packers’ radar. His best skill – an ability to create after the catch – fits perfectly with one of the Packers’ needs at receiver.
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