Aaron Rodgers is certain that veteran wide receiver Sammy Watkins will get the chance to be a productive player for the Green Bay Packers during the 2022 season.
The Packers quarterback was on the field and working with Watkins for the first time during Tuesday’s minicamp practice.
“There’s definitely going to be opportunities for him to make plays in this offense,” Rodgers said Tuesday. “I think he has everything right in front of him to have as productive a year as he wants to.”
Watkins, who caught just one touchdown pass for the Baltimore Ravens last year and hasn’t produced more than 500 receiving yards since 2019, should get a legitimate shot at being a starter for the Packers in 2022. Rodgers grouped Watkins, Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb together atop the depth chart at receiver, with young players such as rookies Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs competing with others for opportunities this early in the summer.
The Packers have a lot of targets to replace. Gone are Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who combined for 224 total targets last season. Watkins may get one of the first chances to gobble up a few of those targets from Rodgers.
“Excited about Sammy. Made some plays today,” Rodgers said. “It’s good to see him out there. He looks the part.”
Minicamp is off to a good start. According to Bill Huber of SI, Watkins made a one-handed catch on a ball thrown behind him during a live period. Jaire Alexander was in coverage.
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— Green Bay Packers (@packers) June 7, 2022
Rodgers said he knew the team wanted Watkins and backed the signing fully. He also believes landing in Green Bay could help revitalize Watkins’ career.
“I knew he was somebody we targeted and we were interested in, and I was 100 percent on board with that,” Rodgers said. “It’s important, you get guys who have a lot to play for. I think Sammy has an opportunity to continue and travel down a new path in his career, that we can help him here as he continues to improve and gets opportunities.”
Being a veteran with 99 games played at the NFL should help Watkins get on the field in Green Bay, where the Packers are attempting to replace Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling while also developing three rookie draft picks at the position.
Early on, Rodgers and Watkins are clicking.
“I love the disposition. I really enjoy the person,” Rodgers said.
Watkins signed a modest one-year deal to join Rodgers and the Packers. Now on his third team in three years, Watkins has found what could be a best-case scenario. The Packers need help at receiver and have targets to replace but also have a four-time MVP at the controls. This is Watkins’ chance to make the most of an opportunity.
