Today, we’re looking at past rookie wide receivers for the Green Bay Packers, starting with the number 442. That is the average receiving yards for four prominent Packers receivers in their rookie seasons under quarterback Aaron Rodgers. At the very least, this should provide some context toward what to expect from Christian Watson next season.
There have been four wide receivers to have significant roles in their rookie seasons since Rodgers became the starting quarterback in 2008. For clarity purposes, we are talking about Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Each situation was unique, but all four totaled at least 30 targets in their first season when a distinguished No. 1 was already on the roster.
Nelson got the ball rolling in Rodgers’ first season as the third option behind Greg Jennings and Donald Driver. Nelson, of course, went on to have a stellar career that ended with 613 career receptions, 8,587 yards, and 72 touchdowns, but even he did not become the leading receiver until his fourth season. He and Watson have the most similar draft value, as Nelson was drafted with the 36th overall pick and Watson only two spots ahead.
