Entering the NFL as a wide receiver is typically a difficult thing to do. With all the intricate details of what goes along with a first year player, locking down a repetitive routine isn’t an easy thing to do. The game of football inside the NFL is a faster paced style than that of college. This is one of the main reasons why rookies have a hard time adjusting in their first few years.
During the 2014 season, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams didn’t fill up the stat sheet like fellow rookie receiver Odell Beckham Jr., but he showed some flashes and samples of what his talent could turn into behind the electric skills of Aaron Rodgers. Adams finished the year with 38 receptions, 446 yards, and 3 touchdowns in a limited role, but now could shine in his second year.
He is undoubtedly a fit for the Packers’ offensive scheme and has drawn high praise from Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers for his athletic ability, study habits and overall development. At 6’1″, 212 pounds, his leaping ability and playmaking skills are on par with any receiver in the game.
Consistency was his Achilles heel in 2014, but breaking down some film showed his effortless ability to release off the line and run precise routes in the middle of traffic. One of the main reasons is his acceleration. Adams has underestimated speed, along with a long stride that makes him nearly impossible to defend on a slant. As an added bonus, he has shown the footwork to get off the line against press coverage. This is always a key point in the development of any young receiver.
We expect the numbers and the overall production on the field to increase for most second year players because the game begins to slow down. That allows these guys to process information quicker, recognize schemes and play a much faster brand of football because they trust their technique.
While Adams doesn’t have top-tier long speed, it is underestimated like I mentioned above, which allows him to show the change-of-direction ability to cut down angles in the open field. In the Packers system McCarthy can use personnel and alignment with Adams to expose zone coverages.
Add that to the favorable matchups Adams is going to draw when lining up alongside Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb in the Packers’ three-wide receiver personnel, and I see a player who is primed to have a breakout season in 2015.He might not have the numbers of an Odell Beckham Jr. this upcoming season, but given the Packers’ explosive West Coast Offense, he will be a consistent player throughout the year!
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