Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is sensing the start of a second-year jump from receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Asked about the receivers after OTAs Tuesday, Rodgers singled out Valdes-Scantling as a young player who is taking full advantage of the opportunity in the passing game.
“I think Marquez has had a fantastic spring and really stepped up as a guy who can be an every down player,” Rodgers said.
Valdes-Scantling played in all 16 games and made 10 starts as a rookie in 2018. The fifth-round pick caught 38 passes for 581 yards and two scores, flashing game-breaking ability as a vertical receiver early before fizzling out down the stretch of a disappointing season.
He did finish strong, catching five passes for 75 yards in a win over the New York Jets and hauling in three passes against the coverage of Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay in the season finale.
Now, with Randall Cobb gone and a big opportunity available behind Davante Adams, the Packers are counting on one of the young receivers to step up and improve, and Valdes-Scantling looks like the early favorite to enjoy the benefits of the second-year jump chased by so many young players in the NFL.
In fact, it’s possible Valdes-Scantling could emerge as one of the most important complementary pieces in the Packers passing game, which will be headlined by the Rodgers-Adams connection.
“I’d like to throw to Davante more, he’s that open,” Rodgers said. “We gotta keep finding ways of getting him the ball. There’s nothing wrong with having a go-to guy who is that dynamic and finding ways of getting him the ball. Obviously, we need complementary pieces in place.”
Rodgers also mentioned tight end Jimmy Graham as a go-to player behind Adams.
“I expect a big bounce-back year from Jimmy,” Rodgers said. He’s healthy, he’s feeling good. This offense, I think, fits him and his body type.”
A big second-year jump from Valdes-Scantling and a comeback season from Graham – teamed with a new scheme and a healthy Rodgers – could provide the push necessary to revive the Packers passing game in 2019.
