Only two receivers in the NFL had a higher percentage of targets with at least one step of separation than Marquez Valdes-Scantling last season, per Pro Football Focus.
The Green Bay Packers rookie receiver had at least a step of separation on 70.3 percent of targets, excluding screens.
Valdes-Scantling saw 73 total targets in 2018, catching 38 for 581 yards and two scores.
PFF’s stat could suggest a few things. Either Valdes-Scantling was one of the NFL’s very best at gaining consistent separation last season, or quarterback Aaron Rodgers rarely threw to the rookie receiver when he wasn’t legitimately open. It’s likely some combination of both. Valdes-Scantling possesses the size and speed to get open, especially down the field, but he also struggled at times to get on the same page as his veteran quarterback, creating an up and down rookie year.
Could the stat also suggest a breakout season is coming in 2018?
More opportunities in the new offense and a better connection with Rodgers could turn Valdes-Scantling from a flash-of-greatness rookie into a difference-making second-year pass-catcher.
By all accounts, Valdes-Scantling was one of the standouts from the Packers offseason workout program. He quickly picked up the offense and played fast, putting him in prime position to open the 2019 season as the No. 2 receiver behind Davante Adams.
Valdes-Scantling can separate. He’s big and fast, and he’ll be a perfect weapon in Matt LaFleur’s vertical passing game. Now, if he can add a dash or two of consistency and a dash or two of his quarterback’s trust, he’ll have all the ingredients for a breakout second season.
