The work done by second-year receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling this offseason is being noticed by more than just Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
According to Albert Breer of SI.com, Valdes-Scantling is impressing the Packers coaching staff with his straight-line speed and ability to pick up the new offense, making him one of the top players to watch going into this week’s minicamp.
“The 6′ 4″, 206-pound 24-year-old is faster than the new staff anticipated he’d be, and has quickly picked up Matt LaFleur’s system, which is significantly different than Mike McCarthy’s. You know how big Aaron Rodgers’s arm is, and the Packers quarterback hasn’t been able to overthrow him in OTAs,” Breer wrote.
Just last week, Rodgers said Valdes-Scantling has had a “fantastic spring” while stepping into a role as an “every-down player.” It was high praise from a quarterback who is generally good at sensing the beginnings of a breakout receiver.
Last season, Valdes-Scantling finished ninth among NFL rookies in catches (38) and seventh in receiving yards (581). He averaged 15.8 yards per catch, with eight catches over 20 yards and four over 40, which was tied for first among rookies.
The experience gained over playing in all 16 games, his unique size and speed, and a new offense designed around pushing the ball down the field in the passing game could combine to make Valdes-Scantling one of the Packers’ most valuable second-year players in 2019.
At the very least, Valdes-Scantling is positioning himself to be a starter opposite Davante Adams for new coach Matt LaFleur, especially if he’s picking up the offense quickly.
The Packers start a mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. Can Valdes-Scantling continue creating buzz during the final step of the offseason workout program?
