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Aaron Rodgers discusses 2022 first-round pick’s impact off the field
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) discuss the transitioning of the team for the upcoming season. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK

This past offseason for Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers has been quite the transition. More so, within the last week Rodgers has been discussing the wide receiver room stating, “I had a conversation with a couple of the young guys about the standard we are going to hold them to”.  In turn the young receivers did meet with Rodgers to get some advice on what the veteran QB would like to see in the near future.

Rookie wide receiver Romeo Doubs spoke with the media saying,” He just wants us to see what he sees so then that way we can be able to react faster, play faster, and just be able to dominate and continue to be who we are”. Of course, this came out before the Packers took the field against the Saints last Friday night.

Since that time Christian Watson has been recovering from a previous knee injury. However, Rodgers has been giving some other Packers players words of encouragement, and how they have been making an impact off the field. One of those players included in the conversation was rookie defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt.

 Packers Rookie Defensive Lineman Devonte Wyatt

Georgia Stats

In 2021 Wyatt started in 14 games at Georgia making 39 total tackles, 18 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks, 27 QB pressures, three passes defensed, one blocked field goal, and one fumble recovery. He was also named first team all SEC in his final season. Over the course of his career at the University of Georgia, he collected 49 solo tackles, 113 total tackles including 12 tackles for loss, five sacks, and only two forced fumbles during his entire four-year career. Wyatt made a definite impact as Georgia became the #1 defense in 2021.

Just like all first-year players he has had to take advice and learn the speed of the game. Going up against bigger, faster and stronger athletes is going to be a big adjustment. When asked about the number of reps in practice he replied,” Whatever I get, I try to take advantage of”. Learning from some of the older guys should help him get use to the physicality that they possess. Hopefully his recent play in college transfers over to the NFL.

Rodgers Take on Packers Rookie

Being that he still going through the motions while practicing, his quarterback spoke highly of the young defensive lineman stating, ” They asked the rookies who was the funniest, and I haven’t seen it yet. The next day he came and sat with me at lunch, we had a nice conversation, I really enjoy him. I really enjoy those opportunities. I’ve had a number of conversations with the younger guys, guys who are going to make the team, guys who are on the bubble, and guys who are longshots. So, I enjoy getting to know these guys, but Wyatt has been a repeat lunch buddy which has been fun”. Seems like it is getting personal when it comes to the Packers quarterback getting to know his teammates. He is not just going out to lunch with the veterans, but the young guys as well.

Rodgers may be hard on his players, but deep down inside he has compassion for them too. It is all about building them up and helping them become better players on and off the field. I think it is safe to say Rodgers has an impact on his teammates, just like they do on him. 

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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