Bleacher Report names Packers WR Allen Lazard as one of NFL’s best kept secrets

When discussing why the Packers did not go out and get a bigger name wide receiver, Davenport discussed Lazard’s career-high stats last season. In 2021, Lazard had 40 receptions for 513 yards and eight touchdowns. It does not get talked about much, but take a look at those numbers again: 40 receptions and eight touchdowns. That means that one in every five of Lazard’s receptions were touchdowns. He also had 28 first down catches. This means that 36 out of 40 of his receptions moved the chains or put points on the scoreboard. In short, Lazard was a very underrated contributor to the offense last season.

Of Lazard replacing Adams as the Packers top wide receiver, Davenport wrote:

Lazard isn’t just going to duplicate Adams’ production—that’s not a realistic expectation. But if Lazard really does become Rodgers’ top passing-game weapon, doubling his receptions and yardage from a year ago is well within reason.

If Lazard doubles his stats, as Davenport suggests, that would give him 80 receptions for 1,026 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Aaron Rodgers Believes Lazard Can Be Wide Receiver One

The notion that Allen Lazard can step up to be the Packers top wide receiver is not just some hopeful whim by fans. Aaron Rodgers himself believes Lazard is capable of being a primary target. In an interview he gave during the Packers’ mandatory mini camp, Rodgers said the following of Lazard:

“Excited about Allen Lazard. He’s been our dirty-work guy for most of his career here. Now he’s getting an opportunity to be a number one receiver. So, I’m not worried at all about him stepping into that role. I talk to him a lot. I know how he takes care of his body. I know he’ll be ready when he’s here.”

“When he’s here” refers to the fact that Lazard had not signed his tender and was absent from minicamp. However, he did eventually sign it and will report to training camp with the rest of the team.