Clemson football: Will Amari Rodgers make second year leap in Green Bay?

Amari Rodgers was drafted by the Green Bay Packers with the 85th pick in 2021.

Former Clemson football wide receiver Amari Rodgers had a quiet rookie year with the Green Bay Packers in 2021.

As with most NFL rookies, especially third round picks, there was a huge learning curve vs. what is expected in college.

Rodgers started one game and was targeted 8 times as a receiver, with 4 receptions for 45 yards and 2 first downs, while rushing the ball once for 11 yards and a first down and he was only on the field for 10% of the Packers offensive snaps.

Most of Rodgers action was seen on special teams where he returned 20 punts for 166 yards and 11 kickoffs for 199 yards.

Offseason losses provides Amari Rodgers an opportunity for more playing time in 2022

With the offseason departures of Devante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Rodgers could be headed for additional playing time as he rolls into year two and according to his position coach Rodgers looks ready for the challenge.

"“Biggest thing we worked on, I talked to him in the offseason, how do you get your confidence? Well, you work and train harder than you ever did,” Vrable said. “So if you were to see him right now, he already looks faster and stronger than he ever did. He’s in the best shape of his life. His mindset is, ‘I’m going to be the No. 1 guy at all three positions.’ He has that going for him. His route-running is already cleaner and crisper. He’s trained an entire offseason.”"

Rodgers, of course, played at Clemson from 2017-2020, totalling 181 receptions for 2,144 yards and 15 touchdowns and was part of the 2018 National Championship team.

Rodgers also returned 68 punts at Clemson for 529 yards and a touchdown, but only returned 2 kicks, something he did more of in his rookie NFL campaign.

Rodgers, the son of Tennessee legend Tee Martin, Amari Rodgers signed with Clemson in 2017 out of Knoxville Catholic High School and quickly became a fan favorite with the Tigers.