If you read my last player highlight, I covered Tight End Dawson Knox. He continues to be a hot add, but the tight end landscape is more barren then ever and makes me yawn just thinking about covering another deep speculative add. This week I am going to cover the 4th quarter darling from the Monday night game, Allen Lazard. What caught my eye with Lazar was Aarons confidence going to him on back to back plays with the game on the line. In a game where it looked like every receiver on the packers had stone hands, it was a breath of fresh air.
What we know:
6’ 5” 227 lbs
23 years old
4.55 40 time
38” vertical jump
Was recruited to Notre Dame, Stanford, and others but ultimately chose Iowa State where his father and brother both player. Athletic genes.
Started for the Cyclones as a true Freshmen.
Finished his college career 7 receptions and 678 yards away from breaking school records in both categories
Rodgers lobbied for him to get into the game in the 4th quarter
What I think:
With Allison and Adams likely out this week for the packers, it will be the same group of stone handed receivers on the field for the packers this week against the Raiders. This could be the time that Lazard needs to prove himself on the field and earn a larger role with the offense moving forward. Allison and MVS have not been very sharp this year. When Allison returns I feel there might be opportunities for fresh young legs to work more in the mix IF he proves himself this week.
What I am looking forward to is if Rodgers continues to look his way this week. In Rodgers post game interview, he said that Lazard has been doing this all year in practice and dropped that touchdown right where it needed to be. They seem to have the chemistry and anyone that develops trust with Rodgers is worth a roster spot. Worth noting that Rodgers sits next to Lazard at meetings. Can’t be too many seats next to Rodgers in those team meetings…
Overall, this is a complete dart throw. But one that could pay off if he turns into the third option for Rodgers in that offense.
Happy Hunting and good luck this week!