Green Bay Packers: Ranking the 10 best players on the team
By Joe Kipp
2. Davante Adams
After a breakout campaign in 2018, Davante Adams is now considered a consensus top-10 receiver by several fans and analysts. The Packers drafted Adams in the second round of the 2014 draft, and after two lackluster seasons, many fans wanted him released from the team leading up to his third year in the league. Then, in 2016, Adams turned it all around and emerged as the team’s new No. 1 target.
Even so, Adams was still largely criticized for never breaking 1,000 yards leading up to the 2018 season, especially since his contract was extended after the 2017 season. He put all doubts to rest by posting a monster stat line of 111 receptions for 1,386 yards and 13 touchdowns in just 15 games as the team’s unquestioned No. 1 receiver last year.
What makes Adams so special is his route running. He has the best release off the line of scrimmage of any receiver in the NFL, which is what makes him so hard to guard for opposing defenders. Adams credits his quickness off the line to his basketball background, stating he simulates a crossover when trying to get a clean release.
Adams’ release is a big reason he’s one of the best red zone weapons in the NFL. Last season, he caught 16 of his 26 red zone targets for 149 yards and 12 touchdowns. He finished the year as PFF’s No. 8 overall receiver (subscription required). If Adams posts another stellar season in 2019, it’s possible he propels himself into the top five discussion.