Green Bay Packers: 5 Breakout players set to shine in 2019
By Joe Kipp
4. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR
The Packers haven’t had a true deep threat at wide receiver since Jordy Nelson was in his prime — a prime which abruptly ended due to a torn ACL in the 2015 preseason — but Marquez Valdes-Scantling appears to be next in line to take on that role. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers had no problem talking up Valdes-Scantling earlier in the offseason, noting his clear rise in confidence and ability to stretch the field.
Valdes-Scantling put together a nice rookie campaign in 2018, racking up 38 receptions for 581 yards and two touchdowns. His whopping average of 15.3 yards per reception ranked 16th-best in the NFL in 2018. Overall, Valdes-Scantling produced 10 catches of at least 15 yards, including two games with over 100 yards.
It’s unclear at this point who the Packers’ No. 2 receiver will be entering 2019. Veteran Geronimo Allison is a likely candidate due to his experience and rapport with Rodgers, but Valdes-Scantling has the higher upside. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Allison and Vales-Scantling be 2A and 2B as options at receiving threats; of course, Davante Adams is No. 1.
Valdes-Scantling may not have a ton of receptions in 2019, but his receiving yardage and yards per reception should be extremely healthy. He may not top 1,000 yards, but his presence as a field stretcher will be a valuable asset for Rodgers and the Packers offense.