Davante Adams, Green Bay PackersIf general manager Ted Thompson's
track record is any indication, stardom awaits Adams. Thompson's previous three second-round wide receivers were
Greg Jennings,
Jordy Nelson and
Randall Cobb, each of whom has signed a contract worth more than $9 million annually.
Hauling in passes from
Derek Carr at Fresno State, Adams led the nation in receptions (131) and touchdown catches (24) as a redshirt sophomore in 2013. He won't threaten defenses deep with his 4.54 speed, but still showed polish as a route runner, particularly with a double move that consistently gained separation. Adams is physical enough to win on slants and crossers and uses a 39.5-inch vertical to high-point in traffic and outside the numbers.
In effect, Adams is a strong-handed possession receiver with impressive ball skills, red-zone potential and the ability to stress a defense after the catch.
Aaron Rodgers told the FOX broadcast team late in the season that Adams has shown signs of greatness and the "swagger of a No. 1 receiver."
The Question: Will he eventually bypass
Jordy Nelson or
Randall Cobb?
For all of Rodgers' praise, Adams missed a slew of impromptu back-shoulder opportunities because he lacked chemistry with his quarterback. That potential for big plays off improvisation will obviously improve over time, but it's going to be hard for Adams to surpass the mind-meld that Rodgers has with Nelson and Cobb. In the meantime, the
increasingly dynamic Packers offense will benefit with Adams picking on weaker corners.
Comparison: Early-career
Michael Crabtree