Davante Adams was expected to have a breakout season last year for the Green Bay Packers after Jordy Nelson went down with a torn ACL. He was immediately the No. 2 wide receiver on the Packers’ depth chart to open the season. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned for the Packers’ second-round pick in 2014.
Despite the increased role, Adams’ numbers didn’t make the leap that they were projected to. He caught just 50 passes for 483 yards and one touchdown. That didn’t get the job done for Green Bay and his roster spot has not been secure this offseason heading into training camp and preseason action.
Even though the numbers were down last season, fantasy football owners should still target Adams late in their drafts.
Aaron Rodgers is primed for a bounce-back season after the Packers’ disappointing 2015 offensive production. Nelson and Randall Cobb will take back their roles as the No. 1 and No. 2 wide receivers respectively. Being able to come in as the third target will help Adams in a big way.
At 23-years-old, Adams is still figuring out the speed and physicality of the NFL game. It was obvious that he was not ready for the defense that hit him last season. Now that he has a full year as a key player under his belt, he will come back much stronger and more prepared for the challenges that he will face.
Looking ahead to next season, Adams should end up not only making the final 53-man roster, but also playing a fairly big role for the Packers.
It is always difficult to predict a players season, but with Adams there are a few numbers that should be his floor. Adams should record at least 50 receptions for 700 yards and eight touchdowns. Pressure will be taken off of his shoulders, which will translate into much bigger numbers.
Adams isn’t going to be a receiver that a fantasy football owner should target in the early parts of the draft. He will, however, be a solid depth pickup later on in the draft.
Don’t be scared away from Adams because of the disappointing statistics of last season. He will come through with a much better season in 2016 and will be a solid No. 3 or No. 4 wide receiver.
