As the Green Bay Packers look ahead to the 2019 NFL season, Marquez Valdes-Scantling is a name to keep an eye on. He showed flashes of big potential as a rookie last season, but will be thrown into a much bigger role unless something changes in 2019. Scantling could very well end up being the No. 2 target for Aaron Rodgers.
Following the departure of Randall Cobb in free agency, the Packers are left with Davante Adams as their only veteran wideout. Scantling currently projects to be the No. 2 receiver, although he may have some competition in Geronimo Allison. Fellow second-year receiver Equanimeous St. Brown will receive a larger role as well.
During his rookie season in 2018, Scantling ended up catching 38 passes for 581 yards and two touchdowns. He gained a lot of respect and trust from Rodgers as the season wore on.
At just 24 years old, Scantling will be asked to step up in a big way. He will have the opportunity to prove that he can be an NFL starter.
All of that being said, let's take a look at three way-too-early bold predictions for Scantling in 2019 with the Packers.
He Catches At Least 80 Passes
Opposing defenses are going to hone in on stopping Adams, which will give Scantling a chance for a big year.
Rodgers is going to need a big-play threat outside of Adams and Scantling is more than capable of being that guy. He is also capable of being a possession receiver. Catching at least 80 passes is a more than reasonable, but still bold prediction.
If Scantling is able to achieve this goal, the Packers' offense is going to be even more dangerous. Matt LaFleur's offense will also fit Scantling's game well.
Scantling Will Have 1,000 Yards, 10 Touchdowns
Along with the bigger role will come much bigger numbers. Scantling put up 581 yards last season in a limited role. With a full offseason of work and a lot more chemistry with his quarterback, this prediction has a very good chance of coming true.
Scantling has the talent to be a 1,000-yard receiver in 2019. He could very well end up passing that mark. If he makes the improvements that Green Bay is hoping to see from him, he is going to end up being the No. 2 receiver and will have a massive statistical season.
Green Bay Will See Scantling Make the Pro Bowl
That's right, let's go ahead and make this prediction. Scantling making the Pro Bowl isn't something that is being talked about right now, but it is certainly a goal that he should have marked down.
In LaFleur's offense, the ball will be thrown short and long, as well as a lot of medium range passes. Scantling's ability to run crisp routes and the athleticism, speed, and hands that he showed as a rookie will give him a chance to be one of the top receivers in the NFC.
Finding a true No. 2 receiver behind Adams was a major priority this offseason, but finding a second Pro Bowl receiver wasn't something that many thought was already on the roster. Scantling will prove that the Packers are just fine with the way their wide receiving corps is currently set up.
Follow Us
Subscribe