The Green Bay Packers will lean heavily on the receivers currently on the roster to produce in 2022, and one area native has a big opportunity to prove he belongs a top the depth chart this season and beyond.

The well chronicled departures of Davante Adams and Marques Valdez-Scantling this offseason left a gaping hole of production amongst the Packers wide receivers.

The franchise added wideouts in both free agency and the draft, but the fact that marquee players weren't added in either signals that the organization views former Iowa State receiver Allen Lazard as a key piece moving forward.

KXRB logo
Get our free mobile app
Iowa State v Oklahoma
Getty Images
loading...

After a brief stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018, the undrafted Cyclone wideout joined the Packers in December of 2018.

Now entering his fifth year in the league, Lazard has shown steady growth both statistically, as well as in his chemistry with veteran Quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

This past season, Lazard posted career highs in catches (40), yards (513), and touchdowns (8). Over his career, the veteran has 1,448 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.

Chicago Bears v Green Bay Packers
Getty Images
loading...

This year, Lazard will presumably take on a feature role. Both Adams and Valdez-Scantling were ahead of Lazard on the depth chart, which gives the veteran plenty of room to move up.

The Packers signed Sammy Watkins this offseason via free agency, and also drafted a trio of wide receivers, most notably North Dakota State's Christian Watson in the second round.

Regardless, Lazard's continued development, chemistry with Rodgers, and veteran leadership make him a very important player for the Packers heading into this season. We'll see if the former Cyclone is up to the challenge, and if he can cement himself among the premier wideouts on the roster and in the division.

Green Bay Packers v Detroit Lions
Getty Images
loading...

Source: Pro Football Reference and Wikipedia

Minnesota Vikings In The Super Bowl? Yep, I Can Remember All Four

It's that time of year, the time when everyone is talking about the NFL's upcoming Super Bowl.

It may be hard to believe, but there was a time when the Minnesota Vikings went to the Super Bowl.

And then they went again. And then again. And then again. Hey, we were one of the greatest teams of all time!

Unfortunately, it was the same time the Vikings lost the Super Bowl. And then again. And then again. And then again. Well, at least we must have been one of the second-best teams of all time!

For a whole lot of Vikings fans...you know, the ones who walk around with younger bones...the Vikings have never been to the Super Bowl.

Then there's the ol' dog that is me. I remember the first time... and the second... and the third... and the fourth.

More From KXRB