This is Where He Proves Them All Wrong

The story behind Allen Lazard's drive to be an elite receiver.

It was Thursday, April 26, 2018.  Commissioner Roger Goodell called the 83rd annual NFL draft to order at AT&T stadium in Arlington Texas.  Watching from his home in Urbandale, Iowa, Allen Lazard found it hard to contain his excitement.  The six foot -four receiver had just finished up a historic career at Iowa State, virtually rewriting the school record book.  He had amassed 3,360 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns.  He was named first team all Big Twelve after both his junior and senior seasons.  He was invited to play at the Senior Bowl.  Draft gurus were projecting him as a mid round prospect, but Lazard had hopes of some team sneaking him into the second or third round. 

As day one of the draft progressed, just two receivers went in the first round.  Carolina had taken DJ Moore at 24, and the Falcons followed by selecting Calvin Ridley with the 26th pick.  Six more got the call in round two, guys like Courtland Sutton and Dante Pettis and DJ Chark.  By round three, Lazard’s hope of being drafted higher than expectations were crushed, as just two additional pass catchers were picked, Michael Gallup and Tre’Quan Smith. 

But that would be just the beginning of his disappointment.  Day three arrived.  The fourth round unfolded.   Then the fifth, the sixth and seventh.  Lazard watched incredulously.  The phone never rang.  His name was never called from the podium.  Much to his shock and amazement, he had gone undrafted.  He was far from the only one surprised at the slight.  The entire Big Twelve conference took it as a slap in the face.  Pete Mundo, a Big Twelve beat reporter, wrote “Allen Lazard will be the biggest steal of any free agent signing in the 2018 NFL Draft process.”  Andrew Miller echoed the sentiment in an article for Fansided that was headlined “Allen Lazard One of the Most Surprising Misses in 2018 Draft”.  Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register wrote: "It seemed so likely that Lazard was going to become Iowa State's first draft pick since 2014, that he held a draft party not far from Jack Trice Stadium. More than 150 of his family, friends and coaches were at the restaurant to watch it unfold.  A bottle of champagne with two balloons tied to it sat at the start of a receiving line for food. One of the balloons was an Iowa State football. The other read, “Congratulations.”

How could this happen?  An article in WalterFootball.com suggested pro scouts had doubts about Lazard’s speed.  At the combine he had run a 4.55 in the forty.  It was also written that the Iowa native dropped several throws at his workouts at the Senior Bowl.  Lance Zierlein of nfl.com wrote "Lazard is a possession receiver, but his lack of play speed and athletic ability could make separating from NFL cornerbacks a difficult challenge."

Still, 29 receivers taken in the 2018 draft and Lazard was not among them?  Unthinkable to observers who had watched him play throughout his college career. 

Stung by the lack of attention, Lazard signed as an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he would endure another snub.  Despite being on a team that finished 5-11 and last in the AFC South, a team whose best receivers were Dede Westbrook, Donte Moncrief and Keelan Cole, Lazard languished on the practice squad, never given an opportunity to suit up during a game. 

They say good things happen if you just keep working hard.  You never know when destiny may call.  For Allen Lazard, the event that would alter the course of his career took place on a cold day at Soldier Field in Chicago on December 16 of that year.  Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones injured his knee in a 24-17 loss to the Bears.  Two days later, the Packers placed Jones on injured reserve, which opened up a spot on the roster.  As they have done so often in the recent past, the Green Bay scouting department combed the league and identified an obscure player on another team’s practice squad and decided to give him a shot. 

It’s a long way from Jacksonville, Florida to Green Bay, Wisconsin.  1,267 miles to be exact.  On December 18, 2018, Lazard made the journey.  It was a start.  Now he was on a game day roster.  Now he could actually suit up.  It would change his life.

Wearing “lucky” number 13, Lazard would catch just one pass for seven yards that season.  But his work ethic, attitude and willingness to do the dirty work caught the eye of the team’s future Hall of Fame quarterback.  Aaron Rodgers immediately saw something in the young Iowan that all of the NFL scouts missed on draft night.  Predicting greatness for him, Rodgers targeted Lazard 52 times in 2019, and was pleased with the results, as were his coaches.  Lazard's numbers dipped in 2020 after he missed six games, but last year he registered career highs in receptions, yards and touchdowns, despite playing a distant second fiddle to Davante Adams. 

Which brings us to now.  As he works his way through this training camp, Lazard is profoundly aware of how the stars have aligned for him to become a bona fide number one receiver on a Super Bowl contending team..  Adams is gone, traded away.  Randall Cobb is aging and nearing the end.  Sammy Watkins is new and oft injured.  A gaggle of rookies are talented but lacking in experience.  The star quarterback is still there.  Lazard will be a free agent after the season, so a big year would net him a huge contract.   

This is his time.  Somehow, some way, he knew it would come.  “Since I was 16 years old, when I committed to Iowa State, this is the vision I saw, this is the vision I had” Lazard told Jason Wilde of Madison.com.  “I want to go out there and prove to everyone what my value is and what my worth should be.” 

You think Aaron Rodgers plays with a chip on his shoulder because of his first round fall in the draft?  How about the grudge you carry when you fall out of the draft entirely?  That’s why Allen Lazard wants it badly.  Everybody passed on him back in 2018.  Now he has the chance to make them regret it.. 

  

 

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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.

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NFL Categories: 
11 points
 

Comments (55)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Savage57's picture

August 08, 2022 at 06:09 am

Hell hath no fury like a Cyclone scorned.

5 points
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NickPerry's picture

August 08, 2022 at 06:52 am

I remember Lazard coming out. I remember seeing him mocked in the 4th and 5th rounds mostly in my annual mock draft obsession before each NFL draft happens. I also remember being pleased when the Packers nabbed him off the Jacksonville PS.

Lazard doesn't need to replace Davante Adams OR his production, he just needs to be part of the offense. Granted he'll be a bigger part but he doesn't need to be Davante 2.0. He just needs to be Allan Lazard. Just like Adams, Lazard isn't going to be running away from defenders, but I have no doubt in THIS offense he can catch 70 or 80 balls for 1000 yards and 10 TDs or somewhere along those lines.

But IMO 2022 is going to be the year of EVERYBODY. Sure Rodgers will have his favorites and players like Lazard will be one of them, but I think we see a much larger version of the MLF playbook this year. More Jones, Dillon, and possibly Tyler Goodson. More Degura, Tyler Davis, and hopefully very soon Robert Tonyan. But also more of Doubs, Watkins, Cobb, Amari Rodgers, and hopefully Christian Watson.

I think Lazard will be the leading receiver on this team and personally, I'm happy as hell for Lazard. I think he'll also continue to be knocking down his responsibility in the running game to clear a path for Dillon and/or Jones. Lazard is a valuable part of the puzzle in Green Bay. More than any past season ever the Packers need EVERYBODY, not just Lazard to step up.

11 points
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T7Steve's picture

August 08, 2022 at 07:45 am

Nick, do you think he's better with press coverage, because of his speed (or lack of)?

Have you seen an improvement in his rout running, having worked with Adams for all these years?

It seems he improved on drops when he went to those black latex/rubber gloves when it got colder last year.

3 points
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Bure9620's picture

August 08, 2022 at 07:31 am

Double

0 points
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Bure9620's picture

August 08, 2022 at 07:28 am

100% we don't have the most targeted WR in NFL anymore. That's fine. Lazard is very good player. He is such a good blocker, MLF wanted to utilize this. Due to Adams and being asked to block he simply lacked opportunity. Lazard is a great receiver.

Honestly the O-line is the concern, not receiver. If they can protect Rodgers, the offense will be fine, they will move the ball.

5 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

August 08, 2022 at 09:20 am

The Packers didn't have the most targeted WR last year either.

2 points
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Bure9620's picture

August 09, 2022 at 08:07 pm

True

0 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

August 08, 2022 at 08:16 pm

When the Whiskey Haze settled in the NFL Personnel Departments, he remained Un-drafted. So much for the trust the experts cult chants. I had him pegged as a three pick. How could all of the teams passover this lamb?
His last two seasons at ISU he caught everything and knew where the first down marker was planted. Very Lucky he was available to Gutedkunst to cover his whiffs. "Analyze this," Lazard said, with the silver salute. He's your main guy right now. See if Watkins can make it through 4 games with his hamstrings. Randall will be on a pitch count until the playoffs. I expect the three greenhorns to be making noise by mid-season. Let them loose....

0 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

August 08, 2022 at 10:53 am

Yeah I wouldnt count on more Lafleur-type plays this year. Not sure if you saw it or not, but Rodgers just did an interview with Big Cat on PFT and Rodgers wasnt shy about completely trashing Lafleur's offensive philosophy. He absolutely hates the motions and tight formations which are staples of Lafleur's offense. This isnt the first time hes publicly complained about Lafleur's offense either. Just when I was trying to force myself to forget about how much I despise Rodgers, he goes and does that. Seriously cant wait till hes gone.

-3 points
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Nate-1980's picture

August 09, 2022 at 06:49 am

Rts, he didn’t trash his philosophy.. He as a 4 time mvp said it’s easier on him to not have motion on every play so things are set and he can do his job better.. Get a life bro, he lives rent free in your head haha..:)

1 points
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Guam's picture

August 08, 2022 at 07:36 am

Motivation is a big factor in success and Lazard clearly has it. No one predicted Donald Driver's success, but he also turned motivation and talent into a premiere NFL career. Hopefully Lazard can follow the same path to stardom.

3 points
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mnbadger's picture

August 08, 2022 at 12:30 pm

Hopefully he also understands his place in the NFL will be better in GB than nearly any other place. He's entitled to every penny he gets in his next contract, but I hope he follows DD and thinks about quality of life over every extra dollar.
Easy for me to say, not sure if I could turn down extra $ when I was that age. GPG!

1 points
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croatpackfan's picture

August 08, 2022 at 07:47 am

I hope Allen L will justify AR kind assesment he gave through one of locker interviews...

0 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

August 08, 2022 at 08:09 am

Lazard is such a huge part of our offense. If it weren't for Adams being the player he was for our offense, Lazard would have had a lot more targets and receptions the last couple of years. That's not to take away from Lazard at all, just to show how good Adams has been.

One of my favorite things I heard about Lazard is when LaFleur called him a goon. He is one of if not the best blocking WR in the league. What he does, really helps other WR's and RB's out. But his ability to go from blocking WR to top target is what sets him apart from most WR's in the league.

I think Lazard is going to have a great year. I think we will see Lazard more on 3rd downs and in the Redzone. Rodgers is going to go to the guys he trusts most in those situations. Lazard is a guy he definitely trusts.

Like Nick said above that this will be the year of everybody. I think they are going to try and use each player to their strengths. While Watson is out right now, i think they will find ways to get him involved. Have a set number of plays designed for his abilities. Doubs is very promising and could be the player that shines the most. I think Watkins will be a top target if he stays healthy. Cobb will also be a 3rd down and redzone guy.
But I do think Lazard will receive the most targets and will have the most production. His size sets him apart.

While there are a lot of uncertainties in our WR group, I am excited to see it this year!

2 points
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mrtundra's picture

August 08, 2022 at 08:14 am

Allen Lazard is the Packers' best blocking WR. He uses his strength to shed defenders who try to cover him. I've been on the Lazard bandwagon since I saw his Cyclone videos, prior to 2018. Rodgers likes him, so what more do we need to say? He'll catch his share of passes, move the chains and score TDs for us. #13 is about to become our lucky number!

0 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

August 08, 2022 at 09:25 am

PFF had Watkins as the best blocking WR between 2019-2021.

https://twitter.com/PFF_NateJahnke/status/1514675096820015104?t=wGs6hOUP...

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 08, 2022 at 09:37 am

While I’m a little dubious of the absolute in that, he is good. And that could be critical. Lazard and Watkins can double up ahead of another or interchange roles out of the same formation.

1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

August 08, 2022 at 08:22 pm

Back to the Split -T ?

0 points
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baldski's picture

August 08, 2022 at 05:42 pm

Yeah, and look who is #1 - Sammy Watkins. We have him too.

0 points
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Bearmeat's picture

August 08, 2022 at 08:19 am

He has proven a bunch of talking heads and draft analysts wrong already. Thankful we have him! He'll never be a physically dominant WR that scares the defense deep, but that doesn't mean he can't be effective. I just don't want him dictating coverage himself. Seems like Doubs, Jones and maybe Tonyan when he comes back will help out with that. We might be ok if Bakh and Jenkins make quick turnarounds.

5 points
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Guam's picture

August 08, 2022 at 08:59 am

I don't think Adams scared too many defenses deep either, but he is one of the very best WRs in the NFL. One of the Packer receivers needs to be a deep threat (Watson, Doubs, maybe Watkins), but that leaves plenty of field for guys like Adams or Lazard to operate in. Hopefully Lazard has learned from Adams and can get separation with great technique.

2 points
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murf7777's picture

August 08, 2022 at 08:21 am

I read somewhere that Lazards last 5 games put him in the top 10. He had 21 rec around 300 for 5 TD’s. I see him as a very good possession type WR. I think he will have 60-800-8 which will be very solid numbers. He doesn’t show out as a big play, like 30+ yd catches, type of receiver. I believe that will belong to watkins, Watson and doubs.

Unless, there is an addition to the roster of a high profile WR, which I highly doubt, there won’t be a traditional #1. That’s ok, as NE proved you don’t need one to win SB’s.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 08, 2022 at 10:09 am

Allen Lazard is a very valuable piece. He’s found a way to make himself such. However, he isn’t an exceptional athlete like Driver. Athleticism is something of a constraining factor in what one can fairly expect a player to do and how he can be used to be successful.

Attitude and effort can maximize potential, in that Driver and Lazard are similar, but the archetypal paradigm for a number one is the best all round player on the team who can do either one thing supremely well or all things very well. That typically requires speed and the ability to beat any defender one on one, usually predominantly from the perimeter.

Lazard is not that. He’s a big physical guy who is extremely good at locating space, runs tight routes and tends to win contested catches. He can get deep if defenders overlook him or neglect him, but his bread and butter is over the middle. He can out jump or muscle CBs and is more athletic than most LBs. He’s also rarely been double teamed. Teams also get fooled into thinking he’s really there to block not catch.

Within that understanding, Lazard can have a big year if we can get him open enough. That’s why guys like Doubs, Watson, Toure, even Rodgers, if he can now reveal similar athletic traits and potential, are key. Fast, able to change direction smoothly, great short area quickness and able to run inside and out on any play. Let Lazard pull coverage and they can go under or over his routes. Start covering them and Lazard can dominate. In the end zone and in third downs, Cobb and Lazard have a similar interplay.

If a couple of those guys or one and Watkins can establish themselves as a focus of coverage, then Lazard will do very well. If teams use CBs or Ss on him then they can get deep and burn them. That’s why speed from more than one source is critical and also why it’s important to have players that can use it all over the field, horizontal or vertically.

I see a lot of crossing routes and a lot of WR options to go deep or cross based upon the Ds (if the rookies can handle those). I see a lot of plays that defenders don’t know whether all or some are going deep or shallow. I see a lot of opportunities for Lazard and co to use that only for Jones, Dillon or Deguara to appear in the space and torch them.

Lazard won’t just dominate on his own but he can win for us with a smart O that uses his merits to get him and others open. I think he will do largely what he has before but with an O built more around those things.

I am more confident now that a couple of the new guys have the talent to unlock that with him either as “starters” or as additional wrinkles that come in and add extra speed or unpredictability. Whether that’s Doubs, Watkins, Watson or a Toure, these guys are versatile and shifty and can get deep. On paper, well suited to getting the most out of Lazard’s talents and benefitting from them and also able to stretch the field in both directions while posing different challenges.

This is a far more versatile group on paper with more speed overall as well. Let’s hope health cooperates and players live up to such preseason confidence. On paper this should allow Lazard to thrive and thus to be a more exciting and dynamic O to watch and call than last years. That’s the optimistic take, but the signs are more promising than they appeared before camp.

This is an offensive roster that could really establish not just Lazard but LaFleur as an offensive mind. If he shows he can get the most out of a bunch of (nationally) unheralded guys with inventive handling of personnel, plays and formations. He has an incredible amount of flexibility in all aspects of who and how to use the players in this offensive group to get there despite the inexperience at several skill positions. Having a true all purpose TE in Davis will be sneakily valuable in helping to unlock options if it materializes.

1 points
4
3
T7Steve's picture

August 08, 2022 at 10:13 am

Good points. I think you're on the spot.

I'll repeat what Letherhead and I always harp on.... They'll all look great or nothing will work if the O-line isn't dialed in. You can't take the top off a defense with a two step drop. Last year they didn't have time to throw deep much without using a trick or two. If they don't have to load the box to stop the run, even tricks are hard to come by.

0 points
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Vforrest's picture

August 08, 2022 at 10:40 am

They are preseason referring to Lazard as the #1 and agree that he isn’t fast enough to create separation so AR is going to be incredible to fit it in to him. But no one is talking about how good defenses become if they don’t have to double anyone. DA drew double/bracket coverage which helped everyone else. Is any going to force the D to double?

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 08, 2022 at 12:18 pm

It’s not only doubling, it’s stretching for width and depth. Adams didn’t really do that but he demanded extra cover. Can Doubs and Watkins stretch defenses to open space? If they can, consistently then they will draw coverage. MVS shows that you just have to be a credible threat over the top to do that. This year with Doubs, Watson, Watkins and Toure, we could have 4 players able to do that and from all positions.

In addition, if Davies is real or Deguara, their interplay with Lazzard could be highly effective. Either he or they drawing attention from the other with one or two speedsters stretching or a RB.

There are ways to achieve the Adams effect without Adams. On paper we have the means. Can we make it happen?

3 points
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WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

August 08, 2022 at 01:49 pm

People seem to overlook the reality that speed isn't everything for an NFL WR. Anquan Boldin learned how to use his body to make contested catches, and Warner could trust him to come up with the ball with his great hands and broad catch radius. He ran the 40 in 4.71, but he was rookie of the year with close to 1400 yards. I always keep him in mind when people claim speed is required for a truly productive WR. Adams isn't that fast; he never treated deep. He had other skills. So does Lazard. Boldin went on to reach over 1K yards 7 of his 16 seasons. I am not saying Lazard is near Boldin's skill; just saying his measurables don't restrict him from much improved production, now that Adams is not the focus.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 08, 2022 at 01:59 pm

That would be awesome: aim high! On a related note, one talent I don’t think we exploit enough is that Lazard can jump and high point. If we use that more I think that could be a way to substitute for separation on the ground.

0 points
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13TimeChamps's picture

August 08, 2022 at 09:42 am

While so many on here were singing the praises of MVS because of his height and speed, I always thought Lazard was the more complete receiver, even though he didn't get as much attention. And I think when all is said and done, Lazard will have the more successful career. It's interesting to note that all 3 receivers drafted by GB in '18 are gone, yet Lazard is still here.

Hopefully, this will be his breakout year and all his hard work will finally pay off for him.

5 points
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Grandfathered's picture

August 08, 2022 at 08:15 pm

I agree, Lazard was treated as JAG but defined himself as willing to work hard. MVS had early problems tracking the ball, which made his speed and ability to stretch the field irrelevant. Both Doubs and Toure seem better at tracking the long ball, and have hands.

1 points
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Swisch's picture

August 08, 2022 at 09:36 am

I really appreciate this compelling article.
I'm still surprised the Packers haven't signed this guy for something like an additional four years at $40 million.

-1 points
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1
Coldworld's picture

August 08, 2022 at 09:50 am

They may yet, but Ball is wise to wait until we see if hope is realized. We need to be careful before we tie up big chunks of cap in the next year or two in addition to the contracts we know are coming up, Gary for one. Prior largesse forces caution at this point.

6 points
6
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Swisch's picture

August 08, 2022 at 01:29 pm

After a few seasons with Lazard, it seems the Packers should have a pretty good idea what they have in him as far as talent and character.
It's always a risk to commit to any player, because even guys who break out with big seasons can quickly decline (e.g. Dorsey Levens, Javon Walker, Ryan Grant).
From what I can tell, Lazard is well worth the risk.
***
What bothers me is that the Packers seem to have opened up the bank account for so many other Packers this offseason, apparently just about everyone except Lazard.
So, if he does excel this season without having signed a contract extension right about now, not only does his price go up, but he may not be favorably inclined toward a team that seems to have treated him so lightly (especially with newcomers Douglas and Campbell hitting the jackpot).
***
Even though we may disagree at times, Coldworld, I appreciate that your comments are so informative and insightful.
Actually, come to think of it, we have a really good group of fans commenting here at CHTV for rich discussions.
A Packers administrator or player would be well served in following CHTV -- not because we're always right, but because of the thoughtful articles and comments well worth consideration.

-1 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 08, 2022 at 01:53 pm

When money is tight (or here cap) it is necessary to handle only those that have to be handled and defer others. That is part of it, but, if I’m Russ Ball, I know what Lazard is to date. That probably doesn’t warrant that kind of contract. I know what my colleagues hope he can be, but we don’t know and not do they if that will be achieved. Watch and wait and narrow the gap between what’s known and hoped for.

Honestly, we’re I Lazard, other than the injury risk (insurance would be wise), that’s what i would want too. If he succeeds his value goes up substantially and so will his guaranteed future money. I don’t see this as a slight on Lazard, but as a reflection of how the system works. If he plays well the team and he benefit and his negotiating power goes up significantly. If it doesn’t work then The team isn’t saddled with a significantly overpaying contract but Lazard still has a role and isn’t cut at the first opportunity.

2 points
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WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

August 08, 2022 at 01:53 pm

Douglas and Campbell absolutely changed the outcomes of games last year, in positions that are premier and at which GB has needed talent. Lazard simply didn't have the impact on games that would demand a big contract. Look at his stats. They are just not eye-popping. Let's see what he does without Adams and how the rookies look and they'll have a better idea of what to do with Lazard next year. Or maybe part of the way through this year.

2 points
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Swisch's picture

August 08, 2022 at 02:56 pm

As a reply to the good responses from Coldworld and WestCoast -- which are much appreciated -- I would add that $10 million per season is a modest amount for a wide receiver these days.
If Lazard was to only be a solid starter for the next few seasons, that salary would perhaps be overpaying him, but not crushingly extravagant,
I like the idea of betting on Lazard to be more than a solid starter, and wrapping him up before he gets up to $15 million or more.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 08, 2022 at 06:51 pm

I think they may if he starts to look like he can fill that kind of role consistently. It’s more questions of risk and timing that we differ on. Thanks for the nice words. I just say what I think and how I see things

1 points
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Ferrari-Driver's picture

August 08, 2022 at 09:47 am

Ken, that was a terrific story and thanks for putting it together for us. Most all of us pull for the underdog and I hope Lazard turns out to be the Packers "Cinderella Man".

4 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

August 08, 2022 at 10:58 am

I'm no boxing referee, but that was easily a low blow comparison punch inflicted upon the Bulldog of Bergen, James J. Braddock.

3 points
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LeotisHarris's picture

August 08, 2022 at 07:19 pm

Don't sell yourself short, Taryn. I've always felt you have a bit of an Arthur Mercante Sr.-like swagger to your posts.

3 points
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Ferrari-Driver's picture

August 08, 2022 at 07:39 pm

You have to have been around for a while to remember him. I used to watch the Friday night fights on TV with my dad when I was a kid and loved them. Neat the way you tied him to Taryn.

3 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

August 08, 2022 at 09:56 am

Lazard is one of my favorite Packer players. Hard nosed and competitive playing 100% all the time maxing his athletic talent. What isn't there to love about that? I will say at Family Night I was impressed with how well & quick he moved. Has he lost weight going into this season knowing he is the #1 WR?

This post is mainly about Christian Watson though even though this is an article about Lazard. For any player to be in the NFL you just know they are competitive as you have to be to make it to the NFL. It stinks that Christian is missing all this valuable time but I think it is fabulous Doubs and Toure are having very good camps. Guarantee as fourth round and seventh round draft choices their success and the media attention they have been receiving it has sorely motivated Christian. I am sure he is just chopping at the bits to get back on the field, which bodes well for the Packers.

2 points
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LeotisHarris's picture

August 08, 2022 at 07:22 pm

Please get "the bits" away form Christian if he's chopping them.

2 points
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Grandfathered's picture

August 08, 2022 at 08:26 pm

He meant champing at the bits

0 points
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stockholder's picture

August 08, 2022 at 05:41 pm

This is where he proves them wrong. - My answer is: There is doubt then.
And As much as you think he can become the #1 WR on this team. That is the debate!
Because my concern is the YARDS AFTER CATCH. He's not a guy that goes deep. And the quickness of Adams just isn't there.
He's a 60s WR in todays game. In other words he lacks explosion. SEPARATION. And the Match-up won't scare anyone.
Damn right on the rookie Bandwagon. They're what is needed now and the future. And it won't take Rodgers that long either! ( To figure it out.)
Lazard success will depend on Rodgers and those around him.

5 points
6
1
Coldworld's picture

August 08, 2022 at 12:21 pm

He can occasionally go deep and has, but that was not Adams game either. We have the potential to have 2 or even 3 going deep with Lazzard on the field as well. He’s going to continue to do what he does well. The challenge is to use the new talent to compliment that and the question will be will it be ready to do so when it counts.

0 points
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WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

August 08, 2022 at 02:04 pm

There's a great article projecting Lazard's role without Adams from last week at Acme Packing: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/by-the-numbers/2022/8/1/23285072/alle...

It makes a strong point about Lazard's efficiency and how his strengths might help GB in 2022 without Adams to draw coverage.

0 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

August 08, 2022 at 10:47 am

Lazard is one of the best chain movers and a TD weapon when close enough to the end zone. He is not a number one WR except in theory at this moment for GB and the many here in fantasy land. He has been awarded such distinction based solely on the fact that he is the tenured veteran, and no one else on the roster, again, at the moment, has earned the right to unseat Lazard, the more 'hoped' for than actually 'expected' Adams shoe filler. The Offense will need Lazard, but expecting him to do more of what Adams did will create more hiccups than smooth breaths.

8 points
8
0
PearlyBakerBest's picture

August 09, 2022 at 06:35 am

,

-5 points
0
5
Grandfathered's picture

August 08, 2022 at 08:31 pm

I don't think such statements about other participants is allowed here.

1 points
1
0
TarynsEyes's picture

August 08, 2022 at 09:08 pm

No worries, he can't hear you as he's using his ass cheeks as earmuffs again, or rather, as usual, no matter the season.

1 points
1
0
PearlyBakerBest's picture

August 09, 2022 at 06:34 am

,

-1 points
2
3
Packers0808's picture

August 08, 2022 at 11:34 am

You never know what you have until after you have it a while and Mr Lazard seems to at this point to be proof of the theory!

0 points
0
0
Packers0808's picture

August 08, 2022 at 11:34 am

You never know what you have until after you have it a while and Mr Lazard seems to at this point to be proof of the theory!

0 points
0
0
LeotisHarris's picture

August 08, 2022 at 07:28 pm

Scene: Joni Mitchell, six string in hand, circa 1969..

"Oh, don't it always seem to go
You don't know what you have until after you have it a while..."

"DAMMIT, that's not it!" **tosses guitar**

0 points
0
0