NFC Notes: Lions, Packers, Vikings

Packers OC Nathaniel Hackett said he’s excited about what third-round WR Amari Rodgers can add to the offense.

“I think without a doubt he’s going to do some cool things for us this upcoming year,” Hackett said via the team website. “I think any time you have a young player, there’s always this kind of process of them trying to learn this new system, and there’s ups and downs with it. It’s easier in the beginning and then once more of the system gets put on, they start thinking almost too much. I think Amari’s doing a very good job. He’s not intimidated by what we’re handing to him. He’s a student of the game and you can see that. He’s got a natural feel to the game in these limited reps. I think that’s only going to develop with time.”

Meanwhile, Packers WRs coach Jason Vrable mentioned that Rodgers has “tremendous upside.”

“I watched so much tape on him and just kind of had a good feel for him of the things that I loved and the things I thought that maybe he needed to work on. I’m really personally excited about just his professionalism. I mean he takes notes, just to be a student of the game, like no other. His notebook is immaculate and he’s texting me at night. He just wants to be the best version of himself and that’s all I can ask for. He just has tremendous upside,” Vrable said of Rodgers. 

Vikings

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson said his goal for 2021 is to have “better numbers” than his rookie season. Jefferson recorded 88 receptions for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns last year.  

“As long as I have better numbers this year than last year, then I’ll feel like I did a good enough job,” said Jefferson, via Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press. 

Jefferson mentioned that he’s added “some new moves” to his repertoire this offseason. 

“That’s the hard part about the league and doing great things in the league,” Jefferson said. “There’s always someone watching your tape and studying your games, so definitely during this offseason I had to learn some new moves and put some new moves into my inventory.”

Jefferson said he’s been working against Vikings’ new CB Patrick Peterson in practice. 

“He’s a great corner and is so smart,” Jefferson said. “He’s so patient, so I’m definitely trying to work some new moves on him and see what works and what doesn’t. … It’s pretty fun, actually, going up against a guy like Pat Pete. … Going against him in practice, that only makes us better as receivers.”

Jefferson also had high praise for Kirk Cousins‘ performance this offseason and is building a “stronger connection” with the quarterback.

“It’s good to be around your quarterback, just building that connection, but Kirk has been doing a fantastic job,” Jefferson said. “He’s been throwing some great, great balls. … Our locker is right next to each other, so we’re definitely building a stronger connection than last year. It’s just exciting to see.”