The Green Bay Packers drafted Davante Adams in 2014 out of Fresno State. They picked the wide receiver in the second round (53rd overall). During his sophomore year, Adams sustained an ankle injury, causing him to miss three games. However, by 2018 Adams had achieved his first 1,000-yard season. As the young, talented receiver grew into his role on the Packers, his quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, began to trust him more and more. Adams quickly became the two-time MVP’s first choice. Last season, Adams and Rodgers explained that in just six years, they have built the level of chemistry that the Packers quarterback had with Jordy Nelson in nine years. Contrary to what many might believe, Davante Adams is an elite wide receiver.
Davante Adams Is an Elite Wide Receiver
Adams is known for his incredible route running abilities. He is a master at creating separation from the defense. Since his rookie year, Adams has completed 285 first downs and scored 50 touchdowns, including playoffs. However, many still doubt Adams, despite his impressive routes and numbers.
Last year, Adams sent Chad (Ochocinco) Johnson footage of his route running. The video brought Johnson to tears because he was blown away. When a top-tier wide receiver like Johnson is this impressed, that is validation that Adams is special. So, for anyone who has been sleeping on him, that is even more proof that Adams is the real deal.
In the Packers regular season finale at the Detroit Lions, Adams torched Darius Slay with his genius route running. Despite the fact that Green Bay was down big at the half and didn’t look their best, Adams shined. He had seven receptions for 93 yards and one touchdown. Additionally, the fact that he moved so easily through his routes against Slay is quite an accomplishment. Slay is a star cornerback with 19 interceptions in 103 games so far in his career. Slay has been a Pro Bowler the last three years and was First Team All Pro in 2017.
Adams’ route running was especially on fire during last year’s playoffs. In his article following the Packers January win over the Seattle Seahawks, Zach Kruse of Packers Wire says:
“Look at all the different routes he ran, and from all the different spots in the formation. He dominated on in-breaking routes but also tortured the Seahawks with double moves to the outside. He won vertically and horizontally. He got open from out wide to the left and right and from the slot to the left and right. He made tough catches down the field but also picked up impressive chunks of yards after the catch.” (See route running chart here: https://bit.ly/3iSnUey courtesy of PFF).
Adams Breaks Down His Route Running
Adams has the incredible ability to lean into the direction his defender expects him to and then switch routes at the last minute with ease. His feet are quick, and he’s able to fool defenders. In an interview from last week, the wide receiver explains in detail his whole process. He says he does not have a certain number of releases he uses. He states it’s simply a feel. He bases his movements on what the defensive back does. Adams admits in this interview that he knows leaving his feet on a play is frowned upon. However, he is fully confident that he will reach the ground faster than his opponents. As he continues to explain his thought process on each stunning route from 2019, Adams reveals why he is an elite wide receiver.
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