The Green Bay Packers have lacked a true second option in the passing game since starting wide receivers Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams teamed up in green and gold. It was presumed that wideout Allen Lazard would be taking the next step towards becoming a legitimate threat down the field, and of course, this did not go as planned. Lazard typically was not seen as someone who was explosive and was still used as a big part of the blocking game during run plays. Instead, it was the rookie draft choices that were able to shine in the Packers’ offense. First, Christian Watson established himself as the number one weapon in the offense, but many Packer fans were equally as intrigued by fourth-round draft choice out of Nevada, Romeo Doubs. After a fascinating rookie season from Doubs, it is unclear whether he will be the Packers’ wide receiver two of the future or is just another average receiver who will live in mediocrity.
Training Camp
After Christian Watson suffered a knee injury which sidelined him for training camp, Doubs was given plenty of opportunities to flourish. In a time when wide receiver talent was scarce in Green Bay, it was crucial for Doubs to get on the field, gaining a connection with quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love. Rodgers was thoroughly impressed with Doubs early on, saying, “Every single day… there’s been at least one kind of ‘wow’ play for him”, building a relationship with the rookie on the field. Day in and day out, Doubs would continue making spectacular catches and running crisp routes leading to a buildup of excitement surrounding the rookie. No challenge was ever too big for Doubs, and he looked to build off a great training camp and emerge as a true starting wide receiver in the NFL. When given a chance due to the injury of others, Doubs took his opportunity, ran with it and did not look back. With Green Bay needing support on a resetting offence, it is crucial for someone like Doubs to step up in a big way. Before playing in any games, it looked like the Packers had found a diamond in the rough.
The Preseason
Romeo Doubs played in all three preseason games before the 2022 season against the 49ers, Saints and Chiefs. Doubs was targeted 15 times, having eight receptions for 82 yards. Most notably, Doubs found the endzone twice in the preseason. His first touchdown was on a 34-yard go-route down the right sideline, where he caught a perfectly placed ball from Jordan Love against 49ers defensive back Tarvarius Moore. In his first-ever in-game action for the Packers, Doubs produced, generating an explosive play immediately. The hype around the Nevada rookie continued into next week against the Saints, where he caught another touchdown, this time on a 5-yard fade into the left side of the endzone in one-on-one coverage. Doubs had to high-point this ball and catch it at its peak, showing off his aggressive hands and contested catch ability. Whenever he saw the field, he caught the attention of all Green Bay players, coaches and fans. With Watson’s recovery continuing into the preseason, leaving him sidelined, Doubs never looked back when he was given primary opportunities to succeed. His success in training camp continued into the preseason, easily earning him a spot on the Packers 53 man roster. Doubs continued success early and often gave Packer fans hope that they could have found one of their starting wide receivers of the future.
The Regular Season
In the first two weeks of the regular season, Romeo Doubs started off relatively slow for all of the attention he was receiving. However, this was expected, considering Doubs was still drafted in the fourth round, and players like Christian Watson and Sammy Watkins were back on the field, taking snaps away from him. Doubs had six receptions for 64 yards through two weeks and could not find the endzone. This all changed in week three against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had three receptions in one drive alone, leading the Packers down the field for his first career regular-season touchdown. Doubs finished the day with eight receptions for 73 yards and his lone touchdown. The following week led to another score for Romeo, on a red zone touchdown on a crucial third down, trailing by seven points in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots. Besides an acrobatic touchdown catch in week eight, the rest of the season was relatively slow for Doubs. After suffering a high ankle sprain in week nine early against the Detroit Lions, Doubs cooled off and returned to reality. After all, it wasn’t always a perfect season for Romeo Doubs. In just 67 targets, Doubs had nine drops, good for a 13 percent drop percentage. This included a crucial drop in the week 18 finale against the Lions, where Doubs could have had a pivotal catch to march the Packers down the field and keep their season alive. Instead, the ball dropped to the turf, and the Packers were sent into the offseason earlier than expected. Romeo’s inconsistency later in the season left the Packers with a few hanging questions; What is his role in this offense? Is he truly the wide receiver he has shown flashes of being? Can he find consistency to stay afloat in the offensive scheme? Only time will tell as Romeo Doubs continues to develop into the potential superstar the Packers believe him to be. If the tiles fall correctly for Doubs, he should have a successful and long career in Green Bay.
In a season of ups and downs in Green Bay, Romeo Doubs was a bright spot and a glimpse of hope for the future. For just a fourth-round pick, it is safe to say Doubs very strongly exceeded all expectations and transformed into someone the Packers will be able to count on going forward. Doubs is someone who always gives it their all on the field and is loved by his teammates around him. His combination of elusiveness, sharp routes and contested catches makes him a constant threat to score, and with the proper development, he will blossom into a superstar. The Packers certainly believe in him, as do plenty of fans that want to see him succeed. Romeo Doubs could be Green Bay’s wide receiver for the next era of Packer football as he continues to prove that he is the right person to wear number 87 on Lambeau Field.
