Wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown will be entering the last season of his four-year rookie contract in 2021. After a string of unlucky injuries and setbacks, he still has a chance to break out before hitting free agency. But the Green Bay Packers might also be looking at wide receivers in this year’s draft because it’s another solid class of talented receivers.
One option for Green Bay would be St. Brown’s own brother, Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Amon-Ra would be a young slot receiver option and possible punt returner, while Equanimeous would get to play and mentor his brother. Competition for playing time might help motivate him during a crucial year.
It would be a win-win for the Packers. With pick 58 and Amon-Ra projected to go around 55-60, they are in a perfect spot if they are interested in him.
A USC standout
After three years as part of an elite wide receiving corps at USC, Amon-Ra enters the draft with 16 touchdowns, 2270 yards, and 178 receptions in his college career. He only played in six games in 2020 but scored seven of those touchdowns and had almost 500 yards. He broke out in his sophomore season with 77 receptions, 1,042 yards, and six scores.
His last game for USC was on Dec. 18th of last year, a 31-24 loss to the Oregon Ducks. But Amon-Ra played well in his final game, reeling in five balls for 74 yards and a touchdown, including a 47-yard reception.
He was a five-star recruit out of high school and had more than 25 scholarship offers before deciding to stay in his home state of California, playing a half hour from where he grew up.
St. Brown was used primarily as a slot receiver in college, which the Packers need right now. They have their WR1 in Davante Adams and their Hail Mary/downfield option with Marquez Valdes-Scantling. He would be a great addition to his brother and Allen Lazard.
He isn’t known for his speed but has great breaks and agility for the slot. He is still considered to have top-tier speed, and most experts have given him a complete draft profile with little downside. As stated earlier, he is also a good candidate as a kick or punt returner. If there is one thing the Packers need right now, it’s for special teams to step up and make some plays.
Equanimeous has breakout potential
It’s hard not to cheer on Equanimeous and hope he has an amazing 2021 season. He’s been extremely unlucky in his NFL career, and hopefully he can stay healthy the last year of his rookie contract.
A sixth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame (207th overall), he played in 12 games during his rookie season, finishing with 21 receptions and 328 yards but no touchdowns. However, he had a crucial catch in October against the San Francisco 49ers, leading to Mason Crosby‘s game-winning field goal.
That year, St. Brown and MVS became the first rookie duo in team history to have more than 20 receptions with an average of 15 yards per catch.
In 2019, Equanimeous suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the preseason and was out the entire year. He had another short injured-reserve stint between September and October in 2020, but he got to play 12 games, recording 445 yards, 28 receptions, and a touchdown. He also brought us this great meme when a Chicago Bears defender pushed him into their sideline and he decided to take a seat.
This is an important season for receivers like St. Brown and MVS. It will be their fourth year in the NFL, and they really have no more room or time for excuses, especially since they will be free agents after next season unless the Packers extend them.
Will Green Bay Draft Amon-Ra?
In short, probably not. Green Bay will probably focus on drafting a linebacker, cornerback, or offensive line in the first few rounds. Amon-Ra would be a perfect spot in Round 2, but experts have the New England Patriots showing interest in the second round with pick 47 or him dropping to the Houston Texans in the third round.
The Packers will most likely take a cornerback in Round 2. They need another talented shutdown corner if they want to get back to the NFC Championship for the third year in a row. There will be a lot of turnover on the roster, and Green Bay doesn’t have much cap space to work with.
The draft will be super important to their depth in 2021. Seeing the St. Brown Brothers in green and gold would be great and ideal for the team. The only thing holding that back is if Green Bay focuses on defense in the first few rounds instead. The wide receiver talent is deep again this year, so the Packers have no excuse to draft one or two wideouts with up to 10 possible draft picks.
St. Brown is a perfect slot receiver/return man if they can get him.
