Romeo Doubs has been turning heads early in training camp, quickly earning reps with the first team offense after putting together a string of strong practices.
It may be unusual for a fourth-round rookie to look at home alongside his NFL peers so soon, but this is no fluke, Doubs has simply continued to do what he did in college.
Doubs’ Nevada tape showed him to be a legitimate deep threat, and this has so far carried over to the NFL level, with the receiver making several ‘wow’ plays already.
His ability to make difficult grabs look easy has also shown up in training camp; on Thursday the rookie plucked an Aaron Rodgers pass for a touchdown despite having Eric Stokes in tight coverage.
Speaking of touchdowns, Doubs’ knack for finding the end zone was evident in college, when he scored 20 TDs across the 2020 and 2021 seasons combined. Based on reports from media members on the ground, Doubs has excelled during red zone periods early on in training camp.
Doubs’ calm and even-keeled demeanor during media duties after a terrific Thursday practice was impressive and encouraging. This isn’t a player who seems like he will struggle with the mental ups and downs of NFL life.
Of course, it’s still early, and the pads haven’t been put on yet, but Doubs has so far done everything he can to make a name for himself.
There will be more development needed if Doubs is to see significant playing time as a rookie. His ability to block was not a particular strength at Nevada, and is a prerequisite to get on the field in Matt LaFleur’s offense.
But his 6’2, 200 lb. frame should help him as a blocker if he has the desire to improve, and there have already been reports of Doubs making blocks during run plays in practice.
The Packers got value when they took Doubs in the fourth round. He could easily have been a day two pick, and it can be argued his college tape was better than Green Bay’s second-round receiver, Christian Watson. On that basis, his early success should not be a shock.
While the mass NFL media continues to scoff at the Packers for the team’s refusal to take a wide receiver in the first round, Green Bay’s front office just keeps doing what they do, finding talent during all three days of the draft. The Packers look to have found something once again in Doubs.
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Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @Marko7LW.