Packers 2016 Recap: WR Geronimo Allison
2016 Stats
- Appeared in 10 games, started 2 games
- 12 receptions, 202 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Pro Football Focus: 69.9/100
Expectations going into the season: Low
Expectations were: Exceeded
Analysis: Geronimo bursts out in final stretch and figures to be a key player in 2017
Leave it to Ted Thompson to find another undrafted free agent who plays a major role as a rookie.
Wide receiver Geronimo Allison was not one of the 34 wide receivers drafted in April. He entered training camp facing an uphill battle to unseat the likes of former fifth round pick Jared Abbrederis, former seventh round pick Jeff Janis and rookie fifth round pick Trevor Davis. By the end of the season, Allison had done just that.
Cut after training camp, he was signed to the Packers practice squad and was elevated to the active roster after Jared Abbrederis’ season was ended with a thigh bruise. Allison made an immediate impact in his first NFL game, grabbing a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons.
After his debut against the Falcons in Week 8, Allison would only grab two passes heading into Week 16 versus Minnesota. It all clicked for the rookie against the Vikings. He caught four passes for 66 yards and earned Aaron Rodgers’ trust.
The following week against the Detroit Lions with the NFC North division championship on the line, Allison was on the receiving end of a vintage Aaron Rodgers touchdown pass. Rodgers danced in the pocket and escaped the Lions rushers for over eight seconds before delivering a dart that Allison cradled for a score that put the game out of reach.
It wasn’t all good, unfortunately, for the rookie from Illinois. News broke days before the Dallas playoff game that Allison was arrested for possession of marijuana in September. He was not on the active roster at the time of the arrest.
Allison was a key contributor during Green Bay's postseason run. He was targeted eight times, grabbing five passes for 65 yards while nursing a hamstring injury.
Alongside the breakout season from Davante Adams, Geronimo Allison figures to be a big part of the Packers offense in 2017. His soft hands and smooth route running ability gives Aaron Rodgers yet another talented weapon.