McCarthy: TE Richard Rodgers 'has definitely taken a step,' is catching the ball 'very well'

"Richard Rodgers has definitely taken a step from last year," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said earlier in training camp. "He's taken a step offensively in the passing game and completely understands it. You think about where he was this time last year. He's comfortable and he's catching the ball very well."

Rodgers, a third-round draft choice who's still just 23, certainly has more upside (than Andrew Quarless). And the Packers appear ready to give Rodgers a greater role in the offense in 2015.

Rodgers has some of the best hands on the team, which has earned him points from his quarterback. He's also a dependable short-to-intermediate receiver, even though his yards after the catch (1.9 in 2014) must improve.

Rodgers caught 20 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie. We shouldn’t be too quick to write him off as a budding fantasy asset since rookie tight ends rarely make much of a fantasy impact. Andrew Quarless is dealing with a legal issue and may be suspended to start the season, which opens the door for Rodgers to play big snaps. He is reportedly a ‘frequent target’ in the red zone in practice, so it’s possible that he works his way into TE2 numbers in his second season.