Green and Bold: Abbrederis Impressing McCarthy, but Is It Enough?

Jared Abbrederis is impressing Mike McCarthy this offseason, but he has a tough battle to a roster spot.

Jared Abbrederis is impressing Mike McCarthy this offseason, but he has a tough battle to a roster spot.

Fresh off saying he would refrain from giving players glowing offseason evaluations in the press for fear of creating unrealistic expectations for their upcoming seasons, Mike McCarthy couldn't help but reveal how he's feeling about receiver Jared Abbrederis' progress anyway. 

At the end of the team's offseason program, McCarthy shared the following thoughts about Abbrederis, per ESPN's Jason Wilde:

I think Jared's had his best offseason. I think his route running is exemplary for a young guy. His ability to recognize coverages, and his time clock, his breaking points, his ability to drop his weight—just all the specifics and details and techniques of route running, I think he's exceptional. He just needs to continue to work on getting stronger. He plays the position technically and fundamentally at a very high level.

Coaches don't throw terms such as "exemplary" and "exceptional" around lightly, and it's obvious to anyone who watched the Packers' practices this offseason that Abbrederis is building on what he started to flash at the end of last season. 

On June 15, Brett Hundley wrapped up a two-minute drill with a nice 32-yard touchdown pass to Abbrederis. The wideout did a lot of work underneath during minicamp, showing off his improvements in route-running and his sure hands. 

Abbrederis also added some bulk to his frame this offseason, as Ryan Wood of the Press-Gazette shared. 

Playing at a heavier weight and putting on more muscle could help prevent the kinds of injuries that have already threatened to derail Abbrederis' young career, including a torn ACL in 2014 and a concussion last year. 

However, even if the injury issue can be put to one side, can Abbrederis really make the Packers final roster as a potential sixth receiver? 

Jordy Nelson's and Randall Cobb's roster spots are guaranteed. The Packers will also likely keep fifth-round draft selection Trevor Davis on the final roster, as it just isn't Ted Thompson's style to cut rookies after their first training camp. 

Davante Adams, despite his struggles last season, likely gets a chance to redeem himself in 2016. It's not merely because Adams was a second-round pick in 2014; a healthy Adams has untapped potential that the Packers simply must explore before giving up on him. 

That leaves Ty Montgomery, Abbrederis, Jeff Janis, and a handful of UDFAs and practice-squad holdovers vying for what is likely only two more roster spots. Montgomery certainly gets one, and unless a player such as Ed Williams comes out of nowhere and blows the front office away, the final spot comes down to Abbrederis and Janis. 

Part of what Abbrederis brought to the table is his ability to earn his roster spot by making an impact on special teams. However, surely the Packers will use rookie speedster Davis on returns, making that skill less of a trump card for Abbrederis. 

Janis is bigger than Abbrederis (6'3" vs. 6'1") and faster, as well (4.42-second 40 vs. 4.5-seconds). He also works vertically more often, as we saw over minicamp. Admittedly, that was one of the Packers' weakest areas on offense in 2015, and while Janis isn't tied to being used vertically and Abbrederis isn't tied to being used underneath, there's no question Janis' skills are better-suited to make him a deep threat. 

The Packers might hope to stash Abbrederis on the practice squad, but almost certainly another team would come along with an offer as long as he keeps up the good work during training camp and the preseason schedule. 

Unfortunately, the Packers are faced with the prospect of letting a talented wideout walk, intentionally or unintentionally, because of roster space exigencies. I sure wouldn't want to be Ted Thompson come final cuts in September. 

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Comments (74)

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NickPerry's picture

June 22, 2016 at 06:30 am

IMO it will come down to whether or not Adams has showed anything resembling a WR entering his 3rd year. Abby is a better route runner, he was coming out and he still is. Abby is said to have better hands and most important is understanding WHY a WR will do this or that if the Defense does that or this. I would imagine Adams is beginning to understand this as well, at least one would hope.

TT CAN'T keep a player going into his 3rd year just because he was a higher draft pick. Keeping Adams over Abby or Monty because he was a higher pick in 2014's draft is ridiculous and no way to put the best 53 players on the field.

First the Packers need to get through TC and 5 Preseason games. Are all of the 7 WR's we've been talking about are healthy? Is Montgomery going to start the Season on the PUP List (I HOPE Not!!). Is anyone else? Has Davis justified a spot on the 53 man roster? If not try and get him to the PS. If a team claims him can't the Packers give him more money to stay on the PS and not leave?

I think Abby is there at the start of the season, I think all 7 are in one way or another. I think Crockett or a 10th O-Lineman have a tougher shot making it. If Monty starts on the 53 man roster and not the PUP then we have a 3rd RB behind Starks and Lacy IMO.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

June 22, 2016 at 06:57 am

If a player is cut and another team claims him on waivers, no, GB can't compete financially. The team awarded the waiver claim owns that player's rights. I suppose a player could refuse to report.

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NickPerry's picture

June 22, 2016 at 07:11 am

I was hoping you'd reply. I'm talking about when a player is already cut, clears waviers, and then is signed to the Packers PS. Then another team wants to sign that player to their 53 man roster, like the Packers did with Joe Thomas last year. Can't the Packers or that team that had claimed Thomas for example pay him more money to stay on the PS?

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

June 22, 2016 at 07:22 am

Once a player clears waivers, he is a free agent and teams can compete financially or just promise stuff. Once signed to the PS, yes other teams can try to raid our PS squad, and then the teams compete, usually financially, but they can promise certain things, like being put on the 53 man roster for more than 3 weeks, a fair shot next season, or even guaranteed money, at which point the player can choose which offer to take: stay or to go elsewhere. An example would be Rotherham, who apparently got some offers and the Packers greatly increased his salary, and Rotherham chose to stay with us.

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NickPerry's picture

June 23, 2016 at 05:10 am

Thanks, that's what I was talking about, They can refuse to go and increase his salary to try and get him to stay.

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TommyG's picture

June 22, 2016 at 06:38 am

To me, it is truly refreshing to read about our bounty of good options. Many teams are talking about how bad their line-ups appear while we get to pick who is better out of a strong group. No matter who stays or goes there will certainly be hearts broken. It is a good thing to be a Packers fan.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

June 22, 2016 at 06:48 am

"surely the Packers will use rookie speedster Davis on returns...." Not really.

Davis is pedestrian as a PR, and Monty and Janis are proven NFL caliber KRs. Makes both Abby's and Davis' potential as returners less of an asset. Davis needs to look pretty good year one or two or many of us are going to continue to scratch our heads over why TT drafted him. Taking a WR in round 1-3 or as a late flyer made sense: taking one in the 4th or 5th round made a lot less sense from a roster management point of view. I like Davis' tape pretty well, but I liked J. Brown, J. Adams, and Tretola's as well or better.

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RCPackerFan's picture

June 22, 2016 at 07:57 am

I loved Brown and Adams. I'm still disappointed that we didn't get them.

But I am looking forward to seeing the players we do have.

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NickPerry's picture

June 22, 2016 at 07:06 am

I found the following on a site called "Packer Notes". This was what one writer from that site had observed thus far in OTA's.

WIDE RECEIVER – Jeff Janis was, well, he was Jeff Janis. The third-year player from Saginaw Valley State did some good things and some not so good things. To be honest, he hasn’t improved all that much since his rookie season. He’s still far from a polished route runner, he still struggles to adjust to deep throws and he still has too many drops. Of course, he also still runs like the wind and he can still turn any jump ball into six points… Davante Adams had a decent offseason, but Jared Abbrederis was clearly the star of the spring. The former Badger couldn’t have looked any better. He ran precise routes and caught every ball thrown his way. He also added some weight in an effort to remain healthy. If he can stay on the field, it’s hard to imagine him not making the 53… Of the rookies, undrafted free agent Herb Waters was more impressive than fifth-round pick Trevor Davis. The former University of Miami star doesn’t possess ideal size or speed, but he’s silky smooth and showed really good field awareness working along the sideline.

I just found it interesting considering the subject today.

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RCPackerFan's picture

June 22, 2016 at 07:46 am

Thanks for sharing that.

When Abbrederis came out of college his strength was his route running. Its one of the reasons why I thought he was a perfect fit for the Packers offense. He runs precise routes and is something that QB's love. They know exactly where they are going to be. He doesn't have top notch size or speed. But he knows how to get open by running precise routes. He is a similar type of player to Julian Edelman.

I have seen so many writing Abbrederis off because they drafted a WR. Honestly the only way I think Abbrederis doesn't make the 53 is due to injury. I think he is going to really step up this year and make a big impact.

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Teflon Ted's picture

June 22, 2016 at 12:01 pm

I agree. Abby Dabby Doo is a lock. Aaron Rodgers is not going to let a guy go who he knows is where he's supposed to be 99.9% of the time on every play. Trust is huge with Rodgers as we all know. I would say he trusts Nelson, Cobb and now Abby which is better than last year. Again, to me Adams is the odd man out currently and unless he has a spectacular training camp he's on the bubble and will be either cut outright or traded for peanuts. The Packers don't have the time to spend on Adams if he does not dramatically improve from last season and I mean dramatically. There's too much talent behind him. It's sink or swim for Adams IMPO.

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RCPackerFan's picture

June 22, 2016 at 02:26 pm

A lot of people think Adams will be gone. That is their opinion, I respect it, but disagree with it. I maybe am the one that is wrong, but how often do they give up on a 2nd round pick that has shown abilities. Not very often.

I think Adams biggest problem was being hurt. Sophomore slump some may say. I maybe would agree with you more if I didn't see a turn around in performance the last 2 games. Those last 2 games he started to show the player he was his rookie year.

Last year though, was just an anomaly for the Packers offense.

I think this year you will see more swimmers then sinkers. Adams included.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

June 22, 2016 at 02:41 pm

My money is on one these guys is on the IR before the final cuts. I don't hope for it, I just wouldn't be suprised.

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RCPackerFan's picture

June 22, 2016 at 02:49 pm

I wouldn't be surprised at all...

I still wonder if Montgomery will start the season on the PUP list.

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Ibleedgreenmore's picture

June 22, 2016 at 12:45 pm

I think injuries or the lack thereof will determine who makes it, we have talent but how much room is there.

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RCPackerFan's picture

June 22, 2016 at 02:07 pm

I agree. I think injuries will play a part in who makes it and doesn't.

If all 7 are healthy, I think there is a chance they all make it. Just my opinion.

Right now if we go based on depth obviously Davis is on the bottom being a rookie. But Thompson rarely cuts a 5th round or higher draft pick. The last one he did was Jamon Meridith back in 2009?

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dobber's picture

June 22, 2016 at 02:07 pm

"He is a similar type of player to Julian Edelman."

I tend to want to make that kind of comparison, also, but Edelman is meaningfully quicker. If you want to put stock in combine numbers, Edelman was about 0.2 s better in the short shuttle and 3-cone, and plays at a similar weight to what Abby is now--only at 5'10". So he's stockier. We haven't seen enough of Abby at the NFL level to really see how that translates, and he's in his second season after an ACL, but Edelman is quick as a cat on the field. I don't know that we've seen that from Abby, even at UW.

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RCPackerFan's picture

June 22, 2016 at 02:49 pm

Just as a comparison.
Edelman might be quicker but he is great in his breaks. That is where I see Abbrederis's similar qualities. Abbrederis is great in his breaks and that is where he gains separation.

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PaulRosik's picture

June 23, 2016 at 02:20 pm

Thanks for the note. It is good to see some opinions from people seeing the practices.

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RCPackerFan's picture

June 22, 2016 at 07:26 am

I'm really looking forward to watching the battle at WR this preseason. I think its going to be the best battle on the team this year.
Janis and Abbrederis are entering their 3rd year. Both have played sparingly but could see their roles increase after their play against Arizona in the playoffs. Most people remember the final 2 plays from Janis, but don't forget that Abbrederis made a lot of plays in that game.
Adams and Montgomery are 2 young players that are coming off of injured seasons that set them back.
And Davis is the young rookie with tremendous speed and great hands.

I have said I can see them keeping 7 WR's this year. I stand by that. Not saying they will just saying I can see it happening.
Regardless I think this will be a fun battle to watch through camp and preseason.

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stockholder's picture

June 22, 2016 at 08:04 am

The only reason Jared will not be a packer is because he's slow. And the depth at WR. The only reason Adams is still a Packer is because of untapped potential? (Or a #2 Pick?) The only reason Jones is not a packer, is because of his Hood. (I sure do enjoy watching all the top plays of the season with him in it. ) And he sure does not look slow. Seems to me he is better than anyone on a PS. To me montgomery is the player with the untapped potential. He is the one to watch. Janis blocks , is multi tasked, and just makes plays. Why put him on the bench? Lets not make Davis a cheerleader. We've had plenty of great Wrs in Gb over the years. Why is this a tough decision. It shouldn't be. Winners are guys who make plays. Not potential. Not slow. MM is going to have to break some hearts. Keep the players who move the chains.

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croatpackfan's picture

June 22, 2016 at 09:02 am

You need to follow your advice - "Keep the players who move the chains." On this part, it looks like Jared Abbrederis is one of the best to move the chain. Look at Nick Perry's coment, he gave some nice review on WR...

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stockholder's picture

June 22, 2016 at 10:34 am

Thats fine with me if MM keeps jared. Most stats include FD's. I think the confusion is that janis has not improved. ( Why put him on the bench? ) James jones was the example of players getting slower and negative opinions. His stats, plays, and chemistry, should've justified a "chance" to be on the roster? The draft and development system the packers have in place does not favor veterans. Competition is good, but this is a business. Why should this be a popularity contest? And that is the poison here.

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Teflon Ted's picture

June 22, 2016 at 12:17 pm

"The only reason Jared will not be a packer is because he's slow."

I watched Abby at WI and the limited plays as a Packer. He's not "slow". James Jones, Richard Rodgers are slow but both can still play and be productive. I would even put Adams in the "slow" category as he plays slower than his 40 time. Abby just plays faster on the field than Adams IMPO.

Abby to me is a quick slithery snake. He can dart in and out of lanes and is hard to catch once he gets his hands on the ball. He reminds me a lot of Gilligan to be quite honest. I know he's not a football player and Abby doesn't wear a red shirt and white hat but that's the guy who comes to mind though Abby has the mind of The Professor which is why Aaron Rodgers loves him. Abby has all the right qualities in a wr IMPO.

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marpag1's picture

June 23, 2016 at 10:03 am

I don't necessarily disagree with your ultimate conclusions, stockholder. I'll admit that I don't have the slightest clue who will fill out the WR depth chart, and I don't think anyone else does just now, either. Training camp will decide. So you might be right about who the Packers ultimately keep, but some of your logic here is pretty spotty.

If Abbrederis is too slow for an NFL roster, then we need to cut Montgomery immediately, because he runs a slower 40 than Abbrederis (Abby 4.5, Monty 4.55). Adams, Montgomery, Cobb and Abby are all within one-tenth of a second on the 40 time.

If "moving the chains" and getting first downs is the most important thing, then Abby looks to be in good shape (as does Janis) and Monty seems in deep trouble. Below are number of first downs, number of snaps, and first down percentage per snap.

Abby 9 / 99 / 9.1%
Janis 6 / 131 / 4.6%
Cobb 45 / 1050 / 4.3%
Adams 22 / 763 / 2.9%
Monty 6 / 242 / 2.5%

But again, I don't think any of these things are really going to decide the issue. They're all fast enough to play, and could potentially be productive. It just depends - like you said - on who is going to get it done. Right now, I don't know who that is.

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stockholder's picture

June 23, 2016 at 11:32 am

I like Jared. I compare him to JJ and Boykin. But speed was used Only for Depth reasons. Nice point to Monty's speed too. But he boasts the size that jared and others do not have. The stats I saw; say 6 games 18 tgts . 9.1 avg. fds 6. He was up and coming. I just see big as better. But he caught the ball. Unlike Adams. Who is nothing more than a media mind manipulation. I want those chains moved. JJ moved them, but lost separation. It is my opinion that Montgomery,and janis would be the best back-ups. They made the plays. (And had separation) MM needs to keep them off the bench. I hope is Jared A. or Davis can push them.

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Handsback's picture

June 22, 2016 at 09:12 am

The WRs log jam will be cleared by the time the final cuts occur. I see Monty as the #3 WR this year IF he is healthy to start camp.

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Razer's picture

June 22, 2016 at 09:56 am

Love the off-season where optimism is boundless. We obviously have plenty of options at WR - a good thing. My question is: do we really have any real horsepower at the position? Aside from Nelson (who may or may not make it all the way back) and maybe Cobb, we appear to have a logjam of average guys. Do any of these guys present the potential to be big time receivers?

If you look over the last years, you see Rodgers scrambling and throwing bullets through tight windows to get the completion. Basically, I am seeing a QB making the difference - not the WR. I don't care if we keep 5 WRs, as long as they can beat their man and get separation. If that isn't happening, then it is time to rebuild that position with better talent.

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dobber's picture

June 22, 2016 at 02:11 pm

^^^THIS^^^

After what we saw last season, this is closer to reality than maybe what we've all been saying. We're relying on Nelson and Cook fixing the speed/separation issue...but what if they don't?

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NickPerry's picture

June 23, 2016 at 05:32 am

You could be right, the Packers have a bunch of very average guys. Guys who aren't fast, can't beat press, and it will be another season of 2015 all over again.

OR

The Packers WR's, those guys that are entering just their 2nd or 3rd seasons begin to do what so many have done before them. They start to really understand the offense and are able to play faster, better. Guys like Abby, Janis, and Adams actually respond well to having a position coach in a critical season for their development. Or a guy like Monty who's going into his first NFL season WITH a position coach.

I'm going to wait and see if it's something like the Packers are just a bunch of very pedestrian WR's after Cobb and Nelson or if it was one of the dumbest coaching moves in NFL history by MM last year when e didn't have a WR Coach for 4 of his 5 WR's who were either in their 1st or 2nd years. Pretty hard to make "The 2 year jump" when you don't have a coach. Just my thoughts.

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EdsLaces's picture

June 22, 2016 at 10:33 am

Added 10 pounds? You can't add 10 pounds in 1 year unless you are ....well you know.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

June 22, 2016 at 10:39 am

Working hard???

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EdsLaces's picture

June 22, 2016 at 01:08 pm

Obviously he's working hard but it's physically impossible to gain more than 2 or 3 lbs a year without steroids...just sayin.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

June 22, 2016 at 01:17 pm

I....I don't....I don't know if you're serious or not. You're joking, right?

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EdsLaces's picture

June 22, 2016 at 03:27 pm

Sorry I meant to say one or 2 pounds per month but that's usually for someone who just started working out. For someone who is in shape like Abby is 10 lbs in 4 or 5 months is nothing short of amazing.

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marpag1's picture

June 23, 2016 at 09:30 am

I'm just kind of quietly chuckling, though... the guy who put up 4 (FOUR!!) reps on his combine bench press is now juicing?

10 pounds is doable, especially if we remember than it doesn't have to be 100% pure muscle.

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dobber's picture

June 22, 2016 at 02:14 pm

At 6'1" and 185 lbs (or whatever he was playing at before), adding 10 lbs of muscle in a year w/o juicing is more than possible depending on your metabolism and how you're put together. Some guys are maxed out under those circumstances. Some guys have room to grow. I'm not concerned about PEDs in this case.

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John Galt III's picture

June 22, 2016 at 03:40 pm

I was an Olympic style weightlifter and competed both in the US and Europe. You are telling me that you can't put on a few pounds in a year w/.o steroids?

I competed in 4 different weight classes as I grew and I never took steroids, but back when I was in Europe competing in the 1960's I saw steroid use before anyone in the US ever even heard of them.

I never took them. Sports were just not that important to me. The mother of my (3) kids was an Olympic gold medal winner and her perspective was very different. She also did not use them.

Please.

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Teflon Ted's picture

June 22, 2016 at 04:13 pm

Once again common sense prevails. Keep it up JGIII.

Pretty sure B.J. Raji and Gilbert Brown also agree with you. lol

Ted

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EdsLaces's picture

June 22, 2016 at 06:15 pm

Don't insult me with Ur common sense crap Stroh Or Tedtwins or Trump or whoever the hell u are. I misspoke get over it.

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Teflon Ted's picture

June 22, 2016 at 07:11 pm

I never once even replied to you or mentioned your name Little Eddie. WTF is wrong with you. You say something stupid, other people call you out and you attack me for replying to JGIII? Real nice little Eddie. Why are you telling me to "get over it'. I could care less. I was complimenting JGIII because he's really smart and a common sense person which I like.

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MarkinMadison's picture

June 22, 2016 at 12:00 pm

Abby was famous for not getting into the weight room. Two years of sitting out in September may have convinced him to change his ways. He had plenty of room on his body and time on his hands to add 10 lbs. the right way.

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Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

June 22, 2016 at 12:06 pm

Ed, I gained 10 pounds last week. I can easily have a few beers in the evening, a little more than I should at dinner and then finish off some ice cream before bed and, voila. Of course it's my HGH regimen that allows me to keep me this hulk-like physique.

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4thand1's picture

June 23, 2016 at 05:45 pm

wtf, Lacy gained 50 lbs last offseason. It can be done Abby.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

June 22, 2016 at 10:37 am

If Abby even makes it to a PS there's no way in hell he'll stay there.

He's not going anywhere -- unless it's the PUP or IR list -- and I'm hoping he can shake that for good.

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dobber's picture

June 22, 2016 at 02:19 pm

I would disagree on Cobb. He's not JAG if he's used the way he needs to be used. I agree in that he couldn't function as a #1 last season the same way Nelson and others do, but playing opposite a legit outside WR, he's someone DCs need to account for, which makes him more than JAG. Past that, you're right: there's a significant amount of ???'s...2015 showed that.

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zeke's picture

June 22, 2016 at 11:35 pm

"Montgomery's career in GB is done."

Did you get this from the same "inside source" who told you that Bulaga's knee injury last year was season/career ending? Or are you flying solo and relying on your hyper-developed powers of observation?

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4thand1's picture

June 23, 2016 at 05:47 pm

As usual, you're hoping for a good player to stay hurt so you can say, "I told you so". you suck UD

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TarynsEyes's picture

June 22, 2016 at 11:13 am

I find it difficult to believe what is written about any receiver outside of actual preseason games. One says Janis looks improved and another says nothings changed watching the same show.
The bias, one way or another, is a bit to easy to incorporate and bias is a huge part of many reports. I have my tape from previous games and preseason to make comparisons and not the reviews of those who see what their hearts tell them. I read them to past time but judgements come from watching myself...right or wrong. : )

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Lphill's picture

June 22, 2016 at 01:17 pm

Whoever gets cut will become a Viking and COW will be very happy.

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ray nichkee's picture

June 22, 2016 at 07:11 pm

The man of 10,000 dislikes is a fan of the team from the land of 10,000 lakes. Go figure.

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Teflon Ted's picture

June 22, 2016 at 07:17 pm

Nichkee, I see you brought out your old yearbook again. Definitely worth posting again. haha I loved that quote and please forgive me for using your "Dropvante Adams. Pretty sure that was yours right?

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ray nichkee's picture

June 22, 2016 at 10:41 pm

Yep, I have a patent on those two along with Brandon Botchkick and Danny Trolldolla. Feel free to use them but be nice to everybody and don't get kicked off again. Just talk football and send me a six pack of Bell's Two Hearted Ale.

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Teflon Ted's picture

June 23, 2016 at 12:37 am

Yep, I remember them well. Very good and appropriate names no doubt. I'll leave those solely for you. As for beer, I only drink the best so it will have to be ice cold Schlitz beer. I can tell you I have searched the world over and never found a better beer. Does Trump have a beer? lol

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Icebowler's picture

June 22, 2016 at 01:18 pm

Unfortunately, injuries in the preseason will probably make Ted's decision on WR's mute, especially with an extra game this year.

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MarkinMadison's picture

June 22, 2016 at 03:38 pm

Ergh, argh ah, I can't take it any longer. As a lawyer I have to say it. The word you want is MOOT not MUTE. No disrespect. I see these words confused about once a week.

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Icebowler's picture

June 25, 2016 at 09:53 pm

Your absolutely right. My Bad. Can't believe I did that:(

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MongoLikePack's picture

June 22, 2016 at 01:19 pm

Thank you Michelle for keeping things interesting in this hellish down time, and thank you Nick Perry for posting that observer's insight, very cool. I hope they keep the top 7 WR's assuming Davis shows promise. The Pack has 2 wide open open roster spots compared to last year's squad: 1) not carrying a 3rd QB and 2) not carrying a 2nd FB (as much as I admire Kuhn). They could make a third open spot arguably by cutting CB Goodson, who's starting the year on suspension. They had 5 WR on the roster last year so if 7 are talented, use the 2 open spots for 2 more WR and keep 7. Hopefully Davis cuts it. If all 7 are good too, one of the WR's could serve potentially in a player trade situation with a WR deprived team for an equally promising DL, LB, or RB prospect if it's warranted.

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dobber's picture

June 22, 2016 at 02:16 pm

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but Goodson doesn't count against the Packer roster until he's eligible after week 4, right?

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

June 23, 2016 at 12:18 am

Goodson doesn't count while on suspension.

I get the two extra roster spots (FB and QB) argument, but I espouse using one or both for the OL. I could see keeping only 2 TEs, but admit that is thin. 3 TEs should be the maximum.

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NickPerry's picture

June 24, 2016 at 05:31 am

The same is true for Pennel too then correct?

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Dustin Evans's picture

June 22, 2016 at 02:06 pm

Abby route running and sure hands are what kept the sticks moving in the playoffs last year. That cardinals game I felt proved that Arron and him are on the same page, and the first pass to him was the only one he dropped all game. The guys who are gonna play are the one that know where Arron wants you to be. Abby showed he can be reliable and that I feel goes a long way

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dobber's picture

June 22, 2016 at 02:23 pm

I think a key indicator of where he stands is when Adams got hurt against the Redskins in the WC game, Abby got his snaps, not Janis.

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Bugeater's picture

June 22, 2016 at 02:23 pm

The question to McCarthy and article was actually Jason Wilde's.

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mnbruton's picture

June 22, 2016 at 03:12 pm

You're right! Fixed. I typed ESPN and my fingers automatically finished with Demovsky.

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WinUSA's picture

June 22, 2016 at 03:43 pm

Abby has been, and always will be a game changer! Some of these writers either forgot or never watched this guy playing for the Badgers.

When Abby touched the ball it was like magic. Opposing teams schemed against him and couldn't stop him, whether it was punt returns, reverses, kickoff returns, deep, button hooks. At times it was as if he was the only guy on the field to watch.

Yes, the guy has had bad luck as a Packer. But honestly, the shot he took in the ribs in Detroit would have broken ANY receivers ribs.

Yeah, I am a Badger, Packer and Abby fan, but the truth is I KNOW talent and all that aside you couldn't ever convince me to say Abby would be cut before Adams. A one game wonder.

For Pete's sake. Washington's CB is still looking for his shoes after Abbrederis put the move on him for the 2 pt conversion.

GO BADGERS GO PACK

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Teflon Ted's picture

June 22, 2016 at 04:28 pm

Excellent WinUSA. Agree 100%. Abby's a playmaker big time. Dependable, consistent, smart. He just finished up the Packers Annual Tailgate tour injury free as well so things are definitely looking up for Abby. I really believe it's all smooth sailing going forward for Abby.

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lou's picture

June 22, 2016 at 04:30 pm

It has been a curse for McCarthy to annually select an early camp MVP, Boykin was two years ago, he is out of the league, Adams was last year and he was the 2nd from the bottom starting WR per PFF. Let's hope Abby isn't cursed. The WR position is and will be the most talked about position through training camp and it just needs to play itself out, we have heard all the pros and cons on each candidate almost weekly. In reference to Davis as a return man that is really up in the air. One would have to be non observant to move Hyde from the punt return job, not only does he have the hands and judgement for it he can take it to the house (multiple times). I like Montgomery and Janis size on kick off returns over a smaller returner, does Du Juan Harris ring a bell ?

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cheesycowboy's picture

June 23, 2016 at 03:45 am

I honestly believe this site will be the most entertaining over the summer. Thanks Bruton!

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JerseyAl's picture

June 23, 2016 at 11:15 am

You mean all year round, no?

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NickPerry's picture

June 24, 2016 at 07:09 am

He must Al, because it IS!!!

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PETER MAIZ's picture

June 23, 2016 at 09:53 pm

All this is speculative and this question will be addressed week after week. Abby has the routes but if I recall, he's got no yards after catch to speak of.

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marpag1's picture

June 24, 2016 at 07:06 am

Yeah, that's pretty accurate I think, Peter. Abby doesn't gain yards after the catch. On average last year he gained only 2 yards after the catch.

Having said that, I don't really care about YAC stats very much. I just don't think it's very meaningful to know HOW they gained the yards. I'm really only concerned THAT they've gained the yards. Deandre Hopkins was third in the NFL with 1,521 receiving yards, and yet his YAC average was a paltry 1.6 yards!

It has a lot to do with how the player is used. Running backs always do well in YAC just because A) they're generally coming out of the backfield, and B) well, their main job is to run with the ball. Similarly a receiver who gets a steady diet of "go routes" will often have a higher YAC rate than guy who's running 10 yard outs and back shoulder throws.

But the trade-off is that the "go route guys" will usually have a much lower rate of receptions just because deep balls are more difficult to complete. Guys who catch the ball underneath have higher reception rates, but lower YAC rates. To illustrate, Janis had a YAC number of 14.5 yards, which is very high. But Abby, with his relatively pathetic 2 yard average, actually gained more yards per snap than Janis did, and it wasn't very close.

Surprisingly, on a TEAM basis, the Packers were actually pretty good in YAC... eighth highest in the league. But remember, this includes running backs.

Packer RECEIVERS (considered by themselves) were a bit below average in YAC. The 130 receivers with the most total receiving yards averaged 4.65 yards of YAC. Packer receivers averaged 4.36

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

June 24, 2016 at 08:18 am

Nice post. YAC means little to me as a stat. I think one needs to use the eyeball test for YAC: some receivers are very good , very elusive, running after they make the catch.

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