Jake Kumerow Fighting Hard for a Roster Spot
Jake Kumerow may be a long shot to make the 53 man roster, but he still has a shot, and his play indicates he's not taking it for granted.
By TimBackes
Wide receiver Jake Kumerow, a former standout at the Division III powerhouse that is the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, is one of the most surprising stories of the Packers’ training camp so far. After two weeks and some change, he’s gone from an afterthought to suddenly contending for a spot on the team.
Kumerow joined the Packers’ practice squad in December 2017 after spending two years on the Bengals’ squad and some time with the Patriots. Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel had a great article Tuesday about the path Kumerow took to get to Green Bay, and the heads he’s turned since joining the team.
He’s got the prototypical body for a receiver—more than 6’4, lean and a solid vertical jump. While he lacks big-time speed, he’s certainly been able to get open. He’s performed well enough in camp that Aaron Rodgers has brought him up several times in interviews.
“I think Jake Kumerow’s had a fantastic camp,” Rodgers said on Friday, August 3. “I think you have to spotlight him. He’s made a ton of plays. Did it all spring and summer and now he’s getting reps with me and making a ton of plays. He’s running the right route all the time and making contested catches and putting the ball away. It’s been pretty impressive for a guy from a small school in Wisconsin.”
Kumerow has also drawn praise from the Packers’ cornerback Davon House, as well as the Bengals’ all-star wide receiver AJ Green. The praise constantly centers on his ability to run crisp routes and make catches in tight windows—key qualities for any NFL receiver to have, especially with a quarterback as precise as Rodgers.
Despite all the praise, though, Kumerow is going to need to be consistently solid in practice and in his preseason appearances to have a shot at making the team, even if he does have the endorsement of Rodgers. Davante Adams and Randall Cobb are locks to make the team, and it would certainly be a surprise to see Geronimo Allison get cut.
The Packers also drafted three wide receivers: J’Mon Moore, Equanimeous St. Brown and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. All reports out of camp indicate that while each of the three has made occasional impressions so far, Kumerow has generally outplayed all of them and has been significantly more consistent. This is certainly good for Kumerow, but it takes a lot for teams to give up on a draft capital investment in a player’s rookie year. Kumerow will have very little margin for error throughout the entirety of preseason, and will likely also have to show he can be an asset for special teams to really have a shot at making the team.
But if you ask Rodgers, Kumerow is the player most ready to take the field on an NFL Sunday.
“Jake Kumerow is undrafted, and we drafted three guys,” he said in an interview last week. “If you’re playing today, you’d like him on the field.”
The Packers have had a lot of popular wide receiver underdogs in camp in recent years—Jared Abbrederis (another home-grown Wisconsin product), Max McCaffrey and the patron saint of fan-hyped wide receivers at the bottom of depth charts himself, Jeff Janis.
But it is Kumerow who has perhaps drawn the most praise from Rodgers, and if they continue to develop a connection in camp and in preseason games, that could be a deciding factor in him finally making a 53-man roster.
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Tim Backes is a lifelong Packer fan and a contributor to CheeseheadTV. Follow him on Twitter @timbackes for his Packer takes, random musings and Untappd beer check-ins.
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Comments (45)
Guam
August 07, 2018 at 05:24 pm
Last year McCaffrey got all of the same ink as a UDFA and outplayed Davis and Janis in the preseason. McCaffrey was cut and Davis and Janis stayed. Unless Gute is significantly different than TT, this sounds suspiciously like groundhog day.
dobber
August 07, 2018 at 06:02 pm
McCaffrey wasn't going to contribute on special teams, and your bottom WRs need to do that. After he was cut by the Packers, he spent time with two other teams before returning to GBs practice squad at the end of the year. He was released and signed with the 9ers. He's been getting his chances.
Lare
August 07, 2018 at 05:34 pm
Rodgers does not like inconsistent WRs, they cause turnovers and lose games.
Gutekunst better think long and hard before cutting a WR that Rodgers trusts and is productive and instead keeps others just because they were drafted in the 5th or 6th round.
JonathanSpader
August 07, 2018 at 08:01 pm
It's not just about draft spot Lare. The floor is higher for Kumerow after spending a year on the PS. The rookies I still feel have a higher ceiling. Kumerow will make or not make the 53 based off of his preseason performance especially on ST. More than likely he ends up on the PS or cut.
I don't get how people can be down on Allison and yet sing Kumerow's praises. They're cut from the said cloth. They lack the athleticism of the rookies drafted and make up for it with strong hands and route running. Can't wait for Thursday.
Oppy
August 08, 2018 at 01:19 am
If Kumerow plays vs. competition in the preseason at the same level he practices against GB's defense during practice, Jake will be an awfully tough cut to justify.
I agree with the ceiling vs. floor point- without question. I just think the Packers are more likely to keep extra WRs this season than make a tough cut. PLease don't ask me where they'd find the extra roster space- I haven't thought that far ahead, lol.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 08, 2018 at 02:32 am
I agree with everybody. Kumerow has a high floor, but I don't hear about him playing STs. Does he? Kumerow ran a 4.54 at his pro day years ago. Not a disqualifier, of course. MVS can flat out get open, he just has trouble catching the ball. That's a big just, but we've had rookies with butter fingers who ended up being good. James Jones and Adams come to mind. ESB seems pretty complete, with just some modest rookie goofs from what I can tell. Moore can look really good, and then not so good. As a 4th round pick, he almost certainly has a roster spot.
I arguably might put Kumerow higher on the list when compiling the round up (if so, it is subconsciously), but he is going to have to look very damn good before I cut any of the three rookies for Kumerow. Maybe we keep 7, but that's a lot, and it leaves Davis and Yancey out in the cold. Even if we keep 7, Kumerow is going to have to continue to really impress.
Oppy
August 08, 2018 at 02:58 am
How I might envision the roster:
WRs:
1. Adams 2. Cobb 3. Allison 4. Kumerow
5. Moore 6. St. Brown 7. Valdes-Scantling
I think the Packers need "now" production and it's clear Rodgers is overly wacky about his trust thing. Allison and Kumerow seem to be more prepared for "Now" than Yancey or the rookies. The rookies seem to be far more "potential" than Allison, Kumerow, and Yancey. I see Cobb gone next season and I also see one of the rookies stepping up in year two (maybe earlier), and one of them washing out by year 3. I truly don't think any of these rooks get past waivers. Someone will take a shot on them. I don't think anyone knows for sure which of the three will be the early step up and which will be the wash out- including the coaches. Feels like the Packers are forced into keeping a lot of bodies at WR this year. Watch, they'll haul out the axe and keep only 5 now. lol.
STs Specialists:
1. Crosby 2. Scott 3. Davis
I could be completely wrong, but I do believe the Packers view their roster as holding a floating spot for a core ST, and I think Davis inherits that spot from Janis, who inherited it from Bush before him :)
Thegreatreynoldo
August 08, 2018 at 05:01 am
I am not arguing, just noting that STs are usually 3 guys: K, P, LS, so Crosby, Scott and Bradley. I gather you're advocating for thinking of STs as being K, P, LS and KR/gunner (which Davis can do), but most of us are going to translate this as keeping 8 WRs if you're keeping Davis in addition to the 7 you listed above.
Lare
August 08, 2018 at 05:22 am
I think we'll get a glimpse at the pecking order amongst the WRs when we get to see them on offense and special teams during the game tomorrow night.
Oppy
August 08, 2018 at 03:36 pm
Way to early for us fans to take away too much from a preseason game- coaches are getting their first chance to evaluate many of these players under actual game conditions against a real opponent. Even the vets are getting their first taste of true live action with a new personnel, tweaked offensive scheme, brand new defensive scheme, and new rules on kickoffs that haven't been tested against a real opponent.
I don't know how much insight into what the coaches are thinking about the pecking order out of this one. They really don't know themselves yet.
Oppy
August 08, 2018 at 03:27 pm
I totally understand that most people do see it as 8 WRs.
And I totally believe that the Packers of the last decade plus have looked at one roster spot as being set aside for any player that may excel at ST play, and it seems like historically they have been prone to use it for guys who are ST aces but might not offer enough at their designated position group to make the team on that merit alone.
BTW, I'm not arguing either, this is friendly discussion tone :)
Packer_Fan
August 07, 2018 at 05:43 pm
This is what the Pack need. A Receiver making a jump in performance. Can Davis and keep the guys making the plays, running good routes and winning contested passes.
Oppy
August 07, 2018 at 06:53 pm
In my estimation, Davis is not looked at as competing for one of the available WR spots. He is the Packers punt return ace, who happens to be able to play WR if needed. starting Field position is a big part of winning football, and Davis provides it. Consider also that if the defense improves and limits opponent scoring by getting stops, the punt return man's influence in the team's success only becomes greater.
Bearmeat
August 07, 2018 at 09:12 pm
Does he provide an "ace" as a punt returner though? I'm not so sure. He had a couple really good returns last year, but he had his fair share of problems too. When to field the ball. When to fair catch. What lane to pick.
He is no Devin Hester.
Demon
August 07, 2018 at 10:23 pm
I wish you would have said he is no Desmond Howard.
Oppy
August 08, 2018 at 02:26 am
It would have been appreciated, but sadly, sometimes you have to give Bears players, as individuals- their due. Hester was an amazing return man.
Oppy
August 08, 2018 at 02:20 am
No one is Devin Hester.
That said, he's good enough that he's clearly not "just a guy".
2017 rank: (must have at least one punt return per game scheduled to qualify for rating)
Average yards per punt return: #3 (12y)
AYP KR: #7 (22.8)
Net yards KR, #6
Net yards PR: #4.
While Davis didn't break one for a TD last season, only 9 players had PR TDS, and only 7 had KR TD's.. and Trevor definitely has the speed and ability to make him a threat to score anytime he's fielding a punt or kick.
As to his decision making, I won't say he didn't make any mistakes in 2017.. however, I am of the firm belief that there's a big difference between what fans *think* constitutes a poor decision made on a punt return, and what nfl special teams coaches think are poor decisions.
Both myself and TGR have linked to articles that show some well-known football 'common sense' ideas about how to handle punts that come down inside the 10 yard line are, in fact, statistically unsound. I know Davis took a lot of heat for either fielding, or calling for a fair catch, on a number of punts that came down inside the 10 yard line. Statistically, the majority of punts allowed to hit the turf between the ten yard line and the 4 yard line end up either downed by the opposing team or rolling out of bounds- NOT going into the end zone and providing a touch back. When you look at this data, how many of Davis' supposed bad decisions were actually bad decisions? If he's making such poor decisions on punt return lanes taken, how does he end up being #3 in the league on yards per PR?
It won't let me post the link, but if you want to find the links to articles I'm talking about, use the CHTV Search bar, type "Oppy Trevor Davis" and hit GO. Scroll down until you see the link for the article "Trevor Davis offers many options for Packers". Look for the post by TGR and my reply to it. Different Links in both his post and mine.
croatpackfan
August 08, 2018 at 03:30 am
The best PR last year in whole NFL, and by large margin!
Learn first all data than spit! https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1025075545485271041
It means something...
Demon
August 08, 2018 at 10:33 am
This may come as a surprise to you. Everything you see on the internet is not always true. I could write a fluff piece putting a positive spin on things that would even make Hundley sound like a probowler. I doubt anyone would believe it other than you.
Davis had some good moments as a returner last year. I wont argue that. Just because you agree with a statistical fluff piece that PFF claiming that Davis was the best PR , doesnt make it so.
croatpackfan
August 09, 2018 at 12:19 pm
Thank you for the lesson...
Now I considering the fact I found on internet that Earth is flat... Before, I never doubt it...
Bure9620
August 07, 2018 at 05:59 pm
Judging by Rodgers repsonse to the "Young WRs" it is consistent praise for Kumerow and he could essentially do without the rest. Rodgers is NOT impressed with St. Brown. In is LR interview, Rodgers had an opportunity to discuss St. Browns progress and his response is "young guys lack of energy, lack of focus and inconsistency. Too many mental errors. I need to trust them. The effort and focus was piss poor." I wonder if Equinemious has a bit of a "tude" or sense of entitlement.
Oppy
August 07, 2018 at 06:33 pm
Edit: I just watched Aaron's interview. Wow, he's chippy.
While a reporter did ask about EQ, and Aaron didn't respond specifically about him (instead choosing to talk specifically about all the "young guys"), it is strange that both that reporter in the locker room and Wes Hod(not gonna try to spell his full last name) in "three things" specifically mentioned that ESB had been a stand out performer on Tuesday's practice, but Rodger's instead is clearly talking about the rookies' approach.
I certainly didn't take it as singling out EQ, but he clearly thinks ALL the rookie WRs need to learn to become pros.
Bure9620
August 07, 2018 at 06:15 pm
Today, He ran scout team with the rookie WRs, QB1 not pleased.....I think I caught an eyeroll when asked about Equinemious....
Bure9620
August 07, 2018 at 06:27 pm
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2789972-aaron-rodgers-rips-packers-w...
Oppy
August 07, 2018 at 06:41 pm
As a sidenote, Bure, in your original post you kind of lumped together a number of different Rodgers' comments and presented them as if they were all a response to a question about ESB (For instance, the "Piss Poor" comment was to a different question asked 3 minutes before the question specifically about ESB), which ends ups being somewhat misleading. I'm fairly sure if Aaron Rodgers would read it, he'd bark at you, "I DIDN'T SAY THAT." ;)
After attending a relatively bland monday practice, I wish I would have been at today's practice to see what Rodgers' beefs were all about.
Bure9620
August 07, 2018 at 07:43 pm
Yes you are right Oppy, that was my own interpretation, I should have prefaced my comment with that. And yes, he would bark at me. I interpreted it as being directed at ESB because Rodgers will go of out of his way to heap praise on others (see Kumerow). If there are issues its, "we" or "there needs to be more effort" he won't name names but clearly that is directly at no more than 2 or 3 individuals, likely 1. He was asked about St. Brown and purposefully talked about lack of effort and focus, etc. He would praise St. Brown otherwise. Maybe I am reading into it.
Oppy
August 07, 2018 at 06:43 pm
Also, for anyone interested, here's the actual video of Aaron's interview as opposed to Bleacher report's link
https://www.packers.com/video/rodgers-looking-for-increased-energy-on-sc...
Thegreatreynoldo
August 08, 2018 at 03:01 am
I thought the rookie WRs were running the scout team; that is, they were running plays that the Titans might run because AR specifically referred to the card session (Cards = the Titans' plays are reduced to GB's terminology so the scout team can run the Titan's offense against GB's defense). It may be that the rooks didn't think they needed to run them quite as hard or as crisply as they would our own plays. IDK, a 5-yard out is a 5-yard out, after all, and AR is tossing it to you. Doesn't really make sense to me, but it was just a thought.
Handsback
August 07, 2018 at 07:34 pm
I wouldn't lump Kumerow with McCafferey...I don't think they have the same skill sets nor capabilities. Caffey had speed, but not a lot of speed through his cuts. Kumerow seems to have that short area quickness <7.0 sec in 3-cone drill and can get open with his route running. So it won't be like last year when the Pack kept Davis and Janis over McCafferty. If Kumerow continues through TC and preseason like he's doing....he will make the team!
Also if I'm a rookie wideout.....I would make sure that Rodgers couldn't complain about me again.
stockholder
August 07, 2018 at 07:59 pm
I love the RIP. All this when he put up with Drop Vante. Is it because Nelson's Gone? Is it because he wants Allison and Davis to win because of default. A lot can be read into a Qb that Rips the rookies. The scouts have the eye. They wouldn't have drafted all three, if they were impressed with what they had. Boy can we read between the lines on this rant.
NoNonsense
August 08, 2018 at 12:36 am
Seems like a pretty simple message to me, bring it every play, every day.
Now maybe his delivery needs work, I don't know. Guess it depends on how they take the criticism. It's like he said, hes getting grumpier in his old age. Why is he so grumpy you ask?
Well it could be from all the extra reps hes had to take in practice this year to get the defense as many looks against the #1 offense as possible or the fact that hes running the scout team, on top of that.
He said they were tired, hes tired. Hell if I'm working out in the sun all day, sweating my ass off giving 100 % effort and I look over and see some young guys slacking off I'd be a little pissy too.
In Pettines "near all time" speech he talked about accountability and that's what 12s rant is all about. Be accountable for your effort, know your assignment, do your job.
croatpackfan
August 08, 2018 at 03:37 am
Poor Aaron, by your words... He might comfort himself with new contract...
PAPackerbacker
August 08, 2018 at 04:13 am
Even though Kumerow doesn't have blazing speed he is an excellent route runner and can get open. His lack of speed may keep him from longer gains but his route running skills gets him open and the ability to catch the ball gets the attention of Rodgers, thus making him an excellent target on shorter routes and keep the sticks moving. So he could be a great receiver on downs where the team needs short yardage for a first down to keep moving the sticks. I think Kumerow has an excellent chance of making the 53 man roster if he continues to work hard and gains the confidence of Rodgers and develops a chemistry between the two.
Donster
August 08, 2018 at 06:42 am
I think if you read between the lines of Rodgers comments is that he is just trying to light a fire under those three drafted rookie WR's. By pointing out Kumerow and the way he practices and is making plays, those rookies need to listen to his message and work harder for a spot on the opening day roster. Just because you were drafted doesn't mean an automatic spot, especially if you were picked in the 5th round or later. He has more than likely had this conversation with them on the practice field and or locker room, and it has fallen on deaf ears. By doing it in front of the cameras, they should have no doubt that he means what he says. He WANTS these kids to succeed, because if they do, the Pack will be an offensive Juggernaut.
LambeauPlain
August 08, 2018 at 10:50 am
Kumerow has had a few years to learn how to be an NFL pro receiver. He has learned the lessons very well, it seems.
And he is making the most of his opportunities. And he seems to be very accountable...that will get the attention of #12.
And this will get the attention of Gute!
Guam
August 08, 2018 at 08:01 am
As much as I would like to see a Whitewater kid make the team, I don't see Kumerow on the 53. He is not fast and does not contribute much on special teams. I believe he would have to unseat Allison for a roster spot and barring injury, I don't see that happening. I see Adams, Cobb, Allison, Davis (due to special teams) and two of the three rookies making the 53.
dobber
August 08, 2018 at 08:24 am
I don't put much stock in Kumerow at this point, either, but he really hasn't had a chance to earn a spot on ST, yet. There's a gunner spot open now that the "he-who-shall-not-be-named" former #83 is gone. Allison actually played a lot of ST snaps last year: 9th most on the team...which might be a tribute to the fact that he didn't get hurt while other players did. Last man standing and all. Still, I see Allison and Kumerow as being cut from the same cloth.
Demon
August 08, 2018 at 11:12 am
Agreed dobber. Kumerow is a nice camp story, but when the bullets start flying, he will at best be on the practice squad.
Seems every year the players or coaches pick someone to be the camp phenom. This year it's Kumerows turn.
The only one I can remember amounting to anything was Driver. The much forgettable Ray Rhodes stating: "that Driver kids been impressive"
LambeauPlain
August 08, 2018 at 10:54 am
4.54 speed is plenty fast when you match it with his size, quickness, route running, accountability and sticky hands.
I will trade 1/10th of second for all that stuff in a NY minute.
White92
August 08, 2018 at 09:20 am
Local boy underdog doing well is always a good story. It always seems to take a year or two for receivers to catch up to NFL standards. You rarely see a rookie WR making a huge impact. I think Kumerow has this in his favor. That said, I doubt they cut one of the draft picks if they think Kumerow will only be better for 1 year.
LambeauPlain
August 08, 2018 at 10:45 am
Look at Jordy...he played sparingly once he was on the 53. DD too.
I do not think they will cut any of the 3 big, fast draftees. I think Davis needs to worry...a lot...with Kumerow taking advantage of his opportunities.
Adams, Cobb, Allison, Kumerow, St. Brown, Moore, Valdes-Scantling are who I forecast in the WR room at this point.
VS is inconsistent but his speed and size would not get to the practice squad if you cut him.
LambeauPlain
August 08, 2018 at 10:41 am
Jake as Jordy 2.0?
He's faster than Jordy and seems to have his work ethic. His rap is he played Div III. Had Kumerow played in the B1G or SEC, he would have been drafted.
He has the pedigree too. I did not know he was a cousin to Joey Bosa and his dad was a first rounder.
I always get a kick out of 4.5 40's as being "pedestrian" but 4.4's as "blazing speed".
I would trade that 1/10th of a second for quickness, crisp route running, accountability and ability to catch the ball and finish...what Jake seems to be showing a future HOF QB.
Could be the feel good story of camp.
I also think Davis's days are numbered. He's not taking that "next step", is small and gets hurt a lot. Too many big, fast guys like Kumerow, Moore, St. Brown, and Valdes-Scantling with more upside than Davis. He could be a good PR, but even that is very inconsistent.
Demon
August 08, 2018 at 11:35 am
If Kumerow would take his pedigree and 8$, he could buy himself a coffee at Starbucks.
In order for him to make the final 53 he will need to blow away the coaches and management. There are several elite athletes standing between him and a rosrer spot.
The things he needs to do are
Work harder than anyone else
Study more than anyone else.
Ask a ton of questions.
Hope for an injury to another receiver
Dont answer the door when "The turk" comes knocking.
Ferrari Driver
August 08, 2018 at 05:20 pm
I don't care that much about our rookie wide receivers with a higher ceiling and loads of potential and that is why Kumerow is unlikely to make the team. The guy is producing and if he plays better than draftees, keep kumerow. I like his effort and I like his attitude and I like what I've been told about regarding the results of his play thus far. In past years we drafted plenty of guys who had a "high ceiling and loads of potential", only we never saw performance. I certainly hope Kumerow sticks.
4thand10
August 08, 2018 at 08:35 pm
See Donald Driver.... I’m always rooting for an underdog.