Looking Ahead: Packers WRs Can Crumble—Fast

 

It's a position that has scarcely been addressed in Green Bay over the last decade, but that may be on the cusp of changing.

The wide receivers for the Packers are a hallowed group led by the Kansas-grown Jordy Nelson, 2016 league leader in touchdown receptions after rebounding from a torn ACL in August of 2015.

Nelson turns 32 years old at the end of the month and also leaves some questions to be asked concerning his future in the NFL. Let's face it; 2008 was a long time ago.

A study conducted by Pro Football Focus in 2013 pinpointed the age of decline in wide receivers, and what they found was that 34 was the consensus of a gradual drop-off in performance. They also noted a "gradual descendence" between 28 and 34 years of age.

Nelson, who finished just one catch shy of tying his season-high of 98 in 2016, hasn't shown any signs of a decline by any means. His last three full seasons in the league since 2013 have accumulated 1,314, 1,519 and 1,257 yards respectively, including a total of 35 touchdowns.

However, it's nearly impossible to judge where a player will begin free-falling into an assisted living home. (Blatant exaggeration.)

Davante Adams, the projected next-man-up to take the reigns when Nelson does begin to show signs of decline, has shown nothing but promise since coming into the league in 2014.

Hindered by injury in 2015—much like the entirety of the Packers' roster—Adams rebounded from a nagging ankle issue with a 12-touchdown campaign in 2016 as well as just three yards shy of his first 1,000-yard season.

He was second on the team in yards per reception with 13.3, finishing behind undrafted rookie and training camp sensation Geronimo Allison. Of course, Allison had a much smaller sample size—just 22 targets to Adams' 121.

With Adams likely to be "the man" moving forward and make nothing but lengthy strides towards steady improvement, the only hope is that he can repeat - or improve upon - his breakout year.

Behind Nelson and Adams, the situation is foggy. Randall Cobb, currently the highest-paid wide receiver in Green Bay and 15th-highest in the NFL, is likely to face a restructured contract that was initially issued to him after his impressive 2014.

Ever since, his performance as a slot receiver—with the exception of his dual-role as a perimeter receiver and slot target in 2015 due to Nelson's absence—has been less than optimal.

At least, not efficient enough to warrant $10 million per year.

While Nelson was sidelined for all of 2015, every facet of the passing game hit a rough patch.

Receivers struggled to get open, opposing schemes were doing the trick to limit an already-weakened aerial attack and the Packers sported the league's slowest group of receivers. It was still nearly enough to carry the Packers to the NFC title game.

Regardless, just losing Nelson impacted the passing attack severely. Of course, the situation is much different two years later. It's a piece of recent team history that doesn't require debilitating replication anytime soon.

This skill position group in Green Bay is likely going to undergo some changes in the coming years as age increases and money may need to be invested in other positions.

Malachi Dupre and DeAngelo Yancey don't provide much of an outlook for the future at wide receiver, either. The two do, however, bring their own distinctive qualities to Green Bay in hopes of even catching onto the fringes of the 53-man roster; a task that in itself seems insurmountable.

"They're very eager to learn," Nelson said of the young additions to the receiving corps after Wednesday's practice. "They know what they're doing. Luke (Getsy) is doing a great job of coaching them up. Making sure they're prepared and carrying it over to the field.

"They just need to get comfortable with it and start having that confidence build and be ready for training camp."

Don't jump ahead, the Packers aren't in any grim situation at their primary skill position in 2017. With Aaron Rodgers, maybe not even 2018 or 2019 thanks to his ability to elevate the play of those around him.

Two years from now, if they haven't already, a 33-year old Nelson will be on the hunt for a new contract, whether in Green Bay or elsewhere.

Sure, that's in two years, but 2008 feels like it was just yesterday.

 

 

__________________________

Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

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Comments (48)

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PackEyedOptimist's picture

May 25, 2017 at 06:12 am

"It's a position that has scarcely been addressed in Green Bay over the last decade" (2008-2017):

2008 2nd round pick Nelson, 7th round pick Swain
2011 2nd round pick Cobb
2013 7th round picks Johnson and Dorsey
2014 2nd round pick Adams,5th round pick Abbredaris
7th round pick Janis
2015 3rd round pick Montgomery
2016 5th round pick Davis
2017 5th round pick Yancey, 7th round pick Dupre

Really? This was your opening comment?

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stockholder's picture

May 25, 2017 at 07:09 am

Exactly Right! The Fantasy Hype is Adams. The age is Nelson. The Rebate is Cobb. If Nelson and Cobb sit. The WRS are in a world a hurt. Adams, Davis, Yancy and Dupree must show something this year. Somehow Adams, Allison and Davis ,aren't what I see as home run hitters, or game Changers. This position needs more speed, separation and ability to catch. The NFL past and future is about who can Catch the ball. But the greats have the separation. Rice,Swan,Hudson,Brown etc.

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dobber's picture

May 25, 2017 at 07:26 am

Wow...this was a far mellower comment than I anticipated where Adams is concerned.

At this point, there's no rebate on Cobb until the off-season. The Packers hold virtually none of the cards unless he's an unmitigated disaster or holds up a liquor store. Even then, with TT calling the shots, there have been very few renegotiations in recent years. #12, the size of his contract, and the position he plays makes him a tough comparison, but I do remember them cutting AJ Hawk and resigning him immediately in 2011.

I don't think anyone here sees Adams, Allison or Davis as game changers. I think Adams is best suited to be the Tonto to a true #1s Lone Ranger, and I don't have much faith in Allison or Davis to be much more than role players in 4-wide sets. I would argue it will be hard--with Kendricks, Bennett, and MOnty--for them to get on the field even then. I don't think there's anything really remarkable about either of them (Allison and Davis) and a poor camp--or a great camp by the newcomers--could put them both on the street.

In the end, the Packers need to be looking for that next #1 WR. I think they've put themselves in a position where they're going to have to go to the well early at that position in next year's draft. Take that with a grain of salt...I thought the same thing this year, too.

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ThxJackVainisi's picture

May 25, 2017 at 10:46 am

"In the end, the Packers need to be looking for that next #1 WR. I think they've put themselves in a position where they're going to have to go to the well early at that position in next year's draft."

With perhaps 4 comp picks - all of them able to be traded now - and perhaps a pick for trading Hundley, they will be in position to use an early pick on WR in next year's draft. While Nelson was selected with pick #36, Greg Jennings, Cobb, Adams, and even Terrance Murphy (who I think would have been very good except for a career-ending injury) were selected between #52 and #64.

I do think the Packers need an outside threat. I think McGinn reported that Jordy played in the slot about one-half of the time down the stretch last season. But in the mean time, I think Bennett and Kendricks are going to be huge additions to the offense.

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NickPerry's picture

May 25, 2017 at 06:26 am

The Packers WR's were struggling the first 10 games last season just like they were in 2015. Once Nelson gained more confidence in his knee, worked himself into football shape, and started playing more in the slot, his production took a big jump. Jared Cook also had a lot to do with the WR's playing much better the last half of 2016. Once Cook came back from injury the whole offense started to click. They LOOKED like the GB Packers Offense again.

I believe Adams will have a monster season this year. Rodgers really looked for him in crucial spots last season, almost as much as he looked for Nelson. There was one point over a 6 or 7 game stretch last season Adams lead the NFL in receptions.

Cobb just needs to stay healthy. He was dinged up for almost the entire season last year. Once Nelson went out in the Giants game it was Cobb who really picked up the slack. Cobb can still do it if healthy, he just has to STAY healthy.

Allison will contribute this year. He did a hell of a job down the stretch for a guy who didn't run so fast in Spandex. Allisons biggest problem this year will be the number of targets he'll see. With all the options this team will have on offense he won't get that many opportunities. But WHAT a problem to have!!

Ted will address it next season. With everything they have now they'll be fine.

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holmesmd's picture

May 26, 2017 at 12:55 am

Lol. Speculative article much? I'm glad most of the posters aren't the coaches. You're not, so you can't and don't know. Being negative is popular I guess? People that get paid millions to evaluate and groom talent don't share your opinion. I trust them and defer to them. Stop bashing guys who have been hurt or are still finding their way in the pro's. It's pretty dang crappy if you ask me....and it has ZERO impact on who will emerge. Just sayin. It's silly IMO.

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Savage57's picture

May 25, 2017 at 06:42 am

Cobb and Nelson's replacements emerging from this gaggle of WR's in camp would be a nice outcome.

Jordy's getting to the end of the line and whatever the cause, Cobb's never played to anywhere near a $10M a year level. Him and Matthews should mail the Packers a rebate check.

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 25, 2017 at 08:37 am

' Cobb's never played to anywhere near a $10M a year level. Him and Matthews should mail the Packers a rebate check.'

I see these types of comments brought up all the time. Why does it matter to us as fans what the Packers pay these guys and what the players make?
We aren't paying their wages or doing any budgeting for them. Yes some players don't entirely live up to their contracts, but at the same time when they were playing above their contracts before did we complain that they weren't making enough?

The Packers are one of the best teams at managing the cap since Thompson took over. I don't lose any sleep over what players make.

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JerseyAl's picture

May 25, 2017 at 08:51 am

The reason people care is related to your last sentence. If some players are being overpaid, that is money that could be put towards re-signing more important players or maybe even a free agent. I don't lose any sleep over it either, but it does have some significance.

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dobber's picture

May 25, 2017 at 08:59 am

True, but we've come to know TT as someone who isn't afraid to leave a dollar in his pocket if it means not overspending on a player. I'm not all that sure that TT has missed out on all that many players in recent memory that he's really coveted due to salary cap constraints.

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 25, 2017 at 09:10 am

I understand that part of it. You want to get the best value for each player so you can put more money into other players. Trust me I understand that. At the same time we have absolutely no control over it so why worry about it?

The biggest thing I get tired of seeing though is if ___ player has a down year fans are asking them to return money or whatnot. I don't see fans saying this player deserves a bonus for player above their current contract.

Under Thompson how many bad contracts has he given out? Hawk being the worst?

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ThxJackVainisi's picture

May 26, 2017 at 11:10 pm

"At the same time we have absolutely no control over it so why worry about it?"

We have absolutely no control over anything and everything Packers that is discussed on this board, so that's a really poor argument.

Fans not complaining about underpaid players makes more sense. BTW, the NFL gives underpaid players bonuses after the season (based upon snap count and compensation). Last season Gunter made an extra $383K+, Joe Thomas $323K+, etc.

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 25, 2017 at 11:06 am

'We have absolutely no control over anything and everything Packers that is discussed on this board, so that's a really poor argument.'

How is that a poor argument?
Most of the discussion on this website is about our thoughts on the team, players, stuff like that. We all speak about what we would like to see happen.
Not speaking solely on this page, I have seen plenty of fans demanding players pay back teams because they got hurt or played a bad game or had a down year. Most contracts are based on past production which means they are getting paid for what they have done, and what they might do. They negotiated the contract. Sometimes they work out for the player, sometimes for the team. Sometimes both... We have absolutely no control over players contracts. We are not their employers. So why worry if this player makes $7 million a year and this player makes $5 million. How and why should that be our business?

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holmesmd's picture

May 26, 2017 at 12:59 am

Ummm...the coaches who see these guys daily don't agree with you. They are probably "a bit" better at their job's than you are?;)Lol. You guys are really negative this offseason. We had a super mild winter. Why all the shite in the pool?:) Lol

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 26, 2017 at 03:03 am

"At the same time we have absolutely no control over it so why worry about it?" We have absolutely no control over anything and everything Packers that is discussed on this board, so that's a really poor argument."

For the life of me, I don't understand why this isn't crystal clear. We have no control over which players GB drafts, or over any of the decisions that determine whether GB goes 19-0 or 0-16. Since I do care about whether we win or lose games, I care about each and every decision made that affects the win/loss record, and in a cap world, that includes how much we pay each and every player. I don't ask players to give rebates, or worry about whether they are overpaid or underpaid except to the extent that under or over payments affect the won/loss record. If TT had induced Von Miller to play for us for vet min, I'd have been surprised but also very pleased. If TT decided to pay our long snapper $130M per year, and pay everybody else vet min, I'd be very upset. But you should not be since you have no control over it and don't worry about under or overpaying players. I suspect you do care, RC, just not at the margins.

Since I have no control, one might think that there really is no point for me to write on this or any other blog: TT probably never reads this blog. I choose to write here because I want to express and test my opinions, possibly even changing my opinion from time to time, plus I learn lots of things here about the team. But the bottom line is that I derive enjoyment from reading the articles and comments of others and writing my own comments.

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ThxJackVainisi's picture

May 26, 2017 at 02:05 pm

RCPackerFan: "At the same time we have absolutely no control over it so why worry about it?"

I liked Thegreatreynoldo's answer but to add to it: Whenever we as fans convey our opinions about the team we are doing what fans do but we have no control over what actually happens with the team. We can advocate for players to be acquired or waived, we can praise or condemn front office personnel, coaches, and the schemes they employ. But we have no control whatever over what the team actually does. RCPackerFan, the argument you employ regarding player contracts applies to every opinion you have ever posted about the Packers. That's why it's a poor argument.

It reminds me of comments made on fan boards reminding others that those making the decisions are professionals and know more than we do about the topic at hand (holmesmd's posts is mild version of this). Of course that's true but look at all the spectacular failures made by those pros. For example, look at Matt Milan's tenure as GM for the Lions: He was a "pro" (he got paid to run the Lions), he played the game for 12 years, and he was paid as a broadcaster. As GM he was certainly privy to more information than fans. Yet in his eight years in Detroit, he led the Lions to the worst eight-year record in the history of the modern NFL winning only 27% of their games. That's only one example: I was a Packers fan in the 'dark ages' between Lombardi's departure and Wolf's arrival. Plenty of mistakes were made by pros in those days. To state the obvious: Just because pros made a decision does not mean it's right.

The reason both arguments are poor is the logical conclusion of both is to question why we post on boards like this since we have no control over what happens and the pros know much more than fans. If you believe that, it's the end of the discussion. Both are arguments against participating in these discussions beyond being forever optimistic cheerleaders saying in effect, 'The GM is right!'. Thegreatreynoldo provides a good explanation of why most of us participate in fan boards in the last paragraph of his post.

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Lphill's picture

May 25, 2017 at 06:50 am

Position is deep plenty of young blood and we also have some good running backs which could if needed allow Montgomery to return to the receiving group full time, I think receivers are the least of our worries , Jordy will still be a threat at 32.

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Somedumbname's picture

May 26, 2017 at 12:06 am

Yep :)

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Since'61's picture

May 25, 2017 at 07:05 am

If we look at our top 4 receivers, Nelson, Adams, Cobb and Monty we have a very strong position group. Include our TEs, Bennett and Kendricks and I see mismatches all over the place for our offense. As we get to Allison, Davis, Dupre and Yancey there is a drop off but which team has or has ever had 5-6 excellent receivers. I would say that our WRs and our TEs are two of the strongest position groups on the team, offense or defense. Yes, injuries can hit any group, such as our CBs last season, but I am not expecting our WRs to crumble, at least not yet. Thanks, Since '61

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Handsback's picture

May 25, 2017 at 08:39 am

Valid point "61. One football and what maybe 60 plays a game. You add our TEs, and Monty to receivers terminology (which you would if you are the NE Pats) and there’s enough depth to cover the pass catchers. The thinnest of groups is an injury to Bennett or Kendricks, then MM has to scrap his 2-TE set for the usual 3-WR position group.

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holmesmd's picture

May 26, 2017 at 01:02 am

EXACTLY 61'.We lost many of these guys somewhere:: LOZl

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dobber's picture

May 25, 2017 at 07:16 am

The waters here are very murky, long-term, IMO. I was predicting an early WR selection in the draft this year to begin repopulating the pipeline (I was, of course, wrong...again). Instead, they went to the bargain bin later in the draft. Still, I keep saying that it's about pass-catchers, not just WR. The cupboard needs to be stocked for #12.

Maybe they see the additions of Kendricks and Bennett (and, frankly, I expect Kendricks to be the one who makes more big plays) as shifting the burden off the WR position in a Gronk/Hernandez kind of way. Keep in mind that I'm not saying that Bennett is a Gronk, but I think Kendricks could be a Hernandez....their measurables are eerily similar. I hate to go against my own predilections by comparing with the Patriots, but look at what they've done offensively over the years with really good TEs, but without a prolific outside WR (since Randy Moss) and behind average runners at RB. The person chucking the ball makes a lot of difference, but a solid argument could be made that the Packers skill position pieces are superior to NEs at this point.

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MarkinMadison's picture

May 25, 2017 at 07:39 am

Everyone is discounting Yancey and Dupre because they were late round picks. DD was a 7th rounder. Both of these guys have athletic tools. Give then at least a single pre-season game before you decide what they can be.

Davis has the speed, maybe better technique will get him more separation this year.

Seems awfully early for anyone to hit the panic button.

The real thing to watch this season is whether Adams is worth #1 money, because someone is going to pay him #1 money next March.

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 25, 2017 at 08:21 am

I do like Yancey. I think he has a really good chance of making the 53. But there is a lot of competition for those spots so he and the others will have to earn it.

Davis is a guy that I think learning the system could do a lot for him. I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of jump he takes in year 2.

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PackEyedOptimist's picture

May 25, 2017 at 12:16 pm

Exactly. Yancey is a faster James Jones, so he is definitely a potential "#1 receiver." Adams is #1 quality already. Cobb is still young. The team has PLENTY of options at this point.

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Donster's picture

May 25, 2017 at 08:00 am

Perhaps the signing of Bennett and Kendricks was two fold. Upgrading the TE position was desperately needed, and by doing so this helps the current WR's to get less tight coverage and help them get open. Now if the running game can actually be a legitimate threat, which it hasn't been for two years, then look out!

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 25, 2017 at 08:12 am

I really like our WR's right now.
-Nelson has at least 1-2 more big years left before we might start seeing his decline.
-Cobb simply needs to be healthy. The last 2 years he has been trying to play through injuries and his play was substandard.
-Allison really emerged as a true threat opposite of Nelson. While most were down on him going into last year, I never was. Before the season started I said don't be surprised if he leads the team in TD catches. This year, he may not have as many TD catches as there are more weapons, but I think he will have a great year.
-Allison really came on strong late in the year. He really developed a good rapport with Rodgers and for a 'slow' guy averaging 16.8 yards per catch is really good. How big of a step he takes in year 2 could mean even greater things for this offense.
-Janis really didn't have an impact as a WR, but he continues to help the team in many different ways. For example they did 2 reverses to him and he gained 19 yards each time.
-Davis was drafted as a speed guy with good hands and return ability. He didn't provide much, but as we have stated many times this is a draft and develop team. Lets see what he can do in year 2.
-Yancey and Dupre. Both WR's have a chance to make the 53. While neither are guaranteed a shot to making the 53 both have the skills and need to capitalize on their opportunity.
-McCaffrey was promoted to the 53 late in the year. He is a guy that could be a guy that shines in the preseason if given the opportunities.
-Clark and Crockett. Both UDFA's but really offer some intriguing things. Clark is a 6'6" 220 lb WR. He only played 1 year of college football and was previously a Basketball player. Watching him play you can definitely see the basketball player in him. It may take some time to develop him but his size and speed (ran 4.5 40) is really good. Crockett is a speedster. He was reportedly clocked in the low 4.3's. He also has return skills. Both of these UDFA's offer some really intriguing skills.

The WR room will definitely be competitive. Right now I would predict that 6 guys make the 53. I would say that 4 are virtual locks (pending injuries and whatnot). Nelson, Cobb, Adams, Allison. That would leave 2 spots for Janis, Davis, Yancey, Dupre, McCaffrey, Clark and Crockett. Whoever wins will definitely have to shine.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 26, 2017 at 03:14 am

I don't mean this in a mean way, really I don't, and I realize that I recently joked around about your generally optimistic outlook, but...

Are there any players you are down on, and if so, which ones?

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pacman's picture

May 25, 2017 at 08:40 am

Who's ready for football!

(I wish there was a running thread to post this on)

I was at our daughter in law's graduation on Sunday - at Fordham U. I'm a watching fan and not a historian. As I walked through the campus I came across a familiar name - "Vince Lombardi" - on a stone of granite. I can't post the picture here but it was a bit moving. So I looked up Vince's history and about his days at Fordham. Nice read.

I suggest everyone focus on this:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vince_Lombardi#1960.E2.80.9366

In particular:
In the final play of the game, in a drive that would have won it, the Packers were stopped a few yards from the goal line. Lombardi had suffered his first, and his only ever, championship game loss. After the game, and after the press corps had left the locker room, Lombardi told his team, "This will never happen again. You will never lose another championship."

They have a poll here about the greatest coach - Lombardi, Holmgren, MM. Yes, MM has a great record. But I can't think of a single memorable quote. Or even a very motivating speech. Compare the quality of quotes this site has for MM vs Vince.

And we wonder sometimes, how we have been left short of the SB for the last few years.

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Finwiz's picture

May 25, 2017 at 09:32 am

That poll they show on this site is just a product of the age of fans reading here. It's totally incorrect obviously. It's completely reversed.
Results should be:
1. Lombardi (NOT EVEN CLOSE to number 2)
2. Holmgren
3. McCarthy

You could debate 2 & 3, but not very much.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 26, 2017 at 03:19 am

The greatest GB coach was Lombardi. It is not close. I think it is very arguable who is second, maybe even third. Yes, Finwiz, the voting here is due to the age of the voters.

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

May 25, 2017 at 09:10 am

Actually, I see the 2018 offseason as one of great roster turnover in multiple spots.

Matthews? Gone. Cobb? Gone. Burnett and Bulaga? Gone. Guion and Richard Rodgers? They could be gone this year.

And how much will Taylor, House, Linsley, and Francois want? We'll lose at least two of them, maybe more.

Oh, I think WR is just part of a big roster shift that's coming--and that's not a bad thing.

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dobber's picture

May 25, 2017 at 09:12 am

You are absolutely right...the makeover is already in progress with this year's changes. Look at who is gone off the two-deep from the end of camp of last fall already: Datone, Peppers, Shields, Hyde, Guion (suspended...again), Cook, Tretter, Lang, Sitton, Lacy, Starks. I'm sure I'm missing someone, but if the two-deep is truly a two-deep, that's almost 20-25% gone. There's a lot of turnover already happenin'.

BTW...why do you put Bulaga on that list? Sure, the Packers have an out in 2018, but he'll still only be 29 and if he continues playing at a high level (and stays healthy), his contract will make him a steal at that point.

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Finwiz's picture

May 25, 2017 at 09:28 am

Now I totally understand how the majority of Packer fans are completely deluded about their team, particularly the defense, and are constantly waving their pom-poms with unbridled optimism. Green Bay number one most DRUNK city in the country, with 10 of the top 20 in the U.S. in Wisconsin. Appleton and Sheboygan in the top 10 as well. Most binge drinking in the U.S., defined as having 5 or more drinks at one time.

Normally I would say, 'put down the bong, and watch the games', but in this case I'll say 'try not drinking for a few games', and actually comprehend what your Packer defense is doing on a weekly basis. The problem isn't with the WR's or the QB - the problem is entirely with the defense. Fix the defense and you will start seeing championships with regularity before Rodgers retires. We have a 4-5 year window to jettison Capers and turn this around. In the meantime, no more liquor or beer during the game, clear your mind, and watch what's actually happening with this team. Thx

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LayingTheLawe's picture

May 25, 2017 at 11:12 am

So the problem with the wide receivers is the defense? I think the one needing to put down the bong is this guy and see which article he's commenting on. Psst, hey hon there will be a few thousand articles about the Packer defense to comment on before the season - but this one was about the wide receivers. You know receivers, the guys who line up out wide in the offensive formation and catch passes.

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Finwiz's picture

May 25, 2017 at 11:41 am

There is no problem with the receivers - when compared to the defense.
Tough concept, I admit.

I'm gonna pull this post outta my azz, like McCarthy's go to, "pad level", every time delusional Packer fans start preaching about Super Bowls with the present defensive structure. Alcohol's the problem.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 26, 2017 at 03:31 am

I see nothing wrong with noting in the comments to an article about how the WR corps might crumble that the defense, not the WR corps except arguably for one year in the last 7, is the real thing that needs attention. Poor defense is far more likely to prevent playoff success than the WR corps crumbling in 2017, and probably in 2018. I'd guess that at least 90% of packer fans would agree.

I don't know that alcohol is preventing recognition of this problem, but then, I hardly ever drink alcohol while watching packer games. I don't have to anymore, but I sure did during the 1970s and 1980s.

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PatrickGB's picture

May 25, 2017 at 09:58 am

Nelsons replacement is already on the team. His name is Janis. The same size and speed and this year he has even bulked up (according to reports). He is good on special teams and has caught "Hail Mary's" in playoff games. Aaron is reported to be developing a stronger repore with him. Jeff is just the kind of player that is due for a breakout year like Donald Driver finally did. He wont be ProBowl but he has the size and speed to make a difference on the outside when Nelsons skills are declining in that area. He is our longball threat and like Nelson used to be teams have to respect that.

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Finwiz's picture

May 25, 2017 at 10:32 am

I hope you're right, but other than preseason, and a few hail mary catches, he hasn't flashed with any big plays. He looks deficient in tracking deep balls that are contested, as was seen last year. He doesn't high point all that well. All the physical tools, but I'm still not sure he has what it takes to be anything more than a 4-5 depth chart receiver. I hope I am wrong.

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Matt Gonzales's picture

May 25, 2017 at 11:26 am

I tend to agree. His value is ST and simple route concepts or situations where they can force feed him the ball. I like what he adds but I don't think the nuances of the route tree are ever going to click.

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Since'61's picture

May 25, 2017 at 04:40 pm

I don't see Janis as the answer long term, especially for replacing Jordy. Janis has trouble catching the ball despite his 2 Hail Mary plays. He is a poor route runner and he does not adjust very well to the ball. I can see him being chucked this year if any of the other young receivers can play STs. I don't see the Packers keeping Janis just to play on STs. Thanks, Since '61

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PatrickGB's picture

May 25, 2017 at 11:45 am

Fin, I believe Janis is in a make or break year. And I believe its a "Make" year. I see him taking off the top of the route tree like we hoped Davis would do. Every other receiver (now including Nelson) on the team is better on the shorter routes. That gives Janis the edge on the longer "go" routes. If only as a decoy to pull DB's away from other receivers. If he only catches a few, defenses will take note.

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Since'61's picture

May 25, 2017 at 04:41 pm

Janis will need to actually catch a pass to become an effective decoy. Thanks, Since '61

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Couch Cleats's picture

May 25, 2017 at 01:43 pm

Most teams try to have a deep threat based on exceptional speed. I don't think this unit really needs a guy like that to get separation. I see this unit, with the new TE's and some good receiving skills out of the backfield, getting separation simply because there are too many weapons for most defenses to account for. Double teaming any one receiving option is going to be almost impossible because it will leave another option uncovered and Rodgers will most likely recognize it before the snap. Despite the lack of killer speed, I see plenty of big plays happening for this offense. This receiving group blocks really well downfield too and does well at breaking tackles.

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PatrickGB's picture

May 25, 2017 at 03:00 pm

Couch, as you said most teams do have someone to take the top off the defense. Janis is going to be that guy, and more.

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dobber's picture

May 25, 2017 at 03:08 pm

I would love for the light to go on and for Janis to turn into that player this season. Until it does, he's a ST gunner and a guy whose niche on offense is going to be running jet sweeps and crossers underneath. A guy who can run fast is great, but if he's no threat to catch the ball he's not going to take the top off the defense. Janis was not that threat at the end of last season. Get him the ball on the run and he can make things happen...getting him the ball has been the problem.

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Couch Cleats's picture

May 26, 2017 at 01:45 pm

I think this team needs to go on long methodical clock eating drives to protect its defense. Home run balls are a lot of fun but I dont see then as a necessity for this team.

I hope you're right about Janis PatrickGB, but I can't help thinking that if someone with his freak size speed combo was going to have the light go on it would have happened already.

When I see how awesome he is as a gunner I always wonder what kind of Safety he could have been!

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EdsLaces's picture

May 27, 2017 at 07:01 pm

Our WR corps with these top 3 plus Geronimo is one of the best in the league...this article makes no sense. I don't care if they are all even on the roster in 3 or 4 years. I care that we get a ring in the next couple....

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