Cory's Corner: No Doubt about Romeo Doubs

The high school quarterback, running back and receiver has been constantly turning heads at Packers training camp. 

We are eight practices into Packers training camp and Romeo Doubs has easily been the darling so far. 

The fourth round selection out of Nevada has done things in camp that many skill guys can only dream of doing. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound wideout has made himself look even bigger by catching balls in traffic, running past defensive backs and always being aware of the sideline and the situation. 

“Every single day, there’s been at least one kind of wow play from him,” said Aaron Rodgers. “And that’s rare for a young guy like that. Now we’ve had guys over the years kind of do that, but they’re all in the top 10 I think in the Packers receiving history.”

Think about that for a second. Rodgers just compared a rookie to guys like Donald Driver, Davante Adams, Jordy Nelson and Greg Jennings. Every single one of those guys is top 10 in franchise history for receiving yards and every one has had the privilege of catching passes from Rodgers. 

That is penthouse praise for a guy that was labeled as a “linear route-runner who will struggle to elude NFL press and separate from tight man coverage over the first two levels.” Doubs has been feasting on all kinds of coverage in camp and the main reason is because he has strong hands and can easily snatch away a tight-window pass from a defender. It also helps that Doubs has been able to get plenty of reps.

“He’s had a lot of opportunities,” Rodgers said. “Which has been great. You know, with Sammy (Watkins) not practicing a couple days and obviously Christian (Watson) being out; a lot of opportunities for him. He’s made the most of it.”

There are three things you really want from a wideout. You want them to not back down from contact, you want them to go get the ball and you want them to be polished route runners. Those three things are necessary and Doubs has shown all three of those things in camp so far. Does that mean that he has been perfect so far in camp? 

“He’s still making mental mistakes, but you expect those,” Rodgers said.

So, remember when the sky was falling after the draft when all of the national media folks were claiming that the Packers offense would suffer because they don’t have a capable receiver? Well, Doubs looks pretty polished to me. And he’s driving a pretty good defense nuts in the process. Just think, the Packers may have found a gem in the fourth round, while upgrading their defense even more. 

It no longer is a stretch to think that Doubs could be NFL Rookie of the Year. He looks like a third year pro at practice — not a rookie getting his feet wet for the first time. He has the “It” quality that quarterbacks love to see. He isn’t letting anything stop him right now. And the best part is that we are seeing a potential star bud before our eyes simply because he was given a chance. 

“I think that nobody knows his ceiling just yet,” said fellow wideout Randall Cobb, who is about to enter his 12th NFL season. 
 

 

 

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__________________________

Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn

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NFL Categories: 
4 points
 

Comments (51)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
TarynsEyes's picture

August 09, 2022 at 06:31 am

Where's the video doing such great catches against our starting DB's? This number 43 Thomas looked like he couldn't cover a WR if he was duct taped to him, which didn't instill promise for the secondary depth.

I know I'll be accused, again, of being a Doubting Doub'er, but if I was promoting a player, as this article is doing, I'd have a video of him against the better DB to defend the assumed credibility.

I sure hope he doesn't look easily covered come Friday, where a more unbiased assessment gets made, hopefully.

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Renllaw's picture

August 09, 2022 at 06:50 am

I'm with you Taryn, every single year there is a "holy crap he is our next all pro" rookie or second year player in camp and almost 90% of the time they disappear when games start. I love they hype, its fun. But I'll wait until at least 2 or 3 games into the regular season to crown the kid.

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GregC's picture

August 09, 2022 at 06:59 am

The coverage on that play was actually really good. And yes, as the announcers say on the video, "He's done it against everybody." I know I've heard of him making catches against Eric Stokes, who is a pretty good starting CB.

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mrtundra's picture

August 09, 2022 at 07:35 am

Someone on Twiiter posted a video of Doubs, going against Stokes, 1 on 1, at camp. Doubs made the catch, down the sideline, in that video against our 2nd best CB. I do not know how the guy got the video, as I've heard the Packers do not allow videoing plays, at camp.

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TarynsEyes's picture

August 09, 2022 at 07:39 am

That's my point. Don't tell me, show me the video. Surely there must be a few videos of him 'doing it against every DB on the Packers as claimed. This is why I wait to see for myself in game play. Seeing is believing, and erases most of the bias through telling. Don't get me wrong, I want them to be what is claimed, but it seems all is great in camp.

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MarkinMadison's picture

August 09, 2022 at 07:45 am

You know better. You know that the Packers don't allow media to video. At best you will get some random guy who got lucky with his cell phone. Asking for what you can't get is disingenuous.

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TarynsEyes's picture

August 09, 2022 at 07:51 am

So is asking someone to believe all that someone is selling you or trying to sell you without visual proof. Hence, the reason why grains of salt are needed.

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MarkinMadison's picture

August 09, 2022 at 08:31 am

R-E-L-A-X

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LLCHESTY's picture

August 09, 2022 at 11:56 am

Maybe before complaining about not seeing something you could try Google or the another search engine of your choice, but I guess that would take the fun out of it for you.

Somebody posted a better view of this play last week but if you can't be bothered to look I'm not going to.

https://twitter.com/obersports/status/1554533866244870144?t=GGOZIjvRLUtw...

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TarynsEyes's picture

August 09, 2022 at 12:42 pm

Looks like the same route, but not the same video from a different angle, and that is clearly seen.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 10, 2022 at 02:23 am

Hi, Taryn. I went to practice. I watched Doubs. He can flat out play, in my opinion.

Otherwise, no, LLC meant that of this play against Stokes in one on ones, there is another video of this play from a different angle.

In any event, this is video evidence of Doubs getting a fine release against a quality corner in Stokes, getting a step on that corner, maintaining the separation against a corner who runs a 4.25 forty, tracking the pass and making a nice adjustment to haul it in. Can't be done much better.

Exhibit "A" has been offered and duly received into evidence.

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T7Steve's picture

August 09, 2022 at 07:50 am

To your point it sounds like he 0-ferd against Alexander in one on ones yesterday. Good learning experience. He's not letting it go to his head and working hard according to reports. His best ability is availability.

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Rarescope's picture

August 09, 2022 at 08:28 am

I bet Cory wrote this article before yesterday but I was thinking the same thing when I read it.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 10, 2022 at 02:31 am

Yes and no. He went 0-2 against Alexander in one-on-ones, but only technically. He beat Alexander clean on one of those but dropped the pass.

My first question about a receiver is can he get open? He got open against Alexander. Jaire had him well-covered on the other one-on-one. Alexander is really good: he is going to limit and/or shut down a lot of even the best wide receivers in the NFL.

The only negative about Doubs I've discerned is that he has a little of rookie James Jones in him. Doubs can make the contested catch, and haul in a pass through a sea of hands and arms, but he does drop some. Fans had to live with some frustration caused by drops by Jones in his first year, but Jones fixed that issue over the years. Don't know if Doubs will or if it will be a continuing issue.

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Coldworld's picture

August 09, 2022 at 11:28 am

There are if you care to look. Not many, because the Packers won’t release team practice video. We need to see games, but this kid has wowed hoary veteran observers as well as homers. I’m all in favor of a critical attitude, but not without a willingness to maintain open eyes and ears.

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TarynsEyes's picture

August 09, 2022 at 04:28 pm

My eyes and ears are open. All I said was Cory could have used a better video to back up his article claims, opinions etc. Nowhere did I say Doubs isn't good or bad. The problem I have with highlights is they only show the good, and nobody wants to hear or talk about the bad. Another poster mentioned Doubs got o'fered and no mention of it, just the good. A couple of videos showing only positive is not how I make assessments. Thursday's game and the next two afterwards will speak more volume than practice videos about Doubs. I hope is what is being touted, and my eyes and ears will be glued to him. So many simply read to much into what I say and didn't say.

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10ve 💚's picture

August 09, 2022 at 12:14 pm

There are so many videos out there. I have seen several videos myself of those wow plays.
Some youtube channels have daily updates with videos. I'm not going to tell you the channels, you would probably think I have an ulterior motive in promoting them. Find them out yourself.

I have also seen yesterday's video that showed Jaire knocking a ball away from Doubs. Doubs did not have a good showing against Jaire, nope. 3 bads reps against Jaire is what I heard, but only one video was available.

If you want to view good things, it is possible. Maybe all search engines know that you are a Debbie Downer and thus only show you negative videos to bolster your negativity and allow you to wallow in your misery.

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LambeauPlain's picture

August 09, 2022 at 07:23 am

The college production of Greg Jennings was remarkable similar to Romeo....4 years of production, both had tons of yards, receptions, TDs. Both came to the Packers as polished route runners. And both began their pro careers with a MVP, HOF QBs. And while Doubs is slightly taller, they are about the same weight, possess similar speed.

I was very pleased Watson was drafted...and amazed Romeo dropped to the 4th into the Packers lap. Something I did not think was possible.

Watch his senior year video. You will see a WR who, when he gets just a step, catches the ball like he is wide open. Tracks the ball intently and looks it into his hands. His ability to catch the ball in a crowd is also clearly on display in college. And while he doesn't have elite speed, like Jennings, uses quickness and crisp routes to break wide open on numerous snaps.

And listening to him talk, he's all business and views practice/repetition as keys to his success. Motivated, mature young man.

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RCPackerFan's picture

August 09, 2022 at 07:32 am

I can't wait to see Doubs in the preseason games. He has been the talk of camp so far, and unfortunately I haven't been able to see any of it yet.

I'm not going to sit here and tell everyone Doubs will no doubt be the OROY or will put up 1000+ receiving yards as a rookie. I'm not saying any of that stuff. I don't think its fair to him to put that kind of expectations on him.
BUT, I will say I think Doubs could be a very big part of our offense. From reports I have seen from camp his ability to win 50/50 balls by attacking the ball has been very impressive. He has been very good to this point. He did struggle yesterday going against Alexander. But lets be honest. Every WR in the league struggles going against him. He is IMO the best CB in the league.

The part I like about Doubs is he can be a deep threat, but he also attacks the ball. While I was a fan of MVS, he lacked the ability to attack the ball. Which basically meant anything thrown his way had to be on target. Doubs being able to attack the ball will allow him to even more dangerous down the field.

One really good thing for Doubs is that he doesn't have to come in here and be the number 1 WR. We have enough other weapons and LaFleur's offensive scheme that he can come in and just do his thing.

Doubs will be a big part of our offense and special teams this year. I'm looking forward to seeing what Romeo does for us this year.

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TarynsEyes's picture

August 09, 2022 at 07:44 am

"I can't wait to see Doubs in the preseason games. He has been the talk of camp so far, and unfortunately I haven't been able to see any of it yet."

Exactly

As to the rest of your comment, agree with hope and fingers crossed.

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RCPackerFan's picture

August 09, 2022 at 08:52 am

Thanks Taryn.

I'm an optimist most times when it comes to the Packers. But I feel like I'm more of a realistic optimist for the most part.

I really love hearing what Doubs has been doing. I just don't want to say he is the next Jerry Rice or anything like that. There will be ups and downs. But we definitely have to love the fast start that he has had.

One thing that separates the Rookie WR's this year from past years is we don't have the Adams, Nelson, Jennings, etc. in front of them. Also in LaFleur's offense, they will find ways to use guys strengths. I think that means that Doubs, Watson, Toure all could have more of an impact on this team then previous years rookie WR's. Doubs is the early leader to have the biggest impact this year.

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LLCHESTY's picture

August 09, 2022 at 12:06 pm

Don't be a Taryn. Just search Doubs Stokes or Doubs family night and you can see clips of some of his catches. Twitter is full of them I linked one of them above.

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jont's picture

August 09, 2022 at 01:33 pm

"Don't be a Taryn."

🤣

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mrtundra's picture

August 09, 2022 at 07:39 am

Right after the draft, I predicted that Doubs would have a better season than Watson would. I cannot wait for Watson to get healed up so he can show us what he can do! Toure also could add some spark, as his performance on Family Night showed he can play, as well. I love our WR room! GO PACK, GO!!!

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MarkinMadison's picture

August 09, 2022 at 07:52 am

Doubs is a Rorschach Test right now. You want to ignore what the media is saying, your choice. You want to ignore what Aaron Rodgers is saying, your choice. You want to ignore what CHTV is saying, your choice. You want to ignore what you saw on family night, your choice. But your choice says more about you than it says about Doubs.

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10ve 💚's picture

August 09, 2022 at 08:09 am

Doubs is very good, yes.

However yesterday his feet touched down to earth. He finally went against Jaire, and that brought a dose of reality. If he had started his first few days against Jaire, I think the hype on him would not be so high.

However, I agree that Doubs will probably do very well this year, he did do well against Stokes, who is a very good corner. Then again, I remember last year that Stokes did not have a good training camp, but when it came to game day, Stokes did very well.

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MarkinMadison's picture

August 09, 2022 at 08:37 am

I say bye-bye and kneel down
I yield, pray and kiss the ground
Gonna be a while before we touch back down
Ain't no turning back like a train
Sprouting wings, fuck the track
Hello sky, I'm all aboard this surprise locomotion
Oh my, oh well
Guess I'd better just enjoy the ride

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

August 09, 2022 at 10:02 am

Watching Doub's intently this past Friday Night it was easy to see he has that 'IT' factor. You can just see he will be an impressive WR for the GBP's.

There is ZERO doubt in my mind he is going to become an excellent NFL player for the GBP's. Barring injury to Doubs this year he is going to be impressive once he develops Rodgers trust. I hate making predictions because there are so many extenuating factors that come into play in the NFL, but I predict Doubs will break the Packers rookie WR record for yards in a season. Possibly even shatter it if given the chances I believe he should. This is not a prediction but I would not be completely surprised if Doubs ends up being the team leader in yards by the end of the year.

I am going to sit back and enjoy watching him play and develop into a real weapon for the Packers.

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BuckyBadger's picture

August 09, 2022 at 02:40 pm

Start making his bust for Canton.

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PatrickGB's picture

August 09, 2022 at 12:35 pm

Where is all his catches against our #1 DB’s? And can he adjust to a change of calls at the line and do a hot route? In one practice a fake spike was called and he missed it. For all I know he may be the next Donald Driver. But it’s just training came.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

August 09, 2022 at 03:40 pm

Patrick,
Not sure what more you want than this...but Doubs beat Stokes regularly like a drum from day 1 of camp. Stokes had like the lowest pass completion % of all DB's in the NFL last year. Does that qualify as a sufficient test?

Like I said....I watched him intently throughout Family Night and I feel confident I can identify a WR whose skills & athletism stands out. Doubs just has it! 😀

We will just have to see whether Im right as the season progresses I guess. Doubs will answer the challenge I'm sure if given the opportunity.

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LLCHESTY's picture

August 09, 2022 at 04:47 pm

He beat Douglas for a TD today and has been beating Stokes pretty regularly.

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jont's picture

August 09, 2022 at 01:36 pm

I'm a homer and enjoy the off season optimism. Not everything written about the team has to be objective, cold, realism.

That said, "It no longer is a stretch to think that Doubs could be NFL Rookie of the Year" might a little over the top.

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marpag1's picture

August 09, 2022 at 01:52 pm

No doubt? Really? We're saying there is NO doubt? About a guy who never caught a pass in an NFL game?

At the beginning of August, we're dropping NFL Rookie of the Year mentions?

Pretty clickbaity.

There is a reason why legitimately knowledgeable football professionals don't talk this way.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

August 09, 2022 at 02:59 pm

Marp,
I completely agree Rookie of Year is a real reach. Real reach....however, with the talent I believe he possesses if given enough opportunities with Rodgers throwing to him I see zero reason to believe he wouldn't at least be given consideration. Some rookie who hasn't played a down in the NFL has to win it right? Why couldn't Doubs?

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BuckyBadger's picture

August 09, 2022 at 03:52 pm

I think it is far too early to sing these kind of praises as well but I did place a small wager at 60:1 for Doubs to win OROY last week so I do hope he wins it. The odds have since gone down to 40:1. I think it is a long shot but he does have some things in his favor. 1) He appears to be earning playing time already and the starters in front of him aren't really that established. 2) He the reigning back to back MVP throwing him the football and he appears to have taken a liking to him. 3) The other WRs taken high this year don't have stable QB situations and it wasn't a great year for rookie RBs and QBs in the draft.

Doubs should at least show this on Friday before you right an article but OROY has already been talked about in betting circles.

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LLCHESTY's picture

August 09, 2022 at 04:49 pm

One of the writers said he was down to 18 to 1 yesterday, better odds than two of the 1st round WRs.

Pretty clear that Vegas is paying attention. He was 100 to 1 before camp started so you got in at a good spot.

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BuckyBadger's picture

August 09, 2022 at 02:40 pm

No doubt after a couple weeks of practice and barely any full contact? Are you reporting on camp or the hype man. This Jimmy Hart type story right here.

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Packers0808's picture

August 09, 2022 at 03:01 pm

Hopefully it all carries over for the young man into the full season!

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Leatherhead's picture

August 09, 2022 at 06:02 pm

It looks as though Doubs is going to be the third guy in the WR rotation, and Amari and Cobb will play the slot when we go to three wide, at least until Watson can contribute. Still, even if Watkins and Lazard are in top form, they have to take a breather every now and then, so that could be 20+ snaps even if everybody is healthy

Also, Lazard sometimes is a big slot, so we’d need somebody else at WR. Given the injury history involved, Doubs could get 500 snaps, many of them in passing situations.

I still think it’s a long shot that he’ll get 50 receptions, but it’s not as long as it was.

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LLCHESTY's picture

August 09, 2022 at 07:07 pm

The 3rd WR is a starter, they played 11 on 61% of the snaps last year and played some other 3 WR sets as well.

Doubs and Lazard were the main slot receivers on Family Night and barring injury will continue to be. Lazard had 8 snaps at slot, Doubs had 7, Cobb 6 and Rodgers 5. I think it's more likely Cobb sees 500 snaps(assuming health) and Doubs sees 650-750. Rodgers will be inactive most weeks or be on the PS. They need a 2nd X receiver more than they need 4th slot guy. I told you Doubs' versatility could get and keep him on the field before camp started but you refused to listen because he was a day 3 pick.

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Coldworld's picture

August 09, 2022 at 07:53 pm

I did not realize this till today, but apparently Winfree is now consistently working with the number 1 punt and punt return units (with Doubs as the returner). The writing on the wall is getting ever larger.

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LLCHESTY's picture

August 09, 2022 at 08:47 pm

I guess he had a nice block to spring Doubs on his end around today.

I agree, not a good time to be a one trick pony. I'm kind of doubtful about Rodgers making it to the PS but I don't really see keeping 2 slot only guys when you have to other guys that are going to see a lot of snaps there and there's questions about the X receiver. Winfree isn't a lock but if Watson isn't back soon he'll be pretty close to one.

One of the writers made the point that Watkins hasn't exactly been tearing it up and that his salary is guaranteed after the 1st game. Way too early for that kind of thinking but with what LaFluer said today Doubs might be closer to WR2 than we think.

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Coldworld's picture

August 10, 2022 at 07:32 am

I don’t think Watkins is going anywhere but his role might decrease. I think they are just treating him like a vet, which is probably wise with his injury history. He just needs some time with Rodgers and I think he’s getting that.

Perhaps it helps that I didn’t see him as a guy likely to be getting (or to sustain) Adams like snap counts. Another reason why I think versatility is key and Winfree might be the best early alternative option at his X position.

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Leatherhead's picture

August 09, 2022 at 08:29 pm

That was never my point. My point is that if Doubs catches 50 passes, he’d be one of the most successful rookie WRs ever.

Don’t put too much stock in a Family Night practice.

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LLCHESTY's picture

August 09, 2022 at 08:54 pm

I'm not sure what your point was but if it's Cobb or Rodgers playing in the slot more than Lazard and Doubs I'm very skeptical.

I think you mean most successful Packer rookie WRs. Sometimes talent meets opportunity. If Watkins or Cobb go down for any length of time Doubs is going to get plenty of targets.

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Leatherhead's picture

August 11, 2022 at 04:36 pm

"I'm not sure what your point is"....

Yeah, that pretty well sums up trying to have a discussion with you on this topic. I've stated, and restated, clearly, that the expectations you have expressed simply aren't supported by math or history. Historically, it doesn't happen real often and when it does, it's frequently is a blue chip first round guy who was drafted by a team without a lot of offensive weapons.

Mathematically, there is only one ball, and a finite number of snaps and targets available. We throw about 35 times a game. About 15 of those go to the TEs and backs, leaving about 20 throws to the WRs. Lazard and Watkins will get half of them.

Now we're down to 10 targets, that will be split among the other WRs, including Doubs. Let's say Doubs gets half of them ...5 targets. And he catches 60% of them....that's 3 receptions x 17 games =51. And that's assuming he doesn't miss any games

Personally, I think we'll see Cobb go on IR or something and we'll end up keeping Winfree. Just a guess. Lazard and Watkins will need breathers, and Doubs could pick up snaps backing them up, and he could also play wide with Lazard in the slot. I think your stated belief that he could get 600+ snaps is a real long shot.

Next season, if we part company with Lazard, Cobb, Watkins, he might catch 85 balls. He has the talent and he's in the right spot. But not this season unless the guys ahead of him are hurt or playing poorly.

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Packers0808's picture

August 09, 2022 at 06:11 pm

Who knows Doubs could be the go to guy before season end or sooner. Sounds like much upside possible here. [Refreshing to see Taryns Eyes comnents removed!]

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 10, 2022 at 02:53 am

I went to just one practice (so far). I watched a lot of the younger players, plus the offensive linemen. As to Doubs, I will say this. I came. I saw. I was persuaded.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 10, 2022 at 07:38 am

I wonder how much we will see if him in the preseason now. If they really think he’s established himself, probably not a great deal.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

August 10, 2022 at 11:38 am

TGF,
Glad you were persuaded! :)

Will be very interesting to see how Rodgers/LeFleur utilize Doubs. How fast they integrate him and use him in the offense.

I believe he is going to have a bigger role and impact this year than many believe. Hoping so anyway!

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