How Do the Packers Improve Their Wide Receiver Room for 2023?
By GilMartin
The Green Bay Packers receiving corps underwent substantial changes in 2022. Gone were two of the team’s top three receivers from the previous season when Davante Adams was traded to the Raiders and Marquez Valdes-Scantling signed with the Chiefs as a free agent.
GM Brian Gutekunst also used three draft picks to bolster the receiver room with an eye to the future. He traded up in the second round to grab Christian Watson, spent a fourth-round pick on Romeo Doubs and added Samori Toure in the seventh round. The team was hoping for more from Amari Rodgers in his second season.
The Packers also signed free agent Sammy Watkins to give the team a veteran presence while the younger players developed and adjusted to life in the NFL.
The strategy didn’t exactly work to plan. Injuries felled Watkins and he was ineffective when he returned to the lineup. Watson missed most of training camp and many games in the first half of the season due to nagging injuries while holdover veteran Randall Cobb also missed time due to injuries in the middle of the season. Doubs missed time with injuries in the middle of the year while Allen Lazard also sat out a few games due to an assortment of injuries.
One year later, Watkins and Amari Rodgers were ineffective and are gone. Lazard and Cobb are set to be unrestricted free agents. Lazard is unlikely to be back while Cobb is only a Packer next season if Aaron Rodgers elects to return and the team agrees to bring him back as a favor to their quarterback.
The Packers will have Watson, Doubs and Toure who will each be back for their second season and the Packers are hopeful each player will stay healthy and take a step forward in their second NFL campaigns. But there are no experienced players on the current roster who will compete for playing time.
It is likely the Packers will draft another wide receiver this year although probably not until the middle rounds of the draft. Regardless of when or if the Packers draft another wideout, they will still need to add a veteran presence to the roster with one or possibly two players needed.
As of now, there are not a lot of free agent receivers available that the Packers can afford and who can help the team. That may change after some players are let go after June 1st for cap reasons, but Gutekunst needs to find a player who can mentor the youngsters and give the team some consistent productivity.
If Aaron Rodgers returns at quarterback, he needs a receiver he can trust and rely on and it’s been difficult for rookies and young receivers to earn his trust. If the Packers turn to Jordan Love, he will need a reliable veteran receiver also to lean on in key situations.
Gutekunst needs to hit on the veteran he signs this year unlike the disappointing results from Watkins a year ago.
Among the top candidates currently expected to be available once free agents starts are Robert Woods who spent last season with the Titans. He had 53 catches for 527 yards and two touchdowns while starting 15 games. His 58.2 catch percentage was the lowest mark since his rookie year back in 2013. Woods will be 31 in April and any team signing him will hope he can recover some of his explosiveness after suffering a torn ACL in 2021.
Another possibility is Nelson Agholor. The native of Nigeria will turn 30 in May. He has never been as productive as Woods and had 31 catches last year for 362 yards and two touchdowns. This was his least productive year since his rookie campaign. He was not a major part of the Patriots offense the last two years and would be more of a depth piece than a major contributor.
Sterling Shepard will also be available. The former Giants wideout is 30 but has been limited by injuries over the last two seasons that saw him play in a total of only 10 games. In 2021, it was a torn Achilles while last year he suffered a torn ACL. It is not clear how good he’ll be after dealing with those two injuries in back-to-back campaigns.
D.J. Chark has the size the Packers like in their wideouts at 6’4”. He went to the Pro Bowl in 2019 with Jacksonville when he caught a career best 73 passes for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns. Last year, he missed six games due to an ankle injury but returned later in the season and finished third on the Lions with 30 catches for 502 yards and three scores.
The options are not that strong although that could change due to cap-related releases later in the offseason. Trades are also a way to add an experienced receiver. The Packers lack of cap space is also a limitation on who the team can sign.
It will be an interesting offseason in Titletown. The Packers will have to figure out the best way to improve their young receiving corps for 2023.
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Comments (150)
Coldworld
February 25, 2023 at 12:04 pm
With a draft pick or two and development from last year. No aging vets please. We can’t afford any that won’t just take snaps from younger players for a similar or worse return.
crayzpackfan
February 25, 2023 at 03:24 pm
The FA WR's this year are a collection of overpriced WR's from the geriatric floor. Hard pass. Draft and develop. UDFA for training camp bodies and maybe finding a needle in a haystack. Get young, get your credit cards in order, and hopefully Curly (our DC), Larry (our HC), and Mo (MM..AKA..Howdy Doody) can figure this out.
Bitternotsour
February 25, 2023 at 07:10 pm
i have this odd opinion. perhaps they could improve the wide receiver room by throwing to open wide receivers. Maybe they could even encourage their young wide receivers by throwing to them even if they'd made a mistake two plays earlier.
just this kinda crazy idea i have.
Bitternotsour
February 25, 2023 at 07:10 pm
conversely, they could actually run the offense that we were sold when they hired Matt LaFleur, you know, the one where guys are "schemed open".
Racingdad
February 25, 2023 at 09:52 pm
No worries qb1 aka jl-10 will run the mlf offense. Also j love will not ignore a wr for weeks if he drops one pass Or blame a wr for running the wrong route when he misses the slight brush of his arm. Or make them learn two offenses the team playbook or the other one so yes a fresh new start would be welcome in gb. Now does MM have the guts to let guty carry out the plan??? That is the 62 million dollar dead cap question
BirdDogUni
February 25, 2023 at 10:35 pm
MM doesn't have the guts, but AR12 might make the decision for him? I doubt it though.
I think he's going to make the Packers trade him. All AR12 has to do is say he's coming back and playing for the Pack. Then we'll see if Murphy has the balls or not...
pantz_bURp
February 26, 2023 at 07:48 am
Yes Racingd, since this is Sunday:
a big AMEN! 🙏
LLCHESTY
February 26, 2023 at 02:17 pm
If they run a 2019 version of a Shanahan offense they'd be lucky to win 4 games. Over a third of the league has a coach from that scheme now. Defenses have adapted. This is a dead horse.
PackEyedOptimist
February 25, 2023 at 12:08 pm
I’m in favor of using #45 to pick a WR; I’d rather add a talented rookie than a veteran this year. Jahmyr Gibbs for slot or AT Perry or Quinton Johnston are my crushes.
Racingdad
February 25, 2023 at 03:33 pm
I agree with you guys , bringing in a vet will only take snaps from our young developing players . Also don’t forget about Bo melton as he has speed like Watson. I also like at perry, another couple are Andre losivas - he’s labeled a near Watson clone, - trey Palmer good slot guy with speed Jadon haselwood , Elijah Higgins these two are Lazard types -Tyler Scott , and there are a couple near end of draft that might be worth a look Anyhow I kinda hope they draft two and forget about vets — let them grow along with a new te or two along with our young q b
Nate-1980
March 01, 2023 at 06:19 am
Ugh, you’re on here now too,well you joined the right blog, welcome to Rodgersistheonlyproblemtv..
vin0770
February 25, 2023 at 12:24 pm
Who’s the difference maker veteran FA out there…none. So the answer to the question is obvious it’s going to be more young guys that have to figure it from those that have that massive one year experience (sarcasm). The WR room will be filled with young and younger.
Maybe Love and the WR’s can figure it out together. Along with some hopefully new TE talent 🤞
croatpackfan
February 25, 2023 at 03:19 pm
Well, if they trade ACR, Jordan Love might decide that TC is just enough for him to show up. After all he learned from first ballout HOFer. He must be right. Right?
vin0770
February 26, 2023 at 03:31 pm
😂😂😂👍🏼
HawkPacker
February 25, 2023 at 12:36 pm
I am all for going younger if AR does not return. I would like the Pack to draft a WR early in the draft and a couple of TE's as well. Let Jordan Love and the WR/TE groups grow up together.
I think they would be fun to watch develop over the next number of years!
EnemyTerritory
February 25, 2023 at 04:32 pm
Draft the WRs even if the current QB returns. A four or five year rookie contract will outlive the return of Lord Rodgers. WR- Watson, Doubbs, Cobb at veterans minimum, Toure, TBD, along with at least one shiny new TE. A Jones is the defacto WR2 anyhow. Draft his replacement on day 3 and increase his passing routes/reps
Coldworld
February 26, 2023 at 03:51 pm
No to Cobb. Love him, but the latter part of last season he was unable to do anything more than keep a younger guy off the field.
splitpea1
February 25, 2023 at 12:39 pm
The draft is the best bet. The problem is that beyond Quentin Johnston, there are no receivers of the size and weight the Packers typically like until maybe the third round. So you may be looking at guys like Rice and Tillman. (And then there is the matter of the third-round curse that has been plaguing us for years....) But there will be many of the smaller, shiftier guys available in between if Gute is willing to break the mold, which isn't the worst idea in the world.
If Love is going to be the QB, you can bet the focus is going to be more on moving the chains and less on ill-advised downfield shots. For that reason we need to prioritize finding the right TE(s) and improving the OL before we get to WR.
PackEyedOptimist
February 25, 2023 at 01:37 pm
Don’t forget AT Perry, who is a favorite of mine. He’s been climbing a lot; I expect him to go in the second round
dobber
February 25, 2023 at 02:00 pm
"you can bet the focus is going to be more on moving the chains and less on ill-advised downfield shots. "
You can bet the shortest OC interview ever would end with the candidate talking about how their scheme is centered on ill-advised downfield shots.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
February 25, 2023 at 03:45 pm
Im a big fan of Johnston. I rarely advocate for receivers in the first round but he definitely fits the bill with his combination of size, speed, and playmaking. I dont think receiver is their biggest need but I wouldnt be mad if they took Johnston in the first.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
February 25, 2023 at 07:00 pm
RTS,
I am there with you buddy! Normally, I want an OL or DL in round 1. Winning in the trenches usually win games. However, I see Johnston as the WR who if added is a game changer for the Packers offense. He would be that perfect blend of physicality, size, and speed that would round out the WR skill set the Packers need to be explosive. They would still need a very good TE, but Johnston....whatever it takes to secure him. I believe if the Packers could end up with the Raiders #7 they have something like a 60 - 70% chance of getting him. He is likely gone with the Jet's #13, and certainly the Packers #15.
BirdDogUni
February 25, 2023 at 08:06 pm
Why not both?
Say, Broderick Jones at #13 and Quentin Johnston at #15? ; )
Add Antonio Johnson at #43 and Darnell Washington at #45... There's four needs taken care of in the first 4 picks. OT, WR, S, & TE... ; )
Fly JEST Fly... ; P
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
February 25, 2023 at 11:33 pm
Not bad Bd!
I do like a top prospect at Edge because they can be such a difference maker...Tyree!!!
BirdDogUni
February 26, 2023 at 04:09 pm
Saw a mock yesterday with Tyree going #1 Overall to Chicago... Lol
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
February 27, 2023 at 08:31 am
BD,
Johnston is the only WR I'd like in round 1, however Kincaid & Musgrave the TE's are similar in size, speed, and physicality as Johnston. They are move TEs who are more WR than TE IMO. I'd be perfectly okay with the Packers drafting Tyree Wilson and then picking up one of these two TE's later in round 1 (trade back). Particularly Kincaid! Probably get him at #20, or #22, while Musgrave at about #32 - #33. Musgrave is a physical freak at 6'6" and 255 lbs who can run approximately a 4.4 in the 40 yard. Guy would be devastating in the red zone.
Love Johnston, but Kincaid with either Mayer, or Darnell Washington would be a fantastic pick-up!
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
February 27, 2023 at 11:49 am
I will add that at Combine if Musgrave runs a 4.4 he will significantly climb the board into round 1.
Racingdad
February 25, 2023 at 09:59 pm
Also with getting a wr in the first rd comes with 5 yrs control always a bonus
BirdDogUni
February 25, 2023 at 04:22 pm
Tillman 6' 3" 215 LBS 4.5
Xavier Hutchenson 6' 3" 207 LBS 4.51
Jonathan Mingo 6' 2" 226 LBS 4.46
My personal draft crush is almost a carbon copy of Davante Adams, only faster, is...
Dontayvion Wicks 6' 2" 212 LBS 4.40
Andrei Iosivas 6' 3" 212 LBS 4.29 (If he runs a 4.29 at the Combine, he'll shoot up draft boards...)
Handsback
February 25, 2023 at 10:21 pm
There are good receivers in all the rounds. Some will be ready, others need some time to develop. Take Meyers from NE...he was a UDFA!
There's a guy from Arkansas whose bigger than Lazard and blocks like him as well. He's also faster. That guy is slotted by experts (for whatever that is worth) for the 5-7th rounds.
There are starters in every round.
BirdDogUni
February 25, 2023 at 10:42 pm
True! Wouldn't you think if you were getting paid to know about the College players, our scouts could find those guys?
Instead of the Trevor Davis, Malachi Dupre, DeAngelo Yancey, and J'Mon Moore's...?
Hell, it seems a few of us here do more scouting than our paid scouts... SMH
BirdDogUni
February 25, 2023 at 10:47 pm
Jadon Haselwood 6' 3" 213 LBS 4.48
Not sure he's bigger than Lazard, but he's a might faster... If he runs a 4.48 that is...
LLCHESTY
February 26, 2023 at 02:28 pm
I like Hazelwood as a late round pick but the odds are slim of him sticking. Guys that were never #1 WRs in college usually don't succeed unless they're coming from a powerhouse program.
Coldworld
February 26, 2023 at 04:30 pm
That’s when the back story is typically the differentiator. There are valid reasons but if there isn’t one it is a big red flag.
HarryHodag
February 25, 2023 at 12:58 pm
Good receivers and running backs are a dime-a-dozen in the draft. I'm not sure allocating any money to another veteran will pay off. Never forget the Packers all-time leading receiver, Donald Driver, was a late round pick.
jannesbjornson
February 25, 2023 at 01:29 pm
It works if you want to wait until year four for any production.
Untylu1968
February 25, 2023 at 02:28 pm
What kind of stats would you consider productive??
jannesbjornson
February 25, 2023 at 04:01 pm
Starting lineup. He started in his fourth season and made the Pro Bowl. From no production to limited usage during the previous seasons. 500 yards and a three TDs over his first three years. P squad, then limited action.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
February 25, 2023 at 04:42 pm
But theres no guarantee theyre ever great, which is what happens to like 50% of all receivers drafted in the first round. I dont care if it takes 3 years, the fact that they evenfually become awesome is enough for me. The process works again and again so why fix something that isnt broke?
PhantomII
February 26, 2023 at 11:45 am
The team need NOW, the window to a championship 3/4 closed, etc. these are the only real reasons you can't and shouldn't wait. Maybe your top 3 #1 WR is tired of bullshit like DA and now you have an enormous VOID in your offense.....That still HAS NOT BEEN FILLED.
ImaPayne
February 25, 2023 at 06:24 pm
Great receivers like the Vikes got are in the early first. All the rest are a dime a dozen. Watson proved he can catch some balls and has some speed but does not possess great hands and elusive speed. I saw him covered a lot which surprised me he is suppoed to have blister speed but maybe he doesnt know how to use it.
He was not Div 1 so he has some issues coming in.
Racingdad
February 25, 2023 at 09:55 pm
He was double covered late in the season
jannesbjornson
February 26, 2023 at 06:46 am
4.36 speed and a 39"-0 vertical. He should have been the #22.
stockholder
February 26, 2023 at 11:59 am
Absolutely. I'm going to give you my best Wrs
for later in the draft.
Don't let Bird change your mind.
Tyler Scott @116
Andrei Iosivas @ !51
The Johnston Talk is All Jane.
His Hands are 60%.
jannesbjornson
February 26, 2023 at 01:28 pm
Concentration drops for Johnston. Small hands for the Princeton guy. Ronnie Bell from Michigan. There are guys to fill in the 4th-5th rounds. I am focusing on what needs to be done. Fill the RT spot with a blue chip. I'm keeping Bhak. Get the Edge by round two and anothe rin rd 3-4. Get Players. This team had 34 sacks last season. Backup QBs ate them up and Barry is too cowardly to bring heat with the blitz. Any guy can run fast in a straight line.
Coldworld
February 26, 2023 at 04:02 pm
Johnson has a lot of early James Jones about him. Catches ones he shouldn’t and drops ones it’s hard to imagine. Part of that is, I think, that he needs to work on his route skills and not be overthinking. That can normally be fixed. Not always though, as J’Mon Moore demonstrated. He had the physical tools.
golfpacker1
February 26, 2023 at 04:22 pm
Iosivas is really intriguing. 6'3 210lbs and draft experts think he will run low 4.2s. He has great hands and blocks too. Hee might even be worth a 4th round pick. Hutchinson-Iowa State has great hands and same size as Iosivas. Mingo is a little bigger and very good too.
We don't need a 1st round receiver. Although I would have taken Watson with our 2nd rounder last year and saved the 2 picks we gave up. The big DT from UCONN was just as good as Wyatt and went in 3rd round.
LLCHESTY
February 26, 2023 at 02:31 pm
Doesn't have elusive speed? Your Vikings slip is showing.
Coldworld
February 26, 2023 at 04:26 pm
He’d whip Jefferson off the line and pull away. Jefferson is a guy I wanted, and well ahead technically, but he never had the same size/burst/speed profile.
PhantomII
February 26, 2023 at 11:34 am
Harry, More like needle in a haystack with A.Jones and DD one of my favorite WR's.
jannesbjornson
February 26, 2023 at 01:30 pm
A.Jones was a guy they kept track of since high school. That was good scouting. You have to follow them from freshman to junior/senior years to get the complete picture. One-year wonders have to be scrutinized.
Coldworld
February 26, 2023 at 03:45 pm
Driver is an all time favorite of mine, but he came in as an incredibly raw incredible athlete who returned. It took him 4 seasons to start becoming a true part of the O. If we are dealing with Rodgers, those guys don’t help: we need contributions now. If it’s Love, go for it late every year at least once. In which spirit, don’t write off Melton as a slot/option type Gute picked up that Seattle drafted and tried to stash on their PS. Genuine speed and ability to run with the ball.
Leatherhead
February 25, 2023 at 01:35 pm
I'd trade Rodgers to the Jets and use pick #13 to draft Johnston. That's how I'd improve the WR room.
Johnblood27
February 25, 2023 at 02:00 pm
quite astute.
Improvement by drafting a talented player with a high pick.
Improvement through addition by subtraction.
Nice. A 2fer.
BirdDogUni
February 25, 2023 at 04:30 pm
I'd rather trade Rodgers to the Jets for #13 and #43... :P
Use #13 for Quentin Johnston, our #15 for Broderick Jones, #43 for Darnell Washington and our #45 for Dontayvion Wicks...
Our offense would be almost unstoppable if we did that...
We could still use a pick on another RB, DL, S, OLBer, S, OL, and another TE... (Plus some...)
Leatherhead
February 25, 2023 at 05:34 pm
BDU, in the simulations, I get the Jets first three picks. I'd use that first one for Johnston, and I'd take Washington in the second if he's still there, or the best TE remaining otherwise.
And I'd upgrade the blocking, too. Right now, at this moment, we have 5 legitimate starters. We need 9.
BirdDogUni
February 25, 2023 at 11:05 pm
Bakh, Jenkins, Myers, Runyan, Tom, & Nijman...
There's six quality starters for sure.
(Obviously depends on if we keep Bakh or trade him and how high we tender Nijman...)
If we were to get a high second round pick for Nijman, we might be able to draft Dawand Jones... He can probably start at LT or RT out of the gate.
I am still very hopeful Rasheed Walker and Caleb Jones will come on enough to be viable depth at the very least.
IDK about Sean Rhyan? Maybe he's a total bust? Maybe not... Guess we'll have to wait and see on him. I wouldn't count on him though...
I know nothing about Luke Tenuta, but he's huge. He's started a bunch of games at RT, so who knows how he'll come into camp this year?
I'm not too worried about our OL, but I wouldn't mind drafting Broderick Jones, or Anton Harrison, or Dawand Jones at all... To be honest, it might be overkill and people would scream, but if Gutey drafted all three of those guys, we damn sure wouldn't have to worry about our LT... Lol
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
February 25, 2023 at 07:14 pm
Johnston most likely would not be available by #13, however he might & likely would be there with the Raiders #7.
BirdDogUni
February 25, 2023 at 08:19 pm
Reuters had him going 46 in his 3 round mock... He had us passing on him at 45 to take Antonio Johnson. SMH (That would piss me off...)
https://www.nfl.com/news/three-round-2023-nfl-mock-draft-1-0-new-england...
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
February 26, 2023 at 04:07 pm
BD,
Have never been high on Chad's work. Now throw in Johnston being drafted at #46 is ludicrous.
With all that aside, it hurts when there is a player you really like a lot who you think would be a great fit for the Packers & someone then drafts them prior to the Packers selection.
It's a whole different level of hurt when that same player is available when the Packers pick and they choose to pass on that player.
Ferrari-Driver
February 25, 2023 at 02:02 pm
Gil, you paint a bleak picture for the Packers wide receivers room. I look for a big jump from both Watson and Doubs this year and view Doubs as as a fourth round find by Gute. I recently looked at what is listed on the internet as the top 100 free agents and noticed that Lazard is listed at number 80. I also realize that he is projected to receive a contract somewhere close to $11-12 million, but that may or may not come to fruition. With all the free agents who will be out there looking for a job, I hope the Packers will be able to land a wide receiver and at least one tight end who will be able to contribute on the field and in the locker room after the initial rush to sign players subsides a bit. Most of us expect Gute to look diligently during the upcoming draft to land at least one receiver and a tight end. We have a few significant needs to fill on this team so I won't even speculate on where Gute will be picking any of position group players. Don't forget about a major need at safety, but that can be a future topic of discussion.
Bitternotsour
February 25, 2023 at 07:15 pm
Lazard is a tight end. It's the only way I'd sign the guy. Glad to pay Tonyan money for him...
Mjahn58
February 25, 2023 at 02:03 pm
How about having QB1 show up to all the practices?
Johnblood27
February 25, 2023 at 02:05 pm
I sure hope that Love can make it...
Racingdad
February 25, 2023 at 04:09 pm
Yes I’m sure j love will be at all practices
Packerpasty
February 25, 2023 at 04:54 pm
He will be, running the 2nd squad full of hopeful free agents, most of who won't make it...go to training camp you'll see..
BirdDogUni
February 25, 2023 at 05:39 pm
Love will definitely be there... ; )
Bitternotsour
February 25, 2023 at 07:16 pm
Honestly, at this point QB 1 is QB #10, and he'll be there early and often...
bullsa21
February 26, 2023 at 11:40 am
Agree maybe they would progress a little more if AR actually came to the off season workouts to work with them and just maybe invite them to join non team activities to continue what they learn to improve.
Johnblood27
February 25, 2023 at 02:10 pm
The options you list are completely underwhelming.
I would rather watch some kids trying their best instead of any of the veteran options you listed.
I would just blot any of those signings out of my mind and focus on a couple of value selections from the draft, with value being dictated by round vs projected talent at the NFL level, in other words no need for a 1st or 2nd round WR unless someone drops to us. There is always value increases as the draft proceeds, Gutey just needs to have a bit of a WR focus as the days go by.
I see safety as a much bigger early round need. I said so last year, along with TE last year. I sure wish we had gotten a TE last year.
Ferrari-Driver
February 25, 2023 at 02:16 pm
Blood, good points.
Johnblood27
February 25, 2023 at 05:15 pm
vroom vroom
packer132
February 25, 2023 at 02:42 pm
Many possibilities at wide receiver and I would go for two higher draft picks again. Packers could have Watson, Doubs, Toure, Melton, and 2 draft picks. Watson is 6'5 and they don't have to go big. I would stay away from the smaller guys though under 6'0. Depending on the round, Smith-Njigba, Hutchinson, and Rice seem promising. Maybe a cheaper veteran like Powell (Rams) or Miller (Tampa) who are still young. Also, draft two tight ends and let Tonyan and Lewis walk. The 2023 season is not all gloom and doom.
jannesbjornson
February 25, 2023 at 04:08 pm
Some speculate about Robert Woods as a FA pickup , since he knows LaFleur's offense. I would be focusing on a pass receiving TE like Mayer or Kincaid to take some of the targets. A possession guy from Rd three helps the depth chart. The TEs are the strength of this draft along with RBs. The Pass Rush must be addressed early.
jhtobias
February 25, 2023 at 02:43 pm
How about we keep letting watson and doubs develop both can be players. Aging veterans for a non superbowl competitive team is not smart or finacially reaponsible.
Add young talent so them and jordan can develop.
Problem is this is the same team that has joe berry and adam stenovich as cordinators so who knows
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
February 25, 2023 at 03:41 pm
They can start by fixing the qb room and installing the guy whos willing to put in extra work with any new additions, whether it be draft picks or free agents.
pantz_bURp
February 26, 2023 at 07:56 am
Yes RTS, can I get a witness!?
stockholder
February 25, 2023 at 04:18 pm
How do they improve the WRs?
By drafting another class of WRs.
The Watkins strategy was bad.
Because he was a bust to start with.
And you only have to look at Cobb;
to know Vets won’t stretch the field.
Sure they can help. No doubt about it!
But Defense wins championships,
Not an offense that keeps getting patches.
Reloading is about offensive threats.
Not putting your hopes on a roulette wheel.
You grab the speed. And let them learn.
Competition; makes a team and player better.
You find out who can do it!
And the Amari Rodgers, who can’t.
This class of rookies now are Experienced.
Yes, Watson, Dobbs, and Toure are veterans.
It’s their time to be pushed!
So don’t give me candidates.
We won the trade with DeVante Adams.
And we lost the Trade with John Jefferson.
Defense wins championships, Not a QB stats.
Rodgers will be just fine with new weapons.
He won’t be if the OL doesn’t protect him.
The draft is the only way to do it right !!!
PhantomII
February 26, 2023 at 11:07 am
Defense wins championships.....IF your offense is good enough to stay on the field long enough to rest the defense and can score points....Neither side is remotely there and no cap room nor $$ Window closed when DA left and AR took what money we had left. AR made that decision HE was more important than another #1 WR so here we are. It does not matter what we do now....It's too late and we have too many holes to fill. He can come back...get paid way too much and we may actually be in the playoffs but this is no championship team as it sits.
stockholder
February 26, 2023 at 12:09 pm
Wrong. No good coach wins W/O a great QB.
And they now freed enough money to retain
their own. They are just two players away.
jannesbjornson
February 26, 2023 at 01:37 pm
Must have the Franchise guy, but he needs a coach who doesn't call a Dbl reverse on 4th and a yard, or calls a fake punt from his own 30 yardline.
PhantomII
February 26, 2023 at 07:53 pm
Nobody wins without a #1 WR in this sport unless you are lucky enough to have 2-#2 WR's. Currently we have no #1 nor #2 WR at all. Rooks are gonna be but as of now are not or do I believe our HC can scheme them to their strengths consistently enough to light up the scoreboard. We are indeed a couple starting WR's away and a good TE. Without CAP room for any of them. Thanks to AR.
Turophile
February 25, 2023 at 05:28 pm
A short and sweet answer.
One moderate priced vet plus one draft pick. That's it, really.
BirdDogUni
February 25, 2023 at 06:13 pm
Perfect, (except for the one moderate priced vet...) ; )
Thinking we can draft Wicks and Higgins to get younger, cheaper, with higher ceilings.
Add a couple TEs to Austin Allen and we'll be fine.
*Dontayvion Wicks - You need to check out his tape Turophile... Think he's a carbon copy of Davante Adams. (Faster too.)
Higgins is 6' 21/2" 228 LBs - He can take Lazard's role (#4 or 5 WR)...
He kind of reminds me of Anquan Boldin. He was 6' 1" 220 LBS.
Turophile
February 26, 2023 at 04:44 am
Thanks for the heads-up on Wicks. A big (6'2", 205) guy with fast-twitch muscles could do very nicely in Green Bay. He could go in the 4th or 5th round and is certainly the receiver type the Packers like. I'll have to check out some tape of him at Virginia.
Higgins (Stanford) is one of those powerful guys (6'3" and 225lbs+) and he isn't slow to go with it (4.44 40), so as you say he could be a good blocker, as Lazard was (though Lazard was exceptional at that). Several people have him as a late pick (late 6th or 7th), but I think he's a little bit better than that.
Although there are no cut and dried no.1 type receivers in this draft and few NFL ready no.2's there are a load of guys that could be a 3/4/5 quickly and several among them that might ascend higher, given time.
Wake Forest's A.T. Perry is another tall guy (6'5", 206) who can gain yards very quickly. He should be available in round three.
jannesbjornson
February 26, 2023 at 07:00 am
Michael Wilson is the other Stanford WR to scope out in later rounds.
BirdDogUni
February 26, 2023 at 04:31 pm
Just watched Wilson yesterday and am now a fan... (Good Call jb...)
Like always, it just depends on who Gutey targets. He seems to make up his mind before the draft and goes after "his" guys... Not waiting at all for the draft to come to him... Not sure I agree with that philosophy, but it doesn't matter what I think.
jannesbjornson
February 26, 2023 at 06:12 pm
The other guys bailed for a reason. Ted's 1:2 went Rodgers and Nick Collins . Gutedkunst after the trade out for NOLA's #1, clawed back up to get Alexander, then Jackson. If Nick wasn't injured, Ted likely bagged two HOF guys.
Oppy
February 26, 2023 at 07:53 pm
The other guys bailed because
a) they were all vying for the GM job and didn't get it
b) Murphy
Cubbygold
February 25, 2023 at 06:00 pm
All depends on whether 12 is coming back and whether they're trying to compete for a championship.
Which is why this BS each off-season needs to be put to an end. Should they be evaluating Loves trade value now? Do they need the best 1 year rental? Is their window 2023 or 2025?
Winning a championship is hard enough without having to enter each off-season with multiple scenarios centered around your most expensive asset.
ImaPayne
February 25, 2023 at 06:18 pm
This is not that talented a receiver core. Old out of date tight ends. A slot guy who is on soc sec. Two guys who are not great route runners and never had good hands in college let alone the NFl. One skinny guy who is one good hit from missing a season and a half and a Lizzard guy who is free agent bound.
The Vikes have a top receiving core us, about medium mode
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
February 25, 2023 at 06:52 pm
No added FA veterans please, plus let Cobb & Lazard go! Knew last year none of these veterans that were added (not talking Lazard) were going to pan out.
All my CCTV posts are always under the belief the Packers will trade AR with variations of a #1, #2, plus a player in 2023. If Raiders it is for their #7, #38, plus TE, Waller. Otherwise, the Jets for their #13, #43, plus WR, Corey Davis. I do not really care about 2024 draft picks unless the Packers somehow got lucky with extra draft capital. I want high picks this year that can accrue one full season of experience prior to the 2024 draft.
Therefore, assuming the Packers have one of the extra picks in round 1 to go along with their #15 selection I'd try really hard to get Quentin Johnston. A game changer and the Packers do not have a physical player like this at WR, particularly if Lazard departs. Johnston is my main guy, but if gone and they have two 1st round picks I'd try for Tyree Wilson at Edge, and then with #15 I'd have to choose between WR, Jordan Addison, or either TE, Dalton Kincaid, or Michael Mayer. Obviously, you can see if that extra player was Corey Davis, or Waller it might have an impact on who you would draft in round 1.
Dream #1 draft with the two picks for me:
#7 - Tyree Wilson, Edge
#15 - Quentin Johnston, WR
Otherwise, for an explosive offense:
#7 - Quentin Johnston, WR
#15 - Michael Mayer, TE
Otherwise, for a truly offensive juggernaut:
#7 - Quentin Johnston, WR
#15 - Jordan Addison, WR
#38 (2nd round) Musgrave, TE
PackEyedOptimist
February 25, 2023 at 08:20 pm
I’m not convinced Mayer will be a great NFL TE, and Musgrave strikes me as a “ looks like Tarzan plays like Jane” guy. He gets tackled incredibly easily. Watch his tape vs Kincaid’s or Sam LaPorta’s. See how they handle the first hit compared to him.
jannesbjornson
February 26, 2023 at 10:05 am
Musgrave was injured most of his college career. Very little production. They salivate over his 4.5 40 timing. Not willing to go in this guy's direction.
stockholder
February 26, 2023 at 12:11 pm
I wouldn't draft Musgrave.
I'll take Kincaid first.
jannesbjornson
February 26, 2023 at 01:52 pm
Mayer, Kincaid, Tucker Kraft, LaPorta, Will Mallory...Inline guys like Schoonmaker later on. Get guys from Pro Style offenses.
BirdDogUni
February 25, 2023 at 08:47 pm
How about:
#7 Quentin Johnston WR
@15 Broderick Jones - Plug and play RT, switch to LT when Bakh is gone...
#38 Luke Musgrave TE
#45 Darnell Washington TE
Chad Reuter actually gets paid by NFL.com for his draft analyst... SMH
In his 3 round mock draft he has Chicago taking Rashee Rice at 31 overall and Quentin Johnston going 46 overall... We pass on him to take Safety Antonio Johnson... Reuters is the ultimate troll... SMH
stockholder
February 26, 2023 at 12:14 pm
No - Johnston has bad hands.
Jones is projected to be a Guard.
Musgrave 4.5 and thats it.
Darnell Washington is a real possibility.
I'd Take Defense over Tes.
Because Tonyan is coming back.
jannesbjornson
February 26, 2023 at 02:09 pm
The only "expert" to put Jones as a guard would be Gutedkunst. Nijman would be better as a guard with his inside zone feel. Jones has movement skills, a big punch, can get to the next level fast and out-flank the edge guy. He's projected to the top 10-20. Have to see his bench results. He doesn't need any help on the outside. 6'-4, 315 with a 4.8, 40. Elite footwork. A dancing Bear like Bhak. He would be wasted as a guard.
BirdDogUni
February 26, 2023 at 04:39 pm
You have "bad takes", "no sense", and basically unintelligible, but they let you keep commenting.
Unfathomable, to say the least...
Broderick Jones is "NOT" projected to be a guard at all.
In fact, many have him the highest rated LT in the draft, which proves you either can't read, don't listen, or plain just troll.
I'm betting you're either off your meds, or trolling.
Which is it?
LLCHESTY
February 26, 2023 at 02:47 pm
Reuter is so bad I just skip his mocks anymore. He's constantly picking players that don't fit teams schemes. If you're getting paid by the NFL shouldn't you at least know what teams are running?
Coldworld
February 26, 2023 at 04:36 pm
Complacency abounds. I agree. Have not given him a thought in a long time except to briefly shake my head.
BirdDogUni
February 26, 2023 at 04:45 pm
I seriously think he trolls the Packers Fans on purpose.
He must be Goodell's cousin or something, because he has no brains to speak of and even less talent...
He's the stockholder of draft analysts...
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
February 26, 2023 at 04:10 pm
I'd take Kincaid over Musgrave as well, but Kincaid will not be available in round 2, but Musgrave 'might'.
jannesbjornson
February 26, 2023 at 06:34 pm
Then Kraft over Musgrave.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
February 27, 2023 at 08:22 am
Jannes,
Disagree regarding Kraft over Musgrave. Musgrave IMO a more gifted athlete. Kraft appears to me to be a 4th rounder. Possibly slightly higher but don't think so. Musgrave likely a high 2nd round pick. In reality it comes down to how the Packers would utilize these players. I see Kraft more in line with a true TE, whereas I'd see Musgrave being used differently. No other TE in the draft has Musgrave's size & speed combination at 6'6" and 255 lbs who can run the 40 yards in 4.4. Now we won't know his true speed until the combine but that is what is being reported now. That is a true difference maker athletically. Put Musgrave in the red zone....wow!
Kincaid & Musgrave are such smooth athletic move TE's they could be WR's. I will just say right here & now I love Kincaid. So smooth! They are not blockers & have a lot of needed improvement there if they stay at TE.
Quentin Johnston is the only WR I have any interest in round 1 due to his size speed combo & physicality. I'm trying to see the difference between Johnston, Kincaid, and Musgrave in terms of size, speed, physicality, etc? Johnston would require a premium draft pick that you could use for a defender like Tyree Wilson at Edge allowing the Packers to pick up either Kincaid, or Musgrave further back in draft like in early 20's, or Musgrave at top of round 2. Johnston is 6'4" and 215 lbs so he is about their height but he is significantly lighter.
Mayer is a true TE that does everything well and who doesn't have to come off the field. Darnell is a physical freak. Lots of options but I see Kincaid & Musgrave as more WR than TE.
PhantomII
February 25, 2023 at 06:58 pm
#1 WR is THE biggest need since we have NOT had one in since DA ran the route out the door. Next biggest need is #2 WR which we have NOT had since 2017-2018. Until we get the BASIC TEAM POSITIONS "GUTE"....We are not going to compete even with Detroit. So we can start there. Burn 2-#1's whatever it takes to pry someone loose or wait until Watson is ready in another year or 2. As long as AR is gone...I'm good with the slow roll to improvement with Love.
stockholder
February 26, 2023 at 12:16 pm
Don't listen to Kiper this draft.
He'll change his board after the combine.
MainePackFan
February 25, 2023 at 08:15 pm
When you know who our QB is, you will have a better idea of which direction the FO is going. Until we know the answer to that question there is no point of speculating what the rest of the roster will look like. Plan A will look much different than Plan B.
BirdDogUni
February 25, 2023 at 10:25 pm
You're absolutely right MPF, but until then, the writers still have to write. I don't envy their predicament...
I figure we won't have to wait too much longer... Probably Tuesday. At the latest maybe the 6th of March...
He said he wouldn't hold the team hostage and would make a decision before Free Agency started... So, I'm hoping he breaks the news the 27th via PMS, but if he doesn't, I hope it's the 6th...
MainePackFan
February 26, 2023 at 07:43 am
Bird, the only thing that would shock me is AR saying he was retiring. I doubt we will learn very much via PMS beyond the retirement question. if even that gets answered definitively.
BirdDogUni
February 26, 2023 at 08:34 am
If AR says he retiring, I'll be more than shocked. I don't know how much news we'll get on Tuesday, but you know he will talk about his "Darkness Retreat" for sure...
I guess it will depend on his mood, but he speaks pretty openly and honestly on the PMS.
If Gutey has a press conference on Monday, we may hear more than we hoped for on Tuesday. Still just a waiting game until he decides to make up his mind.
Coldworld
February 26, 2023 at 04:39 pm
If he’s not retiring then we wait on the team. It’s not nearly over yet I fear.
BirdDogUni
February 26, 2023 at 04:54 pm
It's all over but the crying...
Fans will be crying no matter what happens, who we draft, who plays QB, who our HC and DC are...
That'll never change I'm afraid...
Handsback
February 25, 2023 at 10:32 pm
I'm more concerned about the RBs than the WRs. I hope they take Robinson in the first or the Pitt back, Abanikanda in the 3rd. Later round pick would be Ibrahim in 5th or 7th round.
Green Bay will take a couple of WRs ...just hope they get a stud RB as well this year. MLF's offense needs greater depth.
BirdDogUni
February 25, 2023 at 11:08 pm
I wouldn't mind Zach Charbonnet, UCLA or Kendre Miller TCU or Roschon Johnson Texas or
even Tavion Thomas UTAH...
Agree we need another RB though...
PackEyedOptimist
February 26, 2023 at 07:32 am
At RB, I prefer Tank Bigsby (anAaron Jones clone), and
DeWane Mc Bride (reminds me of Emmit Smith). I also like
Kenny McIntosh who reminds me a lot of Jamaal Williams.
Of course, I’d be happy with the Packers taking Bijan or Jahmyr early.
Charbonet reminds me of Dorsey Levens.
mrtundra
February 26, 2023 at 07:44 am
Kenny McIntosh can catch passes out of the backfield, too.
MainePackFan
February 26, 2023 at 02:11 pm
Kendre Miller reminds me of Aaron Jones too.
LLCHESTY
February 26, 2023 at 09:22 pm
I really like the McBride kid late. I don't think he's a freak athlete by any means but a really instinctive runner. Only 5 catches at UAB though. The catching part of his on field stuff at the combine will be extremely important for him.
jannesbjornson
February 26, 2023 at 07:29 am
Devon Achane if he drops to the third which is doubtful. A 4.25 guy. ALL SEC.
PackEyedOptimist
February 26, 2023 at 07:41 am
I can see KC taking Achane; they love those sub 4.3 guys.
I’m not sold on him as a regular RB, more of a gimmick guy. He doesn’t create on his own; he needs a hole. When he DOES get a hole he sure is fun to watch! I’ve never seen a back manipulate guys who have the angle on him the way he does; he lets them establish their angle, then as they get closer, he kicks in the afterburners and erases their angle!
jannesbjornson
February 26, 2023 at 09:55 am
Same role as A.Jones. Break ankles. They should get Ibrahim in the 5th for the btw the tackles guy.
BirdDogUni
February 26, 2023 at 04:58 pm
I'm all for breaking the opponents ankles, by fair means anyways... ; )
PackEyedOptimist
February 26, 2023 at 10:39 am
Abanikada gives me the same vibe that Alex Green did… He’s had lots of long runs, but on most he’s untouched because of superior blocking. You rarely see him create, or run through a tackle. Ibrahim seems a little slow, but I like him late.
Give me Tank or McBride. However, I love Bijan; he’s one of the best RBs I’ve ever seen. In the 70s or 80s he’d have been a possible first pick in the draft.
jannesbjornson
February 26, 2023 at 02:29 pm
They said Frank Gore was slow. Ibrahim was productive every year he played for Gopher.
stockholder
February 26, 2023 at 12:17 pm
It's Robinson or Nothing!
jannesbjornson
February 26, 2023 at 02:20 pm
My question is, would they actually use the guy's talents? They extended A.Jones and Dillon is HIS guy.
stockholder
February 26, 2023 at 02:53 pm
Slowly but surely.
BirdDogUni
February 26, 2023 at 05:01 pm
TBH, I'd rather have Roschon Johnson in the 4th than Robinson in the 1st... He's bigger and faster and twice the value...
LLCHESTY
February 26, 2023 at 09:24 pm
You'll get nothing then.
golfpacker1
February 26, 2023 at 04:30 pm
Gee maybe we should use all of our picks on running backs. Thats brilliant. We already have 2 really good backs under contract and we have much more pressing needs at Edge, TE, Saftey, Offensive Tackle, and D Line. We can trade Jones next year and then draft a RB.
PatrickGB
February 26, 2023 at 07:32 am
An interesting group of possibilities listed here. But the only veteran I would sign would be Lazard (at the right price) . And I agree with the other posters that it is draft and develop time for that room.
mrtundra
February 26, 2023 at 07:41 am
I still think we grab Brian Branch, S, in the first, if he is still there. If not, I'd look at Q Johnston, WR. As far as our OL goes, it's time for the guys we drafted last year, to step up and own that line. Rhyan, Walker and Jones, come to mind. Tom has proved he can play. We need to give Myers some competition for his job .Maybe move Jenkins to C and let Tom, Runyan duke it out for the LG spot. Nijman can play RT or replace Bakh, if Bakh leaves. We need to remember that Keisean Nixon was pushing to play Slot Receiver, last season. He may be up to that task. Plus grabbing a TE or two plus a WR, or two, is always a good thing for our offense.
PackEyedOptimist
February 26, 2023 at 09:47 am
Tom is perfect for center and backup left tackle. Let Jenkins stay at LG. Nijman should stay at LT, either as starter or Bakh’s backup.
We have guys who can compete at ROT: Caleb Jones is my “hoped-for,” though who knows where Sean Rhyan will fit in ? I saw him as Tauscher-like.
But if one of the top ROTs or RGs is BPA, take him.
Personally, I love O’Cyrus Torrence as a ROT/RG prospect, as well as Dawand Jones.
jannesbjornson
February 26, 2023 at 10:15 am
Power gap guys. Will Packertown, LLC. ever run power schemes under LaFleur?
PackEyedOptimist
February 26, 2023 at 10:26 am
They are, but both are good pass blockers and are good athletes. I think they could be fine in a wide zone system while being a solution to the Packers short yardage problems.
jannesbjornson
February 26, 2023 at 02:41 pm
They fit the RT. Watched O'Cyrus in 4-5 of Florida's games, scouting the QB, Anthony Richardson and the D Backs. He is pushing 340 lbs. See what he does @ the Combine. He would fit with the Ravens smash-mouth style.
Are these guys Islands to move around, or potted trees ?
PackEyedOptimist
February 26, 2023 at 03:09 pm
Torrence gave up ZERO sacks in college (over 3000 snaps!), and he is arguably the best run blocker in the entire class.
I’d want to see if he can play RT, but he’s a likely Pro Bowl guard.
JosephR
February 26, 2023 at 07:57 am
The Packers blatantly missed on Chark last year in FA, I wonder if Brian Gutekunst will make the same mistake twice.
Mecole Hardman also makes sense if the Chiefs don't want to bring him back and his market isn't as high as projected.
Demarcus Robinson and Dante Pettis could be intriguing veteran depth pieces with added special teams value.
jannesbjornson
February 26, 2023 at 10:17 am
Chark will want more money this season. Agree, they whiffed on him. He was good value. Robinson and Pettis have injury histories. The medical would have to work out.
LLCHESTY
February 26, 2023 at 09:27 pm
Chark got $10 million last year for 502 yards and 3 TDs. I'm not sure more money is in his future.
golfpacker1
February 26, 2023 at 04:43 pm
The key to the Packers reloading instead of total rebuild starts with trading Rodgers. If the Jets want him so badly, trade him. Supposedly Elijah Moore is out of favor with them as is Denzel Mims. We wanted both 2-3 years ago and their contracts are cheap since they were both 2nd rounders. Mims is 6'3, 220 lbs. and Moore would be a perfect slot guy. I would also trade Bakhtiari. He is at the age when the body starts to break down. Like Bulaga's did. Trading Rodgers and Bakhtiari probably get us 4 or 5 good picks plus maybe a couple of really good WR maybe. I hope Green Bay stops letting Rodgers dictate our future. We should have dumped him last year for the kings ransom the Broncos gave to Seattle. It should have been ours and we wouldn't be in salary cap hell now.
lou
February 26, 2023 at 08:16 am
If the team losses Lazard they will need to acquire a Veteran #1 WR and a solid Veteran TE or the reverse of that. Yes the rookies looked really promising but look at what happened with Stokes, he was on the all rookie team then in his second season he was easy pickings so you need to be prepared for some drop off. I don't understand why they always look at Free Agency almost exclusively, they could add those Veterans via a trade but for some reason ignore that option.
PhantomII
February 26, 2023 at 10:50 am
pride and arrogance are the reason higher than #4 draft picks are not used. "I" want to be the guy that hits on a draft pick....All the while it's organizational money not his. It's akin to a gambling problem...We want results they want the journey to the result and the ego trip that goes along with it.
jannesbjornson
February 26, 2023 at 02:46 pm
The members of the brain trust were ALL extended. Not much pressure on these guys to perform.
Titletown222
February 26, 2023 at 10:55 am
Bigsby is not an AJones clone Spears from Tulane is
PackEyedOptimist
February 26, 2023 at 12:43 pm
I like Spears too, but to my eyes, put Bigsby in Aaron Jones uniform, and you’d swear it was him. He sees the field and moves just like him, plus catches just as well.
Spears uses more jump-cuts.
golfpacker1
February 26, 2023 at 04:47 pm
Eric Gray from Oklahoma and Roschon Johnson would be 2 great additions after 3rd round. Both are very good at all 3 phases, running, catching and blocking. Complete backs.
BirdDogUni
February 26, 2023 at 05:06 pm
Concur...