Cory's Corner: Does MVS Still Have Something To Prove?

It's a contract year for MVS. He's been a pro this long and we still need to know so much. 

Who is Marquez Valdes-Scantling? 

In the last three years, we’ve learned that the wideout can make eye-opening grabs that flip the momentum and we’ve also unmistakably found out that he has tallied 13 drops and has had trouble getting on the same page within the direction of the offense. 

This is a contract year for the 26-year-old. He’s set to make $2.2 million this year — the second-highest contract on the team for a receiver behind Davante Adams. 

But does that mean he’s better than Allen Lazard or even Devin Funchess, who hasn’t seen the field in what seems like forever. 

I like what Valdes-Scantling brings, but he’s mostly just a burner. He doesn’t have a lot of tricks in his bag. He has trouble getting off press coverage, he isn’t very good in traffic and he has had trouble stepping up to challenges. When Adams was out with a pedal toe sprain in 2019, Valdes-Scantling only caught six balls for 203 yards. 

Valdes-Scantling doesn’t have to have a flawless season, but he has to prove that he can be versatile and marketable to other offensive systems. He has to show that he can excel without an elite wideout on the other side. Obviously, that’s something nobody wants to hear, because the only way he proves that this year is if Adams gets hurt. 

So after all those things, I still don’t think the Packers need more receiver help. Robert Tonyan exploded with a career-best 11 touchdowns last year and Lazard clearly has a strong relationship with Rodgers. Let’s also not forget that the Packers have one of the best pass-catching running backs in the league in Aaron Jones. 

Even if Valdes-Scantling has a career catch percentage of 60 coupled with eight touchdowns this year, I highly doubt the Packers bring him back. They have given him plenty of opportunities to show what he can do. 

If he feels like he still has to prove himself after three years, it’s too late. 

 

 

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.

__________________________

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

__________________________

NFL Categories: 
2 points
 

Comments (71)

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

July 13, 2021 at 07:13 am

MVS is better than many are willing to give him credit for. If he cranks his Catch% just 5-7%, he’ll put himself into a completely different category, and he’ be tough to re-sign or extend. He’s about as “Boom or Bust” as it gets, but it’s only been 3 years. I think the light goes on for him in 2021.

7 points
11
4
Coldworld's picture

July 13, 2021 at 10:20 am

For me it’s less about the catch percentage per se and more about continuing to strengthen the diversity of routes he showed last season. That in itself will likely help the former. It also makes it much less easy for defenses to try and plan to cover him.

4 points
4
0
LambeauPlain's picture

July 13, 2021 at 01:15 pm

Ditto, CW. Exactly what I was going to post.

1 points
1
0
Rebecca's picture

July 13, 2021 at 12:22 pm

There’s no “wow” factor with MVS. His vision especially in night games is questionable. He’s a bobbler reminiscent of James Jones, doesn’t have the strength and attitude to challenge the defender. His footwork looks average. He’s a fast guy and has good football sense and seems to be gaining confidence. I hope you’re right and he ups his game this year. He’s been a good team player and worth keeping if he shows he’s added some more skills to his game.

-2 points
3
5
NickPerry's picture

July 13, 2021 at 07:00 am

Hmmm... I disagree Cory, no way it too late for MVS. I also believe the Packers know exactly what they have in MVS and if you think about it, he's the ONLY WR currently on the roster who can really fill that role of a burner who stretches the field. THAT role is vital in this offense and has been a huge part of it for the last two years.

Yes MVS has had his issues with drops which absolutely makes me want to tear what hair I have left out of my head. But MVS was also the best WR on the field for the Packers in the NFCCG last January. He caught 4 balls on 6 targets for 115 yards, 4 first downs, 28.8 YPC average, and a TD. Had Rodgers seen him in time (or at all) he should have had another long TD catch. On a Sunday afternoon when Davante Adams was VERY regular, MVS was spectacular. Perhaps if Rodgers hadn't got his customary "Davante-Vison" when the Packers had a 1st and goal from the 8 late in the 4th quarter and at least LOOKED for MVS, the Packers aren't sending the FG unit out after 3 incompletions to Adams.

IMO if MVS has a career year and prices himself out of what the Packers can afford, then the Packers are probably going to be bringing the Lombardi Trophy home. I mean HOLLY SHIT, could you imagine this offense if that happened? If he continues on the same path and gets a little better each year, perhaps the Packers STILL win the Lombardi Trophy, AND are able to resign MVS.

Either way the Packers win and in one way he STAYS a Packer.

16 points
18
2
greengold's picture

July 13, 2021 at 07:25 am

Yeah, Nick. I agree completely.

Just the slightest improvement in catching more balls may price him out in GB. He can take the top off of any defense, at any time.

There is a chance he does better with Jordan Love throwing to him. AR was struggling with accuracy on deep throws. Love has the arm to put it anywhere, and maybe MVS finds Love’s passes a little easier to catch. It’s possible.

I believe a lot of our WRs, if not all of them, will like playing with Jordan Love. He’s likely to give his WRs more opportunities to win catches, and he really can make every throw.

4 points
8
4
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

July 13, 2021 at 09:17 am

Nick and GG,
Agreed!

At only 26 years of age with his speed combined with being 6'4" guys like MVS are not growing on trees. I see his play continuing to ascend for several more years....if he puts the work in!

MVS has some of the largest hands of any WRs in the game. I wonder if he has had his eye sight thoroughly examined?

Believe barring injury his 2021 season will be his best. Furthermore, depending on LF's offensive scheme and game plans should Love be the starter all WR's not named Adam's will have their best season.

4 points
4
0
Stroh's picture

July 13, 2021 at 10:28 am

No one is denying that MVS is the only WR who can fill his role. They are questioning, correctly, if he has more to provide. To date that answer is a resounding NO. He's very good as the deep/speed receiver, but he lacks the other skills necessary to grow into a more complete WR capable of being the #1 or even a legit #2.

The same is true of Lazard. He's very good in his role, but nothing more. Both have well defined roles they thrive in, but lack the ability to grow into other areas.

Adams is the only legit starting WR. All the others are capable in their roles only. That makes them good backups and role players, not starters.

1 points
3
2
greengold's picture

July 13, 2021 at 11:18 am

Eh. I hear what you're saying, Stroh, but Davante Adams was no #1 WR his first 4 years in GB either.

I've been calling out MVS's Catch% and Drop% for years. My thinking is just that he might be turning that corner this year. Not sure "more complete WR" is relevant. They all are here for a reason, and they all have their roles.

This is where the whole notion of a #1WR a #2 WR and a #3 WR seems to get lost in today's game. I mean, what are the multiple roles Adams provides? He moves the chains in the short/intermediate areas and scores. Davante Adams is just a great WR to have on your team. He has become a prominent feature of our Offense, especially with AR throwing to him heavily in the last 4 years. Adams has become so good in his role that he could do this with just about anyone throwing to him now, if they can place the ball on target.

In the last 3 years, Davante Adams has had 425 Targets. 11.9 yds/reception.

In the last 3 years, MVS has had 192 Targets. 20.9 yds/reception.

In the last 2 years, Allen Lazard has had 98 Targets. 13.7 yds/reception.

Maybe LaFleur gets MVS some more intermediate touches this year. Who knows? Not sure that is going to change anything. He takes the top off of defenses. That's his role.

2 points
3
1
Coldworld's picture

July 13, 2021 at 12:13 pm

This argument goes around and around over MVS or any other player who has more potential than realized at the time. Adams was an example. Both were players with talent that can’t be taught. Neither exploited it early on.

The problem is, one can’t know if the player has the drive and discipline or mental make up to convert. Adams did, but the annals of NFL history are littered with others who did not. The only thing certain is that, at his age, MVS has the potential to improve technically. To argue otherwise is just plain ridiculous. In his favor, all I here is that he’s a thoroughly decent, hard working guy who, like Adams, perhaps needed the fillip of added confidence.

Once in a while it would be nice if some effort were put in on the 85 odd players we haven’t played the will he/won’t he game about ad nauseam. It’s easy to dash if a will Gary/MVS/Dillon etc or some speculative drivel on certain QBs. We have no new information on these: there is no new insight to be had. Let’s try to find new ground to cover please! I do accept that this time of year is a desert, but still.

0 points
1
1
greengold's picture

July 13, 2021 at 12:50 pm

LOL. Need a Snickers?

-1 points
0
1
Coldworld's picture

July 13, 2021 at 05:24 pm

No, a good dose of bitters in any suitable concoction.

1 points
1
0
greengold's picture

July 13, 2021 at 06:09 pm

Oh, yeah!!! I love the bitters. Have you ever tried Rhubarb Bitters? Just fantastic! Fee Brothers.

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

July 13, 2021 at 09:18 pm

I have not, but I will now. Thanks for the idea.

1 points
1
0
Stroh's picture

July 13, 2021 at 11:34 pm

The difference is that Adams always had the skills he would need to become great. His release at the LOS and ankle breaking change of direction in his route running were always evident. MVS is very one dimensional, he has terrific straight line speed, but absolutely no change of direction ability to gain separation.

It's a matter of understanding what it take to win as a route runner. Adams always had it, MVS doesn't and never will. It's just not a trait you gain at this point in your career. MVS is what he is and literally lacks the athletic skill to develop in the way he needs.

-2 points
0
2
NickPerry's picture

July 14, 2021 at 01:10 am

"They all are here for a reason, and they all have their roles."

The KEY word in this is "ROLE". Now while the Packers may not have a ture #2 WR, at least not at this exact moment, they do have WR's who fill specific roles. It's when you look at what exactly MVS's and Allen Lazards roles are on the Packers do you see their true value, NOT when you assign a specific number to them.

MVS stretches the field and is a burner. Allen Lazard blocks the hell out of LB'ers, Safeties, and CB's AND is excellent at moving the chains when Rodgers decides to throw at him. Those are the "Roles" of MVS and Lazard. No disrespect to anyone, but who cares if they carry the label as a #2 or a #3? As long as they continue to do their job, this offense will continue to thrive.

1 points
1
0
CoachDino's picture

July 13, 2021 at 03:33 pm

Agreed with the Guys on this one. It's a loaded question. Does he have something to prove? depends on what one considered needing proof.

Is he a Legit #2 WR - Yes proof is there. Thats not in question, he proved it in 2020.

Is he a Legit #1? he hasn't been given the opportunity to prove it, but from what we can derive from some situational snaps He has the potential but isn't there. He was the best WR in the NFCCG, he also had a few big games during the season by which I mean he did more than force coverages his way, deep big plays etc... He made possession catches on numerous routes.

So he has nothing to prove in being a legit #2 WR but if he is looking for a team to make him a #1 or even a 1A WR then sure he has yet to prove it. For all the reasons given. Drops, press coverage, assignment/route running. The great thing is the issues he has can be "proven" to be given a chance to be a #1 but the truth is as long as DA is the #1 MVS can not prove he can be. That comes only when made the #1. There is a long list of great #2 WR that when signed to ber a #1 failed.

-2 points
1
3
marpag1's picture

July 13, 2021 at 05:48 pm

I certainly DON'T think he has proven himself as a "legit #2." There are 32 teams in the league, and in 16 regular season games, MVS ranks 56th in reception yards. 43 players had the same number or more TDs (6). I get it that that big play catches and the high YPC are nice, but that is balanced out by his abysmal catch percentage which kills a bunch of drives (52.4% or 192nd). He's low end #2 at best in my mind, but really only a decent #3, and certainly not what I want as a bona fide second WR.

2 points
3
1
greengold's picture

July 13, 2021 at 06:28 pm

32 teams. 32 #1 WRs... those numbers fit into legit #2 WR rankings, especially when everyone, including MVS, knows they should be better. You kind of confirmed Dino’s point for him.

-2 points
0
2
marpag1's picture

July 13, 2021 at 07:57 pm

Being below average at your position makes you a liability and not an asset. In what way is Valdez-Scantling ABOVE AVERAGE as a #2 WR?

I'm not a professional talent evaluator, but I'm pretty sure the goal is to find guys who are clearly above the positional average and not the bottom level of #2 WRs in the league.

2 points
2
0
greengold's picture

July 13, 2021 at 08:51 pm

Yeah, every team in the NFL wants to be able to line up three #1 WRs. This is pointless.

-1 points
0
1
Stroh's picture

July 13, 2021 at 11:43 pm

You win the day marpag! MVS is a far cry from a legit #2 and he simply does not have the athletic traits to become a #2. He's terrific in his role as the deep speed WR, but he completely lacks the traits to become a #1 or even a #2 WR. He is onky fast in a straight line, without the change of direction ability and quickness to create seperation in route running.

Very good in his role but little else.

1 points
1
0
Roadrunner23's picture

July 13, 2021 at 07:37 am

MVS is Ted Ginn with a little less wiggle but a little more speed. If the Packers can afford him in 2022 he’d be the perfect #3.
The drops are maddening and the big plays are “jump out of your chair” great!
I like MVS and hope he stays a Packer but the Packers will not be in a good place salary cap wise in 2022 and need to pay Alexander.
But focusing on 2021, I hope MVS has a huge year all the way to the Super Bowl and earns himself a big fat contract!
Go Pack!

1 points
5
4
13TimeChamps's picture

July 13, 2021 at 08:07 am

In three years, MVS has had 38/26/33 receptions. He's had a catch rate of 52.1/46.4/52.4 in those three years. His drop rate has stayed about the same as well. That's about as flat a trajectory as you can have. Nothing to indicate a huge jump is on the horizon. While he has carved out a role on this team, particularly if AR12 is back, this years numbers will probably be similar.

Whenever an article about MVS is written, posters will always bring up last years NFCC game. One game in 3 years. Didn't another speed burner have one great playoff game too awhile back? I believe he's selling tires somewhere now. And, yes, I believe MVS is a better receiver than Janis, but I think what you've seen with him is what you're getting moving forward, one good playoff game notwithstanding.

3 points
6
3
stockholder's picture

July 13, 2021 at 08:17 am

Kick the tires before you sign. Thats exactly what has to happen here. MVS is NO BUST. He's got tools. But his hands, just aren't a vacuum cleaner. And his game; hasn't shown us anything Legendary. Nobody trusts MVS yet. While he's showing some chemistry with Rodgers. That just isn't enough. His performance in the playoffs was a buy. But If he can't build on it. How much do you invest? I believe he's worth a lot to this offense. Yet Gutey drafted Amari Rodgers. And MVS could get pushed a side. I hope not. He stretches a Defense. Those long passes make MVS a keeper.

1 points
4
3
mrtundra's picture

July 13, 2021 at 08:49 am

MVS is still the best deep threat GB has. If he can improve his pass catching, he could be one of the better receivers in the League. His inconsistency is what is holding him back. He is also a stout blocker in the run game. I wouldn't want to see him gone, anytime soon.

5 points
6
1
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

July 13, 2021 at 09:22 am

On those deep throws to MVS has there ever been another WR where you hold your breath more?

LOL...for good or bad no one brings the adrenalin like MVS. You are definitely sitting on the edge of your seat with him until you see him actually catch it.

1 points
1
0
jont's picture

July 13, 2021 at 09:24 am

I can see Amari getting some balls this year that would've been for MVS.
I watched Amari's highlight reel the other day and was suprised at how many deep balls he got and by how he ran past some defenders. Maybe I just didn't realize how fast he is, but he got deep.
If Amari can do this in the NFL, then MVS's value drops.

2 points
2
0
greengold's picture

July 13, 2021 at 10:20 am

Yeah, Amari's got game speed. He's such a great student of the game, a lot of what he does is well practiced in anticipation of who he is facing.

Amari Rodgers prepares well, making everything he does on the field a little quicker. Probably the most pro-ready of any of the rookie class for the Packers, and LaFleur is probably dying to unleash Amari on the rest of the NFL.

-3 points
0
3
Coldworld's picture

July 13, 2021 at 10:23 am

Yes in terms of attitude, but his route skills were not well developed. He was mostly schemed open in short and mid zones and left to make plays after the catch. He’s got quite a learning curve to master a Cobb type slot role.

1 points
3
2
greengold's picture

July 13, 2021 at 12:15 pm

I know what you're saying Coldworld, but he does have attributes that set him apart from others here. Like, a bunch of them.

Few, if any, WRs coming in straight out of the draft have fully developed NFL route trees. Clemson's weren't complex, but he did a good job running his routes, sinking hips at the top, exploding out of breaks. His change of direction is what gave him the most separation in route. His fakes and breaks are crisp.

While not super athletic, he does have an uncanny ability to play the ball in the air. His quickness and agility, again, set him apart from many other WRs. He's going to be insanely good in the jet concepts or on screens. Plus, not the fastest 40, but he builds speed once he has the ball, and can change gears on a dime.

Throw in his YAC & lower body strength, and he's about as good a player you can ask for heading into an NFL system. Amari Rodgers has incredible vision in the open field, he knows where his help is through his play study, and he's a serious load to bring down for DBs. Punishing.

As a coaches son, this transition to the Pros is not going to be too big for him. Amari Rodgers leaves me super confident in his being a success straight out of the gate in GB. I believe he'll prove to be one of Gutekunst's best draft day trades. Right up there with Jaire Alexander, Darnell Savage and Jordan Love.

Man, I know we're all hoping for the best with Amari. I think we might actually see that! We're all Packer fans who have longed for those days where we had a dominant set of WRs in Nelson, Jennings, Cobb, Jones and Adams. We just might be building up to that again.

-2 points
1
3
Coldworld's picture

July 13, 2021 at 01:00 pm

I liked the pick, I like what I’ve seen if the man, I’m just cautious about being realistic—there are going to be growing pains. As it happens, I think he will be able to get enough opportunities without being the finished article, but excess expectations probably aren’t helpful.

2 points
3
1
13TimeChamps's picture

July 13, 2021 at 05:06 pm

I'm with you CW. I'm totally on board with the pick, but posters on here need to seriously pump the brakes. This is a 3rd round pick who has yet experienced football at the NFL level. Certain posters on here act like he's Randall Cobb in his prime, coming out of the gate. Let the kid be a rookie. Nobody, including the armchair coaches/GMs on here, know if he is going to be "insanely good".

2 points
3
1
LambeauPlain's picture

July 13, 2021 at 01:58 pm

I believe A. Rodgers upside will come from his sharpened route tree. Until then, his production will come by getting the ball in his hands. Built like a RB, he is more quick than fast. While Adams sublime feet get immediate separation, MVS uses raw speed to get his, Amari, like Lazard, will need to be schemed open. But like Lazard, getting the ball in his hands will bring chunk plays.

Ironically both Lazard and Rodgers have nearly identical 40 speed. Lazard though uses his size and strength to to get YAC....Rodgers uses quickness and slipperiness to get his.

He is going to be fun to watch.

-1 points
1
2
dobber's picture

July 13, 2021 at 02:36 pm

"Ironically both Lazard and Rodgers have nearly identical 40 speed"

I guess it depends on how you view pro day times...which is all we really have for AmRod since there was no combine. He was 4.44. Lazard's combine time was in the mid 4.5's and he stood on that (which means he and his agent were happy with it).

3 points
3
0
LambeauPlain's picture

July 13, 2021 at 04:18 pm

At his Clemson Pro Day on March 11, Rodgers checked in with the following measurables:

Height: 5-foot-9
Weight: 212 pounds
40 time: 4.51 seconds

So....0.04 seconds isn't nearly identical? A difference without a distinction is all I am saying.

0 points
0
0
0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

July 13, 2021 at 05:32 pm

Unlike Cobb, who came in with experience of running the ball regularly, Rodgers has very rarely done so in college. Despite his build being more similar to that of a RB than Cobb’s there are therefore questions he must answer and lessons he will have to learn before coaches can trust him in the running game and he can be effective beyond just having burst. Hopefully he picks that up quickly.

0 points
1
1
13TimeChamps's picture

July 13, 2021 at 06:07 pm

So the 85th pick of the draft is about to be "unleashed on the rest of the NFL". Ok...lol

Hyperbole: "exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally".

-1 points
2
3
greengold's picture

July 13, 2021 at 07:18 pm

Fuck off.

All you do, 13TimeChamps, is stalk those you don’t like or disagree with, jump in to throw your smack, then whine about it when people confront you on it. Who needs that?

People do know some things about players first hand, share educated insights, or actually research, and take the time to share info with others. You offer little more than assaults on others.

Your infantile, empty, bullshit sniping is weak. If you don’t agree with what someone says, here’s a novel idea for you: Disagree and explain why.

Like it or not, Amari Rodgers was projected to go in the 2nd Round of the 2021 Draft. I don’t put a lot behind Mel Kiper’s takes, but his player rankings come largely from decades long relationships with scouts. Amari Rodgers was #1 on Mel’s Best Available list when we chose Josh Myers at pick #62.

-1 points
2
3
13TimeChamps's picture

July 13, 2021 at 07:16 pm

I disagreed with your ridiculous "he will be unleashed on the NFL" comment. Where was the whining?

In a very recent post, I stated that you need to pump the brakes on proclaiming this 3rd round rookie as the next coming of Randall Cobb before he's even had a padded practice on an NFL level.

What exactly are your "educated insights" that gets you to inform the rest of us who will, or won't, be successful in the NFL?

So far, you've claimed a deal was agreed upon between the Broncos and Packers before the draft. Nope.
You've named Bronco players who were held out of practice because they were headed to the Packers in a trade. Nope.
You've claimed Rodger's fiance has refused to live in Green Bay during the season. Nope.
You said the trade would happen June 2nd. Nope.
Want me to continue?

You're just a fan, like the rest of us. Get over yourself.

1 points
2
1
13TimeChamps's picture

July 13, 2021 at 07:26 pm

And I know you like to take cues from your mentor and BFF, but no one is "stalking" you. This is a public forum. You post things publicly, and if someone disagrees, publicly, it's not stalking.

If you can't handle disagreements regarding your "public" posts....easy, stop posting them.

1 points
2
1
greengold's picture

July 13, 2021 at 07:29 pm

Wrong.

I offered what I felt were plausible possibilities as to what might have been happening with our starting QB. I shared info to back it up.

You think we all haven’t seen your attacks on others here?

-1 points
1
2
greengold's picture

July 13, 2021 at 08:08 pm

Wrong again. Don’t put words in my mouth by misquoting me.

“Probably the most pro-ready of any of the rookie class for the Packers, and LaFleur is probably dying to unleash Amari on the rest of the NFL.”

Yeah, I think Matt LaFleur is excited to have a player of Amari Rodgers’ stature and skill set to run his jet concepts. They are only some of the most important parts of his offensive scheme.

You got a problem with that?

-1 points
1
2
13TimeChamps's picture

July 13, 2021 at 08:06 pm

Really? We're going to continue this?

Do I have a problem with Matt LaFleur being excited about one of his rookies potential? Not at all.

Yes, I have a problem with claiming a player who has ZERO NFL experience....not even a padded practice....is about to be "unleashed" on proven NFL veterans.

How about we get through a couple pre-season games before we talk about Amari Rodger's "stature" in the NFL.

-1 points
1
2
greengold's picture

July 13, 2021 at 08:31 pm

Physical stature. Never mind. We’re continuing nothing. You make any reasonable, coherent discussions untenable.

Congratulations.

-1 points
1
2
13TimeChamps's picture

July 13, 2021 at 08:54 pm

"We’re continuing nothing."

Couldn't agree more. I will say one thing....at least unlike your mentor, you don't resort to immature name calling. I do appreciate that. You have a wonderful evening.

-1 points
1
2
greengold's picture

July 13, 2021 at 09:03 pm

“Mentor.”

“Immature name calling.”

Take your passive aggressive bullshit and sell it somewhere else you ignorant twatwaffle.

0 points
2
2
13TimeChamps's picture

July 13, 2021 at 09:12 pm

Will do. Asshole. Aggressive enough for you?

So much for trying to be nice, Go fuck yourself and your boyfriend Leatherface.

-1 points
1
2
Stroh's picture

July 13, 2021 at 11:49 pm

What's preventing him from ascending is a complete lack og quickness and change of direction needed as a route runner. Those are traits you do not develop at this point in his athletic career. He'll never be able to win with route running. That basically stops his growth potential. He is what he is, and it's all He'll ever be!

-1 points
0
1
Matt Gonzales's picture

July 13, 2021 at 09:27 am

MVS is a great complementary player, and while it's unlikely he will further elevate his game at this point, he does enough to draw attention from defenses and makes enough momentum changing plays that he has value on the roster. I just don't see how he stays, especially if Adams gets extended and if the Packers are looking to keep Tonyan beyond 2021.

4 points
5
1
Ferrari-Driver's picture

July 13, 2021 at 09:30 am

Whether he has anything to prove or not, he plays a vital role on this team. He is the only true deep threat we have at the present time and he has caught enough "long balls" that he will force most of the opposing defensive coordinators to put one of their faster cornerbacks on him as a minimum. I tend to be optimistic and thus I feel that MVS has an upside and to me it looks like his route tree is noticeably better each year. It can take a while for many young receivers to reach their pinnacle.

4 points
4
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

July 14, 2021 at 09:42 am

Agree Ferrari!

My take is MVS never had to really learn all the nuances of perfecting a route tree simply because he was big and fast. With players like this it is pretty normal. I too see him evolving every year. We all talk about the role MVS plays in stretching the defense and I believe that role likely serves as a govenor in controlling the development of the rest of his game. MVS exists so Adam's can flourish underneath. Take MVS away and Adam's doesnt have nearly the same success. Without Adam's around MVS would flourish even more with a modified and expanded role. We have seen how MVS blossoms whenever Adam's is out and I believe we would be amazed at the numbers MVS could put up.

What I think is interesting is how many here only think along these lines:

A. That MVS is only a complimentary player. He is but only as long as Adam's is on the field.
B. That with our salary cap hell we should resign a soon to be 30 year old Adam's with only modest speed to begin with at the expense of possibly losing players like Tonyan, MVS, Lazard, Jenkins, Jaire, etc. No one likes Adam's more than me. GREAT PERSON AND PLAYER, but just like with Rodger's it isnt about one or two players. It is about keeping the nucleus of your young talent on the team and continuing to bring in other talented players for specific positions to bolster the overall talent level on the team. If Rodger's is not active on the roster Adam's should be traded if the Pack can get a #1 for him. Reason is with Love, Adam's numbers will likely be sorely reduced as he spreads the ball around more than Rodgers. The Pack would then could take both a DL and WR in the 2022 1st round.

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

July 13, 2021 at 09:41 am

I hope MVS still thinks that he has something to prove. That’s an essential element in the drive to improve and to maximize one’s potential. MVS has the tools to be more than he has become at this point. It’s up to him to realize that, just as it was with Adams and other natural but unpolished talents like Jordy or DD.

2 points
2
0
stockholder's picture

July 13, 2021 at 02:07 pm

Well said! He must want the ball.

0 points
0
0
TarynsEyes's picture

July 13, 2021 at 09:43 am

So the consensus of the comments is he needs to improve his catch numbers, decrease his drop percentage, improve his separation.

Yes, he needs to prove himself still, as do all of the other WR's less Adams, less they'd be extended already.

4 points
4
0
greengold's picture

July 13, 2021 at 10:46 am

Antonio Freeman had a Catch% in the 40s-50s 7 of his 9 years in the NFL...

The year we won SB XXXI, Free's Catch% was 52.3%. Yet, he still went on to catch 56 for 933 yds, 46 1Ds and 9 TDs, averaging 78 yds/game. Not everybody achieves that Catch% in the 70s like Jordy or Cobb. Jennings didn't. Free never got higher than his 66.7% as a rookie - and that was on a measly 8 catches for the year... on 12 Targets. Believe me, I was on Packer Forums back then, and you NEVER heard anyone complain about Freeman. Never.

MVS has his own thing going, and remains dangerous going deep. He had only 63 Targets last season. Freeman had 107 in his year 2 and 137 in his year 3. 153 in his year 4.

I really do think we might see a different MVS this year, especially if JL is throwing him the rock, with defenses playing heavy boxes to stop our running game.

1 points
3
2
Duneslick's picture

July 13, 2021 at 10:55 am

Different game back them. They werent throwing all those short passes. if a QB had a 60 percent completion rate he was outstanding then. Now almost every qb has 60 per cent or close to it. That is reflected in the catch percentage

1 points
2
1
Coldworld's picture

July 13, 2021 at 12:17 pm

Bill Walsh’s offense had been around for more than a decade by the time Freeman entered the league. Short passes were common place.

2 points
2
0
jannes bjornson's picture

July 13, 2021 at 07:12 pm

The coverage was tighter and more physical. It is another adventure in absurdity to create comparisons of players from different timelines and realities pertaining to the Rules of the Game.

0 points
0
0
PatrickGB's picture

July 13, 2021 at 11:04 am

Just the fact that he is a deep threat helps the other receivers get open. He is a part of a larger scheme and game plan. I don’t know if the team can afford him next year but just his presence on the field is a big plus for the offense. Defenses who ignore him might pay the price. Any receiver who can take two defenders with him on a go route helps the rest of them get open.

3 points
4
1
BuckyBadger's picture

July 13, 2021 at 12:09 pm

He is just another player. Lots of WRs across the league would do just as well if not better in the same situation. After this year I wouldn't give him any sort of a big deal. WRs tend to lose their speed as they approach 30 and only the special ones are any good after 28. Let him play out his deal and find another burner in the draft.

-2 points
2
4
fastmoving's picture

July 13, 2021 at 12:44 pm

no, nothing prove anymore. We know he can be as good as he wants and he wants to be the best. Besides that you have to prove yourself everyday in the NFL and you be only as good as your last game.

-5 points
1
6
LambeauPlain's picture

July 13, 2021 at 02:06 pm

Kind a catch 22. If MVS has his best year will the Packers be able to afford his market value? If he does his usual 30-35 catches with drops will they want to pay him, what....$5-6 M year for multiple years?

I prefer the former dilemma. That speed is a field flipper. And, if at the same time, he sharpens up his route tree and causes him to earn more targets and catches, he may be worth the bells ringing on the cash register.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

July 13, 2021 at 02:40 pm

It might be that the Packers will wait 'til camp where ARod and Love can throw to some of these guys before they decide who their keepers are. I wouldn't be surprised if the Packers make a contract pitch to MVS in camp or early in the season.

1 points
1
0
LambeauPlain's picture

July 13, 2021 at 04:21 pm

Adams first and he will bang his head on the cap limit.

0 points
0
0
marpag1's picture

July 13, 2021 at 05:27 pm

Do the Bears still suck?

1 points
1
0
Coldworld's picture

July 13, 2021 at 05:35 pm

Indupidably.

1 points
1
0
porupack's picture

July 13, 2021 at 07:49 pm

Yes, he has plenty to still prove, and hope he does. Who shouldn't prove something every new year? He is still early in his career and has lots to build on. No one can ask more than his fair chance, and he has done so among the other 2 WRs that were drafted the same year, surpassing that Moore guy that was supposed to be a gem in the 4th rd. A year 3 is a reasonable year to take it to the next level. All the naysayers above are fixated on the apparent, not the potential. Who up there in the posts above me believed in the James Jones of the NFL, the Sam Shields, just so many players that take some time to really get it.

Unfortunately some players get type-casted and may not be able to break out of the specific role they are asked to fill, and in part what they showed as their strength early on. So if the team needs him to just keep running 100 yard sprints every down, that can cap his growth into a wider set of routes Not that its bad from the team's immediate perspective, because the packers build around certain elements, but the unfortunate side of that is that perhaps it just keeps him limited in his growth.

0 points
0
0
ricky's picture

July 13, 2021 at 08:48 pm

This is always a tough place to be. The number of players who suddenly had really good contract years, then faded back into mediocrity or worse the next year is long and well known. The real question is who would replace him as a deep threat after this year? The answer- no one presently on the team, unless a WR is drafted in the mid-rounds next year. And then, there is the year or two of adjustment/development, and in three years, we're back in the same situation. Kick the can, anyone?

0 points
0
0
GLM's picture

July 13, 2021 at 09:04 pm

The only thing MVS needs to prove is that he can continue to improve... that really goes for all players, right? And, for those who have reached the pinnacle of the game... guys like Aaron and Davante, the proof is can they stay there, and be the guy who finds ways to win games? (please don't bring up the contract dispute...not interested...lol)

The last important factor is health... is the player available? Is he there on a consistent basis, and making plays? That's what I'm looking for from all of our players. If we do that, we're winning lots of games.

1 points
1
0