Cory's Corner: Time To Solve WR Issues
The last time the Packers took a receiver in the first round was in 2002 when Mike Sherman took Florida State's Javon Walker.
The most coveted position following the season was help at receiver. Davante Adams is easily a top three wideout, but after that it gets pretty murky. Geronimo Allison is barely a No. 4, Marquez Valdes-Scantling had an impressive start this past year, but only had 36 yards in the final nine games.
It's time to add another dynamic weapon for Aaron Rodgers. The tight end position is a gigantic question mark with Jimmy Graham on his way out and with Jace Sternberger taking a larger role after only playing in six games last year. The Packers will need to squeeze out more production from the wide receiver position.
Rodgers is 36. Green Bay can no longer say, "Well, we'll get one next year." The time to strike is now. Even rookie coach Matt LaFleur proved that by going 13-3 in his first season. The biggest difference from the Packers and the top NFC teams were speed on the edges.
And with the Packers getting significant help at wideout, Adams will be much better. With a dynamic weapon on the other side that other teams really must watch and keep an eye on, Adams and Sternberger will be able to get more open looks.
So who would be a good fit for the Packers? This staff has made it clear that it loves versatility. And because of that, Colorado's Laviska Shenault fits perfectly.
“I think my versatility is a good thing,” said Shenault to the Democrat & Chronicle. “I don’t want to be in one spot. Then I wouldn’t get that many balls or attempts. I want to be able to move everywhere. I want to be able to create mismatches everywhere on the field.”
He lined up all over the field, took hand offs and was open to anything. That's exactly what will work nicely with LaFleur, who likes to mix and match and move people all over. The more looks an offense can give a defense, the better shot it has of confusing them and ultimately beating them.
The Packers still have a need at defensive tackle, inside linebacker and tight end. However, it's time to solve the issues at receiver. The Packers have nibbled around the edges for far too long. It's time Green Bay solves the problem and drafts someone that can be trusted to play right away.
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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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Comments (44)
stockholder
February 29, 2020 at 06:37 am
It is time to solve the Wr issues. But I don't believe Shenault will solve them. I regret his forty time and 17 lifts, just aren't enough. I was disappointed. He should have been better. His versatility is a plus. But I believe you still need separation more than anything. Give me the player who can get off the line and not be clumsy. A catch Radius is too important as Rodgers ages. And the biggest issue with are guys, are drops, and separation. So as much as I believe Shenault will be a good player in the right scheme. I still don't see the most important issues to solve are problem.
nygary
February 29, 2020 at 06:52 am
Stockholder i agree. We need a guy who can get separation.
OnWisconsinGoPack
February 29, 2020 at 10:23 am
Yes, but as we all know, you can't put that much stock I to the underwear Olympics. Do you know who else ran a 4.5 or worse and put up 18 reps or less in the bench....AJ Green, Davante Adams, JuJu Smith Schuster, Keenan Allen, etc.
Forgive me, but Shenault is a talent and be excited for him to be on the team
NickPerry
February 29, 2020 at 11:37 am
I'm with you on Shenault. IF and I repeat IF he was a Packers I wouldn't be terribly upset because I think he'd be pretty incredible in MLF's offense.
BUT I also like Reagor, Jefferson, and Higgins to name a few and am developing a HUGE crush on Mims of Baylor.
I'm starting to think the Packers will try bring back Veldheer and look for a RT in the 3rd round, especially if the sign a guy like Hooper who I'm also in favor of if the price is right. Hmmm...Lets see, Jimmy Graham at $10 million vs Hooper....Yes please on Hooper.
Fredrik87
February 29, 2020 at 11:01 pm
I'm with you on Mims I've reached the point that I'd take him in round 1, even over Higgins and Reagor.
Not a fan of Hooper there's a lot of warning signs with him suggesting he's risky and could easily bust.
Quoting from PFF "Since 2016, Hooper has gained 75.5% of his receiving production on targets defined as holes in zones or underneath the defense (think drag routes, flat routes) — by far the highest percentage in the league. Add to it that Hooper has just a 58.9 receiving grade against single coverage since 2016, and it’s clear that his production has largely been a product of the situation in Atlanta."- end quote.
Honestly I could be entirely wrong and he could be great, But when I've watched him play it's fit very well with what was said by PFF lots of catch's were nobody was near him because of the scheme and coverage being shifted towards Julio & Ridley .
I've become a little bit wary of high risk TE's after Bennnett and Graham.
and Hooper is just to risky and expensive for my taste.
scoonie_penn
February 29, 2020 at 07:21 am
Those that get mesmerized by the combine and overlook what a player did on the field are destined to draft the all-RAS Olympic team. I will tell you Shenault's playing speed s faster than his 40-time, he's a beast in the open field and a threat to score any time he touches the football. He is also a premiere return man with a body that can handle contact. Is Shenault the guy for GB? It depends on what MLF wants in a slot. Would I be disappointed if he's drafted at #30? probably... OT and DL would be higher on my priority list in the 1st.
stockholder
February 29, 2020 at 07:37 am
NO, IT DEPENDS ON WHAT GUTE WANTS. AND GUTE LIKES RAS PLAYERS. IF A PLAYER DOESN'T HAVE A HIGH RAS. I COULD SEE GUTE BEING TALKED OUT OF THE #30.
scoonie_penn
February 29, 2020 at 08:04 am
good point, hence the reason Gary and J Jones were drafted so much higher than their game tape indicated. I really hope the hiring of guys he really trusts and respects help counter-balance that myopia in his evaluation process.
Bearmeat
February 29, 2020 at 09:35 am
Y R U YELLING?
jannesbjornson
February 29, 2020 at 01:18 pm
Really Ain't Sure.
Packer_Fan
February 29, 2020 at 07:39 am
My plan which will BG probably do is to sign a mid level vet FA and then draft a WR in round 2. If BG take a WR in the first round, that is OK. This depends on how he solves the ILB situation in FA.
Packer_Fan
February 29, 2020 at 08:00 am
Just saw that the Pack is also targeting ILB Kwaitkowski from Chicago. That follows what BG did last year in signing rising players that can be around for 4-5 years. I think this is a good choice. If BG does sign him, then WR is in the cards for round 1.
mrtundra
February 29, 2020 at 08:21 am
If we need fast WRs, we need look no further than Jalen Reagor, KJ Hamler and Chase Claypool in this years' draft. All are fast and can get separation, all can play STs, if needed. I think ILB is the position to go for in the 1st Round as there are not as many ILBs in this draft as there are WRs. Murray, Dye or Queen at ILB in Round 1 and then WR in Round 2 depending on if Gute moves up, or more likely, down the Board. All this, unless a playmaker, too good to pass on, falls to GB in the 1st.
jannesbjornson
February 29, 2020 at 08:36 am
If Bulaga does not re-sign, then OT is your priority position. Keep Rodgers safe and upright.
dobber
February 29, 2020 at 09:10 am
Agreed. They will have to sign an OT...whether it's Bulaga (who now looks very doubtful) or Veldheer or if they shell out the bucks for a Jack Conklin or take a flyer on a Dennis Kelly. Unless there's something we don't know about the guys hiding on the depth chart and 2019 practice squad, they can't just rely on a draft pick for 2020.
jannesbjornson
February 29, 2020 at 01:12 pm
They have Conklin pegged around 15M/yr. Do not believe they will look at him with so many solid guys in the draft.
Remember Larry Beightol training Clifton and Tauscher into starters their rookie season.
OnWisconsinGoPack
February 29, 2020 at 10:30 am
I'm on board with slight tweak...sub Baun for Dye as potential round 1 and add KJ Hill to WR list with others
PeteK
February 29, 2020 at 09:05 am
Tough question is; do we sign Martinez, Bulaga or let both go?
Leatherhead
February 29, 2020 at 09:29 am
Sign Martinez and draft Bulaga’s replacement.
In 2017, our QB missed half the season with injuries. In 2018, he played hurt all year. We missed the playoffs both season. A new coach was hired. We ran more, we passed less, our QB didn’t get hit as much, he stayed healthy, and we won 14 games.
And that’s why we need a flashy WR
dobber
February 29, 2020 at 10:07 am
Bill: Ted, while I agree that, in time, our band will be most triumphant, the truth is, Wyld Stallyns will never be a super-band until we get Eddie Van Halen on guitar.
Ted: Yes, Bill, but I do not believe we will get Eddie Van Halen before we have a triumphant video.
Bill: It's pointless to have a triumphant video before we have decent instruments.
Ted: Well, how can we have decent instruments if we don't even know how to play?
Bill: That is why we need Eddie van Halen!
Ted: And that is why we need a triumphant video.
Bill and Ted: EXCELLENT!!!
Leatherhead
February 29, 2020 at 10:27 am
Well done, dobber . Excellent.
Fredrik87
February 29, 2020 at 09:50 am
Sign Bulaga.
Let Martinez walk he wants over ten million and he's not worth that much.
Brian Baldinger did a breakdown of Bulaga, and you can see him pancaking guys left and right.
And these guys are good he did this playing against D. Hunter,K. Mack, D. Lawrence, V. Miller, J. Clowney, these are the cream of the edge rusher crop.
With the defensive talent in our own division not to mention the guys we may have to play in the playoffs or regular season schedule, I don't think you can afford to not resign him.
here's the video I mentioned.
https://twitter.com/BaldyNFL/status/1231989217166675968
dobber
February 29, 2020 at 10:11 am
That RT position is so important to the success of the OL. MUST have a quality player there.
jannesbjornson
February 29, 2020 at 01:01 pm
They will have to weigh re-signing Bulaga, 2020 or the extension of their All Pro LT, Bhaktiari. Tough to figure in both guys on the expense account. It still seems Lindsley is going to play a part of this Oline adjustment. A lot of teams will be looking for OTs in round one. About 200-202 M expected as the CAP number. I do not believe Gutedkunst goes over 10M with Bulaga.
Bearmeat
February 29, 2020 at 09:31 am
Corey,
Please excuse me: What is the point of the article you wrote here? Where is the analysis? Are you advocating drafting Shenault? Bemoaning history at 1265? Culture? Why? Because of what - exactly? Further, where are your ideas coming from? Where are the sources/stats, etc? Or is this purely an Op-Ed? If so, we're back to not communicating clearly. WHY do you think the way you do? What information made/changed your mind? Why?
I know CHTV doesn't pay its writers. I realize you are working here as a labor of love and that you are a die hard Packer fan. I realize that CHTV makes its money from The Google and advertisements more than direct compensation from subscriptions/crowdfunding.
But this article is poorly thought out. Just my .02.
PeteK
February 29, 2020 at 10:07 am
Hmmm, more like .25
Bearmeat
February 29, 2020 at 10:32 am
fair lol
Handsback
February 29, 2020 at 10:13 am
Shenault is a good receiver. He's not a guy who's going to make teams plan around and frankly there are only two of those WRs in this year's draft. There are plenty of good candidates at receiver that can get off the LOS and catch the ball.
Reality is...Green Bay will probably chose a receiver in the 2nd round. Good route runner that has decent long speed, quick moves that doesn't slow down when they make their cuts. I keep coming back to Mims or Van Jefferson but then again what the heck do I know?
ron7
February 29, 2020 at 01:53 pm
After what Mims ran, I doubt if he will be there when the Packers pick in the 2nd. He could go in 1st. Even before he ran, I saw a mock with the Packers taking Mims in the 1st.
But not to worry, there will be a talented WR anywhere you pick in the 2nd. 3rd, 4th, or even later.
ILPackerBacker
February 29, 2020 at 11:50 am
Adams is easily a top 3 wr....this sure is a great reason not to read your opinion of draft prospects. Or do you mean top 3 in just GB?
Here is football outsiders on the subject. Adams is not a top 3 in just the division.
WR: Stefon Diggs, MIN
WR: Kenny Golladay, DET
WR: Marvin Jones, DET
TE: Kyle Rudolph, MIN
Whither Davante Adams and Adam Thielen, you ask? Adams finished 32nd in receiving DYAR and even lower in DVOA, way below Jones (and nowhere close to Diggs or Golladay, both of whom were top-ten finishers). .
https://www.footballoutsiders.com/extra-points/2020/rob-weintraubs-2019-...
Fredrik87
February 29, 2020 at 12:25 pm
Would you honestly take Kyle Rudolph or Marvin Jones over Davante?
Another thing to remember is after his 180 yard performance against philly, he was forced to miss 4 games with a turf to injury sustained in that game, and than play through that same injury the rest of the season.
Despite playing injured for the majority of the season, and in a new offensive system he still had a 1,000 yards and 5 TD's.
Which is only 130 less yards, and one less TD than Diggs who played in three additional games and was healthy most of the season, and over 200 yards more than Marvin Jones.
If you want to make a case that Davante is not top 3 in the NFL behind Thomas, Julio and Hopkins I can understand that though he's at least top five.
But not top 3 in the division come on
jannesbjornson
February 29, 2020 at 01:24 pm
Definitely Outside the realm of rational thought and appraisal. Adams is the top of the Norris.
marpag1
March 01, 2020 at 10:59 am
Adams is definitely not a top three receiver in the NFL, but football outsider's ranking is even wackier than Jennerjohn's. That's not easy to do...
greengold
February 29, 2020 at 02:15 pm
I would agree that a "healthy" Shenault might fit perfectly, but there are concerns with drafting him.
First, there is an injury history, one that is recent that I'm surprised you did not mention. Osteitis pubis, and inflammation of the pelvic bone that he just gave word on Feb. 12th that it won't require surgery. Most of those cases do not, but they do require rest, up to many months, along with physical therapy. Symptoms are that of a groin injury. Not good for a WR.
His injury history is extensive, and ought to be considered by those wanting the Packers to draft him. Turf toe requiring surgery in 2018, then a torn labrum requiring surgery in 2018 as well. Now this?
He played with the turf toe after being out 3 weeks in 2018, and in his first game back tore the labrum. Had surgery on both after the season.
I'm sorry, but, I want a WR that we draft high to be available, not on the sidelines. Seems too high a risk to me in Green Bay. We need immediate help throughout the 2020 season, and I have questions whether Shenault can provide that this year for the Packers. Love what he does, but why draft injury risk with known extensive history?
Secondly, he absolutely hates run blocking. Do we really want that? Just some info I recalled gathering a while ago and thought I would share. Very little is talked about with regards to Laviska Shenault. Careful on that one. Could see taking a flyer on him in late rounds if he does drop, as I suspect he will, like a hot rock.
There are plenty of other insanely talented WRs that would be better picks for the Packers in 2020. JMTC...
Hematite
February 29, 2020 at 04:26 pm
Shenault is having surgery after the combine is what I read today.
MarkinMadison
February 29, 2020 at 03:21 pm
There are so many good WRs this year that no one should be shocked or disappointed if the Packers do not address the position in Round 1. Gutey knows this, so don't look for him to reach or to pass on a talented player at another position of need. If they can pluck a prime OL at the bottom of the first, then they had best do it.
wildbill
February 29, 2020 at 04:31 pm
Everyone seems pretty excited about this years WR draft crop. But many, very talented, High draft choice college WRs do not end up being good in the pros. That being said I would not be surprised at a mid level veteran WR being signed to help address our needs or maybe the CFL WR we signed may be looked at to fill that role
Tedlyflyfisher
February 29, 2020 at 06:44 pm
I don’t know much about Shenault, but I did notice that his 40 time at the Combine was not very good. Just fyi.
marpag1
March 01, 2020 at 11:27 am
Personally, I don’t think most people realize how dire the Packers’ situation is at WR. Even if the Packers take a first round WR, they still need more. At this point, the Packers simply cannot assume that they will get anything at all from Allison, MVS, ESB, Kumerow or even Lazard.
This sounds about right to me: 1) A first or second round receiver, 2) an unremarkable yet dependable free agent WR and 3) a high-ceiling project at WR in the mid to late rounds.
We don’t need a surgical strike at the wide receiver position, targeting just one guy. We need to carpet bomb.
bizz888
March 01, 2020 at 01:47 pm
Time to add another legit #1 to augment a strong corps
https://www.novapersonalchefs.com/
ILPackerBacker
March 02, 2020 at 11:50 am
I should stop being amazed at what I read in a CJJ column or responses.
Would I take the top TE over the top WR? No. Who would do that? So a serious response is to ignore that WRs are compared to WRs and a TE to TEs? Reading comprehension is at anew low in this country and CJJ is leading the charge.
I mean, really, who writes this kind of stuff?
Where would Adams be in KC? Is he top 3 there among a group consisting of TE/WR?
Cotreq
March 03, 2020 at 10:17 am
30 should be ILB if Murray or Queen are available if not best WR ( Jefferson, Mims, Aiyuk ?? ) In FA love to see Kwiatkoski and Hooper if we can sign both of those it gives Gute lots of flexibility in the draft.
SamJayyy
March 15, 2020 at 03:40 pm
Shenault! who didn't noticed that his 40 time at the Combine was...average???
SamJayyy
April 02, 2020 at 05:49 pm
Oh, and BTW like they already said: "It's time to add another dynamic weapon for Aaron Rodgers" couldn't agree more!!
https://www.mobile-autoelectrical.com/