Green Bay's Forgotten Receivers
Nobody talks about them but this is their chance of a lifetime.
By KenLass
A trade, the draft, or the free agent market. That’s it, right? Those are the only three routes the Green Bay Packers can take to replenish their pass receiver unit.
Use one of their two first round picks to trade for DK Metcalf. Trade for Brandin Cooks. Sign Jarvis Landry. Draft Chris Olave, or Jahan Dotson, or Treylon Burks. Whatever it takes. Just get some receivers in here!
I find it interesting that, whenever you see an accounting of the receivers left on the team, it usually consists of four names: Randall Cobb, Allen Lazard, Amari Rodgers and Malik Taylor. Technically, Lazard and Taylor have not yet signed their tenders, so even they are not currently under contract. It's just taken for granted they will be back. Only the most ardent of fans realize there are actually three other pass catchers on the team. A pop quiz for you. Can you name them? Without looking up the roster? I’ll wait.................................
If you were able to rattle off Juwann Winfree, Chris Blair and Rico Gafford, I tip my cheesehead to you. You are a serious fan. Don’t feel badly if you couldn’t. You are not alone. They are Green Bay’s forgotten receivers. Nobody talks about them. No one takes them seriously as breakout possibilities. They are just preseason fodder. Placeholders, as the starters wear street clothes and watch from the sidelines until the real games begin.
And most years, that would be accurate. But not this year. This year is unique. Even if the Packers bring in draft picks and free agent veterans, there are still going to be one or two receiver spots up for grabs on the final roster. The position group is as wide open as it can be. The Packer faithful may not be paying much attention to them, but they are going to get a serious look from the coaches. A very serious look.
As undrafted free agents or low draft picks who have languished on practice squads most of their short careers, are the odds against them? Absolutely. But consider this. Four years ago nobody had heard of Robert Tonyan. Or Allen Lazard. Today those two are considered important, almost indispensable members of the team. All they needed was a chance. An opportunity. That time is now for these three hopefuls.
Juwann Winfree
Actually got to play in seven games last year for the Pack, mostly as a Covid substitute off the practice squad. Might have given a preview of his potential against Arizona in week eight. The Packers entered the game without their three top pass catchers, Adams, MVS and Lazard. Winfree came through, catching four passes for 30 yards in a dramatic win on the road. Finished with eight receptions for 58 yards. Has the speed to be a field stretcher. In college at Colorado he once caught five passes for 163 yards, averaging over 32 yards per catch. Generally good with run after the catch. Hurt himself in week eighteen last season when he lost a fumble in a loss to the Lions.
Chris Blair
A small college prospect who has never gotten a serious chance at the next level. In his senior year at Alcorn State he caught 44 passes for 931 yards and seven scores. Can also run the jet sweep and carry the ball. Rushed for 73 yards on six carries in college. Like Winfree, Blair has the speed and RAC ability to stretch the field. His yards per catch average of 21.2 ranked sixth in the nation in 2019. He would love to follow in the footsteps of another Alcorn State alumnus, Donald Driver, who is the Packers all time receiving leader.
Rico Gafford
Spent three years playing mostly special teams for the Raiders when he wasn’t on the practice squad. Started out as a cornerback at Wyoming. Converted to receiver in the pros. Blazing speed. Was a state champion in the 100 and 200 meter sprints in high school. His 10.61 time in the 100 meters stood as an all time record in his home state of Iowa.. His first NFL reception, in December of 2019, was a 49 yard touchdown bomb from Derek Carr for the Raiders. Also deserves a look as a returner, having dabbled as such in Las Vegas.
Theirs will be a long and hard road to success with the Packers. They will have to deal with veterans and draft picks coming in and starting out ahead of them. And even if they make the team, they must “win the confidence” of Aaron Rodgers to get targeted, whatever the heck that means.
But if you like to pull for underdogs, keep an eye on them. They may be forgotten at the moment, but they hope to jar your memory come training camp.
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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
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Comments (115)
RCPackerFan
March 28, 2022 at 06:54 am
Winfree is a guy I really do like. I would not be surprised if he took a step forward this year.
There was a receiver years ago that played for GB. His first year he had 3 receptions for 31 yards in 6 games played. The next year he had 21 catches for 322 yards. Perhaps Winfree could be our next Donald Driver? Now I'm not saying he will be and not saying he is going to have the illustrious career that Driver had, but Perhaps Winfree can be the guy who takes a good step and could become a part of the offense.
Coldworld
March 28, 2022 at 07:43 am
I agree, while we are also likely to see Taylor return, I see Winfree as potentially the one who is the most versatile prospect. Unfortunately, when he did play with Rodgers last year it was clear that the two were not used to each other. Winfree was more impressive with Love, presumably due to experience together.
NickPerry
March 28, 2022 at 06:59 am
Hmmmm.... Well, it's pretty obvious Gute has a ton of work to do. Winfree didn't impress me at all. Didn't he fumble against Arizona too?
Chris Blair...WHO??
Gafford...He sounds interesting as a returner and ST player. Hey. you never know and frankly I don't care who turns into the next Davante or Jordy. Good luck to them all...
I'm OBSESSED with doing mock drafts on the simulator on PFF. I've had some pretty awesome drafts so I'm fairly positive the board won't fall like that.
BUT, just for fun I've consistently landed 2 WR's Like Burks or Olave and Moore or Pierce for example Wyatt, the DT from Georgia with 22 and still got Burks at 28. I won't bore you with the rest but IF the Packers were to get Devonta Wyatt AND Burks in the 1st round I'd be doing back flips.
RCPackerFan
March 28, 2022 at 07:13 am
I love playing with that mock draft simulator. So much fun.
Jensen77
March 28, 2022 at 04:38 pm
Why not bring back Jordy?
PackEyedOptimist
March 28, 2022 at 07:16 am
I use both PFF and MockDraftDatabase for simulators, and they definitely are addictive, and they definitely won't be accurate. :-D
Leatherhead
March 28, 2022 at 10:02 am
I don't think we'll be taking Wyatt, or any other DL, in the first round.
We dress 5 DL. Clark, Lowry, Slaton, and Reed are four. I think it's more likely that we'll use a guy like Heflin as the 5th guy.
I'd like Wyatt, or Leal, but if the past is any predictor, we don't put that much of an emphasis on DL.
murf7777
March 28, 2022 at 10:53 am
I would love to see 1 or 2 Edge rushers in this draft. The draft is loaded with them. The more we can keep them fresh the better.
Coldworld
March 28, 2022 at 12:00 pm
Unless Ramsey really explodes and stays healthy, we absolutely need a 3rd edge guy for the regular rotation at this point.
jannesbjornson
March 28, 2022 at 12:40 pm
If they choose Wyatt, Lowry would need to take a pay cut to stay in the rotation and Heflin should stay on the P squad. The track record of the FO with details like ILB and D front is not impressive.
greengold
March 28, 2022 at 10:58 am
Yeah… I’m just seeing mistakes having been made with Lowry and Lancaster, then compounded by extending them, etc.
I would have sent both out on greased rails prior to the 2020 season.
Coldworld
March 28, 2022 at 12:04 pm
Lowry is decent depth over paid and over relied upon. We badly need a player who can make plays independent of Clark or one of the OLBs and be reasonably stout against the run. Those reliable but not dominant types are a trap, because one won’t get better with them and the tendency is not to move on because they are known and dependable.
greengold
March 28, 2022 at 02:15 pm
So true, yet Gutekunst has his wagon hooked up to both players… my guess is he knows his folly. He’ll address it. Both Lowry and Lancaster will be fighting for a roster spot as things currently stand.
Coldworld
March 28, 2022 at 06:45 pm
Lancaster is currently a FA.
greengold
March 29, 2022 at 08:50 am
Thank you, Sir! I did stay away from much NFL/Packers stuff until just recently as a self protection mechanism.
GOOD. Much appreciated.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 28, 2022 at 09:39 pm
Wyatt would be an excellent choice if he falls. This is likely Clark's last year in GB so getting his replacement on the roster a year ahead of time makes a ton of sense imo. Not to mention, Wyatt is an absolute stud.
Coldworld
March 29, 2022 at 08:32 am
You raise a valid point that I’ve not seen discussed. Clark’s cap hit balloons in 2023 to something like 23 million. Releasing him only saves about 3 million due to dead cap, but he is another big part of this team that they will probably need to renegotiate with if we are to keep him.
As TGR has pointed out, the cap for next year is already getting tight. If we can’t get a deal done, our DL would really seem to be in trouble without him based on what we have now. Lowry could easily also be gone and our new signing is on a one year deal. All 3 projected starters (I suspect) this year have questions, leaving Slaton and Heflin.
greengold
March 29, 2022 at 08:51 am
If Wyatt is there, there's no way I would pass on him. No way. I think he'll be way gone, probably 15 selections ahead of our 22.
stockholder
March 28, 2022 at 07:03 am
Depressing! Flat out Depressing. Adams was the diamond, thats for sure. He can't be replaced. Not by a long shot. So lets just not talk trades. MVS can be replaced. He only stretched the field. And the draft does have some guys that are faster. But can they line up outside. Size does matter. Tall, and Fast. Thats the sexy pick we need. And it better be @ 22. Because the lions and several other teams want the samething.
Rarescope
March 28, 2022 at 09:59 am
I was kinda thinking the same thing about trades - not worth it unless you get someone who is severely under utilized on their current team for a cheap deal. Hard for a receiver to shine if there isn’t someone competent throwing them the ball so there’s got to be a couple guys out there that could shine with Rodgers. I’d also like to see them draft a receiver high - as soon as I saw KC trade Hill I knew we were going to have serious draft competition. I’d like to see us lock down a first year starter caliber receiver before they pick.
Leatherhead
March 28, 2022 at 10:10 am
The year that we had to replace Sterling Sharpe, we finished 3rd in the league in passing yards and 1st in TD passes.
We replaced Sharpe, we'll replace Adams.
jannesbjornson
March 28, 2022 at 11:44 am
Robert Brooks was already on the team and more shots went to Chumura. Wolf still went after Keith Jackson to get some talented fetchers. He hit on Freeman in the Draft and signed a veteran, Mark Ingram. Dorsey Levens was drafted and he had great hands. He didn't sit on his hands and look at the scrub list.
jannesbjornson
March 28, 2022 at 10:59 am
The top wides are all Moving Up the boards. Teams seem a little smarter about wasting a high pick on a QB that may have third round talent. Even Burks may be gone by #22. I have been moving up from #22 to the #18 range just to play the odds.
stockholder
March 28, 2022 at 11:02 am
Nelson Got replaced by Adams. You know Adams was Left handed. And when they moved him to that side he was much better. I hope they take a Left handed WR again.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 28, 2022 at 09:41 pm
Mock draft boards are in no way indicative of what NFL front offices actually think about players. I wouldnt put much stock in anything you see right now.
greengold
March 29, 2022 at 08:58 am
One would think...
Problem is, not every NFL Personnel Dept is loaded with the sharpest of knives. There's a lot of slackers, idiots and the like as are found in any given profession. NFL Front Offices around the league are not immune. There are fabo examples of this around the NFL, and one I can see from my house: Chicago.
However, you're right. It is most likely the so called industry "experts," who are slow to catch up.
Case in point, Darnell Savage. Great player, and was my #1 draft crush for the Packers to take. Then, about this time actually, he was already in a rapid ascent... and wound up being a 1st Round pick of our Packers in the trade up.
The prognosticators, "experts," in the draft industry, many of those who make the mocks, mail in their scouting reports, etc. is loaded with lazy ass idiots too.
I'm seeing players climbing rapidly right now.
RTS, I think your point is well taken, and that the millions of $$$ spent researching talent generally is in the know, better than anyone, and the draft industry info fed to the fans for consumption is always playing catch up.
Packerpasty
March 30, 2022 at 11:58 am
smart or not they have all done a hell of a lot more homework and research than any of us on this forum...id hate to see the team the Pack would have if Gute's allowed fans to make up the team and draft players...
greengold
March 29, 2022 at 08:56 am
Jannes, you're absolutely correct, that the. draft industry is likely catching up to what teams already realize as true slotted value. Causing, in our eyes, players to "rise."
And, man, they certainly are right now.
Get while the gettin's GOOD!
pantz_bURp
March 28, 2022 at 03:54 pm
Hang in there S-Holder. I know you mention,"Depressing! Flat out Depressing. Adams was the diamond". But, a diamond was once a chunk of coal that did well under pressure. Here is to the chunks of coal that just might sparkle this season for us....
greengold
March 29, 2022 at 08:49 am
Poetic. Tears.
dobber
March 28, 2022 at 07:15 am
You are absolutely right, Ken. These guys will never see a clearer path to playing time in the NFL than they are seeing right now...in March.
If it's August and these guys are seeing a similar path, that's incompetence on the part of management.
Thegreatreynoldo
March 28, 2022 at 07:59 am
They altered Cobb's contract so now he costs cap to release.
Lazard has been tendered and it is extremely unlikely they would rescind the tender.
Amari Rodgers is a third round pick. It seems highly they would give him such a quick hook.
3 spots taken. 3 open, two for draft picks?
Leatherhead
March 28, 2022 at 08:19 am
That's how the math works out for me. I think we'll draft TWO guys to fill one WR position, and Lazard/Cobb/Amari will be the #2 and #3 guys.
And I don't think we'll take one in the first round because there are multiple very good options available on Day 2.
Coldworld
March 28, 2022 at 08:59 am
Amari may find his legs or he may not, but pencilling him in as a de facto starter based on last year requires a leap of faith. We can’t afford to plan for those. Cobb is really a very good 5th. He’s not going to be an ‘every down’ type. Lazard is going to be in place, but there’s openings at 1, 2 and 4 as things stand.
Blair is a mystery. Taylor I thought would see more time on O last year, but in fact saw less in favor of EQ, whom they didn’t even try to retain. I really don’t know what that tells us, but presumably they don’t see him being a difference maker. Winfree appears to have the skill set to play multiple positions. Perhaps he could blossom into a low 2, but 3/4 seems more likely.
That still leaves 1 and probably 2, with some competition behind Lazard for depth. Gafford, if he sticks, is likely a ST driven choice and gadget WR. So, to me, even with a cheap veteran with something left in the tank, we need high picks to give us real competition and upside and then to be ruthless about winnowing the best out of that.
Leatherhead
March 28, 2022 at 09:15 am
Coldword. Usually we play two WRs. Sometimes we use three.
A rookie will be one. Lazard will be two. Cobb and Amari will be 3 and 4. Those aren't starting spots.
We'll line up on opening day with a rookie and Lazard as our two starters.
Coldworld
March 28, 2022 at 09:32 am
Depth and situational changes. I’m not proposing 5 wide and I’m allowing for injuries. At the moment our top 3 are Lazard, ? and ?. We normally suit up at least 5, especially with Cobb and if there is a WR on returns or gunning.
dobber
March 28, 2022 at 09:44 am
Elite teams stockpile talent.
jannesbjornson
March 28, 2022 at 11:07 am
And play them.
Leatherhead
March 28, 2022 at 11:33 am
I thought I'd been clear.
We draft two rookies on Day 2. I'm personally looking at Watson and Pierce, but there are several other good options as well. The guy who looks the best out of training camp,if he's healthy, starts and the other guy backs him up. Lazard plays the #2 spot most of the snaps, about 50 or so.
Cobb and Amari back up Lazard and share the #3 WR position. That accounts for about 95% of the plays we run because lining up 4 WRs is very rare for us.
So that's 5 guys....with two rookies sharing one WR spot, Lazard starting at the other, and Cobb and Amari getting the rest of the snaps. A guy like Winfrey or Taylor or some other guy could be #6 and we'll have two guys on the practice squad.
Would I be willing to starting the season with Watson/Pierce at one WR spot, Lazard at the other, and Cobb and Amari ? Absolutely. Especially if we add somebody at the TE spot, and especially if our line is good.
Coldworld
March 28, 2022 at 12:08 pm
I’m not necessarily against day 2, but it depends how it falls. I think we take 2 WR out of our first 4 and may trade down. We do need an edge, how those fall will be a factor.
murf7777
March 28, 2022 at 09:38 am
I would agree Cobb is closer to a 3rd option vs the 5th. With 3 different teams over the past 4 years, he has averaged approximately 3.5 catches per game. Depending on WR additions, I could see him at 4+ this year. He also has had a 70+% catch percentage over the past two years. Lastly, he had a TD on almost every 5th catch. The man makes clutch plays and one who Rodgers trust which as we all know is important.
I think our #1 is yet to be on this team and I won't be surprised if it's via FA or trade. I would say the drafted rookie(s) will fight for the #1 -3 position on the team.
jannesbjornson
March 28, 2022 at 11:10 am
The # 3 or #4 on obvious passing downs to play the hook zones, delayed cross and the flats. His days of beating the 1:1 are limited. He was almost ghostlike in the playoff game limping like a decoy.
Coldworld
March 28, 2022 at 07:00 pm
I’m less concerned about his ability to get yards than I am about his ability to consistently be healthy.
LambeauPlain
March 28, 2022 at 09:16 am
Agree. One difference I have is I do not see many sets with both Cobb and Rodgers on the field together. I think it will begin as Cobb starting and Rodgers coming in to limit his pitch count.
WR 1/boundary - open
WR 2/boundary - Lazard
Slot - Cobb or AmRod
WR 4/for 4 wide sets - open
WR 5 - back up depth - open
So 3 open spots for the 3 players above, draft picks, FA or trade. Going to be a wild camp at WR.
And the combinations of the starters will be in flux during the season, depending how the newcomers perform.
It is possible Lazard could be WR 1. He doesn't have the 4.4 speed, but he has 4.5 speed (same as Adams), excellent size, hands and runs solid routes, great knowledge of the Packer O.
Lazard and Draft pick "could" combine to match Adams' production and move the chains with more to AJ/AJD and TE's.
However, this would require Rodgers to spread the ball around and MLF/Stenovich/Clements to draw up pass plays designed to get guys open. So MLF needs to dedicate Camp and preseason to his "illusion of complexity" and more motion, screens, and jets. And franchise guy is going to have to buy in.
Coldworld
March 28, 2022 at 09:34 am
That’s a good take, as long as AmRod can take enough of a step forward.
WestCoastPackerBacker
March 28, 2022 at 09:56 am
Don't forget the RBs can work out of the slot as well.
Coldworld
March 28, 2022 at 12:18 pm
Dillon has mostly been used rolling out, Jones can to some extent, though he’s more often used in plays to get him schemed open in space than as a pure slot.
jannesbjornson
March 28, 2022 at 02:08 pm
They run the wheel routes very well and Dillon is the guy to place into the 1:1. Opponents have A.Jones figured out from the flanker role and put a CB on him now in lieu of a LB/Edge guy.
greengold
March 28, 2022 at 10:15 am
I am not a fan of this math. I think you’re trying too hard to make the situation fit your chosen narrative.
One injury to the one WR you want to tap up top where? R2?… and, ADIOS MUCHACHOS! Get off the pipe, Bubs.
Admit it. You’re putting one helluva lot of stress at WR in this scenario for everything to go right, without sustaining an injury.
How many games lost to injury for Lazard, who hasn’t signed anything yet with GB, over the past two years? Cobb?
Wow. I hope Gutekunst gives the WR position some top talent in this draft. Waiting past R1, is pure negligence IMO, given the stakes and history of sucking the position COMPLETELY FUCKING DRY.
**** ONE GODDAMN SPEED WR in the last 4 fucking years. And he was a project!!!
(And how did that work out? 48 on the Catch% Meter!!!)
No more pussyfooting around. Add one in R1, the one player that fits your team perfectly, no matter prognosticator projections, then one or two more R2. Or, snap the best two in R1 to insure you’re getting the very best you can - SECURED - in Packer uniforms. We NEED 3 because we have no depth. ZERO!!!
DOUBLE BIRDS to anyone knocking GB for making their top two choices WR in R1, if that’s what they decide to do. Get your guys.
Does this make sense?
Do you recall teams purposefully jumping in front of the Packers, in 2020, EVERY ROUND to take WRs..?
Don’t even - with the vomiting of R1 WR history stuff. I can’t take it. Get speed, hands, routes, nuance of the position, toughness, all of it, Brian Gutekunst!
You made this bed for yourself, now fix it. You don’t have time to fuck around with 2-3 years developing before WE see a return.
jannesbjornson
March 28, 2022 at 11:18 am
Bravo, encore....encore !
Leatherhead
March 28, 2022 at 11:47 am
Waiting past Round 1 to take a WR is negligence? Oh no, amigo.
It's an ADVANTAGE that Green Bay consistently has the best passing offense in the division, and one of the best in the league, despite not needing to use First Round picks at the skill positions . We've taken FOUR skill position players in the first round in about the last 30 years: Sharpe, Walker, Rodgers, Love. That's not an accident, it's an organizational value, IMO.
Look at the WRs we've taken on the second day: Jennings, Jones, Jordy, Cobb, Adams. Again, no accident. The organization KNOWS they can get really good WRs on the second day, so this let's the Packers spend their top pick elsewhere, usually on defense but occasionally an offensive lineman slips in.
Look hard at some of these WRs that might still be on the board when we pick at #52, and #59. I like the bigger bodies, like Watson and Pierce, but these guys like Bell and Ross and Moore might do just fine. I really liked WonDale Robinson in the bowl game.
greengold
March 28, 2022 at 04:51 pm
Oh no, my brother. You're using the OLD math.
First of all, I look at your photo and half expect you to tell me how you make $200/hr. working remotely from home...
Secondly, you are talking about a notion that "Green Bay consistently has the best passing offense in the division, and one of the best in the league," uhhhhhh... back when we had WRs.
I know the 2nd day picks.
Thirdly, the organization "knew they could get really good WRs on the second day," PRIOR TO 2020!
Go ahead and rework your draft board and see how it looks with 11 WRs GONE by the time we pick there at 52. I have looked hard at what we can possibly expect to be available at #52 and #59, and the board is not fixed today. FFS. It's MARCH!
Much can change between now and Draft Day, April 28th, 2022.
Remember, history repeats itself. Deep WR class again will likely bring many suitors. And, you want to just wait...
I don't even like a trade down. Are we in a position to really gamble? No. We are in a position where we must have at the very least 2 rookie WRs with the speed, the talent, the ability to excel on Day 1 of the 2022 season.
2021 Ja'Marr Chase
2021 Jaylen Waddle
2021 DeVonta Smith
2021 Ladarius Toney
2021 Rashod Bateman
2020 Jerry Jeudy
2020 CeeDee Lamb
2020 Justin Jefferson
2020 Brandon Aiyuk
2019 Marquise Brown
2018 DJ Moore
2018 Calvin Ridley
2017 Corey Davis
2017 Mike Williams
2016 Will Fuller
2015 Amari Cooper
2015 Devante Parker
2015 Nelson Agholor
2015 Phillip Dorsett
2014 Sammy Watkins
2014 Mike Evans
2014 Odell Beckham Jr.
2014 Brandon Cooks
2013 DeAndre Hopkins
2012 Michael Floyd
2011 AJ Gren
2011 Julio Jones
All of the above taken before R2 even started... We need starters. Primary need position is WR. Get 'em.
3 out of 5 WRs taken R1 outperformed all of the WRs taken R2 in 2021 by a wide margin.
---
Now, let's look at 2020 from your perspective. Of the 13 WRs selected through R1-2, 9 have amassed greater than 1000 yds receiving over those TWO YEARS. 4 of those came from R1. 6 of them before pick #42.
Only 3 R2 WRs have >1000 yds over two seasons from picks 42-64 of the 2020 draft.
My point is, we have TWO R1s. Get the guys you want, not what the board dictates in a trade down, lessening your odds of success.
*** HOW SMART IS IT, really, to trade down from, oh, say the #28 pick, so that your next selection is pick #40??? In a draft where I've seen 11 WRs projected to be taken R1-2...???
*** AND FOR WHAT??? Another R3???
What? Someone going to file a complaint in the COMPLAINT DEPT. for the Packers over-drafting at #22 & 28???
FFS (Not speaking to you personally, LH). Get your guys. You have this one shot at landing at the very least 2 really great WRs. Maybe you hit gold in R2 as well? Maybe not. WE MUST ADD 2 starters (PLUS a 3rd WR up top for good measure in case of injury). I happen to like the odds up top, in R1 where we currently stand, getting the two players that fit our needs perfectly. Even if they are drafted what is considered a round too early... RISK AVERSION.
If we wait till 52 to add a WR, my head will most definitely explode off my shoulders.
Coldworld
March 28, 2022 at 07:06 pm
Excellent information. Personally trading down is still an option for me if the draft falls right, but only if we know we can get a player we like and an extra pick.
Amateurs like us here always get excited about WRs, but this year it’s not impossible that there is a run, however, there could also be a scramble for the best of the weaker positions as well, believing that they need to get them before the well dries up.
We need to get a non slot receiver in the first. After that we need a couple more. I think we can in this draft, but I’m less optimistic that they will have the impact this year that many expect, whether we pick them at 22, or 52. That said, It would be negligent not to take our best shot on a WR in the first with this WB and this roster: that is just the situation that the FO has put itself in.
greengold
March 29, 2022 at 07:50 am
To your point, I’ve never done this prior to a draft: shared my picks. Here’s a brief window into how I work. I make around 100 of these as I build on my draft research - with no use of a simulator. Pretty much cull all of the latest mocks, comparing them to my trusted publications for where a player sits in Top 100 and Top 200 listings, and their round grades. Kind of see what might be a reasonable spot, based on the selections the Packers have, to actually have a tidge of confidence the player can be secured in each spot.
I haven’t done much deep research coming into this draft late. I usually start top to bottom, breaking the draft into the 3 days, really, in terms of info gathering.
Here goes. It meshes somewhat well with my line of thinking expressed in this thread…
22 WR Chris Olave
28 WR Alec Pierce
53 DT Travis Jones
59 TE Jelani Woods
93 OT Daniel Faalele
132 WR Velus Jones
140 OT Kellen Diesch
171
228
249
258
Who could possibly have a problem with that, as a Packer fan, knowing what we know and are in need of?
I’ve got about 6 other combinations assembled with different players smattered in here and there, but, you get the gist. I don’t want to get into debates on reaches, or slides. I try for those players I like best #1, in each round, for each selection, in slots I believe we can reasonably have a chance of securing them. I could care less if someone claims a player can be had later, because I study trends and board movements too. Some climb boards quickly. Some drop quickly. It’s important to know why. I look into that stuff too. Reports plus tape.
jannesbjornson
March 28, 2022 at 08:50 pm
Paragraph one of the Evidence File. Preach it ! The sit on the toad stool ice fishing approach didn't help much when the scavengers snagged Jefferson and Aiyuk. No SB 4 U. When it comes to a value pick, they need to adjust Up and Down, but one of the Wides has to come from round one. My bias then moves me to trade into the low 30s for my Edge /DT, picking up another two in the mid 50s. and another in the low 60s. No Gambling required. Should get three of the top WRs in the1st and 2nd rounds.
greengold
March 28, 2022 at 10:00 pm
I just posted a diatribe on exactly why I feel it would hurt us more to trade #28 for, oh, say the 38 plus an R3…
In that scenario, you’ve just invited 10 teams to take what you want, with another 6 possibly having done so after 22…
Why do that??? To get trumpets blaring VALUE, by risking a player who happens to be a perfect fit for your team slated at 40??? Only to find a team like PIT, or IND, or SF, or CHI trading into the 37 to snap away our dreams???
Seriously. How fucking stupid is that? Hell to the no.
Let’s be real. I’m telling the Dude that the situation really is fucked here, man… We don’t need just good WRs, we need a couple of perfect fits who have all the goods, the speed, the hands, the routes, the toughness, the moxie to gain Aaron Rodgers’ trust.
I know exactly the 2 I’d take at 22 & 28; along with three incredible options and perfect fits to better complete this Packers team for the 53 & 59 selections.
ALL OF IT, resolved, secured to our roster. DONE.
That leaves 7 choices from 92 on… to fill all the what, 3 positions that need backups? 4? 5? Hell, there’s enough there to do that AND draft the next Kicker!!! I laugh to myself. Join me. It’s OK to laugh. Healthy to laugh.
The absurdity of it all… just get your guys. Line ‘em up and show the world.
Need a Safety? It’s deep there, R4. Need an EDGE?? Plenty there through 6. ILB??? Deep. By all means, take one! OT??? Yes. Do it!
Ah-ah-ahhh! Don’t forget…! Ron Wolf said, “Always take a CB!”
We have enough for ALL OF THAT!
Wait… WHA???? There’s one left? Take dobber’s 3-tech draft crush!
LLCHESTY
March 29, 2022 at 04:50 am
Justin Ross is a 5th or 6th rounder at this point. Really, really bad pro day.
https://twitter.com/nfldraftscout/status/1504487570381553670?t=KO-4pLPDu...
Rarescope
March 28, 2022 at 09:51 am
Woh, check it out guys! Leatherhead got a haircut! Not too shabby ;)
greengold
March 28, 2022 at 01:03 pm
Quite frankly, it had nothing to do with what LH is pointing to, really, and everything to do with Brian Gutekunst getting a little too cute with his drafting decisions. The Amari Rodgers trade up/pick last year was a prime example, despite us not knowing much about his real value.
If I’m not mistaken, Leatherhead is coming from a place of economy and maximization of Packers assets. I get that, but how many top WR prospects has Gutekunst added to our roster since 2018? I mean, even his “Watch me work my magic,” MVS & EQ are gone… but there’s the 150 year old Cobb…
The need this year is not just adding WRs, but adding STARTING WRs.
One requires another capable of stepping right in to offset possibility of injury. Take two of the best.
Being that we really have no other quantifiable depth under contract, take another R2.
As a refresher, teams knew we needed WR in R1, and 6 were selected ahead of our #26 pick in 2020. Another 5 were selected ahead of our #62 R2 selection that year. Remember Bowden Jr., Bryan Edwards & Devin Duvernay being snapped just ahead of our #94 Deguara pick in R3?
Are fans not seeing a repeat performance of that in 2022? I mean, KC made the parallel PHI trade to take Reagor… those moves will happen and look to already be happening again. Remember SF jumping right in front of us to take Aiyuk?
You want WR, Packer fans? Your top 5 favorites could easily be snatched up by #22. That is no joke. How many gone by 28 or 53?
PeteK
March 28, 2022 at 10:18 am
LH how you have changed!
Leatherhead
March 28, 2022 at 02:51 pm
I’m just trying to make Princess Nitwit happy.
Coldworld
March 28, 2022 at 07:04 pm
Your makeover artist is talented indeed
13TimeChamps
March 29, 2022 at 06:33 pm
I had no idea how deep I was inside your head. Good to know.
jannesbjornson
March 28, 2022 at 11:03 am
I have three going to draft picks with this year's depth at the WR spot. I would hope Gutedkunst holds his high picks to play the board, but maybe he deals with Schneider for a vet?
greengold
March 28, 2022 at 11:28 am
I’d take the 3 best pass catchers off the top first 3 picks. Then load the rest. This offense needs that. Possible I’d take another position with one of the R1s, if the guy I’m thinking of is there.
jannesbjornson
March 28, 2022 at 12:25 pm
I went in this direction as the Simulators have received data from the Combine and Pro Days. Better luck adding mid-round depth with trades among the 2nd -3rd rounds. Did not attempt the move up for Olave who may be gone by #13. Naturally, I use 2023 #3 and #4 picks to move around as the comps will be coming. It could play out with a boatload of picks in 2023 if they Move Rodgers next off-season.
#22 Kenyon Green OG/RT Texas A & M
#28 Burks WR Arkansas
#53 Brandon Smith LB Penn State
#66 Skyy Moore WR W. Mich.
#92 Petit-Frere OT OSU
#97 Kenny Joseph S Illinois
#132 Alex Wright DE/Edge UAB
#166 Cole Turner TE Nevada
#181 Haskins RB Michigan
#228 Z Horvath FB Purdue
#243 Velus Jones WR Tennessee
#248 Nasir Greer S Wake Forest
UDFA signings for WR: Jaylon Redd, Oregon....Corey Sutton Appalachia State....Keylon Stokes, Tulsa....Kendric Pryor, Badgers....
PackEyedOptimist
March 28, 2022 at 07:18 am
You're singing my song, Ken. I love rooting for the underdogs, and I love predicting the bottom of the roster. That's why I like pre-season games just as much as regular season games. I know, I'm a freak. :-D
croatpackfan
March 28, 2022 at 09:35 am
Not the only one. At this issue you have me as companion.
Also, I think Winfree can be solid 2nd WR on the Packers team. he fumbled twice, once in preseason and once vs Arizona.
But, if we will release every player who fumble that Aaron Jones, Dillon, Davante, most recent Lewis will be released as well.
greengold
March 28, 2022 at 07:28 am
Ken, this eye on those 3 WRs mentioned is indeed worthy of consideration.
For those interested in their 40 times:
Juwaan Winfree 4.53
Chris Blair 4.47
Rico Gafford 4.23
Gafford also clocked a 4.26…
Coldworld
March 28, 2022 at 08:12 am
Gafford has speed aplenty, that’s why the raiders switched him to WR from CB once they saw he had good hands, but he had 4 catches for 66 yards and a touchdown in 3 years if memory serves. He’s genuinely small and equally fast. I see him as a STer who can return kicks and perhaps contribute as a gadget player if he’s active due to STs. Probably the fastest player on the roster.
Blair is an unknown because he was effectively injured in camp. We have never really seen him healthy. Highly effective deep threat at small school level, In 2019, Blair ranked sixth in the nation in yards per reception (21.2). He needed to develop physically and learn NFL routes. They must like him because he’s been here for almost 2 seasons. He’s supposedly fast, but I’ve seen various claims as to how fast, but he was clocked at 4.47. Hard to really know if that’s an accurate indication.
Taylor is almost certainly back as an ERFA too. Last year he was impressive in camp and I thought we might see more of him. One game and then he disappeared in favor of EQ mostly. I do not know why based on results. Perhaps this year he will be allowed to progress? He seems to have a get it done attitude and toughness on O. Not a natural returner.
Overall, we might get something from this group, but it’s hard to find a basis for confidence that one will make the leap to being a serious contributor this year. It would be wonderful if one did, especially as, Gafford aside, they should be well versed in our system by now.
greengold
March 28, 2022 at 08:10 am
Well, I didn’t say much more than I did for a reason. I may have overdone it including the word, ”indeed.”
Check that. I did overdo it.
Coldworld
March 28, 2022 at 08:19 am
I don’t know whether you did or didn’t. It’s extremely hard to know what the ceilings are because Winfree looked great going into camp but got injured, we didn’t see Blair fully healthy and hardly at all and I don’t know what they were doing or thinking about Taylor. Gafford is new, and has so little highlight film as a receiver.
Blair is intriguing if he’s added some strength, he’s 6’ 2-3 and was 198 pounds. His speed on film is visible, but is 4.47 a true reflection of his play speed? I’m not sure and the opposition could be misleading. He’s been with us for almost 2 seasons, so they see something I presume.
LambeauPlain
March 28, 2022 at 09:31 am
Taylor played well in preseason, made the 53, as ESB was cut, added to the PS, moved up to the 53, then took Taylor's snaps all season long and didn't do much of anything.
I do not understand MLF's thinking with Taylor, either CW. The HC has to do a better job of rewarding players who actually perform during games. Nijman sitting vs SF was an even itchier head scratcher.
Coldworld
March 28, 2022 at 09:36 am
LaFleur’s use of players has become a source of concern for me.
jannesbjornson
March 28, 2022 at 11:31 am
He's on the clock.
croatpackfan
March 28, 2022 at 09:37 am
AR influence maybe?
Coldworld
March 28, 2022 at 09:39 am
Who knows, but it’s the coaches responsibility in the end.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 28, 2022 at 09:43 pm
Its all about Murphy. Gute and Lafleur both answer to him and Murphy has ordered them both to kneel before the butt cleanser.
jannesbjornson
March 28, 2022 at 11:25 am
Maybe Winfree make s the P squad again or is retained as the 6th wide. A Rodgers either shows he can deliver on the sp teams return game or he may see the pink slip. We will see how serious the Franchise is about playing for the Big Game as this draft unfolds. Playing the same script and assuming the same behaviors in addressing the WR talent will/may lead to none and done. Get Faster, get better.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 30, 2022 at 08:27 am
I hope Blair spent A LOT of this past year building an NFL WR body. If not, I'm concerned he isn't going to pan out. He seemes extremely frail from last summer.
murf7777
March 28, 2022 at 07:28 am
A lot has been focused on WR’s this off season and that is understandable since we traded a top 5 WR without a replacement in sight. Might we slip a couple of positions on the PPG, maybe. I’m not concerned about our WR position or offense. Packers will again be a top 5 or 10 offense in the NFL. I actually prefer Rodgers not having a crutch like Adams to bail him out and make him find the open receivers.
IMO, we will be a better team with the assets we received from trading Adams. (20M cap relief and 2 top draft picks) I also like the idea of utilizing an HB and RB positions in the passing game more so. I would like to see the Packers continue to invest in the OL. IF you give Rodgers time he will find an open pass catcher. A defense can’t keep coverage on all pass catchers for 4 seconds.
If we want to win a SB, where Packers need to get better is at Defense and ST’s. We have started at ST’s by hiring a good coach and already brought in a FA to help. Yes, I expect the Packers to take a WR with their first 4 picks, but I also expect them to take an OL, DL and/or Edge as well. We need to be in the top 10 on ST’s and top 5 Defense. We have hovered around a top 10 D, but that’s not enough, we need to be a dominate one. One where other offenses are scared to face.
If you go back and see where NE’s defense rankings were in the SB winning seasons you will notice them in the top 5. They didn’t win them due to their WR’s and neither will the Packers.
HawkPacker
March 28, 2022 at 08:07 am
Good write up Murf.
PeteK
March 28, 2022 at 10:48 am
A bit of injury luck, we could very well be a top 5 defense right now. As far as ST 15 of the top 20 ST tacklers were LB/DB, and we lost a top 7 in Black 14 tkls ( Burks wasn't too shabby at 12 tkls). So in order to improve ST we will need to draft LBs/DB.
jannesbjornson
March 28, 2022 at 11:35 am
Addition by Subtraction. No loss, replace them, get better.
PhantomII
March 28, 2022 at 11:49 am
NE had very good Defense and WR moved the chains. No secret sauce there. Take what they give you and when they make a mistake...make them pay. It takes patience and Humility. Good luck with the last one.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 30, 2022 at 08:28 am
Murf,
Spot on!
albert999
March 28, 2022 at 07:39 am
Gifford and Blair compete for returner and one of them could be our sleeper Tyreek hill given a chance?
Coldworld
March 28, 2022 at 08:24 am
Gafford has only returned kicks, and would be a genuine candidate for that. I’m not sure Blair has returned either form of kick.
murf7777
March 28, 2022 at 09:20 am
Take a look at Britain Covey in this draft as a returner. We could consider him as our last draft pick or undrafted free agent.
Coldworld
March 28, 2022 at 09:38 am
We certainly need to find a competent punt returner. I am sure RB will be keen to have competition too.
jannesbjornson
March 28, 2022 at 11:37 am
If they were any good at the job, they would have seen the field last season when the Walls were crumbling down in Phase Three of the game plan(s).
Razer
March 28, 2022 at 08:01 am
Forgotten to be used might be more appropriate. Rodgers and LaFleur have the ability/option to use any weapon on the roster - they simply do not use these players. How many times have we heard the coach say that he failed to get a player or position involved in the game. And, how many times has Rodgers just simplified his reads to wait for Adams to get partially open. Maybe Rodgers doesn't throw many interceptions because he has limited his game to a couple of favorites. He is not a "spread the ball around" QB so why bother with these guys
We complain about not having enough speed at the WR position and MVS is our field stretcher. Ken highlights that these bench WRs are very fast BUT they are not part of our offense. What up?
Coldworld
March 28, 2022 at 08:35 am
None are slow, but only Blair and Gafford are known for their speed/deep threat. Gafford was not with us last season, Blair had been a developmental guy. Gafford is 5’10, 184, so doesn’t project as a classic deep threat. Winfree ran a 4.53 and Taylor 4.46, but I don’t recall us ever using him on the perimeter. Why I don’t know. He’s shorter at a tad over 6’, perhaps that’s why, but then, so is Winfree, who was. Taylor is a bigger body at 220.
croatpackfan
March 28, 2022 at 09:52 am
What are the numbers (high, weight) of the most paid WR in the NFL (Hill)?
Coldworld
March 28, 2022 at 12:26 pm
Gafford has 4 catches since 2018. I’m not sure the fact that one extreme outlier is of similar build is a strong basis for equating the two.
WestCoastPackerBacker
March 28, 2022 at 09:55 am
Rodgers has absolutely been a spread the ball around guy throughout much of his career. His focus on Adams the last couple of years is not a career-long issue.
Rarescope
March 28, 2022 at 10:13 am
Was just about to say that. People do change as they get older though, hopefully he can get that spreaditaoundiveness going again.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 28, 2022 at 09:47 pm
True, but passing on wide open guys hoping to make a bigger play downfield has been an issue for Rodgers going back to the Mccarthy era. Remember when Rodgers led the league in throwaways 2 years in a row? Thats cuz he wasnt even trying to play within the offense. He was playing backyard football and when it didnt work out he just threw it away....again and again and again.
Packerpasty
March 30, 2022 at 12:01 pm
maybe its because the coaches see they guys EVERY SINGLE DAY in practice and know what their abilities are...or aren't...if they shined at practice, ran the right routes, caught the ball consistently they would see the field...people think because these guys play against 4 stringers that are going to be cut, in preseason, that somehow they are good enough to play in "real time"...I trust the coaches...
MarkinMadison
March 28, 2022 at 08:28 am
Taylor and Winfree would be the names I'm most familiar with, and the ones I would hope could take a step forward. I think we have seen Lazard's ceiling. Rodgers is either going to take a big leap or he will not see the field.
There is a lot of talk about Gutey's inability to pick WRs compared to Thompson right now. I'm going to call B.S. on that take. Gutey hasn't spent a premium draft pick at WR yet, so we don't know. He took mid/late round flyers on guys like MVS and ESB. The fact that a MVS just got a $30M contract tells you that Gutey ain't dumb.
Gafford has more speed than MVS. Winfree balled against AZ - I'm not saying he is the 2nd coming of anybody, but he is just big enough and just fast enough, and he had the chance to watch a master craftsman. And then I'll be shocked if Gutey doesn't pick up a WR in the 1st or 2nd round, and it could be that he will pick two. Give players an opportunity and they will rise. There may be some growing pains this year, but I don't think the situation is hopeless at all.
LambeauPlain
March 28, 2022 at 09:37 am
Thumbs up, MinM.
I do think Lazard has good upside...to realize it, #12 has to target him more.
croatpackfan
March 28, 2022 at 09:54 am
No, no. After Davantevision I do not wish Allanvision...
LambeauPlain
March 28, 2022 at 10:33 am
I am in no way advocating for that, Croat. I am simply opining if Lazard gets more targets than last year, he will show his upside.
pantz_bURp
March 28, 2022 at 08:50 am
If special teams is a positive to this team, that is one way to take some burden off the WRs. RBs and offensive schemes can also help. I would love to see a TE that can help with run blocking but also fast enough to run up the seam and blow by a LB. What I enjoy about Gute is that he seems to explore any and all options...this will be interesting to watch play out!
LambeauPlain
March 28, 2022 at 10:29 am
I hope Tonyan can return and be that guy.
Deguara may be that TE if, if he has a successful sophomore campaign in his 3rd year (year one was an injury redshirt for him).
We still haven't seen him make plays in GB similar to his college highlight reel. He has made them before, he will again, IMO.
pantz_bURp
March 28, 2022 at 03:49 pm
Yep, I forgot about Deguara....he just might be that guy I am hoping for (stay healthy big guy). Thanks for the reminder L-Plain!
Packers0808
March 28, 2022 at 08:56 am
We all need a chance to show their wares, hope fully if not all some of them will prove their worth! Would be nice to see all become worthy to wear the Green and Gold and become players! They all have that dream!
Packers0808
March 28, 2022 at 08:51 am
Deleted
PatrickGB
March 28, 2022 at 10:29 am
If time and effort is put into a WR with skills then he will do well. Yet some WR’s are superior in their skills. They know the system, can get open, catches the contested balls and is reliable every snap. That’s why QB’s prefer having a superior receiver in the game. They can make do with lessor players but shine with superior players. The players mentioned might good but not good enough.
Leatherhead
March 28, 2022 at 04:28 pm
Have the Packers been able to put a superior receiver on the field for most of the last 20 years? I think the answer to that is probably yes. Driver, Walker, Jennings, Jones, Jordy, young Cobb, Adams....we've been able to put at least one, and often two or more, superior receivers on the field.
I think Rodgers has had plenty of receiver support. These guys are plenty good enough.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I think we're obsessing a little here. In the grand scheme of things, over half of our plays go to the RBs. That's right off the top. So in a game where we snap it 66 times, that's about 30 target opportunities for all the remaining skill players. In addition to our two QBs and three RBs, we suit up another 7 skill position players who split those 30 touches up.
Currently, of those seven, I think we're looking at Lazard, Cobb, Amari, Lewis, Deguara for certain. That's 5 out of the 7. Tonyan at some point. And we still have some of the bottom of the roster guys from last year, like Daffney and Davis and Taylor and Winfree.
Take a double dip at getting ONE good WR. If they both develop into good players, that's great, but at a minimum this increases the chances of us having at least one healthy enough to line up. Bring in some UDFAs to compete for practice squad spots.
Two guys. Watson and Pierce. Bell and Robinson. Whatever. They'll each get a couple of targets a game, more if they earn them. We'll get a TE to get some targets. We'll throw to Cobb/Amari more.
Packerpasty
March 29, 2022 at 09:30 am
you are correct..they are not good enough...currently the Packers, on paper, have the worst WR group in the league...laughably mediocre...if your WR's are bad the opponent can plan to stuff the run game, Gute's has to step up and get a vet that knows how to play the game at a high level...
Qoojo
March 28, 2022 at 11:03 am
The biggest issue any GB WR faces is getting in AR's trust bubble, which is a 2-3 year process. AR will pretty much ignore any WR that doesn't read his mind and preferences correctly, unless absolutely forced to due to injury and availability.
Winfree didn't inspire confidence last year. He looks a bit thin too.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 28, 2022 at 09:49 pm
This might be a radical idea, but maybe 12 could just run the plays as called in the huddle and throw to the open guy? Bill Belichick would have an aneurysm from constantly telling 12 "just do your damn job!"
Ferrari-Driver
March 28, 2022 at 11:09 am
Ken Lass, if you are thinking of branching out from your career in journalism, perhaps you should look into being a player's agent. You made those youngsters sound pretty impressive.
Packerpasty
March 29, 2022 at 09:27 am
which they are not.