Josh Jacobs Is Right About the Green Bay Packers Receiving Corps
By GilMartin
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs raised quite a stir this week when he said the team needs to add a proven number one wide receiver to their roster. While some people may view this as a put down of the team’s current receivers, the truth is that Jacobs is right, and the team would benefit from adding a veteran to the receiving room.
Here's what Jacobs actually said on NBC’s “PFT Live” on Wednesday. He stood by those comments later in the week.
“I would say, you know, I think we need another D-end. I think we need another DB. And I think we need a wide receiver,” Jacobs said. “I love the guys that we have in the receiving room. They all have the potential to be a one. But we need a guy that’s proven to be one.”
The Packers had the youngest roster in the NFL over the last two seasons. Wide receiver was a big reason for that statistic. In 2023, the team did not have any wideouts on the roster with more than one year of prior NFL experience. Everybody was either a rookie or entering their second season in the league. They brought back the same six players in 2024.
There is definitely talent here. Players like Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks have all showed how talented they are and all of them have stepped up at various times and made big plays. But they all lacked consistency, which isn’t unusual for receivers in their first few seasons in the league.
The Packers were also among the league leaders in dropped passes in 2024 which prevented the offense from getting into a rhythm and helped derail drives far too often.
The player closest to being a number one receiver thus far is Watson. His combination of size and speed forces opposing defenses to account for him whenever he’s on the field. That means his very presence can create time and space for his teammates because of the way defenses have to adjust their coverage and pay attention to Watson.
But the Packers already know Watson will miss a big chunk of the 2025 season after he suffered a serious knee injury in the season finale against the Bears. That means the Packers will be without the closest thing they have to a number one receiver for most of the upcoming year.
Adding a proven number one receiver would take the Packers offense to the next level. It would give quarterback Jordan Love someone he can count on to make catches at key times.
Think about the last two Packers franchise quarterbacks. During their careers, they were most effective when they had an elite receiver on the roster. Brett Favre relied heavily on Sterling Sharpe early in his career. Later on, he had Robert Brooks, Antonio Freeman, Donald Driver, and Greg Jennings. With the exception of Sharpe, these guys weren’t Hall of Famers, but they were Pro Bowl caliber players who the quarterback could count on as a go-to guy.
Rodgers had Jennings, Driver, Jordy Nelson, and Davante Adams. On third and six, it was nearly impossible for defenses to defend the back shoulder throw from Rodgers to Adams unless one of the two made a rare mental or physical error.
Adding a veteran receiver would help the returning young receivers in other ways as well. If defenses have to concentrate on stopping the top wideout, that leaves other receivers in more single coverage situations if the defense is playing man coverage. Even in zone, defenses tend to give the corner covering the opponent’s top receiver some safety help which again can open up opportunities for the other potential targets.
A veteran could also lead by example. Young receivers like Reed and Wicks could learn just by watching how a proven Pro Bowl wideout practices, prepares for a game and carries himself on and off the field. He could also be a valuable resource if the younger player has questions about coverages, play calls or anything else that may come up. The veteran can also help the younger players develop into number one wideouts in the future.
If the Packers truly do want to try to win a Super Bowl this coming season, adding a proven number one receiver could help them. They could take a chance that one of the younger guys would develop into a bona fide number one guy. But there are greater odds that the offense will be successful with a proven top dog at wideout.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.
__________________________
You can follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
__________________________
Comments (40)
Guam
February 08, 2025 at 10:54 am
I think most would agree that a #1 WR would help this offense, but the larger issues are who and at what cost?
True veteran #1 WRs are expensive and rare. It would have been a much better article if the "who" had been addressed as well as the fit within the Packer's salary cap.
packerbackerjim
February 08, 2025 at 05:28 pm
Former me, Adams is the choice. While I love Metcalf, the cost in draft picks and dollars eliminates him from contention. Kupp is superb but injury and salary isn’t likely to happen. Davonte is the consummate Pro, pure class.
Guam
February 08, 2025 at 10:49 pm
I think Adams is a possibility but he isn't a free agent and if the Packers trade for him, he is due $35.74 million in 2025 on his current contract. That is a very expensive contract for the Packers to assume. If the Jets cut him, the Packers are then free to negotiate a new contract but Adams won't be cheap and signing him would likely preclude signing any other significant free agents.
Will he help the Packers that much? IDK.
And that was my issue with this article. Yes the Packers could use a #1 WR. But the cost of those that might be available is very steep and would severely restrict any other free agent activity. Minor detail the author chose not to discuss.
SicSemperTyrannis
February 09, 2025 at 08:10 pm
There's also the point that if it's a good idea this season, it was a mistake not to get one for the '24 season. In '23, I can see doing without just for the sake of getting more snaps to all the young bucks, but it's still doubting Gutey's judgment for not providing veteran leadership in the room that year. Which might be warranted by this point?
splitpea1
February 08, 2025 at 11:38 am
I appreciate honest players that aren't afraid to speak their mind in a respectful way, and we need more like Jacobs. He's just stating what most of us have been thinking for a while.
Right now the closest things we have to a number one receiver might be the combination of Kraft and Reed; both have similar numbers in terms of first downs and TDs, and they're not too far apart in receiving yards. But both of them disappeared at times for a spell and that could be due to choice and game planning. I agree we could use a veteran WR, just one that doesn't break the bank. I'd rather spend free agent money on a proven pass rusher or CB, where the need is a little more urgent.
The front office needs to be prepared to part with a couple of the current receiving options when the time comes, and I would certainly include Watson here; he's tried so hard but he just isn't durable enough to be counted on consistently. So in the next layer of team building, I would expect Gute to take another shot at WR in the second or third round.
SicSemperTyrannis
February 09, 2025 at 08:16 pm
I think it's time to draft another WR regardless. I also think our offensive playmakers are Jacobs, Kraft and Reed, in that order. So if JL10 were going to go for high percentage plays most often, would that not be enough? While Doubs Wicks and Melton don't stretch the field like #9, do they not give JL options for the deep ball?
I think these are the questions Gutey needs to answer, as well as put a price tag on improving via FA. I have neither answers nor suggestions at the moment, but this is an angle I'll be watching at least until the draft and it wouldn't surprise me to see Gutey keep working on addressing this later than that in the season.
beerandbrats
February 08, 2025 at 12:30 pm
I absolutely agree Gil that our young WRs could use a veteran example. A lot of veteran 'corporate knowledge' was lost when Davante Adams left. Young athletes don't know how to properly train year around and how to take care of their bodies. I would welcome Davante back for a two year title run (with a hometown discount) and to teach our young receivers how to reach that next level!
I would also argue that we do not necessarily need a number one receiver, what we need is a 'go to guy' and that guy could already be on the team - Tucker Kraft.
If we use him the same way Mahomes uses Kelce, he becomes Love's 'go to guy'!
13TimeChamps
February 08, 2025 at 12:50 pm
Why would Adams want to take a hometown discount to "to teach our young receivers how to reach that next level? Isn't that what coaching is for? Besides, Green Bay hasn't been his "home" for the last 3 years.
I see no reason why he would agree to take less money to come here, and I highly doubt he would.
beerandbrats
February 08, 2025 at 12:56 pm
He's 32. I'm sure he's starting to see the end of his career. That's when championships become more important than the money.
Guam
February 08, 2025 at 11:00 pm
You do realize Adams is under contract to the Jets for next year and if the Packers trade for him they assume his contract. And that contract is scheduled to pay him almost $36 million next year. Adams might agree to renegotiate, but how much hometown discount would you expect him to take?
beerandbrats
February 09, 2025 at 02:00 pm
There seems to be a lot of negativity this SB weekend but I don't understand it because isn't our goal to get better as a team?
I've never been a huge fan of DA because he wasn't very dependable and dropped too many passes in his younger days (like our current young WRs) and later on AR12 became too fixated on him at the expense of our other (open) receivers.
DA is old now but he is still producing 1000 yd seasons. I wouldn't break the bank for him but if he is interested in helping us get back to the promised land, at an agreeable price, isn't a homecoming worth considering?
SicSemperTyrannis
February 09, 2025 at 09:51 pm
#8 can serve that function, too. Both should be used in this way quite a bit, but anything at all would be more than the '24 season. Reed would be the #3 go to guy for this purpose. Kraft and Reed can both improve at coming back to their QB to help him out when he's under pressure. I'm not sure if #8 can show them how that's done? We didn't really see him get a chance to do that yet. The rest of the WR room can improve at this, too. We have seen a few of them do this once in a while and it's been great when it happens, but I wouldn't say it's been consistent enough to be anything JL can rely on and he really needs that just like any QB.
Since'75
February 08, 2025 at 01:04 pm
The 'Who" could have been addressed and it hasn't, over the years.
Gute tried in 2019 with MVS, St. Brown, J'mon Moore.
We know how that worked out.
Then in 2020 in a receiver rich draft, he thought better to build for the future, NFCCG's be damned.
Instead, signing Devin Funchess.
We know how that worked out.
Then in 2021 drafting 3rd rounder Amari Rodgers.
We know how that worked out.
Then he tried again with Watson and Doubs.
Well, i like Doubs but he's more a hit/miss type a guy who lacks consistency.
Watson is a better player than MVS mainly because he's a better route runner.
But we all know the best ability, is availability.
Even still, he played in 15 games last season.
He caught for 620 yards and 2 TD's.
Definitely not a #1, maybe not even a #2.
It is what it is.
In 2023 Gute picked up Reed and Wicks.
I like Reed, but again, the consistency isn't there.
Reed is a somewhat solid #2, but we expect more from his talent. We'll see what happens.
Wicks can be the flash flavor of the day in any given game.
But also inconsistent, and an unimpressive catch rate.
In 2024 we got Jordan Morgan in the 1st round.
Oxymoron 3339
February 08, 2025 at 03:01 pm
Gute has been average.
dblbogey
February 08, 2025 at 05:55 pm
If he's average, why do we keep going to the playoffs? 73-42 record since Gute took over. Doesn't sound average.
Handsback
February 08, 2025 at 01:08 pm
Just to bring it back to his statement…we need another de, a db and a #1wr. All the talk about a wideout and nothing on de or db. Frankly, if MLF can get away from the Leech wideout usage, not sure we need a 1wr. (Mike Leech invented Air Raid offense and rarely used TE or RB to catch passes.) Either way, JJ is right about the DB and DE statement for sure.
Just MHO
Since'75
February 08, 2025 at 01:11 pm
Off the cuff.....
Some dorky looking guy was on First Take talking about the Super Bowl and breaking down the game and players with Stephan A. and company.
Of course i'm talking about Cam Newton.
He has Super Bowl experience, i guess.....
But....what did he do to get on First Take, about the SB.
Let me explain......
Whenever i see him speak (i don't if i can help it).
It reminds me of Super Bowl 50 with the Panthers vs. the Bronco's.
Newton fumbles the ball with his team down by 6 in the 4th quarter (of the SB mind you)
Newton decides, he doesn't want to jump on the ball that is right in front of him.
So he decides, it's better to back off. Let Denver get the ball (for some reason)
Asked after the game, why he didn't jump on his fumble.
He explained, he didn't want to get injured.
Yes, that's what he said
Now i don't know what the rest of you think Newton's legacy is, but for me, it was that play, because it showed.....
.... he didn't deserve to win, because he has no heart.
You can see the play on youtube, it won't let me post it here.
Search youtube ....Cam Newton Fumble - Dive for it
stockholder
February 08, 2025 at 01:12 pm
Josh Jacobs is wrong-
Devante Adams was suppose
to be the guy for the raiders.
He wasn't.
Point- No over-paid wr, is right for the packers.
In fact- TT traded Walker for a second when
He threaten to retire.
And they let Greg Jennings go.
The biggest mistake is letting a WR effect the team.
The best thing; is taking a player
that is best for the franchise.
Since'75
February 08, 2025 at 01:57 pm
I agree that Adams is a reach, but Love could get him the ball i would like to think.
Adams would have to take a team friendly deal.
But i'm not so sure Gute would take him back, at any price.
What about overpaid QB's?
A player best for the franchise?
When is the last 1st rounder picked who ended up being better than average?
Jaire for sure, probably Love.
But that's not a good batting average in nine 1st round picks.
stockholder
February 08, 2025 at 03:03 pm
Best for the franchise -
That also included trading the pick.
Reggie White / Brett Favre.
Spending Money also works.
If it's a Woodson.
The packers still got Jennings
for Walker- in 2006 and extra picks.
(When they traded back with NE)
They had faith in the qb.
.
Since'75
February 13, 2025 at 07:12 am
I think we were talking about the current franchise.
Yes, Wolf and TT, did some good things, and won Championships.
It's Gute's turn now, and the clock is running.
MitchAnthony
February 08, 2025 at 04:35 pm
I would like to think Love "could" get him or any other receiver the ball as well but I'm not completely sure about that. There are some things that even at his age Adams does very well. His launch off the line, his route running prowess, his intuitive moves are all still there. He never was the fastest WR because he had so much that made up for the speed. One skill Adams has which practically none of the current GB receivers has yet developed is coming back for the ball on broken plays. He's great at that and GB's young receivers need to learn that skill.
But the thing about all this FA WR talk is what is the worth of it all if the downfield accuracy just isn't quite there yet? The decision making is still suspect. That's the not completely sure part. Love needs to show just a bit better. The big splash high dollar WR is not where this team needs to spend a big chunk of FA money. I think you're right that Adams on a team friendly deal would be a best case scenario for how to spend in FA if you're going for a proven WR.
When looking at the crop of WR talent in the draft it appears that there are maybe 4-6 in that group who fit the size and speed metrics GB desires. Get a couple of them as well. You almost have to plan on replacing Watson and Doubs both at this point and you might get one of those via draft.
There are such glaring needs on defense in the front and the corner-backs that FA money needs to be spent smartly.
PackerBackerAZ
February 08, 2025 at 02:58 pm
No over-paid wr, is right for the packers
Neither is an overpaid cb, de and qb, which are the biggest Gutekunst mistakes, followed closely with not getting an actual number one receiver. Unfortunately, this isn't baseball where you're out after three strikes.
The biggest mistake is letting a WR effect the team
A true number one receiver should be able to affect a game positively. Getting double teamed, freeing up other receivers, is just one way to have a positive effect on a game. Consistently getting open against zone is another. The only downside to having a true number one receiver........ well there just isn't any downside.
stockholder
February 08, 2025 at 03:54 pm
The Packers' receiving corp is deep.
Last year we were fine without a #!.
But when it came to Beefing up the position.
You must look at who evaluated the talent.
And why there are so many mistakes getting a #1.
Rodgers displayed no interest in developing young receivers.
And if you can't properly evaluate what they're selling.
You shouldn't buy into it.
jannesbjornson
February 09, 2025 at 11:22 am
The Boards have still not adjusted correctly, post Senior Bowl. "Who evaluated the talent?"
#19 Nic Scourton DE A&M.
#54 Tyler Warren TE P-State
#87 Xavier Restrepo WR Miami
#123 Jonah Monheim OC USC
#160 Jacob Parrish CB K-State
#200 A.Hassanein DE Boise State
#232 Jay Higgins LB Iowa
#251 Dan Jackson S Georgia
He will have to move UP in every round, or move some dead weight for picks. Gutey's "Last Waltz."
LeotisHarris
February 09, 2025 at 03:57 pm
'Gutey's "Last Waltz."
I watched The Last Waltz a shortly after Garth Hudson checked out. They're all gone. Cool to see the Staples Singers, and Mavis is still out there killing it.
Anyway, take a load off, Gutey, take a load for free...
jannesbjornson
February 10, 2025 at 06:42 pm
and.....you put the load back on me...
Since'75
February 13, 2025 at 03:31 pm
"Rodgers displayed no interest in developing young receivers."
Yes, why would Rodgers want to develop young receivers?
He obviously displayed no interest.
He's never done it before, not his style.
I mean, what's in it for him, amirite?
Good call....
Brilliant!!
This is why i come here, to learn.
TarynsEyes
February 08, 2025 at 01:41 pm
The Packers don't have a #1 WR because of a few things that seem to be ignored, or ignorantly dismissed at times when the play is good. Let's be honest here, the QB has been on the team for 5 years and two as a starter, and yet his actual growth is not where the expectations have been applied. The WR group, though talented, each has a ceiling that has been reached over their years of service while growing with the QB, which should have created a #1 for the Offense already. It also cannot be denied that the Offensive scheme has a hand in the failure of the previous thinking and reasons. When you compare others, especially the newer QB's in the league and how quick they have developed a more consistent play of the QB with having a #1 WR much more beyond that of the Packers. Paying top dollar for one isn't the answer, unless it's merely to cover-up what is already being covered up. The Packers have too many players that have ceiling out with the floor dropping, and that likely includes MLF as an Offensive play caller and scheme designer. However, if making the playoffs is the goal, by all means continue with what is and toss in an overpaid, WR to make it look better than what it will always be, early in and quick exit from the playoffs, if they make it.
crayzpackfan
February 08, 2025 at 02:20 pm
If this offense plays next year exactly the way they did this year, from coach to QB, they will be lucky to win 7-8 games. They have a much harder schedule this coming season.
SDPack
February 08, 2025 at 02:41 pm
Not having a true #1 has not been the leading variable of our passing game issues. Three injury related issues have stunted the growth of this offense and none of it is the fault of the GM or coaching:
- Love’s injuries hampered his ability to get into a good rhythm moving inside or outside the pocket. It screwed up route timing.
- The team was going to build a powerful 12 personnel package with Kraft and Musgrave. Not with Musgrave going down
- Watson is an absolute beast that opens up the field for all others. Two years now of injuries have stalled his emergence too.
I think if we had a season where Love was healthy, the 12 package had a chance, and Watson emerged late season, the receiving would have been dynamic. Throw in Marshawn Lloyd on 3rd downs and who knows? Another injury. With all that as the backdrop, a true #1 would have not been the difference. We simply need this offense, including Jordan Morgan, to return healthy next season and take the next step forward. With Watson not being available until late, I would possibly draft a Xavier Worthy type in the top 100, especially as Watson will be a free agent.
NickPerry
February 08, 2025 at 02:51 pm
This team doesn't have a true number one. A guy that can BEAT man to man on a consistent basis. The Packers don't have one on the team and if they wait and want to see for another year what steps these guys might take, then they'll be completely wasting a year.
The Packers aren't that far off. They need that #1 WR, a CB, and definitely a pass rusher or two.
PhantomII
February 08, 2025 at 03:01 pm
There are a lot of layers to this issue....At the end of last season we all thought we had an exceptional budding WR group to progressively mature into formidable WR's other teams would have a hard time dealing with. However in the off-season Gute booted out a big part of the offense in A. Jones who was much loved and a quick slashing RB who unfortunately was hurt much of 2023 but was there at the end of the season for our playoff run. JL lost valuable training camp time holding out for his bag of money and Gute who could have paid him earlier did not. New RB1 Jacobs is a tough down hill runner with great vision and strength with some wiggle to make players miss.
ML designed his run game which was predominantly outside run into more between the tackles....and a lot more runs per game. JL due to his time off was not crisp in the first Eagles game and gets hurt.....and we lose. Now ML relying even more on the run with Willis behind center and a lesser pass game...because it was working on lesser teams reduced the pass game.
1. JL waiting on his bag started the season out of sync. (Gute / JL / QB Coach / ML)
2. Different type RB1 and different run philosophy.
3. Young WR's need more passes their way, not less to grow and get better. (ML fault).
4. ML did not use the most talented players to a greater degree in the pass game when WR group dropped balls: Jacobs and Kraft. (ML fault).
5. ML Offense is easier to plan a run game than design creative ways to get passes to his young WR group...ML got lazy in this department and took the easy way over his WR groups much needed growth. (ML fault)
6. WR's overall regressed in their route running and pass catching. (WR Coach / ML)
bjkdad44
February 09, 2025 at 11:27 am
ML and coaching????
PhantomII
February 09, 2025 at 03:16 pm
Yes, if a team has MAJOR REGRESSION with QB1 / WR Group and does not use players who are executing at a high level to replace that lost production = Kraft and Jacobs in the pass game. That's a total failure at the HC position to modify game plans and get the most out of it's best players = ML is HC and play caller and also rushed back JL from injury to play when Willis had given us 2 wins and JL ended up injured again compensating for his lack of movement ability.
Packer_Fan
February 08, 2025 at 03:25 pm
I agree. Watson will be coming back from injury and he won't be 100% and probably a tad bit slower. So I am not counting on him a lot this year. And I worry about Doubs concussions.
The wide receiver's didn't take a step forward last year. I think they only have Reed and Wicks for sure for next year.
So yes, they need to draft and also sign a good free agent. To not do may find a sub standard WR during the season.
I am not a firm believer in a go to guy. A good defense can take him away in a game.
I think the Pack needs to expand the use of RB and TE in the game. Kraft and Jacobs can get extra yards to keep the chains moving. That requires Lafleur and Love to change their tactics.
Will they do it?
Packerpasty
February 08, 2025 at 06:44 pm
I'd be more worried about QB Love showing some growth this coming season...his sixth in the league!! If coaches haven't fixed his footwork and other problems in six years then I guess he is what he is...having a #1 WR isn't going to solve any of that, plus the game plans from MLF with his obsession with the deep ball and ignoring the shorter "move the sticks" plays have to improve...a big name free agent wont fix any of these problems...
Major Snafu
February 08, 2025 at 10:53 pm
I dont totally agree with adding a surfire #1 receiver. I think we need a 1,2 and 3 plus Musgrave has to step up and start playing like his draft status. Kraft cant to it all and is ineffective without someone else they have to cover like a musgrave.
For me our receivers are okay but not great and can go missing in games.
1. Watson is a waste of time, send him packing do NOT give him that big contract the guys body cannot take the NFL punishment.
2. Reed went missing in action at MSU and is doing the same with the pack. One gave he is all world and the next you ask if he is still on the team. Cant win with that inconsistentcy. A Reid would dump him and Watson too as not being good enough.
3. Dobbs is probably our best and would be the 2 or 3 guy.
4. I know we have one more guy but cant think of his name and that should say a lot.
calabasa
February 09, 2025 at 11:18 pm
Wicks
jimtalkbox
February 10, 2025 at 08:41 am
Jacobs is completely accurate in his statement.
In 2023 we had a good group of WR's, loaded with potential, but that potential amounts to a "hill of beans" if not realized.
That's 2024. Unrealized potential. If you're asking me, I'd say the most "likely" candidates out of the current group are Doubs, Reed and/or Kraft. They're not quite there yet either due to scheme or performance.
Now Gutey has to figure out if a big name will solve the riddle of the WR room or if we stay the course.
Our window is now open and we can't be figuring this stuff out as we go along.