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Getting Quarterback's Attention is Something 5th Round Pick Trevor Davis Knows

In the 2016 NFL Draft, the Packers used their 5th round pick on Trevor Davis, a speedy receiver from the University of California, who they hope will be a useful weapon for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Packers, who are once again NFL betting picks to win the NFC because they will have a healthy Jordy Nelson back in the lineup, could have the most explosive offense in the league if Davis lives up to his potential.

While he played at Cal, Davis was one of many weapons quarterback Jared Goff had at his disposal, so Davis had to find multiple ways to get the quarterback’s attention. Since Goff liked spreading the ball between his receivers to keep the defense on their toes, Davis didn’t get the ball thrown his way as much as he would have liked. 

Despite being the fastest receiver on the team, Davis realized he shouldn't rely on his speed alone. Davis also showed he could run effectively after the catch and was used in a lot of bubble screens where he showed the ability to run through traffic to gain positive yardage.  

Despite the competition at the receiver position at Cal, Davis finished with 64 receptions, 1,071 yards, and 7 touchdowns in two years. Due to the limited number of times he was targeted at Cal, his production was called "amazing" by Packers scout Sam Seale.

At the Draft Combine, Davis ran a 4.3 second 40-yard dash, which will obviously label him as the potential deep threat the Packers were sorely missing last season. However, Davis isn’t in college anymore and will be catching passes from Aaron Rodgers, who has his own favorite receivers.

As a rookie, Davis is expected to make a few mistakes, but that won’t be a good enough excuse when playing with a quarterback like Rodgers, who expects his receivers to be ready every time he throws them the ball. 

Since the Packers are in a win now mode, any mistakes by Davis could result in him not getting many opportunities. For his part, Davis has said he is aware that his speed is the most talked about aspect of his game, but he studies a lot of tape, reads defenses very well, and is willing to do whatever is needed to help the team win. 

That also includes returning punts and/or kickoffs, which he did with some success in college, including two kickoff returns for TDs as a junior.

Wherever and whenever he gets an opportunity, Davis' mission as a rookie will be to turn heads when he touches the ball. If one of those heads belongs to Aaron Rodgers, then things will work out just fine for Davis in Green Bay.

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Comments (39)

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sgunderson17's picture

May 12, 2016 at 10:09 am

Being Cal Alums will be an automatic connection for #11 & #12.

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Amanofthenorth's picture

May 13, 2016 at 04:48 am

11 + 12 = 23 Prime Time

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 12, 2016 at 10:10 am

Davis is a prime example of a player I want to see McCarthy find ways to use his strengths. I have been on McCarthy for not doing enough of this in the past. That is my biggest gripe with McCarthy.

If they use Davis for 2 things on offense as a rookie I would be happy because I do think he could be effective. Using him for the deep pass, and use him on bubble screens. If they put Nelson, Janis, and Davis all together on one side of the field, first that is a fast group of players and could do a lot of things with that lineup. But if they threw a bubble screen to Davis with that lineup, it could turn into a deadly play. Janis and Nelson are good blockers and your giving your fastest WR the ball with some room to run.

Obviously Davis's first thing that he has to do is to make the 53, and then compete for the game day roster, but adding a player with his speed is something that could really improve our offense. I don't expect Davis to come in and be a top player right away. It takes time to develop. But if they can find ways to get him the ball using his speed, it could really open our offense up.

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ray nichkee's picture

May 12, 2016 at 10:14 am

Yep, give him time to learn the playbook. He won't be rushed in as a top pick would. My expectations are to make the roster, speacial teams with some returns, and a few plays in some 4 wide sets.

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dobber's picture

May 12, 2016 at 10:29 am

I think that if he has a good camp, this would be what we would expect.

If he does much more than that from scrimmage, someone (or more likely someones) ahead of him is likely spending way too much time in the training room. And we all saw what that could mean last season...

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 12, 2016 at 10:47 am

That's pretty much my expectations.

What I would like to see is them use him 5-10 snaps a game and find a way to use his speed. As simple as that. Even if its 2 plays a game, it could be the 1 or 2 game changing plays the offense needs.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

May 12, 2016 at 12:08 pm

That's worth a roster spot?

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dobber's picture

May 12, 2016 at 01:38 pm

Abbrederis logged 8.6% of the offensive snaps (keeping in mind that 99 came in the playoffs) and 4.3% of the ST snaps (likely all as a returner) last season. Granted, he was hurt and played sparingly before week 10, but even if you project it out over a whole season (call it 15% of the offensive snaps and 10% of the ST snaps) I would think that as a rookie, Davis could do similar work. I think his ticket to making this team will be as a returner.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

May 12, 2016 at 02:06 pm

It was a fight over the 5th WR going into last season and then the injuries happened. This season is for the 6th (or 7th...). Stealing a few snaps here and there is cool for a 5th WR. If plays are being ran for the 6th or 7th string WR what does that say about the WRs 3-5?

After looking at the 2014 season (and assuming Nelson comes back like the old Nelson) I wouldn't expect much of anything past WR #4. It's just not enough passes.

I also went back to look at the 2011 season. Jennings, Nelson, Finley, Jones and Driver. I'd like to think our current Nelson, Cobb, Adams, Ty, Cook/Rodgers is better than that group. Then you have to find ways to use Abby and Janis. Unless Davis is exceptional on ST and/or straight up outplays Abby or Janis I think he'd be gameday scratches if he makes the 53.

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lucky953's picture

May 12, 2016 at 03:52 pm

Hmm...Cobb better than Jennings? nope. Adams better than Jones? nope. Cook better than Finley? nope. Montgomery better than Driver? nope. But I will grant you that Nelson is better than Nelson (then). After last season, this group has a lot to prove.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

May 12, 2016 at 05:30 pm

@Lucky I tied Rodgers and Cook together because I don't think neither one of them will be a go-to like Finley was that year (92 targets). So, I agree Cook isn't better than Finley.

BUT you wouldn't take a:

2016 Cobb over 67 REC/949 YDS/9 TDs?

2016 Adams over 38 REC/635 YDS/7 TDs?

2016 Montgomery over Driver (36 years old) 37 REC/445 YDS/6 TDs?

I'll take that 2016 WRs bet over those 2011 receivers all day. I agree that they have a lot to prove, but if healthy I can see Rodgers having his best year ever.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

May 12, 2016 at 07:45 pm

"PS - I don't think Montgomery will play another snap for the Packers.
Ever."

But I'm high?!!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

EDIT: Adams' rookie year (healthy) was 38 REC/446 YDS/3 TDs. Uhhh yea, I'll take 2016 Adams over 2011 James.

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SpudRapids's picture

May 13, 2016 at 01:02 pm

God I hope you don't have kids... they'll end up crazy... I can just see it now little "calf" running at a track meet, he places second. Cow strolls up and instead of congratulating him says "Next race you'll probably twist your ankle."

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NickPerry's picture

May 13, 2016 at 05:54 am

Dammit Cow, just when I started to think you weren't totally out of your mind you come up with this comment.

1) Wrong on Cobb, DEAD WRONG!

2) Wrong on Adams..Though I think hell have close to 60 Receptions.

3) Montgomery will have over 1500 All Purpose Yards so not only will he play TONS of snaps for the Packers, he'll keep DC's up at night.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

May 13, 2016 at 10:38 am

@Nick I figured it was only a matter of time. Lol. I'm sure it will get worse when the regular season starts. And by it -- I mean Cow.

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NickPerry's picture

May 15, 2016 at 06:35 am

Lol..I think you're right about that one. The Packers could go 13-3, win the SB and Rodgers could win his 3rd MVP and Cow would still find something.

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ray nichkee's picture

May 12, 2016 at 10:10 am

Most of us want the packers to win now but I'm not sure it's win now mode. TT is always drafting for both the future and the present. If he had an out of body experience and signed a bunch of free agents to fill obvious holes I would say it's win now mode.

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JerseyAl's picture

May 12, 2016 at 10:20 am

I think "win now" mode can have different meanings for different teams. It's not "win at all costs" for the Packers, as it would be for some other teams.

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dobber's picture

May 12, 2016 at 10:42 am

"... why bother talking about this guy?"

Because it's May...

**sigh**

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4EVER's picture

May 12, 2016 at 12:31 pm

"Annual event"

Depressingly factual!

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phillythedane's picture

May 12, 2016 at 03:48 pm

Phew! I was afraid aliens had taken over Cow's brain and were posting for him.

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ray nichkee's picture

May 12, 2016 at 12:39 pm

Al, I agree with you. I would say though that win now began shortly after the TT and MM regime started. They have a great winning percentage together. In that case i would say it has been successful and keep it going.

After reading the article i came out with the impression that Rodgers window is closing soon and it is superbowl or bust. Barring injury I feel he has more than a few good years left. With the exception of rebuilding teams the goal is to win the superbowl and are in win now mode. I guess I view win now as Denvers recent approach. They won it all and we will see if they can avoid a drop to the bottom. I'd rather see a team in competition every year.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

May 12, 2016 at 10:08 pm

Those "great teams" aren't guaranteed to win it all. One can argue that teams that aren't considered "great" won just as many SBs as the "great" teams - maybe more.

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TarynsEyes's picture

May 12, 2016 at 10:38 am

" catching passes from Aaron Rodgers, who has his own favorite receivers. "

I thought Rodgers via his own words doesn't have favorites. ..." the one who is open is my favorite receiver and if there's a problem they know where my locker is " .....though last season and his Adams complex did say otherwise to extents.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 12, 2016 at 07:50 pm

Amen.

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Razer's picture

May 12, 2016 at 11:02 am

I like that we got someone with speed. I would like to see the same at RB. Gaining Rodger's trust will come after Davis shows that he can get off the jams he'll face at the LOS. I think he is only 190 soak'n wet. He'll have to show strength and toughness before we start talking about trust.

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marpag1's picture

May 12, 2016 at 02:26 pm

Trevor Davis did not run a 4.3 at the combine. He ran 4.42. There's a difference.

Yes, I'm aware that combine participants run multiple times, and have pro days and such as well, but if we want to refer to Trevor Davis in the same way that we refer to all other players, he ran 4.42.

This is the second CHTV article to make this claim. I didn't think much about it in the other article, because I have come to expect such things from "Corey's Coroner."

Not like 40s matter much anyway. Here's a list of the fastest combine times since 1999, the year when the NFL installed the fully electronic, laser timing system. How many of these speedsters do you want on your team?

4.24 Rondel Menendez
4.24 Chris Johnson
4.26 Jerome Mathis
4.26 Dri Archer
4.27 Stanford Routt
4.27 Marquise Goodwin
4.28 Champ Bailey
4.28 Jacoby Ford
4.28 J. J. Nelson
4.28 DeMarcus Van Dyke
4.29 Fabian Washington
4.29 Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
4.29 Josh Robinson
4.3 Darrent Williams
4.3 Tye Hill
4.3 Yamon Figurs
4.3 Darrius Heyward-Bey

And while I'm at it, here is a list of last year's top rookies ranked by receiving yards. It includes a couple of RBs and a TE. If you want to limit the list only to WRs, the numbers will be lower.

1. Amari Cooper WR, Oakland Raiders – 1070
2. Stefon Diggs WR, Minnesota Vikings – 827
3. Tyler Lockett WR, Seattle Seahawks – 664
4. Jamison Crowder WR, Washington Redskins – 597
5. Duke Johnson RB, Cleveland Browns – 536
6. Dorial Green Beckham WR, Tennessee Titans – 527
7. Devin Funchess WR, Carolina Panthers – 472
8. Will Tye TE, New York Giants – 464
9. Devante Parker WR, Miami Dolphins – 414
10. David Johnson RB, Arizona Cardinals – 413

So the average yards receiving of the top ten rookies from last year was 598 yards. And that was the ten BEST.

First year WRs rarely have much impact. Other than wishful thinking, I'm not sure why there is such unwarranted hype for Trevor Davis on this board. If he has any significant impact at all next year, it will be an anomaly.

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JerseyAl's picture

May 12, 2016 at 02:06 pm

Trevor Davis has run a 4.3, but you're right, not at the combine. I guess that number gets stuck in people's heads. As for why hype for this guy? My guess would be:

1) It's that time of year.
2) Speed blinds.
3) The angst over lack of deep threat last year.
4) Hope.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

May 12, 2016 at 02:38 pm

Prepare to be hated.

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marpag1's picture

May 12, 2016 at 02:47 pm

hehe... already there, buddy. I'm already there.

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lucky953's picture

May 12, 2016 at 03:59 pm

Very nice! Actual facts. We desperately want to get back to scoring 30+ points per game. I'm a lot more concerned about Nelson (is he really back) and Adams (can this guy play or not) than I am about Davis.

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lucky953's picture

May 14, 2016 at 01:08 pm

I think for you, the masthead of Cheesehead TV should read, "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here."

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 12, 2016 at 09:16 pm

Nice facts. There was a previous article wherein the author freely mixed combine results with pro day results without distinguishing between the two. Green Bay has taken its own fast WRs:

Kevin Dorsey (4.47*)
David Clowney (4.36 - 5th round pick)
Corey Rodger (4.35 forty)
Craig Bragg (4.48* 6th rounder)
Terrence Murphy (4.39)
Carl Ford (4.34*)
DeAndre Rubin (4.41)
Joey Jamison (5th rounder - reputed 4.29)

http://www.footballperspective.com/the-best-40-yard-dash-times-since-1999/

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al bundy's picture

May 12, 2016 at 02:49 pm

Ya but isnt he like 5'9 190. As soon as some big 6'2 dback lays him out his value as a player will drop faster than a guy called Franklin everyone raved about two years ago who is not in football andand a guy call Mongomery who got a boo boo and missed the whole freekin year.
Think people! He was fifth round and available for a reason. Not to mention we have one Janis who is what 6'3, just as fast and bench sits with the best of em.

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4thand1's picture

May 12, 2016 at 05:56 pm

Whats it like to be a dick?

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 12, 2016 at 08:17 pm

Trevor Davis is a shade over 6´1¨ tall and 188 lbs. A simple google check would tell you that. You seem incapable of posting without spewing incorrect information.

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John Galt III's picture

May 12, 2016 at 03:51 pm

I have been saying for two years to put Nelson and Janis in at the same time. They couldn't last year but please do it this year. Two 6' 3" receivers who are very fast create DB problems.

Add this guy to the mix as well as Cobb on a 4 receiver set and you tell me if you want to be the opponent's defensive coordinator. Rodgers will hit one of these guys every time. Watch for it this year.

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dobber's picture

May 12, 2016 at 04:25 pm

Will it matter if the OL can't block anyone?

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PETER MAIZ's picture

May 12, 2016 at 04:45 pm

But what we should be looking at is if Davante Adams can do anything, anything at all. And i saw nothing 2015.

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