How Many Wide Receivers will the Packers Keep?
How many wide receivers will make the final 53-man roster?
There is just something about the Green Bay Packers and wide receivers. Every year, whether they are drafted, signed as rookie free agents or picked up off the street, the Packers find good ones and in 2018, they've done it again.
Obviously, the focal point of the position is still Davante Adams and Randall Cobb, despite some odd trade rumors that circulated for a short time Wednesday. But beyond those guys, the Packers are loaded with young, talented and promising pass catchers. The problem is, Green Bay can only keep so many, which begs the question, how many receivers will make the final 53-man roster?
In the past, the Packers have generally kept 5-6 wide receivers. Last season, they kept five on the cutdown day but it was really six because Geronimo Allison was suspended at the time. This season, Green Bay looks to have some tough calls to make. Adams, Cobb and Allison, who is in his third season with the club, appear to be the only locks to make the team.
After that, it's a free-for-all.
Green Bay drafted three receivers in J'Mon Moore, Equanimeous St. Brown and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. However, the team also has recent draft picks like Trevor Davis, a fifth-rounder from 2016 and DeAngelo Yancey, a fifth-round pick from 2017 also competing along with Jake Kumerow, who was signed to the Packers practice squad last December.
Right now, outside of Yancey, just about all of those guys have made a case for a spot on the 53 -- the problem is, Green Bay can't afford to keep eight wide receivers, as much as it might want to. It's just not realistic. Even seven WR's on the 53 seems like a stretch. Yet, it's always hard to choose between young players because no one wants to see young talent go to another NFL team and thrive.
With that in mind, the Packers should keep at least seven receivers, the talent level is just too high to keep less.
Adams, Cobb and Allison are basically guaranteed to make it. That's three and if you add Trevor Davis, who is a good bet because of his return ability, that makes four. Those choices are pretty clear, after that it gets tricky.
Of course, everyone knows the story of Jake Kumerow, the latest preseason darling of the Packers. The former Wisconsin-Whitewater standout has been stuck on practice squads the past two seasons but has been stellar throughout camp. He has been with the team since last December, so he has a leg up on some of the rookies and he seems to have a decent rapport with Aaron Rodgers. While his play in training camp has been good, his preseason production has been even better. Currently, he leads the NFL in preseason receiving yards and has six catches for 191 yards and two scores, including an 82-yard touchdown against the Steelers.
"Any time you get a touchdown in Lambeau, it's a big thrill."
Hear from WR Jake Kumerow after #PITvsGB : https://t.co/SJsy2V0Ie9#GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/AXIytmg0lR
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) August 17, 2018
Kumerow is 6-4 and runs a 4.52. He also was highly productive in college, with 33 touchdowns in his last two seasons. After two years of developing in the NFL, he looks the part. He has good hands, runs good routes and looks like a diamond in the rough. With everything he has done, the Packers would be foolish to cut him. He deserves a spot on the 53-man roster and if he keeps playing the way he has, his role will only get bigger.
Kumerow makes it five and Valdes-Scantling, who caught five passes for 101 yards and a touchdown, which spanned 53 yards against the Titans, should make it six. The rookie has been ranked by Pro Football Focus as the second-best rookie wide receiver so far in the preseason and the fifth-round draft pick, who runs a 4.37, has done more than enough to warrant a roster spot. Like Kumerow, he's another guy who could push for playing time, especially with his blazing speed.
That puts six wide receivers on the roster and honestly, at this point, I'd be surprised if one of those six guys didn't make it. Davis is a dynamic return guy and the other two at least have the look of solid rotational players with upside. Not all of them are locks and the last two preseason games still matter a great deal, however, the real difficulty is trying to figure out if Green Bay will go beyond those six to keep seven or even eight wide receivers.
It sounds like a stretch but when you look at the roster, it's possible for the Packers to find the room. J'Mon Moore, the fourth-round pick out of Missouri is a guy the Packers should try to keep. He has had issues with drops but has also turned heads in camp and after using such a high pick on him, it's hard to see the Packers jettisoning him. If Moore had been terrible, that would be one thing, but after flashing some ability, Green Bay shouldn't cut him.
Adding Moore would put the seventh wideout on the 53-man roster and that probably will be the breaking point, despite the fact that St. Brown and Yancey haven't been all that bad. St. Brown has five receptions in the preseason for 73 yards and a long of 28. The former Notre Dame prospect is another guy that will be hard to walk away from. Hopefully, if he is cut, the Packers can sneak him onto the practice squad, yet with his physical tools and potential he's shown, it's not likely.
But at some point, like they did last season, the Packers have to make a choice. They dropped Max McCaffrey last season and many thought that was a mistake. But all he did was catch one pass for four yards last season, so it ended up being the right call. Preseason hype doesn't always translate and that's a lesson to remember with all these guys too. Kumerow and Valdes-Scantling look great now, but can they continue it?
At this point, they have earned the right to try and even though it's a stretch, the Packers should keep at least seven wide receivers because even then, talented players with a chance to make it in the NFL will be walking out the door.
__________________________
Chris is a sports journalist from Montana and has been blogging about the Packers since 2011. Chris has been a staff writer for CheeseheadTV since 2017 and looks forward to the day when Aaron Rodgers wins his second Super Bowl. Follow him @thepackersguru
Comments (75)
Iain
August 23, 2018 at 12:08 pm
6
Irish_Cheesehead
August 23, 2018 at 12:17 pm
I don't think Trevor Davis is a sure bet at all. I'd be disappointed if they cut one if the younger guys to keep Davis.
ChrisPeterson
August 23, 2018 at 12:31 pm
I just think he has done enough the past few seasons that he will stick because of what he can do as a return guy. I know some others have shown some ability in return game but he's still gotta be the preferred return guy and that's why I believe he will make it and they will keep seven.
kevgk
August 23, 2018 at 12:37 pm
It comes down to personal opinion if that is still worth it when there are at least 5 other players capable of returning punts sufficiently.
Oppy
August 23, 2018 at 06:21 pm
Fielding punts is not something you can just ask any guy to do and expect him to able to handle it. It takes work to get it right.
I'm not even talking about returning it.. just tracking the ball, judging its trajectory, fielding the punt and securing it. Most guys can't do it well enough to trust them to the task.
carlos
August 23, 2018 at 05:43 pm
Me too Irish
Gianich
August 23, 2018 at 10:31 pm
Davis might start on IR...
EdsLaces
August 23, 2018 at 12:33 pm
Well Moore thinks he's the next Jerry Rice apparently so I'm guessing 7.
jww061356
August 23, 2018 at 12:37 pm
I say they keep 7 and cut Yancey and Davis. I don't want to undervalue ST, but I think we can find someone else that can return punts and kickoffs. Now is the time to see if one of the young guys can do it. Too much talent in the WR corps this year to give a spot to a guy who doesn't appear like he is ever going to be an impact player at WR. I think you have to get MVS on the field, even in specialty packages. Not just his speed, but his ability to start and stop on a dime are impossible to teach. So to summarize: Adams, Cobb, Allison, Kumerow, St Brown, Moore, and MVS. With the TEs they have on the roster, they can let these kids develop. I think we've already seen the ceiling on Yancey and Davis.
Minniman
August 23, 2018 at 04:35 pm
Nice post nailing most of the key points!
I'd add a couple of extra lesser, but relevant ones:
1) Cobb is in his last year, so hopefully his replacement emerges out of this rookie crop. Perhaps a reason to keep one more than one less WR.
2) Changes to the rules around kickoff return protection formations and helmet to helmet contact will shake things up and hopefully open up the field a little more. Reading those rules, I wonder if they will suit the Trevor Davis types better...... or an MVS?
https://www.sbnation.com/2018/5/22/17369774/nfl-kickoff-rule-change-expl...
The flip side of all this is which unit gets one less player to accommodate this? Do GB keep only 1 backup QB? Do they let Spriggs or Murphy go and hedge that the TE can help keep the o-line intact? Rip is probably a goner (safest bet)?
My thoughts are that if a player is at season 3 and still not looking like they belong (barring extenuating circumstances like injuries), then it's probably time that they get moved on.
Anyway - I'm glad that there's still 2 more games to look at these players before having to make these decisions.
sonomaca
August 24, 2018 at 09:42 am
Injuries and attitudes will probably clear things up. I’m not sure why Allison is a lock, other than Rodgers likes him. Is he really that important.
carlos
August 23, 2018 at 05:46 pm
I agree again jww.
RCPackerFan
August 23, 2018 at 12:54 pm
I think they will end up keeping 6-7.
Adams and Cobb are locks.
Allison is a good bet to make it. Could Allison be the surprise cut ? I don't think so, just saying maybe he isn't as much of a lock as we all think. Just a thought.
I think all 3 Rookies will make it. All 3 have shown promise. I think MVS and ESB made it for sure. MVS does things that they simply haven't had in a long time. A big fast guy. I think Moore makes it more on his upside and draft position.
The last spot might come down to Kumerow or Davis. Davis has to make it with his special teams ability. The problem is he hasn't been healthy. Kumerow also is dealing with an injury.
Right now I think it comes down to the injuries by Kumerow and Davis if they decide to keep 7.
Coldworld
August 23, 2018 at 06:51 pm
I’m just not sold on Davis. His decision making often led us to worse field positions. A luxury not worth the cost of potential for the coming years.
Performance of Kumerow and later round receivers has made it hard to see any making it to the PS and I just don’t see them cutting Alison
RCPackerFan
August 24, 2018 at 08:13 am
Yeah I agree.
Right now with Davis not playing/practicing its going to be really tough to know if he has improved or not. I honestly figured his decision making would improve with another offseason. But we don't know because he hasn't played.
I think the only way he makes it is if he comes back and has a monster game.
Kumerow's injury is the only thing that I think will keep him from the 53. But he has to be able to play special teams too. I don't know how much he has.
I think they keep Moore for his upside and his draft position. Its draft and develop for a reason. Draft them and develop them.
MVS IMO has locked up a spot on the 53. Not only that I think he is challenging for playing time.
ESB IMO is the same way. The way they have been using him in the slot it seems like they have a really good plan for him.
I don't think they will cut Allison, I just wonder if the do.
DraftHobbyist
August 24, 2018 at 08:22 am
Is Davis PUP-eligible? If not, maybe we can stash him on IR.
sonomaca
August 24, 2018 at 09:56 am
ESB is the guy who might make it to PS. Teams don’t want to deal with his father, and possibly any bad attitude that’s rubbed off on junior.
Since'61
August 23, 2018 at 12:57 pm
Didn't we just have this article last week or is this Deja Vu' all over again?
I'm thinking the Packers keep 6 WRs unless they only go with 2 TEs (unlikely) or they dump the FB position.
As of today I would keep Adams, Cobb, Kumerow, Scantling, Moore and Davis. I would chuck Allison and Yancey and try to keep St. Brown via the PS. MM and AR will probably prefer to keep Allison because of his experience with the offense. I would rather move on from Allison and go with a combination of Kumerow and the rookies who I believe provide a higher upside than Allison. Regrettably, we can't verify that until we see Kumerow and the rookies play during the regular season.
If the Packers go with 7 WRs then I would keep Allison among the 7. The problem is that Davis doesn't add any value as a WR but he is important as a return man. 2 weeks to go, we'll see. Thanks, Since '61
cuervo
August 23, 2018 at 02:33 pm
I agree, how Allison is considered a "lock" is beyond me. He's a JAG and has been outplayed by Kumerow and MVS.
Demon
August 23, 2018 at 01:24 pm
In baseball there are guys that they call AAAA players. They dominate AAA minor league, but cant cut it in the majors.
I think Max McCaffrey last year, like Jarrett Boykin before him and Miles White before him would be the football equivelent of a baseball AAAA player.
Im not saying he is, but I hope Kumerow is NOT one of those. I'm pulling hard for him. Everyone wants to see the local kid do well. His performance thus far has been a boost to the whole team! At the end of the day though, he has been cut from 3 different teams.
Keep up the great work Jake! Keep piling up those yards and force the Pack to keep you!!
Demon
August 23, 2018 at 01:22 pm
My WR prediction: Adams, Cobb, Kumerow, MVS , Moore, Davis.
Although I'd love to see them cut Davis and keep ESB
Colin_C
August 23, 2018 at 01:34 pm
- Adams
- Cobb
- Allison
- Kumerow
- MVS
- Moore
ESB goes to the PS, Davis is claimed off waivers. Keeping only 6 WR's allows them to keep 4 TE's, with Tonyan making the 53. Just my prediction, not necessarily what I hope happens.
GatorJason
August 23, 2018 at 07:29 pm
Adams: All Pro. Elusive, strong, reliable. May lead NFL in TDs.
Cobb: Versatile, quick. Our #1 slot. Showtime in 18 for 19 FA.
Kumerow: Believe your lying eyes. He’s not JAG. 3rd receiver
Allison: Reliable, sure handed, tall. Very Good 4th receiver.
MVS: Unreal size, speed height combo. Raw. Highest ceiling.
Moore: Bad hands, raw but is in as a 4th Rd pick.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Davis: Trevor should be #6 as a ST player but can’t cut Moore.
St Brown: Intriguing size athleticism but raw. Practice Squad.
Yancey: Sorry to say but he’s JAG. Possibly a PS player.
Lewis and Jennings: Candidates for other team’s PS
MVS is the only 2018 draft pick that has shown special talent to be on active roster. Moore and St Brown are talented too but Moore dropped too many in college and problem followed him to pros. St Brown meets eyeball test but was targeted 5 times last game with one reception.
Personally, if I were GM, I would keep Robert Tonyan as a 4th TE before keeping a 7th receiver. If he is 250 and moves as well as he does, he'd be a 3rd/4th round pick if he was just coming out of college. It just took a little time for him to grow into his body. He will not get through waivers if cut. He appears better than Mitchell Henry who was snapped up in 2015 waivers but, unfortunately was stricken by leukemia which sapped his strength and eventually took his life (RIP) in 2017. Tonyan is long (6-5), strong (250), fast, sure-handed and loving life working with this season's vets. He can produce on ST which makes him more valuable than any 7th receiver.
Oppy
August 23, 2018 at 07:26 pm
What happens when you start talking about keeping a 4th TE or a 7th WR compared to any of the defensive positions?
I feel like both Tonyan and ESB would be better kept than some of the bottom end LBs and/or safeties. I think there's some roster space to be saved on the defensive side of the ball because I think we have a few DB's that could play S in a pinch, as well as some S/LB swaps, and of course, Pettine's defense is supposed to be flexible enough that is we get depleted at LB we could go 4-3 as opposed to 3-4 if the numbers thin out at LB.
It's a full-roster numbers game to me, not strictly position-by-position or offense/defense. At any rate, I'm glad I don't have to make the decisions. Some tough cuts ahead.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
August 24, 2018 at 09:28 am
I think we lose ESB if we cut him.
RobinsonDavis
August 24, 2018 at 04:38 pm
My thoughts exactly. IMO, A lot depends on how the Packers feel about their O-line depth and how many they keep/need. Roster numbers at any one position, don't occur in a vacuum. Likewise, Special Team attributes always play a part in the last few cuts. Moore and Tonyan have showed up on Special Teams so far, let's see what happens moving forward.
Regardless, there will be a tough cut or two coming-up at the WR position.
hodge555
August 23, 2018 at 01:37 pm
I think they keep 7.
Adams, Cobb, Allison, 3 rookies and Kumerow.
GB seems to have been trying all sorts of options lately for PR duty which spells trouble for Davis, who seems to be a one trick pony as a return guy, and he's also injured, so I think he gets cut.
If really pressed we could always have Cobb return to PR duty.
cheesehead1
August 23, 2018 at 05:05 pm
I’m with you hodge555. Davis hasn’t been available so far and IMO hasn’t impressed when he’s been given a chance at WR.
fthisJack
August 23, 2018 at 08:15 pm
yup...i like these guys also. why keep one trick pony Davis? he has shown zero at WR in his years on the team. plus he's hurt. they can come up with a punt returner. and why keep a FB?....that position is a dinosaur. i'd rather keep ESB than Rip! and 2 QB's and 4 TE.
croatpackfan
August 24, 2018 at 01:51 am
They try to see who would be able to field KR and PR. And did not find favorite. So, I do not think they are comfort with any other option than Trevor...
He was beast last season...
Handsback
August 23, 2018 at 01:44 pm
I don't see Yancey making the squad. Davis could be placed on IR and keeping 7 wideouts on the 53 man roster.
Duneslick
August 23, 2018 at 02:06 pm
Packer Greg says Kummerow does everything that Geronimo does but better. Bigger, faster, good hands, runs good route and Rodgers is comfortable with him at WR. He makes Geronimo expendable
JonathanSpader
August 23, 2018 at 02:24 pm
Adams is a lock.
I'd like to see the Packers trade Cobb and free up the cap space for Mack I'd still be surprised if it happened. If Cobb was released ESB takes over in the slot or the Packers could sign Maclin depending on the price.
Allison at this point has shown he can still find openings in zone coverage and has sure hands. This year he's improved on catching the ball away from his body making him tough to defend.
For Kumero I don't view him as a diamond in the rough the way the author does. I think he's already at his ceiling but has shown reliability against the 2s and 3s. I want to see if he can compete against the 1s and still make an impact or if he disappears. Also interested in seeing how his shoulder holds up.
MVS has shown rare speed and could really help take the top off of a defense. He's all but locked up a roster spot through the 2 preseason games.
I'm not as down on Moore as others on CHTV. He's consistently creating separation but just can't finish. If he could catch the ball he'd be a lock. As is I see him making the 53 and redshirting. In 2019 I think Moore will surprise a lot of Packer fans. Everyone screamed for the Packers to cut Drop Adams.
So far no one has looked all that impressive returning punts and kicks. Until someone shows they can replace Davis I think it's going to be hard for the Packers to cut him.
Yancey has shown improvement but still needs another year on the PS. He doesn't have short area quickness but has been open deep a few times. He needs better awareness of where he is on the field but has shown potential. Maybe he'll come back in 2019 and compete for a roster spot.
I think the Packers will go with 6 or 7 WRs and move one to the PS after Jones returns from his suspension.
fthisJack
August 23, 2018 at 08:20 pm
remember the year when Adams had the drops and many fans were ready to cut him and move on. J'Mon Moore might be the same. he's young and can work on catching the ball. he's big and fast and needs some time to develop but IMO he will get there. way too early to give up on him.
JonathanSpader
August 23, 2018 at 08:44 pm
"I'm not as down on Moore as others on CHTV. He's consistently creating separation but just can't finish. If he could catch the ball he'd be a lock. As is I see him making the 53 and redshirting. In 2019 I think Moore will surprise a lot of Packer fans. Everyone screamed for the Packers to cut Drop Adams."
Jack that's pretty much exactly what I said. Nelson, Jones, and Adam's struggled with drops early on in their careers. Moore creates separation and once he catches consistently he has a high ceiling. He gets separation and I have high Hope's for him.
TXCHEESE
August 23, 2018 at 02:26 pm
With two more preseason games to go, it's very possible that injuries (I hate that word), will probably make some of the decisions for Gute and McCarthy. The 3 rookies are all big and fast, and they can probably stash one of those on the PS. Not sure if Davis is worth keeping just for special teams. Unless he has come along as a receiver, he could be gone. I think they need to keep Allison around. Should Adams or Cobb get injured, you're trotting out some inexperience there, which has been a huge sore spot for the Pack roster ever since Thompson took over as GM.
Lare
August 23, 2018 at 05:15 pm
With Davis & Kumerow already injured, it's possible that one or both of them are put on IR. That way they can re-evaluate where they are injury-wise during the season when they're eligible to come off IR.
ESB is Practice Squad material, every team in the NFL already passed on him multiple times in the draft, it's not like he's shown so much in the preseason that they will create a spot on their 53-man roster for him.
The biggest question to me is at TE. Besides Graham & Lewis, I could see them keeping Tonyan & and/or Byrd and letting Kendricks, Ripkowski and Kerridge go.
LayingTheLawe
August 23, 2018 at 02:29 pm
Just cut and paste this article for next year as this comes up every year. It always comes down to which receivers can also play special teams. Hard to see anymore than 6 unless someone starts to really flash and make it impossible to risk them getting snapped up by someone else.
Bure9620
August 23, 2018 at 02:42 pm
I think we are all surprised on Sept. 1st. They will keep 5 receivers. 7 is a ton and even 6 is a lot, more than needed actually for a team running lots of 12 personnel.
Adams
Cobb
Allison
Kumerow
MVS
Gute knew a while ago when releasing Nelson what he was doing. He tripled down in the draft with 3 picks to battle, hoping 2 could make the roster, and then Kumerflow came along. MVS has been the most consistant performer so far of the rookies and also can contribute his speed and size to special teams. They were hoping Moore could prove himself, but he clearly not ready. I think Gute is hedging that possibly Equinemious or Moore are claimed off waivers but likely not both, and he sneaks 1 onto the PS to develop for Next year when he lets Cobb walk in FA. Ideally ESB and Moore make it to the PS to develop.
In addition this Packers teams will be running lots of 12 personnel, not your typical 11, so only Adams and Cobb on the field. Hence, 5 is more than enough. In a spread look, it will be 4 recievers and Graham in the slot.
dobber
August 23, 2018 at 02:46 pm
"How Many Wide Receivers will the Packers Keep?"
Not quite enough to keep people here from second-guessing the personnel moves for at least the next two off-seasons.
Colin_C
August 23, 2018 at 03:08 pm
That's not true.... I will also second guess them if they keep too many :-)
PAPackerbacker
August 23, 2018 at 03:07 pm
With the injuries that seem to crop up for WR's I hope they keep 7. Adams, Cobb, Allison, Kumerow, MVS, ESB, and Moore, or maybe Davis. But keeping 4 tight ends and eliminate a WR would be a good move too. Moore needs to catch the ball or he may be the one to end up on the practice squad. What good is speed and separation if you drop the ball? And then loose the confidence of the QB to even throw it in his direction.
4thand10
August 23, 2018 at 10:38 pm
Your right. Injuries and injury history should be a huge part of the deal. What good is having a great QB with no one to throw the ball to. I know, I know...we have Adams , Cobb, Jimmy Graham and Mercedes Lewis. But...I’m of the opinion that one or 2 of these new guys with speed and potential can really help vacate the middle of that field for Graham, Lewis ....Cobb, whomever. A speed option at that boundary WR can force a safety to bracket that boundary Receiver along with a corner...leaving one on one with Adams or Cobb , Graham etc...
I say keep as many as we can, because it’s too important not to. 2 more preseason games to go, but we’ve seen MVS, Moore, Kumerow uno all get really nice separation down field. Now these last 2 , we get to see who has better hands. I cannot predict yet without watching these last 2 games. Yes, Allison can catch the ball, but I have not seen corners holding him a lot or him getting 2-4 yards of separation 20 plus yards down the field like I have seen with others. Aside from speed, making those contested catches without relying on a flag is also important. Decoys have to produce once in awhile in order to be effective.
stockholder
August 23, 2018 at 03:22 pm
A-Rod can't throw everyone. Allison is a cut. 1. He's slow. 2. Graham is the new # 3 Target. Not Allison. Stretch the Field! Allison and Yancey Can't stretch the field. Allison and Yancey were on the team when Cute drafted 3 Wrs. So this is what must happen. 1. Cobb 2. Adams. 3. MVS 4. Kumerow. 5. St. Brown 6. Moore 7. Davis ,= better than Mays. Davis gets 2 games before they cut him. ( Jones return.)
HarlanHuckleby
August 23, 2018 at 03:49 pm
I think Davis is not a dynamic/reliable enough returner to keep around. Moore needs to work on catching but his assignment readiness is enough that another team takes a flyer on him if he goes to the PS. I like MVS’ reported study habits and what he showed in camp so far. 1. Adams 2.cobb 3. Allison 4.MVS 5. Moore 6. Kumerow PS- St. Brown
Mojo
August 23, 2018 at 04:14 pm
As of right now I think GB would keep seven of the WR's - Adams, Cobb, Allison, J Moore, Kumerow, MVS & ESB. They should be able to get Yancey back to the PS if he's still interested.
They'll just have to find a substitute for Davis as a returner and tell Zook to stuff it. MVS can be the speed guy from now on. They'd probably love to stash ESB on the PS. Maybe they take that chance and keep Davis. But at least at the beginning of the season I'd expect seven wide-outs based on how they've practiced and played through two preseason games.
What complicates this group is I get the feeling they're going to keep three QB's on the 53 with Boyle going to the PS. With three QB's and seven receivers - things would get tight at other spots.
What we really need is for some marginal guys who GB would like to keep for depth purposes to get like a four game suspension. Pass that bong around the "Green Mile" and let someone take one for the team.
Coldworld
August 23, 2018 at 08:38 pm
This discussion is why we should not hang on the Hundley. Hundley is gone after this year and is not significantly better than Kizer.
I would rather keep a player for the future than a third QB.
Oppy
August 23, 2018 at 05:38 pm
I firmly believe Trevor Davis is not in a fight for a WR spot on this team. He's a return specialist.
If he were thought of as a WR, he does not make the team.
As a return specialist, I think you approach his odds of making the roster by first setting Davis aside, coming up with your roster, then look at who the lowest guy on the totem pole is at each position group.
If what Trevor brings to STs is greater than what the low man brings to that particular group (regardless of position, offense or defense), that is where you axe a man to make room for a Specialist like Davis.
If Josh Jackson gets more reps returning and shows he's got security, it might make it a moot point. Outside of his little flash as a returner, the rest have not shown much but mediocre returns and way to many muffs.
Community Guy
August 23, 2018 at 05:39 pm
let's ask this question next week.
PatrickGB
August 23, 2018 at 06:09 pm
We need somebody to go on IR. I can’t believe that I wrote that but this is making my head hurt. For some reason this year everyone is healthy. Maybe “Numero Kumerow’s” injury is bad enough?
Oppy
August 23, 2018 at 06:16 pm
Everyone is healthy this year outside of the RB room. That place is a little MASH unit right now, lol.
Oh, and Jake Ryan. I know he isn't well appreciated around here, but he has actually flashed a little bit in the past and was a great run support guy. Feel bad for him, coming off what the coaching staff was lauding as an excellent off season program that saw him staying in GB and working at the facility the entire time.
Coldworld
August 23, 2018 at 08:40 pm
Let’s face it, not much LB depth. Maybe we lose a spot there and keep some PS LBs to make room for extre TE/WR
dobber
August 23, 2018 at 08:41 pm
I hope you had your fingers crossed when you typed that first paragraph...
Coldworld
August 24, 2018 at 05:49 am
I suppose it all depends on perception of winning potential without Rodgers to start with. But yes, and toes.
Packer Dave
August 23, 2018 at 06:38 pm
Don't understand the Davis love from people who want to keep him. His PR duties won't outshine the production of keeping a different WR such as Kumerow. MVS could put up some impressive numbers this year, Allison always seems to pick up the first down we need and EQ and Moore just need a little seasoning, especially Moore. If he gets over the dropsies like Adams had he would be WR2 at his ceiling. So... keep 7 like jww says.
Oppy
August 23, 2018 at 06:50 pm
I'm fairly confident average starting field position is a more consistent determinant of offensive success than an individual WR's stats, because better starting field position makes the entire offense's job easier, and in case they don't score, helps improve the "flip of the field" if forced to punt.
Coldworld
August 23, 2018 at 08:43 pm
How often has Davies flipped the field though? Also don’t forget he has had a number of plays where he effectively gave away yards through bad decision making. Zook may love him, but he has not done enough to justify a place as a returner alone in my eyes.
Oppy
August 24, 2018 at 04:55 am
#3 Yards per punt return
#7 Yards per Kick Return
Zook doesn't have to love him, the production speaks for itself
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
August 23, 2018 at 08:16 pm
My view is anyone thinking the Pack keeps 7 WR's has lost perspective. Everyone gets excited about WR's. I get it as I do too with the 3 rookies and their potential. The Pack has too many TE riches, and QB's.
Barring any crazy performances in next few games Pack tries to slip at one and maybe two rookie WRs on to the practice squad. I'm going to really be bummed if any get selected by another team.
fthisJack
August 23, 2018 at 08:30 pm
my prediction would be they wouldn't get any of the rooks on the PS. keep all 3. too much upside to give them away. Davis IMO is not worth keeping as a punt return guy only.
Coldworld
August 23, 2018 at 08:45 pm
Looking around, this year I fear that you are right.
stockholder
August 23, 2018 at 09:53 pm
Davis still has the return job until someone shows their better. The problem is Cobb, A free Agent next year. Davis, and yes even Allison, will never make that jump. So how do you try to put any rookie on the PS. Especially since they turned MMs head from the get go. St John was considered a 2nd rd pick. 4.4 speed at the combine. He will be picked up. MVS, Got the headlines and has the tape now. Moore you can forget about even trying to hide a 4th rd. pick. And the biggest problem, is trying to get someone to develop for NEXT YEAR. If they keep drafting WRs, it's better to sign a Free Agent First. But the packers could not afford Cobb and Nelson now. So why not keep these Rookies? Potential is more than a word this year. It's about the future.
Guam
August 23, 2018 at 09:45 pm
AS TGR has pointed out, the Pack typically keep 25 offensive players. That would be 2 QBs, 4-5 RBs, 3-4TEs, 6-7 WRs and 9 OL. You get to keep one between the 5th RB, the 7th WR and the 4th TE. That likely pits Allison/Kumerow against Byrd/Tonyan and Mays/Ripkowski.
I think Mays (injury) and Byrd may already be out of the running. I think Rip stays as the fourth running back due to our new/old OC, Philbin (remember John Kuhn?). Due to the Jones suspension, you might get to keep two for the first two weeks. That leaves Tonyan versus Allison/Kumerow. Let's see what the next two games bring.
Tedlyflyfisher
August 24, 2018 at 01:24 am
We keep Adams/Cobb/Geronimo. That’s 3.
MVS too. Gotta get that speed on the field. Kumerow, too. That’s 5.
J.Moore too, UNLESS Gutey can find a trade partner for him that helps us get a major puzzle piece (edge rusher!)
ESB makes 7. That’s a challenge, but I think it will be worth it. Think of all the injuries we’ve endured, and how we would have loved this kind of depth at wr!
Say “Bye-bye” to Trevor D. And Yancey. Davis shows piss-poor decision making skills at PR. I am excited about the prospect of Josh Jackson or J.Alexander doing this. And at KR,, MVS. Is Yancey worth putting back on practice squad? Not sure, but maybe.
lecko
August 24, 2018 at 04:54 am
talking about Wide receivers..I found this note on cleveland browns blog:
"Jeff Janis has had a tough training camp and, even though he made a catch in this game, he also dropped an easy one. He's fighting for a roster spot and might need a big fourth preseason game to get one."
croatpackfan
August 24, 2018 at 05:38 am
I think I know exactly how many WR Packers will keep!
They will keep the number of WR picked by Brian Gutekunst on the day when they will establish 53 roster.
Coldworld
August 24, 2018 at 05:52 am
You must be a savant sir!
Donster
August 24, 2018 at 06:15 am
Keep Adams, Cobb, Allison, J Moore, Kumerow, MVS & ESB. Davis to IR or cut. Davis is worthless as a WR. Just to keep him as a PR isn't worth it. There are others on the roster that can do it. Let's see how Alexander does tonight in Oakland returning punts. Jackson can do it. Cut Yancey. Release Kendricks and keep Tonyan. Or keep Kendricks too and no fullbacks. Keep Kizer and cut or trade Hundley if a team would bite. Cut Boyle and hope to stash him on the PS.
Guam
August 24, 2018 at 07:49 am
Regarding Trevor Davis, it is worth noting Gute's approach to Jeff Janis. Janis is a special team's ace (one of the best gunners in the NFL) and an unproductive receiver. Gute let him walk without so much as an offer. Davis is a special team's ace and an unproductive receiver. Add Davis' injury to that list and his roster spot is likely in serious jeopardy.
Oppy
August 24, 2018 at 08:25 am
This is true, but Jeff Janis' rookie contract expired after 2017 and the Packers let him walk. Davis is still under contract through 2019 before the Packers would have to re-negotiate to keep him around.
Davis' injury makes me wonder- has he not seen the field because the severity of his injury, and thus, his lack of availability puts him in peril of being cut? Or is his hamstring not horribly bad, but the Packers are keeping him out of practice because they are counting on his production as a returner and are trying to ensure his health is 100% by week 1?
LambeauPlain
August 24, 2018 at 08:59 am
I think I have flipped my opinion on Davis after looking at the stats. #3 in NFL in yards per PR...#7 in NFL in yards per KR.
I do not think the Pack has had production from a return guy like this since Desmond Howard.
With 5/50 Scott punting the ball (5 seconds hang/50 yard punts) to go with what has been good coverage teams plus Davis' return ability....the STs can be key contributors to help flip the field for both the O and D this season.
Even while being the 5th receiver last year Davis still touched the ball 63 times and generated just under 1100 yards returning and receiving.
That's a lot of production. And if Zook can improve on his erratic decision making (he fair caught a lot of punts with an wide open field in front last year), he's a key skill player for the Pack.
Tundraboy
August 24, 2018 at 09:07 am
I'm not sure Davis is worth keeping at the expense of losing one of the new picks. Also keeping two fullbacks ,or even one fullback just because McCarthy likes to say he has a fullback is just stupid if it means losing one of the other guys. And then only to use a FB sparingly ,uf at all. We have TEs that fill that "role"
Andrew Lloyd Peth
August 24, 2018 at 09:35 am
I'd keep 7:
Adams
Cobb
Kumerow
MVS
ESB
Davis
Moore
So the Packers will keep these 7:
Adams
Cobb
Allison
Allison
Allison
Allison
Allison
Then everyone will insist our 30-something tight ends can open up the field on their own.
Guam
August 24, 2018 at 12:15 pm
Oppy: I am not sure the contract situation is relevant. Gute let a one trick pony walk in his first turn at free agency. Davis also appears to be a one trick pony. All of Davis' roster competition is under contract too. Do you keep a one trick pony (albeit a productive trick) versus letting go one of the rookies or Allison or Kumerow? I don't know the answer, but I think Gute gave us some insight into his thinking when he let Janis walk despite Janis being a productive one trick pony.
We have two more games before we get to see the answer.
Guam
August 24, 2018 at 12:21 pm
Tundraboy: Like you I am not a fan of fullbacks, but Philbin is. Kuhn made a career out of fullback under Philbin and Philbin also ran a high percentage of two back sets in the few Dolphin games I watched when he was HC. I get the feeling Rip may have a new lease on life with Philbin as the OC.