Green Bay Packers 2015 season grades: Wide receivers

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Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones (89) rushes with the football after catching a pass as Minnesota Vikings cornerback Terence Newman (23) defends during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Minnesota won 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

James Jones

The Packers caught a break when James Jones was released by the Giants, just days after Nelson tore his ACL. Jones’ return to Green Bay resulted in his best season statistically, and he was also the Packers’ best receiver. Jones finished 2015 with 50 catches for 890 yards and eight touchdowns.

Jones made a red hot start to the season. Everything he touched turned to gold as he hauled in six touchdowns by the time the Packers hit the bye at Week 7. But life got tougher for him following the week off, and he would score just twice more.

Defenses got cockier as the year went on with press coverages and stacked boxes. The Packers’ wideouts couldn’t gain separation and the passing game hit a slump it couldn’t fully recover from. There was a glaring lack of speed and Jones was blanketed by opponents’ top cornerbacks on many occasions.

Jones is a productive receiver, but struggled with consistency as the Packers’ top option. If he returns in 2016, he’ll find a more comfortable role as the third or fourth receiver, avoiding a heavy dose of the opponents’ premier cornerback. Will he return to Green Bay?

Grade: B

Next: Davante Adams

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