Packers 2016 Draft: Red and Black Dot players on offense

Our “Red Dot” Wide Receivers

Kyle — Sterling Shepard, Oklahoma

I can’t really figure out why Sterling Shepherd is overlooked. Yes, he is short and won’t blow you away with any one measureable. However, he is one of the best route runners in this class and has a great resume of production at Oklahoma. Shepherd takes his craft seriously and is viewed to have great football and personal character. The Packers don’t really need a slot receiver, but if Sterling is available in the third round, he’s almost a guarantee to outplay his draft stock.

Dan — Malcolm Mitchell, Georgia

Listed at 6-foot-1 and 198 pounds with 4.45 speed, Mitchell looks like an average wideout on paper. However, on tape, he’s a tough competitor with very polished route running ability and strong hands. The way he cuts in and out of his routes and competes for the ball over the middle of the field reminds me a lot of former Packers great, Donald Driver. He has a similar build as well. Mitchell also demonstrated his toughness by battling back from a major ACL injury he suffered in 2013 that almost jeopardized his career. In his senior season he reminded everyone why he’s still a top NFL receiver prospect. He averaged nearly 15 yards per catch in 2015, recording a team-high 58 receptions for 865 yards and five touchdowns in a run-heavy Georgia. All-around, Mitchell seems like a Packers receiver and a guy that Green Bay fans would quickly learn to love.

Freddie — Corey Coleman, Baylor

While Corey Coleman would require a first-round pick by the Packers, I love the thought of plugging him in on offense. The Packers lacked speed on offense last season, and Coleman has no shortage of that. Jordy Nelson’s return will help, but as was proven last year, the problems begin when he misses time. At 31-years-old returning from a significant knee injury, Green Bay must have an eye on the future. Coleman has tremendous leaping ability to make up for being slightly undersized, and he can line up in the slot or on the boundary. His electric speed would give the Packers another dangerous deep threat.

Our “Black Dot” Wide Receivers

Kyle — Will Fuller, Notre Dame

Fuller is an intriguing prospect because of his blazing speed. A player that can take the top off is always a great asset. However, drafting a guy purely based on his speed is a mistake. I wouldn’t hate having a guy like Fuller on my team, but not at the asking price of a first or second round pick. The knocks on Fuller for me are his small hands, small frame, and lack luster route running. I think he’s an impact player, but he’s probably a number-three/slot wide receiver in the league who doesn’t have the build to endure crossing routes in the middle of the field. I’ll pass on the Fuller hype train.

Dan — De’Runnya Wilson, Mississippi State

Initially, I liked Wilson as a possible day two option at wide receiver in the draft for Green Bay. After all, he’s 6-foot-5, 224 pounds, and hauled in 60 receptions and 10 touchdowns for Mississippi State in 2015. However, at the NFL combine he ran an incredibly slow 4.85 in the forty-yard dash and recorded an unimpressive 28-inch vertical leap. I try not to overreact to player’s forty times, especially if I like their film, but running slower than a 4.80 as a wide receiver is just unacceptable for  guy who wants to make a career in the NFL. What’s even more disappointing is Wilson’s numbers are still too slow to make the switch to tight end at the next level. The Packers need a receiver that can stretch the field, and while many put too much stock in forty times, I wouldn’t draft any wideout that doesn’t demonstrate at least adequate straight-line speed.

Freddie — Tyler Boyd, Pittsburgh

I like Tyler Boyd as a prospect, but just not as a fit in Green Bay. Boyd is an unproven downfield threat and doesn’t have great speed. What he does have is excellent hands and good route-running, but his best fit is in the slot and the Packers have enough talent there.

Next: Red/Black Dot Tight Ends