Green Bay Packers: What to expect from the 2016 draft class

RD 5: Trevor Davis, WR, California

Why they picked Davis

Speed. Speed. Speed.

Yes, it may be that simple, but anyone who watched the Packers offense in 2015 struggle to threaten even pedestrian defenses deep with Jordy Nelson out of the lineup knows that Green Bay can’t afford to go through another year like that again.

The Packers got by on Aaron Rodgers’ arm talent and incredible ability to make something out of nothing, but after a year without Nelson and dynamic rookie Ty Montgomery and a disappointing season from second-year man Davante Adams, the Packers need more competition and depth at the position.

Davis is a sub-4.4 burner who averaged around 16 yards per catch at Cal. At 6-foot-1 and 188 pounds, Davis could afford to add weight and get stronger, but despite being a bit thin, he did play tough and was willing to make tough contested catches over the middle of the field in college.

Davis’ role in 2016

Davis should compete immediately this summer with Jeff Janis and Jared Abbrederis for the fifth receiver spot on the depth chart.

Considering the depth on the injuries at the position last year, the Packers may even keep six receivers on their final roster this season, but that would still mean either Davis, Janis, or Abbrederis would have to go.

Janis offers similar speed, but he possesses better size and was a key contributor on special teams last year. However, even going into his third season, Janis is still not as polished of a route runner as Davis is coming out of college.

Considering Janis’ game remains raw and Abbrederis’ injury history and average speed and explosiveness, Davis has a legitimate shot at making the Packers roster and carving out some playing time on offense.

He could be another deep threat to force defenses to respect the Packers’ downfield passing game. He could also factor in as a kick returner.

Next: Kyle Murphy's fit?