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Green Bay Packers: How team needs were addressed in 2016 NFL Draft

By Freddie Boston

Dec 5, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal inside linebacker Blake Martinez (4) knocks the ball out of the hands of Southern California Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) in the third quarter in the Pac-12 Conference football championship game at Levi
Dec 5, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal inside linebacker Blake Martinez (4) knocks the ball out of the hands of Southern California Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) in the third quarter in the Pac-12 Conference football championship game at Levi /
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Nov 21, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; California Golden Bears wide receiver Trevor Davis (9) carries the ball against the Stanford Cardinal during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. Stanford defeated California 35-22. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; California Golden Bears wide receiver Trevor Davis (9) carries the ball against the Stanford Cardinal during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. Stanford defeated California 35-22. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide receiver

Watching the Packers’ wide receivers in 2015 was tough viewing. Without Jordy Nelson, the remaining group failed to shrug off press coverage and even when they did, something as simple as catching the football was becoming a major issue.

Even with Nelson and Ty Montgomery returning from injuries, coupled with the continued development of the Packers’ young wideouts, Thompson felt it was the right decision to go get another pass catcher in the draft. Speedy Trevor Davis, a fifth-round pick, was brought in with the hope of pushing defenses out of their cocky coverages.

Speed and a deep threat offers that. Nelson’s return will help, and Davis too has the lightning speed to get open downfield and force defenses to respect the long pass. Jeff Janis has the measurables to do the same, so long as his development in route-running is on point.

The big question now is as to whether the Packers will carry seven receivers on the roster. They did have two fullbacks and three quarterbacks on the roster last term, and it’s unlikely they will carry such numbers at those positions again.

Next: Ranking the NFC North running backs

Injuries or a poor camp could settle this situation, but for now Nelson and Randall Cobb are the only two receivers guaranteed a spot on the roster.

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