Green Bay Packers: Five players who must improve in 2016

Jeff Janis

Jeff Janis has all the physical tools to succeed in the NFL. You can’t teach speed. You can’t teach athleticism. You can’t teach the ability to climb the ladder over defenders and get the football. Janis can do all three.

What’s been holding him back for two years is his inefficient route-running. He has been unable to develop chemistry with Aaron Rodgers and nail down the intricacies of the Packers offense. Janis is a superb athlete, but to this point he’s far from a superb wide receiver.

We’ve seen flashes of what he can do. His two stunning Hail Mary grabs on the Packers’ game-tying drive at Arizona in the divisional round last season showed off his speed, athleticism and ball skills, but both catches were made in desperate heaves downfield and didn’t require intricate routes.

This is a key offseason for the 2014 seventh-round pick, who will be battling for a roster spot at a crowded position. If Janis enters camp with a deeper understanding of the offense, more refined route-running ability, he will have a great shot to step up into the No. 3 receiver role next season.

Janis needs to get on the same page as his quarterback.

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