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Green Bay Packers 2016 position preview: Wide receivers

By Dan Dahlke

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Jordy Nelson prepares to stiff arm Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings after catching a pass during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph
Jordy Nelson prepares to stiff arm Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings after catching a pass during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph /

Safe: Jordy Nelson (6-3, 217), Randall Cobb (5-10, 192)

In 2014, Nelson and Cobb formed one of the most effective receiving duos in the NFL.

Nelson recorded career highs in receptions (98), receiving yards (1,519), and receiving average (15.5 ypc). He also caught 13 touchdowns and finished second in the NFL in receptions over 40 yards with eight.

Similarly, Cobb also set personal bests in receptions (91), receiving yards (1,287), and touchdowns (12). The Packers two Pro Bowl wideouts appeared to be the cornerstone of their offense going forward and a duo with a bright future.

However, 2015 couldn’t have gone any differently. Nelson missed the entire season after suffering a ACL tear in the second preseason game, and Green Bay’s offense wasn’t the same without his big-play ability downfield.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Cobb also suffered a shoulder injury during training camp, which he dealt with throughout the entire season. With Nelson sidelined, the Packers looked to Cobb to be their No. 1 receiver.

While Cobb still led the team in receptions with 79 and finished second in receiving yards behind Jones with 829, he also experienced career lows in receiving touchdowns (6) and yards per catch average (10.5).

Cobb struggled to gain separation downfield and struggled to be the big-play threat Green Bay needed in Nelson’s absence. He only recorded one reception over 40 yards the entire season.

Granted, Cobb showed incredible grit and durability to battle all season through a shoulder injury, while squaring off against opponents’ top cover corner each and every week.

Nobody can fault Cobb for a lack of effort. There may not be a player on the Packers offense that plays harder. However, Cobb needs Nelson in the lineup. They’re both completely different wideouts and they need each other in order to be the most effective on the field.

Hopefully, 2016 will signify the return of one of the Packers’ most dangerous receiving duos in recent memory.

Next: WRs with plenty to prove

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