Packers 2017 Draft: Wide receiver is a sneaky position of need

It’s obvious the Green Bay Packers need to address the secondary and the backfield in this month’s draft. But hidden beneath the talk of corners and running backs is another need that could present itself rather soon.

Since the days of Donald Driver and Greg Jennings, the wide receiver cupboard has been well-stocked during Aaron Rodgers‘ tenure. The two-time NFL MVP has never really lacked for weapons on the outside.

But major decisions are looming at the position within the next 365 days.

First, Davante Adams‘ contract is up following the 2017 season. Should Adams replicate his 2016 campaign, he will likely be in high demand on the open market if Ted Thompson doesn’t lock him up long-term.

Second, although Jordy Nelson came back strong last season following his torn ACL, Green Bay’s star wideout will be 32 next offseason.

Third, Randall Cobb has never been the player that earned a four-year, $40 million deal after a breakout season in 2014 that saw him catch 91 balls for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns. The dynamic slot receiver has been plagued by injuries since and has failed to replicate that production.

Most importantly, both Nelson and Cobb each have more than a $12 million cap hit in 2018 according to Spotrac, the same season Thompson will be looking to bring back Adams. Again assuming he has another good season, Adams will likely command at least $10 million per year in a long-term deal on the open market.

Knowing Thompson’s proclivity for penny-pinching, it’s hard to imagine he would lock up $35 million plus in three wide receivers. Based on this year’s numbers, that figure alone would be approaching 25 percent of the entire salary cap.

The Packers will have a few different options next offseason, the simplest of which would be to let Adams walk. But – again assuming Adams has another good season – allowing a 25-year-old receiver who may have proven himself to be a No. 1 or 2 option on the outside to leave for nothing is risky at best.

Or, Thompson could let go of one of either Nelson or Cobb to save the $12 million that would theoretically go to Adams.

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In any scenario, Green Bay is left with just two proven receivers along with a group of Trevor Davis, Geronimo Allison, Jeff Janis (also a FA in 2018), or Max McCaffrey; or three receivers whose cap number is at least $35 million.

Neither of these is a decidedly positive option, which leads us to the original premise – wide receiver is a sneaky need for Thompson to address in this draft. He could wait another year and address the position in the 2018 draft, but that would leave Rodgers depending on a rookie to step in immediately and fill a void, which is again, not necessarily a great scenario.

What’s also important to note is that Thompson has had incredible success picking receivers on day two. Jennings, James Jones, Nelson, Cobb, Adams and Ty Montgomery were all second- or third-round selections at receiver under Thompson.

Unless one of the top three receivers in this draft – Clemson’s Mike Williams, Western Michigan’s Corey Davis or Washington’s John Ross – fall to the Packers at pick No. 29, it’s likely Thompson once again waits until day two to add depth to the position.

Some names that would likely be available in that scenario include East Carolina’s Zay Jones, Louisiana Tech’s Carlos Henderson, Eastern Washington’s Cooper Kupp, Ohio State’s Curtis Samuel or USC’s Juju Smith-Schuster.

So Thompson can either choose to carry three wide receivers into 2018 making a combined $35 million plus or leave Mike McCarthy and Rodgers with only two proven weapons on the outside. Since he’s never been one to spend lavishly, it makes sense Ted would choose option two.

That would, believe it or not, add wide receiver to the list of needs the Packers should address in this month’s draft.

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