Green Bay Packers 2017 roster preview: Trevor Davis
Trevor Davis flashed potential in 2016, but the Green Bay Packers’ young wide receiver needs to do more to land a spot on the 53-man roster.
Opportunities are hard to come by for receivers on a team boasting Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams and Randall Cobb, but for a brief moment in time, Davis took full advantage of those chances.
It was a frustrating rookie campaign for Davis, but not one without promise. There’s plenty to build on moving into the summer.
Let’s take a closer look at the 2016 fifth-round pick.
2016 stats
Playing in 11 games, Davis caught just three passes for 24 yards and a touchdown. He returned nine punts for 115 yards and three kickoffs for 64 yards.
2016 review
For every step Davis moved forward, he dropped three back. It became apparent quickly just how much speed he has, but inconsistencies plagued his game. Dropped passes and two fumbles on return duty quickly derailed Davis’ momentum and landed him a regular spot on the bench.
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The 6-foot-1, 188-pounder can beat defenders in a flash, but he needs more to his game. Getting stronger, reducing his drops and improving against press coverage must be priorities this offseason if Davis is to have any hope of making the final 53-man roster.
Odds of making roster: 60 percent
Davis’ future is tough to gage. On one hand it’s hard to see the Packers’ cutting ties with a draft pick after just one year, particularly considering he’s got some unteachable traits. Competition might prove to be his downfall, however. The Packers currently have 11 wide receivers on the 90-man roster, but only six or seven will make it.
Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams and Randall Cobb are locks. Geronimo Allison is a safe bet to make the team, too. That leaves two, maybe three spots. Davis would need to beat out this year’s draft picks–DeAngelo Yancey and Malachi Dupre–as well as Jeff Janis and a group of undrafted rookies.
Davis has a shot, but he’ll need to speed up his development and show improvements at training camp.
2017 preview
If Davis makes the roster it means he’s seen off the competition, which would bode well for the second-year pass catcher. Clearly talented, Davis could take on an important role for the Packers both on offense and special teams.
Davis’ speed makes him a dangerous return man, but he must prove his ball security is no longer an issue.
On offense the Packers’ can take advantage of his lightning feet, utilizing him as a deep threat and also a man who can clear out defenders to open up room underneath for the likes of Martellus Bennett and Randall Cobb.
Davis certainly has to plenty to offer, but he see off some stiff competition at training camp.
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Check out our full interview with Vince Biegel here. Lombardi Ave’s Dan Dahlke spoke to him ahead of the 2017 NFL Draft, and he’s now a member of the Green Bay Packers.