Green Bay Packers post-draft position review: Wide receiver
Over the past decade, the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers have been the NFL’s best teams at drafting wide receivers. The Packers will now be relying on three 2018 draft picks at the position to step up this season.
Like the Steelers, the Packers have one of the best young wide receivers in the game in Davante Adams. Also like the Steelers, who traded away Antonio Brown this offseason, the Packers have moved on from two huge parts of their offense — Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb.
For new head coach Matt LaFleur, the key will be getting the best out of a talented young group of receivers.
Let’s take a closer look at the players competing for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Currently on the roster
Davante Adams, Geronimo Allison, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Equanimeous St. Brown, J’Mon Moore, Trevor Davis, Jake Kumerow, Allen Lazard, Jawill Davis, Matthew Eaton, Teo Redding, Darrius Shepherd
Offseason moves
GM Brian Gutekunst showed a ton of confidence in the wide receivers already on the roster as the Packers didn’t make any notable moves at the position in free agency or the draft.
Improved from 2018?
On paper, the group is almost the same as from 2018. But the Packers will be hoping their young wide receivers improve. MVS, EQ and Moore are all entering their second seasons in Green Bay. Improvements at this position won’t come from signings or 2019 draft picks, but instead development of the players already on the roster.
Key player
Davante Adams.
The era of Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb might be over, but the Packers have a new star in Adams leading the way at wide receiver. Adams put together career-best numbers in 2018 with 1,386 yards and 13 touchdowns. Switching from Mike McCarthy’s offense to Matt LaFleur’s should only create more opportunities for Adams to build on his Pro Bowl season.
Position outlook
Potential is the word that comes to mind when you look at the Green Bay Packers wide receiver depth chart. Of course, we know how good Adams is, but the Packers need someone to step up as the number two and three receiver.
Geronimo Allison had made a great start to 2018 before getting hurt, and MVS and EQ both made key plays at times in their rookie seasons.
The competition will be wide open throughout the summer and a couple of starting jobs are open. There will also likely be a roster spot available for the best special teams player. Currently, Trevor Davis is probably the favorite to return kickoffs and punts.
For the Packers offense to be among the league’s best, one or two of the young receivers will need to step up.