Packers 2019 training camp preview: Wide receiver

The Green Bay Packers’ wide receiver competition will be an interesting one at training camp.

Arguably the most interesting training camp battle of the summer will be at wide receiver. Lombardi Ave’s Jesse Fry wrote a great article about how this competition will highlight training camp.

Here are the top talking points at receiver ahead of training camp.

Geronimo or MVS?

When Randall Cobb signed with the Dallas Cowboys in free agency, Geronimo Allison was the obvious candidate to step up into a starting position in Matt LaFleur’s offense. But he’ll face competition from second-year Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

When LaFleur goes with two wide receivers on the field, who will line up with Adams?

Allison is the most experienced of the two and has a great connection with Aaron Rodgers on the field. Allison caught 66.7 percent of his targets last season and averaged 15.2 yards per reception.

Injuries cost Allison the chance to complete a great 2018 season. He finished with 303 yards and two touchdowns, despite only making four starts.

According to Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com, Allison has spent more time in the slot this offseason, which could indicate that Valdes-Scantling will start on the outside. And that’s exactly how ESPN’s Rob Demovsky predicts they will line up based on the practices at minicamp last month.

MVS, a potential breakout candidate for the Packers this season, has earned high praise throughout the offseason and is coming off an impressive rookie year. Valdes-Scantling is committed to improving his game, and has been working with Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss in the offseason.

Valdes-Scantling’s speed allows him to get open downfield and make big plays, as was evident in his rookie season, one he finished with 581 yards and two touchdowns on just 38 receptions.

If MVS can build on a strong offseason, a starting job could be his.

Second-year jump for EQ or Moore?

With three 2018 draft picks entering year two, the Packers will be hoping for a second-year jump. Equanimeous St. Brown showed flashes of potential in his rookie season, averaging 15.6 yards per catch.

But can EQ now produce consistently in a bigger role this season?

After a rookie year to forget, J’Mon Moore will be hoping a new offense will help him get going. Moore will have every chance to make the 53-man roster, but he’ll need to play well at training camp as he will face competition from the other receivers on the roster.

With Adams, Valdes-Scantling and Allison likely to secure the top three spots on the depth chart, who will be the fourth receiver?

Can Kumerow or Davis make the roster?

Two players to watch closely at training camp are Jake Kumerow and Trevor Davis.

Kumerow was a preseason star last year before he got injured celebrating a touchdown, which derailed all of his momentum and cost him half the season. Davis only had limited opportunities on offense when healthy, but made an impact on special teams.

If the Packers keep six receivers, the final two spots could come down to Moore, Kumerow and Davis.

Moore was a Day 3 draft pick a year ago, Kumerow has played well in limited opportunities, and Davis is the team’s best returner. If one of these players can step up at training camp, it could secure them a position on the roster.