Packers: Wide receiver battle heating up at training camp

Not so long ago, it was questioned whether the Green Bay Packers had given Aaron Rodgers enough receiving talent.

Well, the Packers’ wide receiver positional battle is heating up at training camp with many candidates competing for a spot on the 53-man roster.

“There’s a lot of guys in the mix,” said Aaron Rodgers on Wednesday.

He’s not wrong. Given the competition at the wide receiver position, it almost seems inevitable the team will keep six on the 53-man roster next month. Even keeping seven shouldn’t be ruled out at this stage.

There are five names who are likely roster locks: Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and Amari Rodgers. It’s hard to see any of those five not being part of the roster this season.

Adams is the best receiver in football. MVS and Lazard have been key contributors in recent years. The Packers just traded for Cobb and drafted Rodgers in the third round back in April.

Assuming they keep a sixth receiver, there are a number of candidates.

Veteran Devin Funchess has been a number two wide receiver in his career and has every opportunity to make an impact in the Packers’ offense this season. There’s a reason why he was signed in free agency last year.

One of the biggest surprises of camp so far has been Juwann Winfree. As he continues to impress, it’s becoming close to impossible for the Packers to not keep him on the initial 53.

We shouldn’t forget about Equanimeous St. Brown, either. According to Cheesehead TV’s Aaron Nagler, he’s had a “really nice start to camp”. And there is also Malik Taylor, who made the 53-man roster ahead of Jake Kumerow last year and also played a lot on special teams, which could prove to be a tiebreaker.

There’s a whole lot to play for at wide receiver for the Packers. This positional battle is heating up as preseason nears.