Packers: Predicting which receivers make initial 53-man roster
The Green Bay Packers‘ next game is now Week 1 in Minnesota.
The preseason is officially over for the Packers. The coaching staff has some tough decisions to make. That is especially true for the wide receiver group.
The young core, outside of the veterans, had three games and a whole month of practices to prove why they can be trusted to catch passes from the greatest thrower of the football ever.
At most, there will be seven receivers on the final 53-man roster.
So, who are those seven players that will make big plays offensively for Green Bay out wide?
Allen Lazard
The former Iowa State product appears to be primed for a second consecutive career year. He will handle the No. 1 receiver duties and is also capable of being the best run-blocking receiver in the game. Aaron Rodgers trusts Lazard, as does Matt LaFleur. The 6-5, 230-pound receiver is a big target and will make a whole lot of plays for the Packers in a contract year.
Randall Cobb
Ole’ reliable is back for his 10th season as a Packer. It is his 12th season overall. He is a franchise legend and knows Aaron Rodgers better than anyone. He is still one of the better slot receivers in the league at the age of 32, as long as he remains healthy. Cobb has an incredibly high football IQ and will be a great mentor for second-year receiver Amari Rodgers.
Sammy Watkins
Watkins is looking for a rebirth. The former first-round pick has been a quality role player in his eight-year career but has just one 1,000-yard season (2015). However, he has a history with Matt LaFleur (Rams in 2018) and WRs coach Jason Vrable (Bills 2014-2016).
Rodgers is the best quarterback he has ever played with. Watkins’ experience is going to be useful for the Packers this season, especially because he was a key contributor with the Chiefs on their Super Bowl run in 2019. The Packers will rely on the former Clemson product a whole lot this season.
Romeo Doubs
Doubs stole the show in the preseason for Green Bay. He caught eight passes for 79 yards and two touchdowns for the team in three games. The fourth-round pick has an incredible release off of the line and has all the physical tools to be successful.
Rodgers trusts him and has gotten to know him a whole lot this preseason. The 6-2 Doubs could be an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate this season.
Christian Watson
The second-round pick might be the forgotten man in the room. Watson didn’t play at all this preseason due to a knee injury. However, he will be ready to go for Week 1.
Also, the former North Dakota State star might be the most unique wide receiver the team has ever drafted from a physical perspective. He is 6-4 but runs a 4.3. He has the size and electric speed to be a game-changer.
Amari Rodgers
After a rough first season, Rodgers has come backer hungrier and just better. He lost 16 pounds this offseason. He is lighter and quicker. His route-running is more confident and his hands are softer. He will be Cobb’s understudy in the slot, but he will be more versatile than people think.
The former Clemson product can return kicks, take jet sweeps, and start out of the backfield. His sophomore season is going to be very solid.
Juwann Winfree
Winfree started last season on the team’s practice squad. This year, he will start on the team’s active roster. He is a sharp route-runner. His blocking has improved.
The former Colorado star also has more experience playing with Aaron Rodgers than Doubs, Watson, and Watkins. He is similar to Davante Adams in terms of his footwork and release. His ability to win one-on-one is also a plus for this offense.