The Green Bay Packers are still searching for a third receiver after losing Jayden Reed to a season-ending neck injury in Week 2. Undrafted rookie J. Michael Sturdivant might not fit the bill, but the Packers have nothing to lose by giving him an extended look. If only by virtue of being more of an unknown, he probably has the most upside of their current options.
And, yes, Packers fans still remember Sturdivant's 112-yard eruption in the preseason finale.
Elsewhere in Green Bay's receiver room, Skyy Moore hasn't provided much: six catches for 35 yards. Bo Melton looks like he may have been better off as a cornerback, after all. Savion Williams returned to practice on Wednesday, but it's uncertain how long his ramp-up will take and what he'll be able to provide when he first returns.
Sturdivant is what he is – a UDFA who was never his college team's top receiver – but with his 6-foot-3 frame and nearly Christian Watson-level speed, the Packers have no reason to ignore him in favor of other targets.
The Packers need depth, and J. Michael Sturdivant might be best bet to provide it
Sturdivant played nearly a third of the team's offensive snaps in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons, finishing with three catches on as many targets for 22 yards. Last week in Tampa Bay, he was targeted once and, apart from special teams, only took the field for two plays. That feels like a misuse of his roster spot.
Of course, experience helps. Moore and Melton are more likely to run the proper routes. Melton knows the offense; Moore is a veteran.
As Packers fans have seen all too clearly, though, that doesn't mean they catch the ball. Melton dropped what would have been a huge gain against the Buccaneers. He has one catch on four targets this season.
Moore has just the six receptions on 13 passes, with a long gain of 12. He had one catch for minus-two yards on Sunday.
The Packers still haven't signed a receiver, externally or from their own practice squad, to replace Reed. Sturdivant isn't buried in a deep rotation. He's just buried.
Fans haven't gotten much of a look, but Sturdivant has the traits to become a solid blocker like Watson and Melton. His draft prospect profile indicates he needs to be more physical in run blocking. Certainly, Sturdivant has a size advantage over Moore, who hasn't yet provided much as a gadget weapon on screens or swing passes.
Even if he needs work in that department, it would be odd if blocking concerns were the reason Sturdivant is sitting on the bench. The Packers need someone to run routes. Melton and Moore are both key contributors on special teams, but they have equated to what could generously be called one half of a decent receiver.
The Packers don't need another stud; they just need something. The big three is undoubtedly Watson, Matthew Golden, and tight end Tucker Kraft. Green Bay has seemingly responded to Reed's injury by funneling any extra targets to tight ends and running backs.
There's nothing wrong with that if it's working, but the offense may as well distribute more of the receiving reps to Sturdivant, given what the rest of the room has provided. The Packers gave him a roster spot. They might as well use him.
Add us as a preferred source on Google