Packers Mailbag

Welcome to my first edition of the Packers Mailbag, where I’ll be taking all your questions about the Green Bay Packers (and other assorted musings).

If you’d like to give your opinion or ask a question, please email packersmailbag@gmail.com or Tweet me @andrewmertig.

First up!

Who do you see the Packers keeping at WR?

-Tom in Menasha

Obviously, Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams, and Randall Cobb are in. I would rank the rest of the receivers like this (at this point in the preseason):

4. Max McCaffrey
5. Geronimo Allison
6. Jeff Janis
7. Trevor Davis
8. Deangelo Yancey
9. Malachi Dupri
10. Michael Clark

That is a ridiculous amount of talent. If it was my decision I would keep McCaffrey, Allison, and Janis and try to find a trade partner for as many of the other guys as possible. If you could trade Trevor Davis and Yancey to the Jets (which would give them their first two NFL caliber Wide Receivers), I think you could get a 7th rounder and a conditional pick based on how much they play. That would be a better result than one of them ending up on the Vikings. I think Green Bay may be able to sneak Dupri and Clark on the Practice Squad.

Who is the player who will get cut that most people won’t see coming?

-Chris in Oshkosh

I really thought that Quinten Rollins was going to be in trouble this year, but he’s had a nice camp so far. Kyler Fackrell is probably playing for his job. Jayrone Elliott and Reggie Gilbert have surpassed him, and if he doesn’t have an impressive final two preseason games, I could see the Packers moving on quickly from last year’s third round pick.

Weird fact: Jayrone Elliott is in his 4th year, and is only 14 days older than Fackrell.

Who do you think the starting Running Back will be against the Seahawks?

-Kara in Des Moines

I do think Ty Montgomery will hold out and be the “starter”. However, I totally expect a running back by committee. I’ve been impressed with Jamaal Williams decisiveness, and Aaron Jones looks to be the all around threat I was hoping he’d be when he was drafted. After the depth issues last season, it’s nice to know there are some good options in the backfield.

Most overrated Packer?

-Jim in DePere

Clay Matthews. I really don’t think he’s been very good the last three seasons. His constant health concerns, and his inability to play with any discipline make it really difficult for me to support him. I see him running around the tackle and leaving holes in the for the QB to step up. And he’s always had a penchant for poor tackling mechanics. I liked him a little better at ILB because he couldn’t over-pursue as much and it kept him healthier.

All that being said, the Packers lack playmakers on defense, and CM3 is a guy who can make big plays (and give them up as well). Unless they can renegotiate his contract, this has to be the last season for Clay in Green Bay.

That’s all I have for this week. Remember to submit your questions for next week.