The search begins to locate additional talent for the Green Bay Packers WR Corps. On the outset the 2019 season appeared to have a young but talented receivers room. What we learned, aside from Davante Adams, was a group that never reached it’s potential, suffered from poor route recognition and delivered multiple drops. During Adams absence we witnessed some very good performances from everyone not named Davante. The product once he returned, was much less impressive. Whether it was Aaron Rodgers depending on Adams or the younger wide outs depending on Adams, the result was the same, poor production.
Equanimeous St. Brown, never got started and spent the season on injured reserve. Geronimo Allison, may have never recovered from his 2018 injury, which caused him to miss 12 games that season. Geronimo was extremely inconsistent in 2019 and delivered too many drops in key situations. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who is blessed with blazing speed, is a poor route runner with embarrassing drops. Jake Kumerow has very sure hands, is a precise route runner, but never saw the field enough to make a difference. Even when Matt LaFleur stated that Kumerow would figure into the game plan, it didn’t happen. That’s a possible reason among many for the departure of WR Coach Alvis Whitted. One receiver who showed promise for 2020 was Allen Lazard. Lazard runs great routes, hangs on to the ball, and can block. We shall see how these receivers perform in camp and who will land on the 53 and don the Green and Gold Week 1.
There is definitely some interesting talent for GM Brian Gutekunst to choose from in the upcoming NFL 2020 Draft, April 23-25. Gutekunst will get his first chance to evaluate that talent, other than film research, at the NFL Combine February 23 through March 2. The wide receivers will display their talents on Thursday Feb. 27th. This 2020 draft class for the Wide Receivers is loaded with impact talent. The top 3 may be off the board by the time Packers make their selection at #30, but they do have 10 selections and could bundle some picks to make a move up. At number 1 most have Jerry Jeudy, Alabama, who possesses great route running, speed, and good hands. CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma is a very close second. While he may not possess blazing speed, he has both inside and outside skills, with exceptional physical attributes. Another Alabama product is slotted at the 3rd position, Henry Ruggs III. Ruggs is a sprint champion with great YAC, while also displaying very good receiving skills. Most likely at Pick number 30, the Packers will find Laviska Chenault, Colorado and/or Tee Higgins, Clemson, both could be Week 1 starters. They have great speed, precision route execution and are great Red Zone performers. Don’t be surprised though if LaFleur and Gutekunst fool everyone and pick Justin Jefferson, a game changer for National Champion LSU and favorite target of potential #1 Overall Pick Joe Burrow.
There you have it, six wide receivers who could be the potential first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft for the Green Bay Packers (or a high second round pick eg Jordy Nelson). Then of course the Packers could make fools out of all of us and choose D-Line, or O-Line with their first pick. That’s what makes all this predicting both fun and frustrating. Enjoy all the prognosticating and laugh when the results are revealed.
As Always, Go Pack Go!
PackerGreg
PackerGreg Veteran/Go Army @DrGTP on Twitter
11 responses to “Packers Search for Receiver Boost!”
IMO, go with DL, OL, or ILB with the first pick. There’s enough WR talent in this draft to wait until the middle rounds.
Besides, WR’s taken with the first picks usually end up being head cases.
I tend to agree with you, minus a couple exceptions. If Jeudy, Ruggs, Lamb, or Shenault are there, despite being highly unlikely, I think you take a WR. I think the OL pick makes more sense in the 2nd as most of the ‘highly’ rated OT are projects. ILB makes a lot of sense and I personally think Zack Baun would give Pettine a ton of flexibility in this defense
Unfortunately every 2020 mock draftt I have seen so far has Zack Baun getting drafted before the 30th pick ????
I can see that given the lack of edge players in this draft. I for one am extremely excited and ‘nervous’ on how it will turn out for the Packers
Some of those WR will not be available. There will be descent talent avail. the good ones will be gone. DL, OL, or ILB are more pressing needs and draft not so deep at these positions.
Packers ran the ball well last year and that cut down a lot of reps for WR’s last year..
Basically the truth is Lafluer is full of shit with his comments. He said Kumerow earned more throws which never happened. Rodgers trusted him huh? BS talk to me. You can buy all the crap talk, not me. I’ve been a loyal fan since 1959 and know bulls hitters easily. This was smoke only. Scant, GMO, Graham, Tonyan must be gone. Sternberger is a gamble maybe. Keep Lewis as he blocks well and is not costly. If Stenberger diesnt shine in camps and preseason then bye time. Develop you say? BS. Get some quick, precise route runners with size and toughness to complement Adams. The draft is loaded, get hungry!!
At least Ted will not be in it to pick a Div. 11 punter first.
Plenty of good options. I also want to see what a new receivers coach can do.
I miss Edgar Bennett as Receivers Coach … We saw a lot of great talent bloom under his instruction…