The Green Bay Packers head into training camp with stiff competition at wide receiver beyond starters Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb.
In the 2014 season, wide receiver is expected to remain a strong position for the Green Bay Packers. Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb will return as the starters, and Jarrett Boykin has a full season of experience in the Packers offense under his belt.
However, James Jones bolted for the Oakland Raiders. With Jones’ departure, general manager Ted Thompson recognized the decline the unit was headed toward.
Thompson continued to establish his reputation as a “draft and develop” general manager and responded by drafting three wide receivers in the NFL draft. Davante Adams was selected in the second round. Jared Abbrederis and Jeff Janis were later taken in the fifth and seventh rounds respectively.
Adams has reportedly struggled with dropped passes in OTAs. His potential and talent should allow him to improve and be the No. 4 receiver in Green Bay though, and he may take over as the No. 3 if he improves enough.
This is not a sure thing though since Abbrederis and Janis are both considered sleepers to push for playing time. They are also prime candidates to become the kick returner for the Packers.
It is assumed that the Packers will carry at least five receivers on their roster, but they may carry six if enough of their receivers perform adequately in training camp and preseason.
Keeping six will not be any easier than keeping five for the Packers. Chris Harper has emerged as a dark horse to make the roster after impressing in OTAs. Myles White and Kevin Dorsey are also fighting for roster spots, but their chances are slim with the incoming rookies emerging.
Despite the impressive depth, experience makes the unit somewhat of a question mark. Cobb and Nelson are the only receivers with extensive experience, and their projected No. 3 receiver Boykin has limited experience. An injury to one of them could cause problems unless a rookie or two can step up right away.
The Packers will likely harbor six wide receivers on the roster. Nelson and Cobb are locks, but the rest of the depth chart is fair game.
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