Packer WR's

[KYPack]

There is a whole herd of 'em.

Looked at the roster & was knocked out by how many WR's were on it.

I know it's early & all, but 13 is a big bunch of pass catchers:

WR - Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, Ruvell Martin, Koren Robinson, Brett Swain, Shaun Bodiford, Chris Francies, Johnny Quinn, Jake Allen, Rod Harper, Taj Smith.


Tell Chris Francies to rent not buy that condo.

[red]

thats it?

i think TT really messed up by not using the other two second round picks on WR also

then we'd be set

[KYPack]

Can't say I know Johnny Quinn, Jake Allen, Rod Harper, & Taj Smith from Adam.

Chris Francies?

I've tried to figure out how he's hung around this long.

[Joemailman]

We got 2 rookie QB's. Somebody's gotta catch all those passes at the rookie mini-camp.

[Lurker64]

Can't say I know Johnny Quinn, Jake Allen, Rod Harper, & Taj Smith from Adam.

Chris Francies?

I've tried to figure out how he's hung around this long.

He was on the roster briefly last year, my sense is that the staff likes him slightly less than they like Bodiford and Bodiford has made this roster several times. I imagine he's a hard working kid who's willing to do what they ask him to and will play special teams, he just has a fairly low ceiling. He's sort of the Noah Herron of WRs. Back when we didn't have our current depth at WR, you need guys like that to round out a roster.

I imagine he may be looking for work after this year, however.

[texaspackerbacker]

Cross off everybody after Swain.

I think/hope we keep six of them. That probably means 2 spots for 3 guys--Martin, Robinson, and Swain. Swain is most likely to be gone, KRob IMO is second most likely, and Ruvell the best bet of the three to stay.

[dissident94]

Wonder what driver would net us in a trade. Just thinking. With all this youth on offense Driver only has a couple years left in him since he is or will be 33 this year. Jennings, Jones, Nelson, Martin are the future at WR.

I would still keep Driver, but if a team was in a bind and offered a good deal would you consider a trade

[Joemailman]

No. Having a great, experienced receiver like Driver will be invaluable as Aaron Rodgers makes the transition to starting QB.

[HarveyWallbangers]

No. Having a great, experienced receiver like Driver will be invaluable as Aaron Rodgers makes the transition to starting QB.

Agreed. We are young, but we have nice veteran leadership. Driver leads the young WRs. Clifton and Tauscher on the OL. Kampman at DE. Pickett at DT. Harris in the secondary.

[CaliforniaCheez]

I'd like to see Koren Robinson cut. He never has done much to impress me and had a terrible playoff game against the Giants. He held make guys like Bodiford, Holiday, and Martin.

Roster:

Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Ruvell Martin

Practice Squad:

Chris Francies,
Brett Swain

On the bubble:

Bodiford

Perhaps Robinson and or Bodiford can be traded for something or anything.

[Fritz]

What I think everybody's missing here is that in a recent JSO article it was mentioned that K-Rob's knee is now bone-on-bone.

I think he's a goner, so as for Nelson, he's looking at competing with Ruvell Martin for the #4 spot. After Martin, there may be one job for a guy who is young and maybe can return punts and kicks. Maybe.

Brett Swain on the Practice Squad? Chris Francies is like that ugly guy/girl who keeps hanging around and gets used by the good looking girl/guy in school, but continues to hang around, hoping for a miracle. I feel bad for the guy.

[RashanGary]

I don't think Ruvell is a lock for a couple of reasons

1 - He's not that good. He's OK, but you don't really want your #5 reciever to a be a low upside guy who is never going to be more and can't play ST's.

2 - The only reason the Packers take another reciever is if he's absolutely the best player on the board. If there is another player at just about any other position, I think the Packers take the other position. This tells me Swain might be rated higher than hsi draft position would indicate.



He runs fast. He's good after the catch. He's got decent size. He's been pretty productive. There is no reason this guy can't be a good player and Ruvell Martin isn't so I don't think Ruvell is quite the lock that people make him out to be. I wouldn't be the least bit suprised if the WR's are Driver, Jennings, Jones, Nelson and Swain or any other high upside player that can play ST's and isn't guaranteed to be mediocre like Ruvell. The last roster spots are for rotating doors to continue to seive for better talent. They're not long term hideaway spots for below average. When Thompson starts hanging on to below average year after year I'll stop supporting him like I do. That's what Sherman did.

[Brohm]

Francies topped out but has been the emergency guy coming off the PS in case of injuries. He won't be PS eligible this year I believe so they need to find someone (hopefully with a bit more upside) as a developmental receiver to have on the PS.

[Spaulding]

I honestly think Martin has a better chance to make the team even possibly as a #3 if Jones doesn't progress.

I base this on the stories that Martin and Rodgers have quite a rapport together due to their extensive time in practice together and that Rogers actually feels most comfortable with Martin at this stage. Granted that can quickly change when he gains the benefit of practicing and playing with Driver and Jennings but you have to think that he'll be looking Martin's way on plays to some degree.

[Merlin]

What I want to know is why everyone thinks Robinson is on the bubble? I guess I don't see it that way. He is a pretty good receiver who hasn't played a full season for us because of a suspension. Thompson knew that when he brought him in here. I guess I don't see getting rid of a guy who played pretty good for us the small amount of time he was was actually eligible to play.

Driver, Jennings, and Jones are the odds on favorite on top three. We will probably keep 6 or 7 on that list. McCarthy and Thompson have both said that will keep the top 53 football players on the active roster. We learned last year that position doesn't really matter to a point. We may only carry 2 QB's again, that opens up a spot.

It's not unusual for teams to carry a return specialist and Robinson is very good at that. Woodson shouldn't be returning punts because of the lack of depth at his position, he would be hard to replace with our current roster if he got injured.

[run pMc]

Haven't seen Swain play so I can't say if he's any good or not. Playing well enough to beat NFL veterans is not a given.
IIRC Ruvell was Rodgers's go-to guy when Rodgers ran the scout team. Ruvell doesn't seem to be much of a red-zone weapon which seems odd given his size. KoRo is probably gone. Guys like Francies and Bodiford could beat Swain because they know the offense better.
A rash of WR injuries and those guys are seeing the field. (Heaven forbid DD and GJ go down with injuries.) Unless he's lights-out in camp like GJ was as a rookie, Swain will likely end up on the PS and learn the offense.
If there's a trend to TT's drafting, it's that he drafts for the future and rarely for the upcoming season. Maybe TT is pissed off he lost David Clowney to the Jets. Kidding aside, I think Swain is a pick for the future. Let's hope he turns out better than Cory Rodgers.

[run pMc]

What I want to know is why everyone thinks Robinson is on the bubble?

KoRo is super-talented, but having a bone-on-bone issue in your knee is not a good sign, not to mention his suspension and injury history. His numbers last year were so-so. (see below)


Driver, Jennings, and Jones are the odds on favorite on top three.

It's not unusual for teams to carry a return specialist and Robinson is very good at that.
Agree with these points, although while

Koren returned 25 KOs for 596 yds (23.8 avg)
Tramon Williams returned 30 KOs for 684 yds (22.8 avg). He also returned 6 punts for 118 yds (19.7 avg) and a TD

Koren hasn't returned a punt since 2005, and he caught all of 21 passes last year. My guess is they won't keep Koren for his KO abilities if he doesn't show he's healthy and flash the ability he did 3 years ago for the Vikings. Like many posters, I'm skeptical he will be able to do this. I do wish him luck, though.

The bottom line is that I didn't see much from him that a cheaper, healthier player like Nelson or Williams couldn't do.

[sharpe1027]

Chris Francies is like that ugly guy/girl who keeps hanging around and gets used by the good looking girl/guy in school, but continues to hang around, hoping for a miracle. I feel bad for the guy.

I like the analogy, it made me laugh. Except that that in this case the ugly girl is paying him thousands of dollars just to show up and then over $80,000 for only a few months of work. Poor guy. :D

[woodbuck27]

No. Having a great, experienced receiver like Driver will be invaluable as Aaron Rodgers makes the transition to starting QB.

Also DD is a Packer from the begining of his solid career. He contributes a lot to the community as well. I want him to retire as a Packer possibly after his extention is over, and if he can still play a vital role in games.

I'd hate to see DD traded for a draft pick (s).

PACKERS FOREVER!

[Maxie the Taxi]

Remember David Clowney? How many after the 07' draft had him sticking with the team? I did.

All bets are off until we see how these guys actually perform in pads under the coaches' scrutiny.

[Bossman641]

What I want to know is why everyone thinks Robinson is on the bubble? I guess I don't see it that way. He is a pretty good receiver who hasn't played a full season for us because of a suspension. Thompson knew that when he brought him in here. I guess I don't see getting rid of a guy who played pretty good for us the small amount of time he was was actually eligible to play.

Driver, Jennings, and Jones are the odds on favorite on top three. We will probably keep 6 or 7 on that list. McCarthy and Thompson have both said that will keep the top 53 football players on the active roster. We learned last year that position doesn't really matter to a point. We may only carry 2 QB's again, that opens up a spot.

It's not unusual for teams to carry a return specialist and Robinson is very good at that. Woodson shouldn't be returning punts because of the lack of depth at his position, he would be hard to replace with our current roster if he got injured.

Most people think Robinson is on the bubble because of his injury. I was hopefult that he would come in this offseason and be explosive. Last year he didn't seem to have the burst that he had before. You could blame that on the fact that he hadn't been able to play, or even practice, in such a long time. The recent news of his bone-on-bone condition makes it less likely that we will see a different Koren.

I hope that he comes in and blows everybody away. You've gotta be proud of the guy for the way he has turned his life around. I'd like nothing more than him to be a big contributor, but I just don't see it happening.

I disagree on some of the comments about Martin. He hasn't made any big jumps, but he has progressed year by year. He's never gonna be a starter, but for a 4-5 guy he is above average. He's also the best downfield blocker the Packers have. I'd say he's a pretty good bet to make the team.

I'm hoping they keep 6. Driver, Jennings, Jones, and Nelson are locks. I'd say Martin has a pretty good chance. After that it should either be Robinson or Bodiford. Haven't they been pretty high on Bodiford's return ability or was that somebody else? If Robinson comes in and shows more then he did last year it's him. How much does Bodiford offer you in the passing game? I don't see them holding on to him just for his return ability. We have plenty of potential returners - Tramon Williams, Blackmon (knock on wood), Robinson.

[oregonpackfan]

It sure is nice to have the "problem" of too many qualified receivers! It was not too long ago the Packers had the opposite problem.

[texaspackerbacker]

Some good points were made in the past few posts.

I really don't expect Driver to be traded. Some people seem to think the Packers are the kind of team that exists to provide that one missing piece to some other championship calibur team. Nope, we ARE the championship calibur team.

KRob could go either way--make that 3 possibilities. He could be done with that knee problem mentioned; Or the injury could be overrated, and he could be ready to play like he did a few years ago; Or maybe he could be the one who gets traded for a worthwhile draft pick.

I'm expecting/hoping that the Packers keep six WRs. Swain could be a throwaway, but knowing Thompson, Swain will probably put up a decent battle with Martin and Robinson for the 5th and hopefully 6th spot.

[DonHutson]

Koren Robinson has had what? Seven years on three teams to turn potential into production. He's never done it. He's had one good year as a kick returner and one good year as a WR.

He was a great athlete at one point, but I see little evidence of that now. He's not the type of cerebral perfect route runner that can play through declining athletic ability. So I don't expect much more from him than what I've seen lately.

I applaud him for his efforts to turn his life around. He's been a solid citizen since coming back. If football provided some of the motivation for that turn around then I'm glad the Packers could provide that. However, this isn't a halfway house or a rehab center (enter Bengals joke here) and if he can't perform he should be gone.

That said, there's no reason to get rid of him now. Let him compete in camp. If he's one of the five best then keep him. But all things being equal, you'd rather keep a younger guy who's best days are ahead of him. I have to figure someone off that list can take his job.

If nothing else Martin seems like a bright guy who busts his ass all the time because he knows he's lucky to be here. His height provides an element that the others are lacking. I can live with him as the #5 again, but he could be in danger as well since he's probably maxed out as a player too.

[Fritz]

To me, the Robinson case is very simple - it's an injury problem. Bone-on-bone knee issues lead to a short career. It's not a question of ability. I'm not down on the guy; it just appears that he's got a career ending injury.

[KYPack]

To me, the Robinson case is very simple - it's an injury problem. Bone-on-bone knee issues lead to a short career. It's not a question of ability. I'm not down on the guy; it just appears that he's got a career ending injury.

When was that article Fritz, I didn't see it?

If it's that serioujs, he's done and will have a knee replacement in 15 - 20 years. It would explain the loss of speed. He was ssslow on that return in the Giant game.

I think MM wants more toys to greatly expand the passing attack.

[packers11]

I think MM wants more toys to greatly expand the passing attack.

He has plenty now...

The "Fab 5" looks better than ever with Nelson in the mix... Hopefully he doesn't use less of it because Favre isn't there; he should have the same confidence in Rodgers as he did in Favre...

[Joemailman]

It sure is nice to have the "problem" of too many qualified receivers! It was not too long ago the Packers had the opposite problem.

I think it's kind of funny that one year after people were slamming TT for not signing Moss, a lot of people were wondering why TT spent his top pick on a WR. Hoe did we go from "Favre needs more weapons" to "Rodgers has tons of weapons" in one year?

[Bretsky]

It sure is nice to have the "problem" of too many qualified receivers! It was not too long ago the Packers had the opposite problem.

I think it's kind of funny that one year after people were slamming TT for not signing Moss, a lot of people were wondering why TT spent his top pick on a WR. Hoe did we go from "Favre needs more weapons" to "Rodgers has tons of weapons" in one year?



I slammed TT for not signing Moss; but I'm perfectly fine with drafting a WR. Ruvell Martin or an injured Koren Robinson or both could be upgraded

It seems that the year Favre retires we may have the strongest group of #1-#5 WR's in the last twenty years.

[MJZiggy]

That's why no one saw Brett's retirement coming.

[Patler]

That's why no one saw Brett's retirement coming.

Not "no one"! 8-) 8-) :thank: :thank:

[Bretsky]

That's why no one saw Brett's retirement coming.

Not "no one"! 8-) 8-) :thank: :thank:



Hey, can you predict something positive for a change ???? :lol:

[Patler]

That's why no one saw Brett's retirement coming.

Not "no one"! 8-) 8-) :thank: :thank:



Hey, can you predict something positive for a change ???? :lol:

Gee, and I'm usually a fairly positive outlook sort of person!

[woodbuck27]

That's why no one saw Brett's retirement coming.

I predicted that Favre would retire this off season.

I've seen the obvious lack of support he got from TT since TT arrived. It was too in your face and too many here refused to see it.

I predict this too.

Soon we'll get the damning evidence too. Favre's feelings and words about TT's lack of show of support; and the botom line . Favre's statements Re: TT's failure to deliver that support.

The case will then be closed as to:

The real reason Brett Favre retired from the Packers. This is going to heat up folks. TT didn't want Brett Favre back and this can of worms will make TT very uncomfortable.

I can't wait for it to come out. To all come out.

I've not been wrong.

PACKERS FOREVER!

[woodbuck27]

It sure is nice to have the "problem" of too many qualified receivers! It was not too long ago the Packers had the opposite problem.

I think it's kind of funny that one year after people were slamming TT for not signing Moss, a lot of people were wondering why TT spent his top pick on a WR. Hoe did we go from "Favre needs more weapons" to "Rodgers has tons of weapons" in one year?



I slammed TT for not signing Moss; but I'm perfectly fine with drafting a WR. Ruvell Martin or an injured Koren Robinson or both could be upgraded

It seems that the year Favre retires we may have the strongest group of #1-#5 WR's in the last twenty years.

Has he retired?

[ahaha]

That's why no one saw Brett's retirement coming.

I predicted that Favre would retire this off season.

I've seen the obvious lack of support he got from TT since TT arrived. It was too in your face and too many here refused to see it.

I predict this too.

Soon we'll get the damning evidence too. Favre's feelings and words about TT's lack of show of support; and the botom line . Favre's statements Re: TT's failure to deliver that support.

The case will then be closed as to:

The real reason Brett Favre retired from the Packers. This is going to heat up folks. TT didn't want Brett Favre back and this can of worms will make TT very uncomfortable.

I can't wait for it to come out. To all come out.

I've not been wrong.

PACKERS FOREVER!

So you think Favre is lying about why he's retiring? Is he part of this conspriracy too? Is he covering up the truth because he's afraid of the facsist TT regime and their possible retailiation for any comments about "the real reason he retired"? Hopefully, in thirty years, top secret documents will be made public. Then we'll find out that TT hates Favre and ran him out of Green Bay.

[texaspackerbacker]

Some things are best left unsaid and unknown.

I tend to agree with Woodbuck's assessment of the situation, but I really don't want all that dirty laundry put on display.

Favre has more class than to bring it up--I think/hope. If he does speak out, it will tarnish his image--assuming the Packers continue to be successful, and Thompson is generally regarded as the thinker behind the success.

And it obviously wouldn't do Thompson's image any good either. Some people would hate him more for dissing Favre than they would love him for giving us a probable outstanding team.

Let a bunch of other teams have their scandals and controversies. I don't want that for the Packers--even if the story is true.

[Merlin]

That's why no one saw Brett's retirement coming.

I predicted that Favre would retire this off season.

I've seen the obvious lack of support he got from TT since TT arrived. It was too in your face and too many here refused to see it.

I predict this too.

Soon we'll get the damning evidence too. Favre's feelings and words about TT's lack of show of support; and the botom line . Favre's statements Re: TT's failure to deliver that support.

The case will then be closed as to:

The real reason Brett Favre retired from the Packers. This is going to heat up folks. TT didn't want Brett Favre back and this can of worms will make TT very uncomfortable.

I can't wait for it to come out. To all come out.

I've not been wrong.

PACKERS FOREVER!

So you think Favre is lying about why he's retiring? Is he part of this conspriracy too? Is he covering up the truth because he's afraid of the facsist TT regime and their possible retailiation for any comments about "the real reason he retired"? Hopefully, in thirty years, top secret documents will be made public. Then we'll find out that TT hates Favre and ran him out of Green Bay.

I have been with Woody on this since the beginning. Just because you see things differently doesn't mean that there is a "conspiracy". It is what it is, none of us knows what goes on behind closed doors so making fun of someone because they don't share your opinion is just lame. I believe someday it will come out exactly "why" Favre retired when he did. My question to you is: Will you be here to apologize for all of your childish antics because you think you know everything? Probably not.

[sharpe1027]

Has he retired?

Yes. If you say anything about the meaningless retirement papers, I will slap you. :twisted:

[Bossman641]

That's why no one saw Brett's retirement coming.

I predicted that Favre would retire this off season.

I've seen the obvious lack of support he got from TT since TT arrived. It was too in your face and too many here refused to see it.

I predict this too.

Soon we'll get the damning evidence too. Favre's feelings and words about TT's lack of show of support; and the botom line . Favre's statements Re: TT's failure to deliver that support.

The case will then be closed as to:

The real reason Brett Favre retired from the Packers. This is going to heat up folks. TT didn't want Brett Favre back and this can of worms will make TT very uncomfortable.

I can't wait for it to come out. To all come out.

I've not been wrong.

PACKERS FOREVER!

So you think Favre is lying about why he's retiring? Is he part of this conspriracy too? Is he covering up the truth because he's afraid of the facsist TT regime and their possible retailiation for any comments about "the real reason he retired"? Hopefully, in thirty years, top secret documents will be made public. Then we'll find out that TT hates Favre and ran him out of Green Bay.

I have been with Woody on this since the beginning. Just because you see things differently doesn't mean that there is a "conspiracy". It is what it is, none of us knows what goes on behind closed doors so making fun of someone because they don't share your opinion is just lame. I believe someday it will come out exactly "why" Favre retired when he did. My question to you is: Will you be here to apologize for all of your childish antics because you think you know everything? Probably not.

It's not that TT or MM didn't want Favre back. If I recall, MM spoke with Favre weekly. Even when Favre told MM he was going to retire, MM told him to think about it for another week. TT and MM let it be known publicly many times that they wanted Favre to come back, that they were expecting him to come back and were surprised at the decision.

Favre doesn't need to be babied. He's a grown man, if he needs someone to beg him to come back and push him to come back, then he probably shouldn't be playing. QB's need to want to be playing, to want to be out there on the biggest stage possible. Favre looked like he wanted to curl up next to a fire before the Giants game. IMO, Favre took a look at his life, decided he has had a great career, has been blessed with good health, and decided he didn't want to go through all the work again.

If I hear one more thing about TT not supporting Favre I will snap. Look at the weapons we had last year. Who cares we didn't get YOUR weapons, we still had plenty of talent at the skill positions, with the potential to be even better this year.

[run pMc]

I don't think TT was the reason Favre retired. At least not the only reason. It didn't seem like they were buddy-buddy, but how would that look to the team and fans if the QB and the GM were BFFs? It oculd be that their relationship was very professional and a little frosty, and that might have been a contributing factor to Favre's retirement. If it was the only reason, and Favre still wanted to play, he'd have been traded.
For as much as TT values draft picks, and how he handled Javon Walker, you don't think he'd trade Favre if he was unhappy and wanted to be traded?
As for Favre always wanting to be a Packer, I think he's too competitive to not change his mind if he could chase a ring someplace else. I just think he's worn out. He's started more consecutive games than any QB in NFL history...he had an amazingly long career. For all the hits he's taken, all the practices and grueling offseasons, I'd be tired too.

Back on topic, I think the group of WR's TT has assembled is a good one, and it has to be -- Rodgers will have to lean on them to win games. Nelson will be the #5 or #6 at the start of the season and maybe the #4 by midseason. I don't think he'll beat JJ for the #3 this year. I also think Ruvell will hold the #4 and might slip to #5. I'm not sure if they'll keep 6 WR's unless the #5 & #6 play a lot of ST's. Koren will have to fight for a spot.
Then again, camp hasn't started, so who knows.

[KYPack]

I thought 13 WR's was a bit high.

The KRob cut leaves us at 12.

I'd think we will contine to cut from there, rather than add any vets.

[cpk1994]

You guys need to realize that Merlin and Woody hate TT and will ALWAYS piss and moan becuase he didn't build the team THEIR way. The fact that TT is succeeding really burns their asses. Remember, Merlin won't be happy with a Super Bowl win becuase TT didn't meet his 3 personal benchmarks.

[Tarlam!]

I'd think we will contine to cut from there, rather than add any vets.

I agree. I don't see TT trading for, say, Chad Johnson or any of the other "I want a new contract" crowd.

I doubt any other vets get cut elsewhere that are better than K-Rob or the best 6 WR's we have on the roster.