Don’t Be Surprised If the Green Bay Packers Release Donald Driver: Fan’s Take

[Pugger]

I don't understand all the focus on Gurley. That wasn't the point of much of the discussion. He's just one practice squad player that is as likely to be cut next year as he is to be on the team. It may be that Driver is better than anyone else they bring in, whether through the draft, from the practice squad or as a free agent. Then again, it may be that they find an upgrade. It might be Gurley, but it's more likely to be a drafted WR or FA signing.

Driver was fine last year, but he was noticeably less effective than his previous year. At some point the decline will be too much to justify a roster spot and with the full set of quality WRs already in place the competition for the last spot or two should be fierce.

Evidently other teams were showing interest in Gurley and Borel and to keep them we upped their salaries to rookie scale instead of PS so some of us are curious to see why these teams were sniffing around and why these 2 players got these raises even tho they stayed on the PS. We shall see come TC this summer.

[sharpe1027]

Evidently other teams were showing interest in Gurley and Borel and to keep them we upped their salaries to rookie scale instead of PS so some of us are curious to see why these teams were sniffing around and why these 2 players got these raises even tho they stayed on the PS. We shall see come TC this summer.

Fair enough. An equally likely scenario is a WR gets drafted and impresses early. That's happened pretty consistently - Murphy, Jennings, Jones, Nelson and Cobb.

[Patler]

This is what piqued my interest in Gurley at the end of TC last year:

The 6 foot four inch tall Gurley has an incredible wingspan of 83.5 inches that far exceeded anybody else at the NFL Combine. His long reach allowed him to block five punts during the Packers training camp sessions to make an immediate impression on the coaching staff. For a team that hasn’t blocked a regular season punt since 2003, the prospect of this added weapon has forced Green Bay to at least think about carrying six receivers.

and this:

All along, he wanted to leave college a year early for the pros. So, thinking ahead, the wide receiver asked to play on special teams as a junior. In addition to compiling 44 catches for 465 yards and four touchdowns, Gurley lined up as the left tackle on kickoff returns, the gunner on the punt team and he rushed off the edge on punt returns.

and this:

To compensate, Gurley relies on focus and body control. With the Gamecocks, he never dropped a pass. And at 83½ inches, Gurley had the longest arm-span among wide receivers at the NFL scouting combine. Alabama's Julio Jones was next at 81¾. No other receiver eclipsed 80.

It very-well might amount to nothing. But the guy seems to be trying to maximize what he has. You have to like his focus and determination.

[hoosier]

This is what piqued my interest in Gurley at the end of TC last year:


The 6 foot four inch tall Gurley has an incredible wingspan of 83.5 inches that far exceeded anybody else at the NFL Combine.

If he makes the team this year his nickname will be the Condor.

[swede]

Mad Stork, Jay, Martin, Robbins, Fisher, Hawk, Herron...

Condor fits in okay.

[Patler]

If he makes the team this year his nickname will be the Condor.

Too late, they already gave him a nickname:

He has blocked five punts during training camp practices this summer, nearly got his hands on one in last Friday's preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts and people are actually referring to him as a Pterodactyl.

It has been used in national articles. The above is from ESPN.

[hoosier]

Condor is cooler. Syndey Pollack would never have had done a film callled "Three Days of the Pterodactyl."

[Cheesehead Craig]

Thank goodness you didn't pick the Vulture.

[SnakeLH2006]

I'm pretty sure that Thompson lets Driver go. His possible production is not the issue...continual roster development is. Thompson firmly believes (and rightfully so) that you need to have a constant group of hungry young talent on the roster. Those young guys who aren't starting are learning none the less, and every week they are in practices and meetings helps them get ready for the day they will eventually be called on. Taking away a developmental roster spot (which is what the #5 WR position truly is) to hang on to an old veteran who has zero upside for you going forward makes no sense.

Letting Driver go does not hurt this team, and could help it by allowing a young kid the chance to get on the roster and begin his learning process for the years ahead...in addition to the cap savings. If Driver wants to play another year or two on a lesser team where he might be able to contribute as a #3 or #4 WR, more power to him. However, he's accomplished more than all but a handful of draft picks taken in the 7th round or later. He has a ring, he has his health, and he has a career in Green Bay as a coach or broadcaster whenever he wishes to enter his next career in life. What more does he really need to accomplish?

This. Bye DD....He's great on TV.

[Upnorth]

Two thing standout to me. If we keep 6 wr's then Driver becomes attractive again. As pointed out by Patler somewhere Driver is cheap until tc when he is due a roster bonus. That will give us time to see who is the right player to keep and not rush to cut.