McCarthy On Driver: Then And Now

[Scott Campbell]

It is conceivable that the Packers keep 6 WRs this year, that sort of thing is fairly common in NFL circles. Last year after TC we had 10 WRs+FBs+TEs. You could keep (for example) 6 WRs, 3 TEs, 1 FB and not change the numbers at any other position.

As much as Finley lines up outside, do we really need to keep 6 WR's?

[Patler]

It is conceivable that the Packers keep 6 WRs this year, that sort of thing is fairly common in NFL circles. Last year after TC we had 10 WRs+FBs+TEs. You could keep (for example) 6 WRs, 3 TEs, 1 FB and not change the numbers at any other position.

Sure, but are you going to keep Driver around and make him a game day inactive? To me, you don't keep a 6th WR if it is just to hang on to Driver.

[sharpe1027]

Jennings plays every position, so no one WR is going to take over for him anyway. Last year, Driver was mostly used as a dink and dunk option, a great safety valve. He's slowed down, but very smart. He knows how to use his body to shield defenders, but doesn't get much separation. Hell, even at his best part of his career was never a clear #1 WR.

There is no way I would want Driver trying to take over for Jennings next year. Stretching the field is no longer a valid option for him (sure he might slip past a DB from time to time, but he's not going to outrun them). Leave him to do what he can still do and have other players step up.

[Lurker64]

Sure, but are you going to keep Driver around and make him a game day inactive? To me, you don't keep a 6th WR if it is just to hang on to Driver.

I think the reason to keep 6 WRs has more to do with "you're concerned Dale Moss (for example) won't clear waivers" than Donald Driver.

[Patler]

I think the reason to keep 6 WRs has more to do with "you're concerned Dale Moss (for example) won't clear waivers" than Donald Driver.

For me, the reason to keep 5 is because you want to see what Gurley, Borel, Moss, etc. has to offer in real situations, and the reason to keep 6 is you can't decide between them.

[sharpe1027]

Our offense really tries to generate and take advantage of mismatches. If one of the new WRs is able to create mismatch potentials (whether speed, size or otherwise) and they can play special teams, they begin to look very attractive for a roster spot.

[Lurker64]

For me, the reason to keep 5 is because you want to see what Gurley, Borel, Moss, etc. has to offer in real situations, and the reason to keep 6 is you can't decide between them.

Well, Driver may be worth keeping (at a lower salary) due to his leadership qualities, while bottom of the roster guys like Gurley, Borel, and Moss are ultimately competing with players at completely different positions due to their special teams acumen. I mean, if Green Bay kept Brett Swain as the 5th WR for years, never playing him on offense, because he was good on special teams, I could see Borel, Gurley, or Moss kept as a 6th WR instead of a 10th LB (say) because they are better on special teams than the last guy off the bench at that position.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Well, Driver may be worth keeping (at a lower salary) due to his leadership qualities, while bottom of the roster guys like Gurley, Borel, and Moss are ultimately competing with players at completely different positions due to their special teams acumen. I mean, if Green Bay kept Brett Swain as the 5th WR for years, never playing him on offense, because he was good on special teams, I could see Borel, Gurley, or Moss kept as a 6th WR instead of a 10th LB (say) because they are better on special teams than the last guy off the bench at that position.

I don't think Swain was here that long. He was injured one year. Plus, HE was the developmental prospect. Unfortunately, the best we had apparently. Wasn't he kept over Ruvell Martin? Which is more evidence that teams will keep a developmental/special teams player over an again veteran as the #5 WR.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I see your point. A month ago I was arguing the same. It's a very convincing argument and I don't think he's better than Cobb and he may only be marginally better than Jones if that.

I'll play the what if game though. What happens if Jennings goes down? Who do you lean on? Nelson and... what? Jones? Cobb? Jones is spotty at best and Cobb is a slot WR, nothing more. Driver would be your guy out there who you can count on. The best backup in the league. With the wide array of packages that our team runs, our #3 through #5 will get basically the same amount of work. If you equate our #3 to our #5, then you have to ask who gives you the best chance to win a ring? A developmental guy with uncertain potiential or DD? I think DD gives you the better chance at winning.

Once again, I submit that if someone clearly beats out DD or he does not redo his contract, then we should get rid of him.

Jones is better than Driver at this point, and Driver isn't going to replace Jennings. In fact, on the outside Jones is the only one of the backups that could (considering Nelson as the starter). Cobb and Driver are mostly slot receivers.

[channtheman]

If Driver performs at the same level as a young guy, you have to go with the young guy. I would go with the young guy who has potential even if he performs a little worse than Driver. Teams don't stay great because they keep going with the old guy. Just imagine if we had kept Favre ONE more year. Sure he could still play, but then we lose Rodgers. I know keeping Driver and losing an unknown 5th receiver doesn't sound so bad, but the point still stands... and we have no idea how good the 5th receiver could end up being.

[Scott Campbell]

If Driver makes the team, it'll say a lot more about how much Gurley and Borel suck than it does about Driver being good.

[Upnorth]

I say keep Driver but as a coach.

[Joemailman]

It'll be interesting to see if the Wonder Kids can step up. There have been guys from the practice squad before who turned out to have a low ceiling.

[Patler]

Well, Driver may be worth keeping (at a lower salary) due to his leadership qualities, while bottom of the roster guys like Gurley, Borel, and Moss are ultimately competing with players at completely different positions due to their special teams acumen. I mean, if Green Bay kept Brett Swain as the 5th WR for years, never playing him on offense, because he was good on special teams, I could see Borel, Gurley, or Moss kept as a 6th WR instead of a 10th LB (say) because they are better on special teams than the last guy off the bench at that position.

We have Jennings and Nelson to provide leadership. It's time for them. If they can't take it over now, they never will be ready.

My entire argument presupposes there is something in the performances of Gurley, Borel, Moss etc. to warrant a longer look. If they prove to be totally useles as WRs, then sure, you keep Driver (or find a waiver wire pickup). However, since TT upped the salaries of the first two just to keep them around last season, I suspect at least one will merit an honest look this year.

[woodbuck27]

Do you think Driver should be given the #5 receiver spot over a development guy with uncertain potential? I see no reason to keep Driver in that spot.

Do you think Driver should be kept if he is no better than Jones or Cobb? I do not.

To me, if Driver is not a clear and convincing #3 at WR, there is little reason to keep him at this point.

Then DD will be in TC competeing for a spot on the roster. His season compared to those that might take it if he's simply trashed. DD wins thee hands down. It's certainly in the awareness of any sports fan that loyalty has gone out the window as Pro Athletes age. DD and Packers (sentences) will NOT contain any word as 'loyalty' beyond this day.

Thanks for 'the support DD side' Patler. You certainly fit the bill for a management position.

GO Donald Driver.