Has Driver stayed a year too long?

[Patler]

Interesting article:

http://www.packersnews.com/article/2...text|FRONTPAGE

Take Driver’s 16 snaps against the Texans, for example. Throw out the four runs, and Driver was on the field for 12 passes. On two of those, he was assigned to block on hitch or screen passes to his side of the formation and did so dutifully, and once the play was a quick throw to Nelson on the other side of the formation. But on the other nine plays, Driver had plenty of time in his route. By subjective analysis, Driver wasn’t open on any of those plays, all of which came with him lined up in his familiar slot position from which he made so many of his franchise-record 738 receptions.

It does point out the other attributes he brings in attitude, work ethic, role model, etc. But there is the suggestion that, as a receiver, he doesn't have it anymore.

Would they have kept him if not for the notoriety gained from winning "Dancing With The Stars"?

[pbmax]

He probably has, and the Packers coaches probably should have seen it earlier last year. He might be more valuable than Boykin of injury were to force both to start or play meaningful snaps, but its clear that not even losing Jennings can clear room for him in the offense.

It would seem to be a luxury to have a non ST as the fifth WR.

[MadtownPacker]

Negative!

DD is scoring a TD today!

[Smidgeon]

Interesting article:

http://www.packersnews.com/article/2...text|FRONTPAGE



It does point out the other attributes he brings in attitude, work ethic, role model, etc. But there is the suggestion that, as a receiver, he doesn't have it anymore.

Would they have kept him if not for the notoriety gained from winning "Dancing With The Stars"?

From a JS chat:

Q: Dave, Delavan - Tom, why did the Packers keep the DWTS champion on their roster this year? He seems to be serving little or no purpose in the offense this year. Wouldn't it have been better to keep another young player from training camp who could be developed for the long term?
A: Tom Silverstein - Not really. There isn't a WR that isn't on the roster because Driver is. Jarrett Boykin made the team and he's the only guy who was worthy of it that was in training camp. If Tori Gurley and Diondre Borel were that good they'd be on 53-man rosters now. So, it's not keeping a better receiver from being on the team. Driver serves a role even if it's not always on the field. He's a hard worker, he's wise and he sets a good example for not only the receivers but everyone else. If injuries became a huge issue and they needed his roster spot, they would probably have to cut him loose. But right now, it's not necessary.

[Patler]

What Silverstein doesn't address are players at other positions. It likely wasn't another WR who was released instead of Driver, it might have been someone at another position.

They might need Drivers spot if/when Quarless and/or Zombo are ready.

[King Friday]

I disagree Patler. With the Packers offensive focus so dominant on the receiving side of the equation, they had to keep 6 WRs IMO. If they hadn't kept Driver, I think it would've been another WR on the roster.

I don't feel horrible that they kept Driver...he's a great veteran guy to have in reserve when needed. However, it may hinder the team going forward if we lose Jennings because we don't want to pay market value for him).

[Packers4Glory]

nah. I think if he had to play more snaps due to more injuries I think he'd be productive. It's just that this yr they have decided to feature more of Cobb and they haven't slimmed down Jone's role. Driver is an insurance policy that will expire after this season.

[mraynrand]

Time for Driver to face fact.

[Lurker64]

The only reason for Driver to be on this roster right now is his presence and attitude in the locker room. He's a leader and a role model, but you don't really want to play him.

[gbgary]

a year too long? no...he was kept as insurance. glad we have him.

[RashanGary]

Yes.

Especially since I saw MM comments saying Boykin would have been a 2nd or 3rd round pick if not for his poor combine. They dress him on game days. I think the Packers really like him.

Driver is done. He could play, but not here.

[Cheesehead Craig]

This will be Driver's last year as I think he'll get plain beat out for a job next year. I think he was a good insurance policy WR.

[RashanGary]

If the Packers think Sherrod would be in good shape for the last couple weeks of the season, and near full strength for the playoffs, I don't think it's a stretch to use a roster spot on that insurance policy rather than on Driver.

Tackle vs WR. . . . . If they believe in Sherrod, it's a tough choice.

[Pugger]

The only reason for Driver to be on this roster right now is his presence and attitude in the locker room. He's a leader and a role model, but you don't really want to play him.

This.

[George Cumby]

DD will prove his worth at a critical juncture in an important game this season.

But this is his swan song.