Packers Offseason Position by Position Preview: Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

Projected Starters:

Jordy Nelson, Kansas State

Jordy Nelson and Aaron Rodgers share chemistry unlike any other wide receiver-quarterback duo in the NFL. It actually reminds me a bit of Marvin Harrison's unique connection with Peyton Manning when the duo was tearing up AFC defenses when they were Colts. Nelsons combination of knowledge, underrated speed and strength, and is a proven winner who usually lines up across from some of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.

GM Ted Thompson signed #87 to a 4 year 39 million dollar deal last offseason, and I am happy to say that we will have Jordy in Green Bay for at least another few years. That deal is looking like a bargain, as Nelson put up career highs last season in Green Bay, racking up 1,519 yards on an astounding 98 catches, and reached the end zone 13 times for the Green and Gold. He will and has already proven to be Rodger's most reliable target, and one of the most consistent pass-catchers in the entire league.

Randall Cobb, Kentucky

In my opinion, the Packers just need to resign Randall Cobb. It's a simple to propose, and easy to defend as the four year veteran has provided the Aaron Rodgers-led club with endless versatility, acting as a knife, as he rips through countless defenses. Whether he is coming out of the backfield on specially designed plays, or he is extending plays with the best passer in the league at it, he provides the Packers with something they haven't had in a receiver in quite a while, maybe ever. Although lacking in height and size, standing at 5'10 and weighing 192 pounds, No. 18 had his best season a year ago last season, compiling 1,287 yards on 91 catches and scored 12 times, which situated him as a top three scorer at his position in the entire league.

Take the history of recent receivers to leave the frozen land of northern Wisconsin, like Greg Jennings and James Jone, for a higher paying job. Have their statistics benefited at all? Not at all. Are they regarded as great receivers in the NFL anymore? Not in my book. So whether Cobb feels a different way, or wants to receive more money, he will have to live with the fact that he may be leaving behind a great, winning team, and potentially a few Super Bowl Rings in the process.

Davante Adams, Fresno State

Adams had a great rookie season last year, compiling 446 yards on 38 catches and scored 3 times. These stats look great once you consider #17 played third fiddle to the dynamic receiving duo of Nelson-Cobb, who amounted over 2,800 yards and 25 touchdowns together. Adams is a quality pass-catcher who uses all of his 6'1, 215 pounds to make difficult catches, and he uses his above average speed to outrun many corners. 

Adam's also practices solid ball security, as he didn't fumble once last season, and didn't drop as many passes as was expected from the second round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He seems to have already established a connection with Aaron Rodgers, evident by Rodgers spontaneous fake spike in the last second road victory against the Miami Dolphins, in which Adams was on the receiving end of the out of nowhere risky play call.

Richard Rodgers, California

Richard Rodgers was improving as a pass catcher and a route runner throughout the season and had a very productive postseason, even grabbing a perfectly thrown Rodgers ball for the game-sealing touchdown in the divisional round victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Although he doesn't present the matchup problems that Jermichael Finley and the stud tight ends in the league today pose, but he has proven to be a nice safety blanket for Aaron Rodgers, whether in the red zone or in the open field as a secondary option.

Free Agency

Whether the Packers decide to spend the likely double digit annual contract for their star slot receiver, they won't be looking at any other wide receivers on the free agency market. 

Their main goal is to resign Cobb, and there will potentially be a very large bidding war for the slot receiver. It is reported that the Jaguars and Raiders are going to be huge players for the former Kentucky receiver's services and both franchises have a lot of money to throw around. The Packers could look for a rangy, strong, and experienced tight end in free agency. The name I have heard thrown around is Charles Clay, who has experienced some solid seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Due to some shaky quarterback play, however, his play was never rewarded on the stat sheet, as his stats throughout his first four years in the NFL. At 6-3, and 255 pounds, he isn't as big as Rodgers, however has shown to be a better and more reliable pass-catcher, especially on third down.

NFL Draft

The Packers could go in a lot of different directions in the draft, as general manager Ted Thompson has a great track record of drafting receiving weapons after the first round. The thing is, however, is that the Packers will most likely, and should, draft an interior defensive lineman and an inside linebacker with its first two picks, given how big of needs those two positions are for the 23rd ranked rushing defense in the league last season. 

At the receiver position, the Packers may not need to draft a wide receiver unless they are unable to resign Randall Cobb. However, as this is a offseason preview, we have to take a look at every possible avenue that could occur. I will only be looking at third round and later here, because as stated before, the Packers need help on defense, particularly in the middle of the field. Justin Hardy from Eastern Carolina had an incredibly productive season in college, as he was the number one option for his decent quarterback in Shane Carden, and he amounted to 4,541 yards on 387 catches and 35 catches throughout his four years at college. 

Ted Thompson loves that kind of production and many draft experts and scouts don't think Hardy will leave the board until Day three. Another name to keep an eye out for is Ty Montgomery from Stanford, who has not received much media attention, yet deserves it. At 6-0, and a huge 221 pounds, Montgomery could present many mismatches over the middle for Aaron Rodgers. He can line up in the slot and all the way outside, and his versatility and great footwork is valued traits for the Packers and the rest of the league, so don't think that the Packers are not keeping an eye on this talented kid. 

At tight end, their isn't a lot of star power once Maxx Williams from Minnesota and Clive Walford from Miami leave the board, although the Packers may give some later round prospects some looks. Blake Bell, a former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback, switched over to tight end and overpowered opponents using his huge 6-6 and 252 pounds completely to his advantage. He can use his physicality to get open in space and stretch over smaller defenders.

Projected Depth 

Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin

Abbrederis unfortunately went down with a torn ACL in late training camp last summer and was lost for his entire rookie campaign. He brings a great sense of security, toughness, and intelligence to the Packers that will earn him some playing time, especially as Jarrett Boykin is a restricted free agent and did not produce great numbers last season. The former Badger standout can basically play from anywhere on the field, whether as the X receiver, Y receiver, or in the slot, he is as versatile as a role playing wide receiver comes. 

Jeff Janis, Saginaw Valley State

Jeff Janis was only a real contributor on special teams last season due to the talented receivers in front of him that were tearing up the field for the Packers, however Janis has the skills and athleticism to be the next great seventh round pick from Thompson to turn into an incredible success. We got a taste of his speed in the preseason last year and he was easily running away from defenders in open space. What is so enticing about the former D-II receiver is his untapped potential. We just happened seen all that he has to offer, and he can be a valuable contributor in the next couple of seasons in Green Bay. He is reminding many Packer fans, including myself,  and experts around the country of a less-heralded and younger Jordy Nelson, due to his vertical speed and underrated jumping ability, as well as a quality catch radius in the air.

Andrew Quarless, Penn State

Quarless played in many key situations last year and, for the most part, started throughout the 2014 season. However Quarless isn't in the upper echelon of starting tight ends in the NFL, and the truth of the matter is that Richard Rodgers, who is younger and more athletic, has more upside and talent for the position. Quarless will still be a solid role player in the Packers high-powered offense and the Packers can use his on the line blocking to its full advantage. 

Conclusion

The thing to take away from this is three essential factors: that the Packers absolutely would benefit from retrieving Cobb's services for years to come, that they have many options, whether in the draft or already on the team, to replace the stud slot receiver, and that the Packers have viable and relatively talented depth in today's NFL. Having the likes of Quarless, Janis, and Abbrederis possibly as reserves is a scary thought for opposing teams, and a refresher for a longtime fan like me, as they are talented, reliable pass catchers who really know the offensive system that the Packers continue to run.

* All pictures are from the following sources (in order):
packersnews.com
kentuckysportsradio.com
espn.com
cbssports.com

Packers Offseason Position by Position Preview: Running Backs and Fullbacks

Projected Starters: Eddie Lacy, Alabama

Eddie Lacy has become an absolute beast in the NFL, offering the Packers a strong inside the tackles bell cow who has already developed solid pass-catching skills, something that is definitely a priority in Green Bay's uptempo system and with Aaron Rodgers under center. 

Lacy doesn't provide top-notch speed but when he gets out into the open it is hard to slow down the 5-11, 230 pound running back. Just last season he recorded 1,139 yards on 246 carries and reached the end zone nine times. He also averaged a very solid 4.6 yards per carry, and proved to be one of the hardest running backs to take down in the NFL. He has reminded many experts and analysts of Marshawn Lynch, due to their similar measurables and style of play.

As long as Eddie Lacy is healthy and producing at the rate he has through his firs two seasons in Green Bay, he will be starting behind Aaron Rodgers, and will consistently take pressure off the Super Bowl-winning and two-time MVP signal-caller. 

John Kuhn, Shippensburg 

Kuhn has been a fan favorite in Green Bay due to his smart play and loyalty to the team. He has been a remarkably productive blocker for both Eddie Lacy in the Packers zone blocking offensive scheme as well as in pass protection of Aaron Rodgers. 

The 6-0, 250 pound ten year veteran had a productive season from a fullback, especially in today's NFL, where the position is slowly fading away, with multiple teams not using fullbacks in their offensive schemes. He had 85 yards on 24 carries, averaging 3.5 yards rush attempt and reaching pay dirt once last season. 

Kuhn is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and you would have to assume that, with all the other free agents currently on the mind of GM Ted Thompson, Kuhn cannot be considered a top priority for the Packers this offseason. Expect Kuhn to not receive a deal until the middle of April to the end of April, and it will be yet another one year agreement, as Kuhn is on the wrong side of 30, and isn't exactly talented enough to warrant a multi-year contract from financial wizard Ted Thompson. 

I am as excited as everyone to continue bellowing "Kuhn!!" every time #30 receives the ball, even if it is only for another season. 

Free Agency

James Starks will be returning to Green Bay for the 2015-2016 season, as he is still under contract for this season. That is a great thing to hear for the Packer faithful, as Starks has been a solid contributor and a nice change-of-pace back since the Packers selected power running Eddie Lacy in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

Luckily for the Packers, DuJuan Harris is an Exclusive Rights Free Agent, which means that he may only sign with his prior team, granted the Packers decide to give Harris the minimum qualifying offer for a second year player. 

The free agency class for the running back position doesn't possess many sleeper options who will warrant cheap contracts, so expect the Packers to offer Harris the minimum qualifying offer and move their thought process to more pressing needs that have to be addressed immediately this offseason. 

NFL Draft Options

The question remains, however, if the Packers do not want DuJuan Harris back running the football on the Frozen Tundra every Sunday, who will occupy the third spot on the depth chart come Week 1?

Well, in my opinion, the Packers do resign Harris to the minimum amount required, however, as a crazy Packer fan who loves to think of ever single scenario possible, I have to consider the fact that the Packers could turn down Harris and turn to the draft. 

The Packers have so many needs, that if they do draft a running back, it will occur in the later rounds, more specifically in the sixth or seventh round. Two names come to my head immediately. These two running backs share three traits: they both are projected late round picks (6th-7th round), they both come from the SEC, and both are small, yet speedy backs. Those two names are Josh Robinson from Mississippi State and Trey Williams out of Texas A&M. Robinson stands at 5-8 and 217 pounds, and worked wonders for Coach Dan Mullen at MSU, racking up solid statistics, even with dual threat Dak Prescott at quarterback. Williams was so impressive at the combine, as he had a top three performance for a running back for the 40 time and, although standing at 5-7 and weighing 195 pounds, he showed the ability to make quick decisions in between the tackles and showed nice vision and burst while at Texas A&M. 

Projected Backup: James Starks, Buffalo

Starks has proven to be a nice complement to Eddie Lacy and still has the capability to lead the Packers offense for entire drives at a time while lacy takes a breather, a valuable trait that every NFL backup running back should strive to possess. With DuJuan harris returning, the Packers have a complete stable of quality backs, as Harris proved he belonged at the highest level during the Packers playoff run the year before they selected Eddie lacy in the second round. 

Conclusion

The Packers seem set at the running back position, as the trio of Lacy, Starks, and Harris should provide offensive coordinator and associate head coach tom Clements a lot of versatility and flexibility at the position, something the Packers haven't been able to consistently say about the franchises' stable of runners behind the quarterback.