The Green Bay Packers have an interesting problem going into the 2016 NFL season. Who is going to play the number three wide receiver spot behind Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb? James Jones is not returning, Davante Adams struggle last year, and Jeff Janis and Jared Abbrederis are knocking on the door, plus, don’t forget Ty Montgomery and this year’s rookie class. It really is an interesting predicament to think about.
Davante Adams
Last season was a prime opportunity for Adams to step into the number two spot and become a break-out star in his second year in the league. However, once Nelson went down with an injury and Adams was handed the biggest and best opportunity to step-up, he fell flat on his face. His 2015 consisted of him catching only two total touchdowns, complaining about every call and not even breaking over 500 receiving yards. His only regular season score came in a win over the Detroit Lions back on December 3rd. Both fans and analysts of the Packers would tell you how unenthusiastic Adams looked when he was on the field. Every time an opposing player even looked at him, Adams was in the officials’ face complaining about a call, instead of manning up and taking a hit or fighting for a ball in the air like receivers are told and trained to do. He has a lot to learn still and should not be the number three in 2016.
Ty Montgomery
Montgomery surprised many last season in the six games he appeared in before sustaining an injury. During his six games, he scored two touchdowns, caught 15 passes and averaged 9.1 yards per catch. His playing style and physical size resemble that of Cobb, thus making it hard at times for them both to be on the field in a standard three-receiver set, since Cobb is better in the slot, then a traditional outside receiver. Mike McCarthy can be a wizard at times with his play-calling, however, Montgomery will likely appear in only certain packages barring a switch with Cobb to a more traditional role.
Jared Abbrederis
Many Packers fans loved Abbrederis, mostly due to his Wisconsin ties. Which, there is nothing wrong with loving a player because he grew up loving the Packers. However, there is a problem when fans use their “love” for Abbrederis as a shield for how flawed of a player he actually is on the field. The biggest strikes against the former Badgers product are his poor route running skills and his injury risk. His past two seasons have been plagued with injury and make him someone that McCarthy should not put his full trust in so early on in his career. Yes, there is talent there, but when it comes to looking at your roster and knowing you have guys that are staying out of the training room and are on the field every week, Abbrederis has a long way to go. Packers fans will see him on the field this year, but he will not hold as big of a role in the offense as many would like to see.
Jeff Janis
Janis is incredibly raw, but also has tremendous vertical and isn’t afraid to take a hit. His regular season time was reduced to a mere two catches for 79 yards. However, he made his name in the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals with his two touchdown catches to keep the Packers in the game. Janis has the size and speed to be another dynamic receiver for Green Bay. Save all the “he’s the next Jordy Nelson, blah, blah, blah” talk. The young Janis is a talented player. He can and will make a major difference in the Packers offense this year, which is why he should become the clear number three receiver behind Nelson and Cobb. He wants to succeed and his talent will take him far. Preseason will be the best indication of how well he’s worked out over the Summer months and if he has fine-tuned his route running abilities and whether or not Aaron Rodgers has finally put full trust in him.
At the end of the day, the player that takes over the three receiver spot from the departed James Jones will be called upon to perform at a similar level to that of Nelson and Cobb. Rodgers and McCarthy want a Super Bowl title this season and with the proper group of players now on the roster, Green Bay could lift that elusive trophy this season.