Going Wide: Packers looking for playmakers at WR
Note: the 4th in a series of positional analysis of the Green Bay
When looking for a playmaker we all know who future Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre looks to first, so we too shall start with looking to Pro Bowl WR Donald Driver.
Much has been written about Donald Driver epic story of overcoming adversity and long odds on his path to an NFL career. As such, I will not go there today, rather simply comment that this story of resilience, courage and redemption is still evolving today. Donald is one of those rare individuals who embraces the many lessons of life, integrates them and uses them to continue to grow and succeed. His contributions on the field are what we will focus upon here, but his work off the field is equally great, with the Donald Driver Foundation: Helping homeless families and education services with "Strong Hands, Strong Minds, and Loving Hearts" being just one example.
Listed at 6-0 190 lbs (perhaps in full pads and after a huge meal and someone’s toe on the scale), this 2nd pick by the Packers in the 7th round of the 1999 draft seems to be like a fine wine, because he seems to just get better with age.
Driver finished the 2006 season in the top 5 of the league in reception yardage with 1,295 yards – his 3rd straight 1200+ yard season and 4th 1000+ in the last 5 seasons. He also recored the most receptions in his career with 92 of them – also in the top 5 league wide. Donald also found the endzone 8 times despite constant double teams and zone defenses rolling toward whereever he lined up.
Despite his dimunative size, fan favorite Driver is fearless in making his living on the inside, where bigger (supposedly stronger) men often tremble as they hear the impending footsteps of Safeties and Linebackers closing quickly with malicious intent.
Donald Driver is as clever as he is sudden, with a feel for the game and instincts that not only fool defenders on routes, but often leaves them embracing air as they attempt to tackle him. In 2006, Donald Driver averaged a career-best 4.95 yards after the catch, which ranks only behind Antonio Freemans’ 7.3 average in 1998 and Robert Brooks’ 5.1 average posted in 1995, among the team's No. 1 wide receivers, since YAC have been recorded.
Staying with the improving with age theme, Donald had lowest drop rate of his career – 3.5% – which is especially impressive given the extra coverage thrown at him throughout the season. Donald will turn 32 by Super Bowl Sunday and is signed through the 2009 season.
=========================================================
When discussing playmakers the next logical place to look is on the opposite end of the extreme – from the oldest Veteran playmaker to the youngest, Greg Jennings.
Selected with the 2nd of Green Bay’s second-round draft choices in 2006, Greg Jennings quickly showed why he was selected above some of the more name receivers still on the board. From the moment Jennings stepped onto the field, he demonstrated his knack for making big plays, and had fans and offensive coordinators suddenly studying up on this 5-11, 197 lean pounds WR from Western Michigan.
Over the course of the first third of the season he led the team in big plays with 8 catches for 20 or more yards – an unbelievable achievement for a rookie WR in a West Coast offense. Like Driver, Jennings shows instinctive qualities that can not necessarily be taught in juking defenders before and after the catch. In route running his smooth running style contributes to his deceptive speed, and after the catch his moves are unpredictable and explosive.
People began to mutter possible offensive rookie of the year. Then just as suddenly, he suffered the dreaded classic high ankle sprain in the 6th game of the season and never fully recovered. When he returned to the field, he gutted out patterns and made a few plays here and there, but clearly lacked the ability to cut and turn. There were moments that he looked frustrated and a lesser man may have lost confidence, but he endured and still secured a spot on the NFL all-rookie squad. His 5 ½ average gain after the catch was tops on the team.
Greg has surprisingly good hands, and posted a far better than average drop rate of 4.9% – especially when one remembers this was a rookie making the leap from Western Michigan to the spot lights of the NFL. He is one of those rare individuals who seem to shine brighter when the lights come on and there is great reason for optimism as this 23 year old is fully recovered heading into his second season of Professional football.
=========================================================
After Donald and Greg the pickings at WR begin to thin out.
One can almost hear the groans from readers as I am typing the next logical place to look – Veteran WR Robert Ferguson. It is probably fair to point out that if it were not for bad luck; Robert would probably have no luck at all. At least that is true when it comes to injuries since this suffering this near career ending hit…
… in which he somehow held onto the ball despite an illegal forearm clothesline hit by Jaguars safety Donovin Darius – who was subsequent fined $75,000 by the NFL for the illegal play. This December 2004 injury, put him on the shelf for the season and left the Packers thin as they headed into their short excursion into the playoffs. Some question whether he has ever recovered.
After battling back from sever migraines and vision problems, the injury nightmare continued in ‘05’ with injuries to both knees that should have put him on the shelf far before he was finally sent to the IR -- he just did not want to give up.
2006 started well with Robert enjoying a healthy productive off-season and training camp. While not happy about losing his starting job to Greg Jennings, Robert seemed to be handling the move back to #3 receiver like the team player he has always been. When the injury bug struck again – this time the dreaded Lisfranc foot sprain, Robert again landed on injured reserve list.
Robert, who just turned 27 in December, is a well cut 6’1’ 210 lbs physical wide-receiver. He has great hands and can make acrobatic catches, but needs to regain his confidence (seemingly lost post hit above) and heart in fighting for the ball in a crowd where his superior strength should be more of an asset. His strength is a great assest in fighting off jams and his versatility is among the tops on the squad. When healthy Fergy can run after the catch, and has always produced when used as a kick or punt return man and has always been the Packers top gunner on both in running down opposition returners.
Despite his popularity with teammates and coaches (past and present, Driver and Walker love him) and his incredible work ethic, Robert is far from a fan favorite.
His salary of $1.8 million is significant given his injury history. The current coaches do not hesitate to say they look forward to his return – where they want to give him the chance to reclaim the #3 receiver spot.
TT has publicly said he is behind the return of Ferguson and because of his relative young age, will probably give him a shot to come back and compete. However, one has to believe that any setbacks may lead to a quick hook and cut if Robert stumbles at all in camp – before his money becomes guaranteed. I am probably in a thin minority of folks(outside of his coaches and teammates) who wishes the hardworking warrior a change of fortune heading into ‘07’
=========================================================
From a talent and upside perspective, 25 yr old former QB Carlyle Holiday comes next.
At 6’2” 217 lbs Carlyle is an athlete with upside. He has good hands, ball skills, body control and above average feel for the game – and is a put you on your *** blocker as a WR. He is still quite raw in his route running, but has all of the raw materials to be developed into a serious receiving threat.
Of the current young talent, Holiday holds the most promise. If he commits to serious work and stays in Green Bay over the off-season this kid has the tools to surprise in ‘07’ BTW he was Notre Dames punt return his senior season and may get a shot there coming training camp, which of course would only enhance his value to the team.
=========================================================
Next in line is blue-collar WR Ruvell Martin. One would have to be heartless not to give props to this hardworking ‘street’ free agent who scratched and clawed his way onto the roster and significant playing time in ‘06’ He is a long strider with questionable speed, who finished the season with 21 catches and a team high 17 yards per catch.
While Ruvell has heart, he also has limited upside – what you see is what you will get from him. He will battle for the ball and has decent hands (drop rate of 7%) and does not lay down after the catch. He is not afraid to go over the middle, will put his nose in there blocking and gives 110% on special teams. Despite this he will once again need to scratch and claw to earn a spot on next season’s squad.
At 6 foot 4 and 217 pounds Ruvell is a big target -- something he used very well in training camp to earn his spot on the roster against bigger named competition.
=========================================================
Also turning 27 years old in March, Koren Robinson’s fate is no longer solely in his own hands. Blessed with great talent, Koren has seemed Hell bent upon wasting it, falling back on his severe chemical addiction after being given 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th… chances time and time again. Any chance to return will depend upon his strict adherence to his treatment program and to the terms of his probation/parole program – if the MN courts decide to turn him loose.
Mike McCarthy has publicly declared that he does not consider Robinson someone he can count on when planning for next season. I believe there are multiple reasons for this: 1.) the possible time behind bars he faces, 2.) his history of relapse after relapse, 3.) the potential deterioration of skills that can come prematurely with chronic severe addictions, 4.) the uncertainty of further action by the NFL if he is convicted on the felony counts in MN, and 5.) at best, Robinson will not be able to work out or have any association with the team until several games into September after the season starts. The above reasons are why it is wise not to count on him and consider any return on investment to be strictly bonus territory.
At 6’1’’ 205 Robinson has shown flashes of having serious game, but has never had consistent hands. He burst out as a kick return man for the Vikings, making the Pro Bowl as a returner, but did not stand out as anything special in the limited opportunities he had with Green Bay before being suspended. For the sake of the team, and more importantly for Koren, we all hope he gets his life together and gets back to playing the game he purports to love.
=========================================================
Of the rest of the long-shots, Shaun Bodiford is probably the most intriguing. Shaun is a quick study – within two weeks of joining the Packers, the 5-foot-11, 186-pounder learned all three receiver positions. Further, he impressed the coaches so much that in his second game he was elevated to No. 1 kickoff and punt returner. Before he really got a chance to show what he has he broke his leg on the opening kickoff against Minnesota
Part of what is intriguing is the word that Mike Martz had a fit when GM Matt Millen decided to cut him – declaring that it reminded him of Isaac Bruce when he watched Bodiford with the ball. Frankly, I think Mike Martz is a head case, but I certainly trust his ability to evaluate WR talent. He is a tough kid, with lots of speed and raw ability. I also remember Patty saying that she was intrigued by him as well. His kick and punt return ability, with a whole offseason and training camp and exhibition season may help this kid launch a career in Green and Gold if he can stay healthy and grab the brass ring.
=========================================================
Chris Francies was an undrafted rookie free agent who was cut twice, but somehow showed enough to get called back both time. He is a tenacious kid who will battle, but has average speed and hands. I remember having lunch in Austin, TX with one of his college teammates from Texas El-Paso, who kept telling me this 6’1” 193 lb WR was the real deal. I have to say I didn’t see anything special, but the kid talking was a pretty decent player himself so I am going to keep a bit of an eye on him.
=========================================================
5’11” 214 lb Carlton Brewster an undrafted rookie from Ferris State Deep and Calvin Russell a 6-0 190 undrafted rookie from Tuskegee round out the current roster as true long shots to land employment in '07'
Note: the 4th in a series of positional analysis of the Green Bay
When looking for a playmaker we all know who future Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre looks to first, so we too shall start with looking to Pro Bowl WR Donald Driver.
You must be logged in to see this image or video!
Much has been written about Donald Driver epic story of overcoming adversity and long odds on his path to an NFL career. As such, I will not go there today, rather simply comment that this story of resilience, courage and redemption is still evolving today. Donald is one of those rare individuals who embraces the many lessons of life, integrates them and uses them to continue to grow and succeed. His contributions on the field are what we will focus upon here, but his work off the field is equally great, with the Donald Driver Foundation: Helping homeless families and education services with "Strong Hands, Strong Minds, and Loving Hearts" being just one example.
Listed at 6-0 190 lbs (perhaps in full pads and after a huge meal and someone’s toe on the scale), this 2nd pick by the Packers in the 7th round of the 1999 draft seems to be like a fine wine, because he seems to just get better with age.
Driver finished the 2006 season in the top 5 of the league in reception yardage with 1,295 yards – his 3rd straight 1200+ yard season and 4th 1000+ in the last 5 seasons. He also recored the most receptions in his career with 92 of them – also in the top 5 league wide. Donald also found the endzone 8 times despite constant double teams and zone defenses rolling toward whereever he lined up.
Despite his dimunative size, fan favorite Driver is fearless in making his living on the inside, where bigger (supposedly stronger) men often tremble as they hear the impending footsteps of Safeties and Linebackers closing quickly with malicious intent.
Donald Driver is as clever as he is sudden, with a feel for the game and instincts that not only fool defenders on routes, but often leaves them embracing air as they attempt to tackle him. In 2006, Donald Driver averaged a career-best 4.95 yards after the catch, which ranks only behind Antonio Freemans’ 7.3 average in 1998 and Robert Brooks’ 5.1 average posted in 1995, among the team's No. 1 wide receivers, since YAC have been recorded.
Staying with the improving with age theme, Donald had lowest drop rate of his career – 3.5% – which is especially impressive given the extra coverage thrown at him throughout the season. Donald will turn 32 by Super Bowl Sunday and is signed through the 2009 season.
=========================================================
When discussing playmakers the next logical place to look is on the opposite end of the extreme – from the oldest Veteran playmaker to the youngest, Greg Jennings.
You must be logged in to see this image or video!
Selected with the 2nd of Green Bay’s second-round draft choices in 2006, Greg Jennings quickly showed why he was selected above some of the more name receivers still on the board. From the moment Jennings stepped onto the field, he demonstrated his knack for making big plays, and had fans and offensive coordinators suddenly studying up on this 5-11, 197 lean pounds WR from Western Michigan.
Over the course of the first third of the season he led the team in big plays with 8 catches for 20 or more yards – an unbelievable achievement for a rookie WR in a West Coast offense. Like Driver, Jennings shows instinctive qualities that can not necessarily be taught in juking defenders before and after the catch. In route running his smooth running style contributes to his deceptive speed, and after the catch his moves are unpredictable and explosive.
People began to mutter possible offensive rookie of the year. Then just as suddenly, he suffered the dreaded classic high ankle sprain in the 6th game of the season and never fully recovered. When he returned to the field, he gutted out patterns and made a few plays here and there, but clearly lacked the ability to cut and turn. There were moments that he looked frustrated and a lesser man may have lost confidence, but he endured and still secured a spot on the NFL all-rookie squad. His 5 ½ average gain after the catch was tops on the team.
Greg has surprisingly good hands, and posted a far better than average drop rate of 4.9% – especially when one remembers this was a rookie making the leap from Western Michigan to the spot lights of the NFL. He is one of those rare individuals who seem to shine brighter when the lights come on and there is great reason for optimism as this 23 year old is fully recovered heading into his second season of Professional football.
=========================================================
After Donald and Greg the pickings at WR begin to thin out.
One can almost hear the groans from readers as I am typing the next logical place to look – Veteran WR Robert Ferguson. It is probably fair to point out that if it were not for bad luck; Robert would probably have no luck at all. At least that is true when it comes to injuries since this suffering this near career ending hit…
You must be logged in to see this image or video!
… in which he somehow held onto the ball despite an illegal forearm clothesline hit by Jaguars safety Donovin Darius – who was subsequent fined $75,000 by the NFL for the illegal play. This December 2004 injury, put him on the shelf for the season and left the Packers thin as they headed into their short excursion into the playoffs. Some question whether he has ever recovered.
After battling back from sever migraines and vision problems, the injury nightmare continued in ‘05’ with injuries to both knees that should have put him on the shelf far before he was finally sent to the IR -- he just did not want to give up.
2006 started well with Robert enjoying a healthy productive off-season and training camp. While not happy about losing his starting job to Greg Jennings, Robert seemed to be handling the move back to #3 receiver like the team player he has always been. When the injury bug struck again – this time the dreaded Lisfranc foot sprain, Robert again landed on injured reserve list.
Robert, who just turned 27 in December, is a well cut 6’1’ 210 lbs physical wide-receiver. He has great hands and can make acrobatic catches, but needs to regain his confidence (seemingly lost post hit above) and heart in fighting for the ball in a crowd where his superior strength should be more of an asset. His strength is a great assest in fighting off jams and his versatility is among the tops on the squad. When healthy Fergy can run after the catch, and has always produced when used as a kick or punt return man and has always been the Packers top gunner on both in running down opposition returners.
Despite his popularity with teammates and coaches (past and present, Driver and Walker love him) and his incredible work ethic, Robert is far from a fan favorite.
His salary of $1.8 million is significant given his injury history. The current coaches do not hesitate to say they look forward to his return – where they want to give him the chance to reclaim the #3 receiver spot.
TT has publicly said he is behind the return of Ferguson and because of his relative young age, will probably give him a shot to come back and compete. However, one has to believe that any setbacks may lead to a quick hook and cut if Robert stumbles at all in camp – before his money becomes guaranteed. I am probably in a thin minority of folks(outside of his coaches and teammates) who wishes the hardworking warrior a change of fortune heading into ‘07’
=========================================================
From a talent and upside perspective, 25 yr old former QB Carlyle Holiday comes next.
At 6’2” 217 lbs Carlyle is an athlete with upside. He has good hands, ball skills, body control and above average feel for the game – and is a put you on your *** blocker as a WR. He is still quite raw in his route running, but has all of the raw materials to be developed into a serious receiving threat.
You must be logged in to see this image or video!
Of the current young talent, Holiday holds the most promise. If he commits to serious work and stays in Green Bay over the off-season this kid has the tools to surprise in ‘07’ BTW he was Notre Dames punt return his senior season and may get a shot there coming training camp, which of course would only enhance his value to the team.
=========================================================
Next in line is blue-collar WR Ruvell Martin. One would have to be heartless not to give props to this hardworking ‘street’ free agent who scratched and clawed his way onto the roster and significant playing time in ‘06’ He is a long strider with questionable speed, who finished the season with 21 catches and a team high 17 yards per catch.
While Ruvell has heart, he also has limited upside – what you see is what you will get from him. He will battle for the ball and has decent hands (drop rate of 7%) and does not lay down after the catch. He is not afraid to go over the middle, will put his nose in there blocking and gives 110% on special teams. Despite this he will once again need to scratch and claw to earn a spot on next season’s squad.
You must be logged in to see this image or video!
At 6 foot 4 and 217 pounds Ruvell is a big target -- something he used very well in training camp to earn his spot on the roster against bigger named competition.
=========================================================
Also turning 27 years old in March, Koren Robinson’s fate is no longer solely in his own hands. Blessed with great talent, Koren has seemed Hell bent upon wasting it, falling back on his severe chemical addiction after being given 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th… chances time and time again. Any chance to return will depend upon his strict adherence to his treatment program and to the terms of his probation/parole program – if the MN courts decide to turn him loose.
Mike McCarthy has publicly declared that he does not consider Robinson someone he can count on when planning for next season. I believe there are multiple reasons for this: 1.) the possible time behind bars he faces, 2.) his history of relapse after relapse, 3.) the potential deterioration of skills that can come prematurely with chronic severe addictions, 4.) the uncertainty of further action by the NFL if he is convicted on the felony counts in MN, and 5.) at best, Robinson will not be able to work out or have any association with the team until several games into September after the season starts. The above reasons are why it is wise not to count on him and consider any return on investment to be strictly bonus territory.
You must be logged in to see this image or video!
At 6’1’’ 205 Robinson has shown flashes of having serious game, but has never had consistent hands. He burst out as a kick return man for the Vikings, making the Pro Bowl as a returner, but did not stand out as anything special in the limited opportunities he had with Green Bay before being suspended. For the sake of the team, and more importantly for Koren, we all hope he gets his life together and gets back to playing the game he purports to love.
=========================================================
Of the rest of the long-shots, Shaun Bodiford is probably the most intriguing. Shaun is a quick study – within two weeks of joining the Packers, the 5-foot-11, 186-pounder learned all three receiver positions. Further, he impressed the coaches so much that in his second game he was elevated to No. 1 kickoff and punt returner. Before he really got a chance to show what he has he broke his leg on the opening kickoff against Minnesota
Part of what is intriguing is the word that Mike Martz had a fit when GM Matt Millen decided to cut him – declaring that it reminded him of Isaac Bruce when he watched Bodiford with the ball. Frankly, I think Mike Martz is a head case, but I certainly trust his ability to evaluate WR talent. He is a tough kid, with lots of speed and raw ability. I also remember Patty saying that she was intrigued by him as well. His kick and punt return ability, with a whole offseason and training camp and exhibition season may help this kid launch a career in Green and Gold if he can stay healthy and grab the brass ring.
=========================================================
Chris Francies was an undrafted rookie free agent who was cut twice, but somehow showed enough to get called back both time. He is a tenacious kid who will battle, but has average speed and hands. I remember having lunch in Austin, TX with one of his college teammates from Texas El-Paso, who kept telling me this 6’1” 193 lb WR was the real deal. I have to say I didn’t see anything special, but the kid talking was a pretty decent player himself so I am going to keep a bit of an eye on him.
=========================================================
5’11” 214 lb Carlton Brewster an undrafted rookie from Ferris State Deep and Calvin Russell a 6-0 190 undrafted rookie from Tuskegee round out the current roster as true long shots to land employment in '07'
ackbeer:
