Honestly, I think speed is the least of their worries in the WR room, for now. What they actually need is some talent and experience. Take Cobb and Lazard out of the stats and the 5 other WR's on the roster (Rodgers, Taylor, Winfree, Blair and Gafford) combine for the following stats:
I can't get excited about a guy that has been around for 3 seasons, been given enough opportunities to prove himself and hasn't. Even on kick returns he was slow and indecisive. We have had way too many Shepherds and Taylors taking up roster spots. If they are going to be a #5 or #6, they better at least be able to play good special teams. As much crap as I talk about Janis, at least he earned his keep on Special Teams for a few years.
Yeah, I think if some of these guys were going to other teams and looking like polished NFL WR's, I would be worried that we lack coaching or something. When in reality, we have just lacked investment into the position for too long. Not blaming Rodgers whatsoever for that, but between his and Davante's elite play, the Packers have really been able to cover up the shortfall in talent. I know some want to look at game film from above and go over each play frame by frame and point to Lazard, Taylor, etc. on a specific play and say "see, he was open and Rodgers threw it to a covered Davante." Sure, that guy might have been open, if Rodgers had the same view and time to look, but Rodgers knows who is routinely running a good route, getting themselves open and making catches. No matter who the Packers sign in free agency or draft, Rodgers is going to have to force himself to be a bit uncomfortable in trusting his arm and ability, in receivers he may not altogether trust in having a lot of ability.
Yeah, I have seen his name tossed around a lot with the Packers and not just this year. I think there has been past talk about trading for him, as well as signing him in Free Agency last year. The guy can play, when he is available. I would be concerned that in 6 seasons, he has only played in 55 games. There has been injuries and I think a suspension in there.
Ross has been a major disappointment, but at the right price (close to vet minimum) he would be worth giving a try. He too has had injury history, as well as playing with QB's that were either really young or not that good. All that said, I would want an additional Vet FA signed. A lineup up Ross, Lazard, Cobb, Rodgers and 2 rookies doesn't really excite me too much.
Glad you are that optimistic, I'm not.I'll be honest, I'm in the camp that any offense with Rodgers at the helm, MLF calling the plays and guys like Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon in the backfield I'm excited nontheless with merely Cobb/Lazard/Tonyan/Lewis as main receiving options....additional folks will merely increase it
Glad you are that optimistic, I'm not.
Injuries are always going to cost us players, so even with what I would call a very weak starting cast of Cobb/Lazard/Tonyan/Lewis, there is no proven starters after that. The Packers would suddenly become a run oriented team and I think a pretty easy offense to defense against, despite how good Aaron Rodgers is. I would even go as far to say, if that was the goal, then they should have traded Rodgers, saved all that money and gotten more draft choices to build a better team around Love.
You have the NFL's MVP on the team and he is that for his passing skills, not for running a run oriented team. Would be a waste of his talent to not give him better weapons.
See I don't think there is anything in the draft that the Packers can due to assure themselves that they have a ready made WR ready to go. Maybe by September, but not in April. Therefore, to me there is a need right now to sign a vet FA like Julio, so you know what you have to start the season. What rookie isn't going to want to learn from Julio Jones? I don't see chemistry issues with a vet, feeling like a rookie might take his spot or snaps.
