With training camp scheduled to open in late July, Packers Wire will be spending the next month attempting to predict how Matt LaFleur, Brian Gutekunst and the Packers will construct their initial 53-man roster entering the 2020 season.
Up next is the wide receivers, where the Packers have plenty of returning experience but few verified playmakers:
Players
Davante Adams
Allen Lazard
Devin Funchess
Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Jake Kumerow
Equanimeous St. Brown
Darrius Shepherd
Malik Taylor
Reggie Begelton
Darrell Stewart
Number kept to start 2019
Six. The Packers kept Trevor Davis, Jake Kumerow and Darrius Shepherd behind presumed starters Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Geronimo Allison. Allen Lazard was among those released, while Equanimeous St. Brown was placed on injured reserve.
Roster prediction (6)
1. Davante Adams: The three-time Pro Bowler nearly eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards despite missing four games in 2019. He’s one of the NFL’s elite receivers and the clear No. 1 target for Aaron Rodgers.
2. Allen Lazard: The analytics say his 2019 season was really, really good. Can he build on his breakout year and become a true No. 2? The Packers are really banking on it happening.
3. Devin Funchess: For next to nothing, the Packers took a flier on a big, physical receiver with much-needed experience. He can work in the red zone and the middle of the field, but drops and efficiency have been past issues. More than likely, Funchess will be an upgrade on Geronimo Allison.
4. Marquez Valdes-Scantling: MVS might be a one-trick pony, but his one trick – separating downfield – is a valuable one, especially in this scheme. If he can take a developmental step and stay healthy, he’ll re-establish himself as an important part of the offense.
5. Jake Kumerow: He’ll be back on the roster bubble to start another camp, but Kumerow has a lot of things going for him. The quarterback loves him, the coach wants to get him more opportunities in the passing game, he’s a great blocker in the run game and a willing special teams player.
6. Equanimeous St. Brown: Missing the entire 2019 season makes St. Brown a little bit of a mystery, but as a rookie, he flashed an ability to both separate and block – two important traits for a Matt LaFleur receiver. He’s big and athletic and can play from the slot, giving him a clear edge for the sixth spot.
Cut (4)
1. Darrius Shepherd: He could make a run at a roster spot if he really improves in the passing game in Year 2 or Tyler Ervin – the primary returner – gets injured. Stashing him back on the practice squad makes sense.
2. Malik Taylor: He’ll be more comfortable in the offense after spending all of last year on the practice squad, but he might need another year before he’s ready to compete for a roster spot.
3. Reggie Begelton: The former CFL star put up big numbers in Canada, but he’ll probably have to beat out St. Brown – who is younger and far more athletic – for a spot on the roster. He’ll have to prove he can produce against NFL competition.
4. Darrell Stewart: He could be a summer surprise if he can consistently catch the football during camp. Drops were an issue in college, but he’s tough, experienced in the slot and crafty enough as a route-runner to get open.
Updating roster prediction
QB (3): Aaron Rodgers, Tim Boyle, Jordan Love
RB (4): Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams, A.J. Dillon, Tyler Ervin
WR (6): Davante Adams, Allen Lazard, Devin Funchess, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Jake Kumerow, Equanimeous St. Brown
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