Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
The Packers’ need for pass-catchers – wide receivers and tight ends – is big and multi-layered.
With the 2023 NFL draft just two weeks out, one thing is unquestionable: the Green Bay Packers need pass-catchers, or wide receivers and tight ends.
This is a deep and multi-layered need that extends past just the depth chart. From the top down, the Packers must find quality pass-catchers in this draft or within the trade market or free agency before Week 1 of 2023.
Here are the biggest reasons why acquiring pass-catchers is so important for the Packers:
Here’s a look at some of the wide receivers the #Chiefs could consider adding in each round of the 2023 NFL draft.
The wide receiver position has seen some departures for the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason.
It’s nothing like a season ago when Tyreek Hill, Byron Pringle and Demarcus Robinson all left in free agency. The team did lose JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman with Justin Watson remaining a free agent as well. They’ve added just one receiver to the mix since, with Richie James recently signing in free agency.
Missing out on adding an impact player a the position in free agency means they’ll turn their focus to the 2023 NFL draft. There are a handful of intriguing options that could help offset some of the losses from this offseason and put the position group in a better spot for 2023 and beyond.
Here’s a look at some of the players they could consider adding in each round of the 2023 NFL draft:
We look at the play of the Ravens’ wide receivers in 2022
The Baltimore Ravens moved their top receiver in Marquise Brown in a draft day trade before the 2022 season, and felt the aftershocks of their decision all year long. Despite trusting their young players at the position, Baltimore never quite recovered Brown’s production from any of their wideouts this season and has a clear need for a legitimate number-one option heading into the offseason.
Their most productive receiver this year was former Kansas City Chiefs wideout Demarcus Robinson, who led the Ravens at the position with 458 yards and two touchdowns. Third-year speedster Devin Duvernay was selected to the Pro Bowl as a return specialist, but also took steps as a pass catcher, hauling in 37 passes for 407 yards on the year. Behind him, no other Ravens receiver eclipsed the 300-yard mark in 2022, including veterans Sammy Watkins and DeSean Jackson who combined for less than 275 yards between them.
Second-year wideout Rashod Bateman seemed primed to put together a promising performance after a fast start, but saw his season cut short due to a foot injury. Though he only played in six games, Bateman managed to end the year with 285 yards on 15 catches, which was good for Baltimore’s highest mark for yards per reception at 19.0.
The last three Ravens receivers to see the field in 2022 made a minimal impact for the team. James Proche II and Tylan Wallace combined for 12 catches and 95 yards in the campaign, and Andy Isabella, who appeared in limited fashion as a practice squad call-up, did not register a catch.
All in all, this group will need to improve in 2023 to give Baltimore’s quarterback viable targets downfield. If Lamar Jackson returns to the Ravens on a long term deal, efforts should start in earnest to get the necessary talent around him to compete at a high level in the loaded AFC.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh discussed the team’s wide receiver production in Week 18 against the Bengals
The Baltimore Ravens’ Week 18 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals wasn’t an ideal way for the team to end their regular season schedule, but with a rematch against their divisional rivals on the horizon, the team doesn’t have much time to lick its wounds. The two teams will face of in the Wild Card round, with hopes of extending their playoff run.
John Harbaugh addressed the lack of production that plagued the Ravens’ receivers last weekend in his comments to the media on Monday. Despite their shortcomings, he said, the effort of his receivers was exemplary.
“[We just need them to] make some plays.We did have a chance to make some plays on Sunday, so [we have to] come up with that. Sammy [Watkins] made some plays out there, did a really good job and made some plays. We had other chances, [and] we didn’t always make those plays. So, you can talk to some guys – we look at the blocking as well. I understand your point – we want them in the passing-game production – but I want to say, they’re working hard, and they’re fighting and competing out there to help us any way they can. We need them to make the plays for us, and I know they want to, and we did make a few plays in the game.”
Baltimore will have no margin for error from their receivers moving forward as the postseason necessitates maximum production from every positional group on the field. If the Ravens’ receiving corps can come up with a better strategy in their rematch against the Bengals this week, expect this Wild Card matchup to end with a much closer score than the teams’ last meeting.
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Receivers coach Ben McDaniels made a vague comment on Brandin Cooks’ usage in his Thursday press conference
The Houston Texans are expected to be players in the NFL trade market before the November 1st deadline, and wide receiver Brandin Cooks has been the object of rampant speculation since reports surfaced this week that he might have suitors around the league. While none of these rumors have been substantiated yet, Cooks’ role in the Texans’ offense seemed to have diminished slightly last week against the Las Vegas Raiders, and the team brought in receiver Tyron Johnson on Wednesday in a move that some have hypothesized might signal the end for the veteran’s tenure in Houston.
For now, though, Cooks is still one of the more established players in the Texans’ offense. Receivers coach Ben McDaniels pointed out that Cooks is still an “explosive” presence in Pep Hamilton’s system, and made sure to reassure reporters that he is working tirelessly to get him more involved.
“Really, that’s an every week basis with your playmakers to try to put them in a position to be successful with us on Sundays,” McDaniels said. “He’s an explosive player. We’ve got to continue to try and stress that and find ways for that to be the case. He knows that. I know that. So does Tennessee. So does Philly. So does the next team after that, and so do you guys. That’s an every week thing that we’re always going to put a focus on and try and help our best players be their best on Sunday.”
While this comment was far from an indicator of Cooks’ status as a potential trade candidate, the vague nature of McDaniels’ remarks seem to hint at an aloofness between the receiver and his coaching staff. Nothing specific seems to be in the works for Cooks in Sunday’s game plan for the Tennessee Titans, and after the team let linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill walk on Thursday at his request, the veteran receiver could be next in line.
If Houston’s coaches don’t make a point to get the ball in Cooks’ hands early and often against the Titans, he may decide to test the waters and outright ask for his walking papers, whether by trade or release.
The trade deadline is Nov. 1. GMs in the NFL believe the Packers will be active searching for WR help.
Teams in the NFL are expecting the Green Bay Packers to be active searching for a wide receiver before the league’s trade deadline.
General managers who spoke with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler are “certain” that Brian Gutekunst and the Packers are “looking for potential receiver help on the trade market” as the Nov. 1 trade deadline approaches.
The one name mentioned by Fowler as a speculative target was Pittsburgh’s Chase Claypool, although New England’s Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor, New York’s Darius Slayton and Kadarius Toney and New Orleans’ Marquez Callaway were all mentioned as potential trade options on the receiver market over the next two weeks.
Over the past few seasons, the Packers have looked around at receivers before the trade deadline – including a real run at Will Fuller in 2020 – but haven’t made a move.
Receiver would appear to be the most likely trade scenario for the Packers considering the state of the passing game. Sammy Watkins is still on injured reserve, Randall Cobb has an ankle injury and could land on injured reserve and Christian Watson is dealing with a hamstring injury. The team’s struggles beating man coverage over the last three games could be enough motivation for Gutekunst to make a move to add another veteran.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers said he was confident Gutekunst would add to the roster if he felt the Packers needed help at a specific position.
“If there’s an opportunity, I would expect that Brian will be in the mix,” Rodgers said following Sunday’s loss to the Jets.
If the Packers have more issues throwing the football on Sunday in Washington, will Gutekunst get aggressive in terms of making a move? It’s possible his team – now stuck at 3-3 after six weeks – needs the spark.
Matt LaFleur is expecting Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Sammy Watkins and Christian Watson to be game-time decisions for Sunday against the Bucs.
The Green Bay Packers are expecting wide receivers Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Sammy Watkins and Christian Watson to be game-time decisions come Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Coach Matt LaFleur said the team will give the four pass-catchers up to game time to prove they can play.
“We’ll see,” LaFleur said Friday. “We’ll know by game time. Ninety minutes before kickoff, we’ll know.”
Lazard is dealing with a lingering ankle injury. Cobb has missed two days of practice with an illness. Watkins and Watson have new hamstring injuries.
It’s unclear if any of the four will participate during Friday’s practice, the last before flying out to Tampa Bay. LaFleur said it’s less about participation on Friday and more about “where they’re at on Sunday” in terms of availability for the game.
With all four dealing with something, LaFleur said it’s reasonable to expect a much bigger role for rookie Romeo Doubs.
“We have a lot of confidence in him,” LaFleur said. “He’s going to have to take more of a load this week.”
Doubs, a fourth-round pick and summer star, has six catches for 64 yards through two weeks.
The other available receivers on the roster are Amari Rodgers and rookie Samori Toure, who have combined for one total offensive snap through the first two games.
The Packers also have Juwann Winfree and Travis Fulgham on the practice squad in case the team needs a gameday elevation.
The final injury report arrives later Friday. Expect some kind of labeling for all four receivers. From there, it’s waiting on the inactive list, which is due 90 minutes before kickoff on Sunday.
Packers WR Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Sammy Watkins and Christian Watson all missed practice on Thursday.
The Green Bay Packers were without the team’s top four receivers at Thursday’s practice, the second of three practices this week before Matt LaFleur’s team goes to Tampa Bay to play the Buccaneers.
According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, Allen Lazard (ankle), Randall Cobb (illness), Sammy Watkins (hamstring) and Christian Watson (hamstring) all missed Thursday’s practice and could be in jeopardy of not playing on Sunday.
Lazard played through his ankle injury in Week 2. Cobb missed Wednesday’s practice, while Watkins and Watson were newcomers to the injury report with hamstring injuries. The concerning part here: Watkins and Watson both practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday, possibly suggesting the injuries occurred on Wednesday.
The three healthy receivers on the 53-man roster are rookies Romeo Doubs and Samori Toure and Amari Rodgers. Toure and Rodgers have combined to play one offensive snap in 2022. The Packers also have Juwann Winfree and Travis Fulgham (who was re-added on Thursday) on the practice squad.
It’s possible the Packers will need to elevate both Winfree and Fulgham from the practice squad come Sunday.
Veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis (groin) also missed Thursday’s practice.
Receiving weapons could be a focal point for both teams in Week 3. The Buccaneers are dealing with injuries to Julio Jones, Chris Godwin and Scotty Miller, and Mike Evans is suspended.
The Aaron Rodgers-Tom Brady showdown could quickly transform into a defensive battle.
There was good news: left tackle David Bakhtiari returned to practice after missing last Friday and Wednesday. He has yet to play in a game this season.
The Packers will release an updated injury report later Thursday and a final injury report on Friday. Inactives will be due 90 minutes before kickoff in Tampa Bay on Sunday.
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Packers rookies Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs combined to play 75 snaps in Week 1. Amari Rodgers didn’t play a single one on offense.
While the Green Bay Packers didn’t hesitate to play a pair of rookie wide receivers in the 2022 season opener, second-year receiver Amari Rodgers didn’t see the field at all from scrimmage.
The absence of Allen Lazard (inactive, ankle) certainly opened the door for second-round pick Christian Watson and fourth-round pick Romeo Doubs to get on the field in a major way in Week 1.
Rodgers might be the primary returner but he’s buried in terms of the wide receiver depth chart and may not play any kind of meaningful role on offense for the Packers in 2022.
The snap counts for Packers wide receivers in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings:
1. Sammy Watkins: 41
2. Christian Watson: 40
3. Randall Cobb: 37
4. Romeo Doubs: 35
5. Juwann Winfree: 9
6. Amari Rodgers: 0
Seventh-round pick Samori Toure was inactive. Winfree, who caught one pass, was elevated from the practice squad on Saturday.
Rodgers, last year’s third-round pick, was the only active skill position player who didn’t play a single snap from scrimmage. If he can’t get on the field with one of the starters out, it’s difficult to envision him being a factor this year.
While Watkins and Cobb were both on the field for over 60 percent of the offense’s snaps, the veteran pair combined for five catches on six targets for just 32 yards.
The Packers started Watson and dialed him up a deep shot to open the game, but he dropped the 75-yarder.
In their regular season debuts, Watson and Doubs combined to catch six passes for 71 yards. They were targeted nine times total; Cobb and Watkins saw six combined targets.
Yards per route run among receivers in Week 1, via Pro Football Focus:
1. Juwann Winfree, 1.89
2. Romeo Doubs, 1.48
3. Christian Watson, 1.17
4. Sammy Watkins, 0.64
5. Randall Cobb, 0.52
It will be interesting to track snap counts at receiver when Lazard returns. Does Watson or Doubs see less of the field? Watson’s speed is hard to keep off the grass. He’s a legit deep threat.
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Frustrating practices versus the Saints defense has led to Aaron Rodgers criticizing his receivers:
This may be a shocker, but the team that stunned Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers by a margin of 38-3 last year just spent a couple of days frustrating them again in practice. The New Orleans Saints defense is the real deal, and proof of that can be found in the criticism that Rodgers leveled on his receiving corps this week.
“The young guys, especially young receivers, we’ve got to be way more consistent,” Rodgers told ESPN’s Rob Demovsky after Tuesday’s joint practice session with the Saints. “A lot of drops, a lot of bad route decisions, running the wrong route. We’ve got to get better in that area.”
Green Bay moved on from Rodgers’ favorite receiver this offseason, trading Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders, and they didn’t adequately replace him. Plenty of ink has been spilled about his lack of first-round help at receiver over the years, so it’s gratifying to see him, say, chatting up Chris Olave between drills all week. Surrounding an aging quarterback who talks like he’s already got a foot out the door with past-their-prime receivers like Sammy Watkins and Randall Cobb is certainly a choice.
Rodgers spoke “extensively” in an early-morning meeting before Wednesday’s second practice session, sharing input on what rookies like Romeo Doubs and Samori Toure can do better, and it led to a few nice moments like a long touchdown reception and an end-of-day two-point conversion. But Rodgers still struggled on the whole — he completed just two more passes on Wednesday than he did during Tuesday’s practice. NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill charted the back-to-back league MVP with 26 completions against 54 pass attempts in team drills over two days. That’s a completion percentage of just 48.1%, well beneath his career rate of 65.3% and the impressive 68.9% and 70.7% numbers he posted the last two years.
Obviously these practices are not the same thing as a real game. Both teams are going to be scheming up differently and planning for each other as opposed to running basic plays and rotating starters in and out of the lineup. The stakes will be higher. But it’s really hard to not feel encouraged about this. Seeing all of the investments the Saints have made in their secondary pay off — big money deals with Marshon Lattimore, Tyrann Mathieu, and Marcus Maye, and premium draft picks spent on Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson — is exciting. New Orleans is counting on its secondary to carry the defense this year, and while it’s early (it’s still August!), these results are exciting. Expectations are high as the regular season approaches.
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