Jake Kumerow Faces Another Tall Task
Jake Kumerow will have another uphill battle to make the final roster.
Usually, the preseason MVP makes the final roster. That was the case for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jake Kumerow who seemingly came out nowhere in 2018. Two years later, the product of Wisconsin-Whitewater is still around, however, there may not be enough room on the roster to keep him around much longer.
Whether you appreciate his abilities or not, there’s no denying that Kumerow played his way onto the roster two years ago. He was one of the best players on the field during the live meaningful reps of summer. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury landed him on injured reserve until week 13 of the regular season. At 26 years old, he saw his first NFL action playing in five games in 2018 and also had his first career touchdown against the New York Jets. Per NFL standards, 103 yards through five games isn’t much, but it was enough for the Packers to offer him a chance to return the following year.
Again, Kumerow showed his worth as he beat out former fourth-round pick J’Mon Moore and Allen Lazard for spots on the initial 53-man roster. Kumerow may have benefited from a severe ankle injury to Equanimeous St. Brown, however, he was likely ahead of Darius Shepherd as well- whom the team held nto instead of Lazard.
In 2019, Kumerow almost tripled the number of games he appeared. After 14 games, including four starts, Kumerow recorded 12 receptions for 203 yards and a single touchdown. For a receiver, these numbers aren’t much to look at, but Kumerow was also a worthy run-blocker as Green Bay enjoyed putting him spots where he could demonstrate his physicality.
However, run-blocking to accompany what can only be considered average receiver prowess may put Kumerow on the chopping block very soon. The Packers receiving corps has been pretty weak the past two seasons and perhaps allowed Kumerow to sneak on the field more than he should.
After some neglect, Green Bay at least made some effort to improve the targets for Aaron Rodgers this offseason by adding Devin Funchess. They also exercised an exclusive rights tender on Lazard, who ultimately jumped Kumerow on the depth chart on his way to 35 receptions, 477 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. Some believe Lazard has a shot at being wide receiver no.2 next season if he continues on the same track.
Kumerow originally beat out Lazard last year, but that won’t be the case again. He will also have a tough time topping St.Brown who showed promise as a rookie. With Davante Adams and Marquez-Valdes Scantling’s spots already firmly cemented, Kumerow is probably sixth on the depth chart. If Funchess still hasn’t fully recovered from his broken collarbone, maybe Kumerow can gain some sort of edge.
There’s also a newcomer in former CFL-standout Reggie Begelton. Begelton has generated a lot of buzz since his signing from the Calgary Stampeders in January. A lot of people are high on Begelton and expect him to compete for a roster spot immediately. He’s younger than Kumerow (26 compared to 28), and arguably has more upside. Obviously, if the Packers keep more than six receivers Kumerow could be fine. However, his current body of work doesn't leave much to hang on to.
At the end of the day, Kumerow will face another uphill battle to find himself on the Packers’ final 53.
Brandon Carwile is a Packers writer who also enjoys watching and breaking down film. Follow him on Twitter @PackerScribe.
Comments (30)
arthurl
July 20, 2020 at 07:03 am
It probably comes down to what Begelton shows during camp. His stats in the CFL are pretty impressive and if the coaches see there is potential with this guy, Kumerow will be out. That’s six WR on the team if you assume St Brown and Funchess are a go.
PatrickGB
July 20, 2020 at 11:30 am
Camp might be shortened so a veteran has the edge. I really think that CFL stats are nowhere close to NFL standards. In the CFL, the WR’s get a running start before the ball is snapped. Reggie Begelton may be good but I don’t think he will be ready for the NFL. Jake is no longer eligible for the PS so, if it comes down to the last slot, I see Jake making the roster and Reggie on the PS.
Stroh
July 20, 2020 at 12:48 pm
Warren Moon begs to differ! His stats translated very well to the NFL. The CFL is a passing league so WR and QB stats should transfer pretty well. The bigger field and only 3 downs to get a first down help, but running routes and getting open are skills that transfer for a WR, and something MVS hasn't learned.
Thegreatreynoldo
July 21, 2020 at 02:51 am
Kumerow is eligible for the PS.
Stroh
July 21, 2020 at 08:28 pm
What's the point? He's 28 yrs old. Been on 4or 5 teams. He's developed as much as he's going to.
mrtundra
July 21, 2020 at 11:15 pm
I've read stuff by armchair coaches that say Funchess might not make the team and could be a camp cut. If so, Kumerow's chances of staying increase a lot. Those armchair coaches are probably Bears fans, anyway. Not a lot going on upstairs, if you know what I mean.
stockholder
July 20, 2020 at 07:07 am
Uphill? I believe a mountain. After Adams, Lazard, MVS, and Funchess. My bet is on the fastest man will win. IF St Brown and Begelton can Flash. Kumerow is out. Look for the waiver wire to be watched closely.
blacke00
July 20, 2020 at 07:13 am
Hold the phone! MVS is not a "lock"! His second half of the last season was pathetic! Theyncan't afford to "babysit him through another season. He needs to show big time or he's toast here. Do I think he can make it? Sure and I hope he does. Jake was not a primary target last season and he was open a lot more than he was given credit, he just thrown to. May the best man win! Go Pack!
SpikeHyzer
July 22, 2020 at 09:47 am
MVS was top 5 among receivers in explosive plays and average yards on those plays.
He unfortunately didn't make enough of them and had far too many drops.
Kumerow, on the other hand, is simply terrible and has no chance at all to make the team.
PeteK
July 20, 2020 at 07:32 am
He has a small advantage because he plays special team.
dobber
July 20, 2020 at 09:05 am
He and Lazard, both. Kumerow's ST snaps picked up when Lazard started playing more on offense. Still, all teams have those fringe players who hang on through ST (Jeff Janis is a prime example), and it's easy enough for a developmental player with more upside to push him off the roster. Kumerow played about 1/3 of the offensive snaps in 2019. He didn't do much. He's likeable and adds some things, but if the WR room is only 6 deep, it's going to be tough for him.
Handsback
July 20, 2020 at 08:24 am
Agree with Blacke00 in that MVS is not a lock. Just because he's the fastest WR on the roster...doesn't mean that he'll get a roster spot.
I think MVS has potential, but last year didn't do him any favors. We may have seen the best that he can do. Fast guy that can get open, but lacks the body control and hands to contest balls thrown his way.
murf7777
July 20, 2020 at 02:43 pm
I wonder how much of that was due to being injured because he looked much better at the beginning of the year. Time will tell.
taarons420
July 20, 2020 at 09:02 am
Kumerow will be on the roster.
1.Great blocker
2.Solid special teams player
3.A known commodity (in an abbreviated pre-season)
4.Knows the system (in an abbreviated pre-season)
He's pretty much a lock.
It'll be...
Adams
Laard
Funchess
MVS
St Brown
Kumerow
13TimeChamps
July 20, 2020 at 10:22 am
Personally, I think the only 'locks' right now are:
Adams
Lazard
Funchess
St. Brown
Fighting for the final 2 (probably) spots will be:
Begelton
MVS
Kumerow
Shepard (sp?)
There is, of course, always the possibility of picking up another team's training camp/pre-season roster cuts to add to the mix.
Stroh
July 20, 2020 at 12:42 pm
Keep drinking that coolaid dude. He's pushing 30 yrs old and been cut by 4 teams before the Packers got him. They've held onto him too long already. Time to move on to a younger WR that has a chance to develop. Kumerow has past that point a few yrs ago, since before the Packers got him off waivers. He has a nice fairytale story, but it time has to end and the Packers would be foolish to hold onto him longer.
Only 5 WR deserve a shot at the roster.
Adams, EQ St Brown, Lazard, Funchess and Begelton. None of the rest belong on the roster, maybe one or 2 on the PS. Kumerow and MVS don't belong on NFL rosters at this point.
NoNonsense
July 20, 2020 at 10:01 am
The practice squad will be very important in this pandemic and will be expanded to 16 players per team with less rules on who is eligible so I think Kumerow and anybody that has shown they can play will be around even if they dont make the initial 53.
13TimeChamps
July 20, 2020 at 10:03 am
I sure hope MVS's spot on the roster isn't "firmly cemented". He was drafted purely on size, speed and potential. After a pretty mediocre 4 year college career, he has shown almost no development after 2 years in the NFL. It would be great if the light comes on in year 3, but there is almost zero reason to think it will. I hope I'm wrong because you can't coach 6'4" with elite speed.
Stroh
July 20, 2020 at 12:37 pm
MVS is done. He hasn't and wont develop anymore. He's just a fast guy who has no other WR skills. I would Cut him now and give a chance to a WR who can still develop. Your right on... He's never been productive at any level and hasn't shown any development.
PhantomII
July 20, 2020 at 05:38 pm
I believe he was working out with Randy Moss. Moss works them pretty hard. None of our WR coaches are HOF WR's. Let's see what a difference maker makes.
13TimeChamps
July 20, 2020 at 09:16 pm
Well, he's had a HOF QB throwing to him for 2 years. It doesn't seem to have helped. Seems to have had an impact on Lazard though.
Stroh
July 20, 2020 at 11:14 pm
He was working with Moss last yesr too. Maybe even before he ever got to GB. It didn't help then, why would it start now?
Samson
July 20, 2020 at 10:21 am
Kumerow has always been a JAG... ST play has kept him on the 53 but eventually he has to develop into a real choice at WR or he's gone... Every NFL team (including the Pack) holds onto fringe players for STs for a year or two.... Eventually a better prospect shows & displaces that player.-- Albeit... 2020 may be entirely different... Most need to get ready with the many asterisks **. --- If this season is even played, I'm not confident it will be legitimate .
Slim11
July 20, 2020 at 11:25 am
MVS should not be considered a lock for the final roster. Kumerow shouldn't either.
If MVS's speed and potential are the only qualifiers, the Packers never should have cut Jeff Janis. His speed was also special plus he contributed a lot to special teams as a gunner. I don't see MVS mentioned for his ST contributions.
Stroh
July 20, 2020 at 12:33 pm
Whitewater Jesus will not make the team. He's been in the league for about 7 yrs by now. 29? maybe 30 yrs old. He is what he is at this point. It was a nice little fairytale story, but its gone on far too long. He'll be out of the NFL in a year, if not after he's cut by the Packers after training camp. He was never going to become a productive WR in the NFL. Time to move on an find a developmental WR who still has room to grow.
Packers0808
July 20, 2020 at 07:57 pm
Why you hate so much on Kumerow and he will make this team!
Stroh
July 20, 2020 at 08:47 pm
Don't hate him. The love affair with him is way over the top. Neat story but he's had many opportunities and hasn't shown to be good enough. Keeping him isnot making the Packers better. If your not getting better, your getting worse. As the saying goes.
Samson
July 20, 2020 at 02:21 pm
Actually, Kumerow just turned 28 in 2/20.... He's been on 3 teams... Bengals, Pats & the Pack.... He has 20 career receptions for 322 yards & 2 TDs.
Per Wiki.... "Kumerow is the son of former Miami Dolphins linebacker Eric Kumerow. He is also the nephew of former Dolphins defensive end John Bosa, and therefore a cousin to John's sons, Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa and San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa."
"He is also the great-grandson of Chicago mob boss Tony Accardo known as "Joe Batters" & "Big Tuna".
Oh-oh... Maybe his 53 man roster spot is secure.... Maybe the Pack got an 'offer they just can't refuse'.
dobber
July 20, 2020 at 04:16 pm
" Maybe the Pack got an 'offer they just can't refuse'."
Fredo better watch his back...
Stroh
July 20, 2020 at 05:44 pm
He was also on another teams PS. I know all about his bloodlines and that has kept him in the NFL to date. Atthis point, he no longer has unknown upside. Timr tl vut bait and move on. Much rather give Begelton a shot thsn keep Kumerow for another year.
Packers should keep 5 WR. Adams Funchess EQ St Brown Lazard and Begelton IMO. Lafleur's offense is not WR centric like McCarthy's was. They won't have many occasions to use more than 3 WR at a time. Keep more RB and TE.