Packers Stock Report: How Many Wide Receivers Can They Keep?
Less than four weeks from the regular season, whose stock is rising and whose is falling?
By mkelley
With the first preseason game in the books, fans have started making declarations about who should and shouldn’t be on the 53-man roster next month. While there’s still plenty of exhibition football yet to be played before the games count, it’s never too early to take a look at who’s helped or hurt themselves after one game and about a dozen training camp practices.
Despite the regular season opener still about four weeks away, coach Mike McCarthy mentioned that the number of remaining practice repetitions is quickly waning and that players must seize their opportunities as September 9 draws ever closer.
With that in mind, here is the first Packers stock report of 2018.
Rising: Buy! Buy! Buy!
Wide receivers: After the Packers drafted three wide receivers in April’s draft, the roster speculation began almost immediately. Including Wisconsin-Whitewater product Jake Kumerow and 2017 draft pick DeAngelo Yancey, the Packers have nine wide receivers who have shown some promise. Even a month ago it seemed unlikely that the team would keep any more than six wide receivers on the 53-man roster, but with the flashes of talent shown by the young players in that group, it looks more and more likely that the Packers could have seven receivers on the team on opening day.
Communication: While the list of grievances against former defensive coordinator Dom Capers grew quite long toward the end of his tenure, there was perhaps no more damning visual than watching Packer defenders confused before the snap, unsure of the play call or their individual assignment. If Thursday’s preseason game against the Titans was any indication, that aspect should be improving under new coordinator Mike Pettine.
“I thought it was a clean operation on defense,” McCarthy said in Monday’s press conference. “Just with [Pettine’s] nomenclature, he’s really kept it clean as far as the communications. I thought they were definitely in on time, and the tempo and pace of the communication was probably one of the better things we did.”
Falling: Sell! Sell! Sell!
Right tackles: With Bryan Bulaga still not quite in game condition after recovering from a torn ACL, Jason Spriggs was the presumed preseason starter. McCarthy, however, opted to start veteran Byron Bell at right tackle against Tennessee, which surprised Spriggs.
#Packers T Jason Spriggs said he was caught off guard when he was told before the Tennessee game that he wasn't going to start. He said he doesn't know why. He said the benching was not for any disciplinary reasons. Said he still expected to compete for top backup job.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) August 12, 2018
Not only did Spriggs’ benching indicate he hasn’t been performing well in practice, but both Spriggs and Bell struggled against the Titans in the preseason opener. Bell confirmed that he should only be playing guard at this point in his career, and Spriggs has yet to show any major improvements on his previous struggles.
Quinten Rollins: Here we go again. The fourth-year defensive back has had issues playing outside corner in recent seasons, and that doesn’t appear to be any different in 2018. Rollins allowed a short completion to turn into a big gain against Tennessee by being over-aggressive, a mistake that McCarthy called a mental error. Some have suggested that Rollins should be moved to safety, but the Packers don’t seem to have any interest in a position change for Rollins, and his spot on the roster has now come into question.
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Matt Kelley is a staff writer for Cheesehead TV. He can be found on Twitter via @hustleandheart1.
Comments (64)
Qoojo
August 14, 2018 at 11:11 am
I thought Bell starting the game at RT was more about assessing what they have in Bell, since they probably know a lot more about Spriggs at this point.
Also, every year fans overvalue the back up WRs, and want to keep them all.
sonomaca
August 14, 2018 at 11:13 am
With his athletic tools, Spriggs might be a better fit at TE. Not going to be a seam-ripper, but in-line plus occaisonal pass.
JerseyAl
August 14, 2018 at 11:25 am
Spriggs is one TE - OT convert that should have stayed where he was. Maybe he had stone hands, though...
4thand10
August 14, 2018 at 01:21 pm
I had suggested exploring this when he was lighter. He put on quite a bit of weight this year...I’m not sure exactly what type of weight but he’s listed at 300 now. If memory serves me correctly he was around 270 when drafted. He was described as “ extreamly athletic” but I have no Idea if he had hands or not.
JerseyAl
August 14, 2018 at 02:01 pm
He weighed 301 at the combine. This was my evaluation of him for the CHTV Draft Guide:
1. Jason Spriggs.
School: Indiana, Year: Sr.
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 301lbs.
Arms: 34 1/8”
Bench: 31
40-yard dash: 4.94
In a Nutshell: A former tight end, Spriggs is a fluid, athletic big man fit strictly for a ZBS team. As a run blocker, he doesn’t show much power or ability to finish blocks. In pass protection, he has an efficient kick slide but can get knocked off balance and is very susceptible to inside moves. As you would expect, he pulls or gets to the second level easily, but he can be seen whiffing on blocks way too often.
NFL Combine: If there was a “Best in Shorts” award at the combine, Spriggs would take the OL competition in a landslide. He was first in the 40yd dash, first in the broad jump, second in the 20yd shuttle and fourth in the bench press. While there’s no denying his athletic prowess, his tape shows a myriad of inadequacies he will have to work on.
Unfortunately, I'd say I was pretty spot on!
sonomaca
August 14, 2018 at 04:33 pm
Nice call. I can see Spriggs as a combo TE and back-up lineman. He might not be great anywhere, but how many players have that type of versatility.
With Spriggs at TE, could dump Kendricks and keep one fewer linemen.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
August 14, 2018 at 08:04 pm
Has bad feet and cannot move
4thand10
August 15, 2018 at 11:59 am
My mistake, this article had stated 20+ pounds he gained. I don’t doubt your report or the Packers report. It was just confusing cause they are touting weight gain for anchoring but I didn’t find a lot on paper to support it.
https://www.packers.com/news/jason-spriggs-settling-in-with-increased-si...
JerseyAl
August 15, 2018 at 12:40 pm
The articles says he went from 301 lbs to 320 this off-season. That makes sense since he weighed in at 301 lbs when he came to the Packers.
cheesehead1
August 14, 2018 at 11:31 am
Bell reminds me of Marshall Newhouse, not very good, same with Spriggs. If Bulaga goes down again who do we turn to? Also, as usual, worried about Perry and now King. We need reliable players. Some are just injury prone. Here’s hoping for some better health for these two. Go Pack.
Bunkerbill
August 14, 2018 at 11:44 am
Why does everyone rag on Marshall Newhouse? He's playing in his 9th year in the NFL. He must be getting the job done.
jeremyjjbrown
August 14, 2018 at 12:01 pm
Because he got pressed into a starting role here before he was ready, after both Clifton and Sherrod got injured. It's not justified as you point out.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
August 14, 2018 at 08:06 pm
He sure as heck didn't play for the Pack. Buckley played like 10 years but doesn't mean he was good
Thegreatreynoldo
August 14, 2018 at 10:30 pm
It is justified. Newhouse stunk for Cincinnati and for the last three years, he has been lousy in NYG and Oakland. He might not be as lousy as Spriggs or Bell, but it is a close call. He just signed with Buffalo for $1.75M.
Johnblood27
August 15, 2018 at 09:30 am
newhouse is the reason sherrod got injured.
watch the play.
newhouse whiffed and his man screamed around the corner flying past qb and rolled into sherrod from behind as he was engaged with his man.
career over.
newhouse weakened both tackle positions at the same time.
is that a record?
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
August 15, 2018 at 06:00 pm
How can that be both sad and funny?
4thand1
August 14, 2018 at 11:36 am
53
White92
August 14, 2018 at 11:53 am
Heard Hub Arkush say he is as uncertain about the Packers as he has been in many years. He cited the offensive line as a chief concern. I have to agree
JonathanSpader
August 14, 2018 at 12:06 pm
Why is everyone so concerned with the OL? Last year Brulaga went down and Bakh missed time early. We were still 4-1. We now have Lewis at TE who should be an upgrade as a blocking TE over he who shall not be named. We've got Jimmy Graham at TE. Rodgers back with a chip on his shoulder. Worry all you want I can't wait to see Rodgers shred defenses.
Cubbygold
August 14, 2018 at 05:24 pm
Thats some green and yellow colored lenses you're looking through. That 4-1 start wasn't pretty, and the team only faced one playoff team.
Seattle win at home was close, and backed by two very favorable rulings by the refs. Atl completely wiped the floor with the pack in the first half and rested on their lead. Cincy dominated for 3 quarters in lambeau before an epic comeback. Then wins over the bears and dallas.
GB could have easily been 2-3 in that stretch, and certainly would have if the competition wasnt so weak
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
August 14, 2018 at 08:08 pm
Pack is much better this year all around. Better defense, better TE's, and better RB's. I believe we will see better WR play too.
OL is marginal past starters
sonomaca
August 14, 2018 at 04:36 pm
Kind of agree, especially at tackle. There really aren’t any competent backup tackles at this point. Lane Taylor might be your best Bakh backup.
fthisJack
August 15, 2018 at 09:09 am
weren't they giving Pankey a shot at RT? maybe he's the next man up for the job.
Johnblood27
August 15, 2018 at 09:31 am
you are what your record says you are.
period.
RCPackerFan
August 14, 2018 at 12:01 pm
I think they will for sure keep 6 WR's. I would not be surprised if they kept 7.
Right now I have a very hard time seeing them cutting the 3 rookies, who have all flashed their talents and made plays. I think Allison is the #3. That is 6.
Its also going to be hard to cut Kumerow with how he has played. That would be 7.
Assuming there is no injuries 7 is very possible.
Also if Davis comes back soon and shows off his punt return skills and shows something as a WR he will be tough to cut.
The final 3 preseason games are going to be fun to watch. The WR battle should get really good!
4thand10
August 14, 2018 at 01:24 pm
Agree, I also wonder if special teams will play a major role as well.
Lare
August 14, 2018 at 06:51 pm
I didn't notice, who were the gunners on the punt team against Tennessee?
croatpackfan
August 15, 2018 at 07:09 am
Goodson & Evans...
fthisJack
August 15, 2018 at 09:13 am
i would rather have them keep 7 WR than a third TE like Kendricks or even a FB.....do we really need a fb? keep your players with the most upside.
dobber
August 15, 2018 at 02:02 pm
Goodson had a reputation for being a very capable gunner on ST before he got hurt. Many teams keep a player just for his ST chops (think Janis last year). It could be Goodson's ticket to the roster.
jeremyjjbrown
August 14, 2018 at 12:02 pm
Jason Spriggs said he was caught off guard when he was told before the Tennessee game that he wasn't going to start. He said he doesn't know why."
Jason was the only person on Earth surprised by this.
Bure9620
August 14, 2018 at 12:15 pm
Adams, Cobb, Allison, Equinemious, J'Mon and MVS.
Davis is a camp body at this point. Let's not overvalue kickoffs as they mean less now with new rules. His punt returning is overrated, he has made terrible decisions inside the 10 (5). If no one can sieze the job, Cobb can return punts.
Sorry Kumerow, he actually has a year of PS eligibility, I think the Packers want him on PS squad if not claimed. (He won't be claimed off waivers)
4thand1
August 14, 2018 at 12:22 pm
NE will snatch him up, they love these type of receivers.
Bure9620
August 14, 2018 at 12:58 pm
Kumerow was on NE PS last year but they did not see the need to lock him up on their roster either.
RCPackerFan
August 14, 2018 at 12:57 pm
Actually with the new Kickoff rules I think we will see more kick returns again. Lining the kick off players a couple of yards from the ball, I see less effective onside kicks and more returns.
Oppy
August 14, 2018 at 03:55 pm
Teams are kind of freaking out about the new kick rules.
Oppy
August 14, 2018 at 03:54 pm
You aren't over-rated when you have the production that matches the rating. Davis has production that matches the rating... and I began to question people's vague assertions that Davis routinely made "bad decisions" inside the 10 once I researched punt return data for the league- specifically what happens to punts that are allowed to hit the dirt inside the 10 yard line.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 14, 2018 at 10:36 pm
LOL. Keep up the good fight, Oppy. The narrative is set and overturning it with facts is a Herculean task. No one is going to read those studies or change their minds if they do.
Oppy
August 15, 2018 at 01:28 am
I know all too well, TGR. It's a recurring theme in my life, lol.
I guess I'm a glutton for frustration and failure.
Spock
August 15, 2018 at 08:02 am
Oppy changed my mind after I read his article link, so that's one! :)
fthisJack
August 15, 2018 at 09:21 am
i wouldn't keep Davis. he hasn't shown anything as a WR and now he's hurt. i would keep the guys with the most upside as receivers and find someone else to return punts. i know Jaire was a great punt returner in college but they may not want to expose him to injury. Cobb was always good but again they didn't want him to get hurt. they have options.
dobber
August 15, 2018 at 02:04 pm
The question is: will it be more important to have a 'dyanamic' punt returner who gets you nothing else, or a punt returner who is good at securing the catch and getting what's blocked for him, and giving you potential development/contributions elsewhere? I'd take door #2.
Oppy
August 15, 2018 at 02:21 pm
The Packers have a history of keeping ST aces who are bottom of the drawer backups at their "position"- Derrick Martin, Jarret Bush, Jeff Janis, etc etc.
Granted, these guys were all gunners for the most part, but it's still indicative of the Packers mindset that if a guy contributes strongly enough to the field position game, they are willing to use a roster spot to keep them even if they might not contribute greatly to an offensive or defensive position group.
I feel the need to mention that while I'm constantly harping about how good Davis has been as a punt returner, I would have no problem if the Packers let him go because they feel they have another player on the roster who has shown the ability to return punts at the level Davis has- whom they also are willing to expose to ST related injury. If so, so be it. However, I feel many people believe this is just a matter of replacing a middle-of-the-road punt returner, and the numbers show that Davis is not an average, middle-of-the-road punt returner. Field position is important.
dobber
August 15, 2018 at 02:24 pm
"...and the numbers show that Davis is not an average, middle-of-the-road punt returner. Field position is important."
I don't disagree, but do you gamble that your defense will be improved enough to help generate that field position?
Oppy
August 15, 2018 at 02:54 pm
Well, that's a great question, and one I don't intend to answer, because frankly, I'm not buying in to the defensive turnaround until I see it happen. I like the D line, I like the CB group, and I know Pettine has a history. I'm hopeful, but I like to see actual results.
In theory, if Pettine is the answer on defense, our PR game will have more and more impact (more PRs). If he isn't, and things don't change on defense, PR will have less impact (less opportunities), but I suppose if our D can't stop anyone, it will make the few PR opportunities we get even more important to capitalize on.
I think I spun that pretty good. ;)
Since'61
August 14, 2018 at 12:24 pm
How many WRs are kept may depend on the status of the OL. If the OL comes out of the preseason healthy I can see the Packers keeping 6 WRs with Kumerow going to the PS. If the OL is shaky the Packers might keep 10 OL. In that case either one less WR or RB makes the 53.
2 - QBs
6 - WRs
3 - TEs
5 - RBs
9 - OLs
Above numbers assumes our position groups are healthy at the end of the preseason. As of now Jones and Mays are dealing with hamstring injuries. We probably won’t them for the remaining season. Let’s hope they are both ready for Week 1. Thanks, Since ‘61
RCPackerFan
August 14, 2018 at 12:59 pm
I also think the number of WR's depends on the number of QB's kept. If they keep 3 QB's I see 6 WR's. If they keep 2 I see 7 WR's.
I think they will end up with 6, but could have 7 pending on how the preseason plays out and how healthy each of them remain.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
August 14, 2018 at 08:10 pm
Agree
Thegreatreynoldo
August 14, 2018 at 10:40 pm
Why in the world would GB keep 5 RBs?
Monty, Williams, X and Rip. When Jones returns in week 3, dump whoever X is.
Oppy
August 15, 2018 at 01:39 am
To be fair, they kept Monty, Williams, Jones, Mays, and Ripkowski last season.
To tie this into the "fullbacks" article (and this is wild and unfounded speculation on my part), maybe the Packers look at Mays and think he has enough mass to him that he could be both HB #3 as well as perform in FB duties when needed. I have no idea how well he blocks, though. Or maybe they feel the TEs can be called upon to fil FB roles when needed.
fthisJack
August 15, 2018 at 09:28 am
i would not keep 5 RB as i would seriously consider going without a FB. i would keep 7 WR. Monty, Williams, Mays, and the new shifty guy. when Jones gets healthy....cut one.
dobber
August 15, 2018 at 02:05 pm
I guarantee that someone will be needing a spot on the IR within the first couple weeks of the season.
JohnnyLogan
August 14, 2018 at 12:34 pm
If they cut Kumerow Rodgers might be a little upset. He's already said if the season started now Kumerow should be out there. I think he will get snapped up. He's big and gets open. What more do you want from a receiver. He's also more experienced than the 3 rookies. I think he's actually ahead of EQ, but they won't cut EQ so they'll keep seven, or one will mysteriously go down with an injury.
Oppy
August 14, 2018 at 03:56 pm
He's ahead of all three rookie WR's.. because he's in his third NFL season.
Cartwright
August 14, 2018 at 12:35 pm
All these new WR's we got this year seem like keepers. Suspect they'll let Davis go and put Yancey on the PS and keep the rest. That gets us to seven. Adams, Cobb, Allison, Kumero and the 3 rookies, sounds about right, but I suspect they will be struggling with keeping an extra corner or defensive lineman and stashing a rookie on the practice squad. Who is stashable and who will get taken if they do.
Johnblood27
August 15, 2018 at 09:35 am
i think ar is using his kumerow love to light a fire under the more talented rooks.
thats all.
Community Guy
August 14, 2018 at 12:46 pm
it is fun to have too many good receivers. my two cents as armchair GM:
keep 7 WRs until Aaron Jones returns. after the top three, including Alison, it is still undetermined.
i suggest allowing Davis to become a free agent.. the punt return duties can be filled.. they just need one guy who can catch the punts.
the final 3-4 jobs can be filled by the following five: the 2018 draftees, Kumerow and Yancey. Moore is in if he just demonstrates he can catch balls in games. MVS is in if he just shows consistency. EQ St. Brown can secure a roster spot by showing toughness or upside in another way. Kumerow needs to keep doing what he has been doing. Yancey may be headed for the practice squad again, however, it wouldn't surprise me if he shows enough talent in the last 3 weeks to win the final roster spot. who contributes the most on teams??
stockholder
August 14, 2018 at 01:47 pm
Year after year we heard who was standing out in camp. Year after year, No WR impressed the coaches. They just weren't happy with what was available. Somehow we saw a list of hopefuls. Now RELEASED! Somehow we kept drafting WRs and signing want a bees. For the first time MM's head was turned. For the first time they have good Wrs that can grow. So stop the pussy foot around crap. It's time to part ways with the guys that put the packers in wanting better. Yes they can do the job. But it's time to stay with the difference makers. And that is the ROOKIES. Trade them. Release them. Thank them for their service.
Lare
August 14, 2018 at 06:50 pm
Some of this may be decided by how healthy Cobb's ankle is.
PatrickGB
August 14, 2018 at 07:58 pm
Jake, Yancey, Davis and even G-mo are the “Now” but the three drafted rookies may be the future. Tough decisions are ahead. I expect a few surprises at cutdown time. Besides, we are talking about backups anyway.
Cubbygold
August 14, 2018 at 08:52 pm
Yup, ppl were upset to see dupre go last year. There will always be new talented athletes that they can draft with potential
Thegreatreynoldo
August 14, 2018 at 10:45 pm
I am always surprised if there are any surprises at cutdown time.
Hertel
August 14, 2018 at 08:28 pm
Kumerow is a solid performer everyday at practice. He should be an example for players to follow. Spriggs has not been reliable and may need a change in scenery .
LPPAKer
August 14, 2018 at 09:45 pm
I’m going to guess about 22 teams are still looking for 1 lock down tackle. No worries.