By Alex Berger
Before free agency officially opens on March 11th, we'll be combing through the Packers roster position by position to see what changes may need to come if the Lombardi trophy is to come home next year.
Here's a look at the Packers' wide receiver situation.
Players Under Contract: Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Jarrett Boykin, Chris Harper
Jordy Nelson is a top 10 caliber wide receiver who has consistently been a phenomenal target for Aaron Rodgers, catching 30 touchdowns over the course of the last three seasons. Nelson has received Rodgers' praise and confidence due to his ability to catch the ball wherever thanks to his superb hands and playmaking ability. One aspect of Nelson's game that goes unnoticed is his versatility. While most consider Nelson a big play threat downfield, he also possesses the ability to make plays on short crossing routes and make an impact on screen plays while lining up all over the field.
Randall Cobb is the most dynamic receiver on the Packers' roster. Considered one of the NFL's elite slot receivers, Cobb possesses fantastic route running abilities. However, his best attribute is his ability to make defenders miss after the catch. His combination of speed and agility make him my number one candidate to break out in 2014 as a top ten receiver. When he is on the field, he changes the game and adds a dangerous weapon to Rodgers' arsenal. Look for big things from number 18 in 2014.
Jarrett Boykin was a very pleasant surprise in 2013. I am going to take a little credit because I did predict a small breakout campaign from Boykin last season but I never envisioned what he ended up doing. With the injuries to Cobb and Jones, Boykin had the opportunity to become the Packers number two receiver for a large part of the 2013 season, and he stepped up and produced. During his action last season he gained almost 700 receiving yards while catching three touchdown passes. Although his 6'2" frame may not seem that large, he showed tremendous ability at times in his ability to climb up over defenders and make some spectacular catches. With the Packers prepared to let James Jones walk, look for Boykin to settle in nicely as the number three receiver in 2014.
Ranked as the fifth receiver on the 53-man roster, Chris Harper was drafted in the fourth round of last year's draft by the Seahawks, but he was cut after training camp. The Packers ended up claiming him off waivers partway through the 2013 season in an effort to add bodies to an extremely depleted receiving core. He was released by the 49ers after a failed attempt to convert him to tight end and was converted back to his more natural position by the Packers. He did not have any receptions in 2013.
Free Agents: James Jones
James Jones, who was drafted by the Packers in 2007, enjoyed many solid seasons in Green Bay. After leading the league in receiving touchdowns in 2012, Jones' 2013 campaign was limited by a nagging injury. His decrease in production was covered up by the emergence of Jarrett Boykin, making Jones dispensable. Jones would be a solid pickup at wide receiver from any team and I hope that he continues his success wherever he may land next season.
My Tips for Ted:
I believe the emergence of Jarrett Boykin can allow Thompson to confidently move on without James Jones in the fold. The money saved by letting Jones sign with another team can be used to sign players at positions of weakness. Beyond that, one of Ted's top priorities this offseason should be extending Jordy Nelson's contract. The Packers have gotten a bargain out of his current contract as he is due only $2.5 million next season. However, his consistent production and elite status put him in line for a pay raise. With both Nelson and Cobb entering contract seasons, Thompson should reward Nelson now. I believe the Cobb extension should be put on hold until after his 2014 campaign. Cobb has the ability to be an elite receiver, however, injuries and some inconsistency have kept him from putting it all together in a monster season. I believe 2014 is the year for that and he should be rewarded before free agency hits next offseason.
Grade: A-
The Packers have one of the best receiving corps in the NFL with two perennial top ten threats. With Boykin completing a very solid trio, I believe that Rodgers has much to look forward to next season given what each receiver can bring to the table.
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