Packers: Does The Team Need 7 Wide Receivers?

Packers receivers Jeff Janis and Jared Abbrederis have seen limited playing time. Should the team consider cutting them in favor of defensive help?

Throughout Packers training camp, wide receiver became the teams most interesting position battle.

By spending a 5th round pick on Trevor Davis, it appeared someone from last year’s team was out. The most obvious choices being Jeff Janis and Jared Abbrederis.

While both showed promise in a playoff game against Arizona. It is hard to justify keeping 7 wide-outs.

Yet, this is exactly what Ted Thompson has done.

This has left the team thin at other positions. Mike Penell’s suspension and Letroy Guion’s injury, has the defensive line relying on unproven players. However, a strong effort against the run has limited these fears thus far.

The linebacker unit is an injury away from Carl Bradford (practice squad) seeing meaningful snaps. Despite a good showing in training camp, Packer fans are not rooting for it to happen.

So, what is the logic behind keeping so many receivers?

Against the Lions, Mike McCarthy introduced new personnel with Ty Montgomery coming out of the backfield. His speed, agility and pass catching skills add a wrinkle to the offense.

The Packers have previously experimented with Randall Cobb as a runner, but Montgomery is a better fit. Every time Rodgers hands it to Cobb, fans should be holding their breathe. His slight build exposes him to injuries among 300 lb. lineman.

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While offering a similar skill set to Cobb, Montgomery is built more like a running back. Although still small for the position, he is more likely to absorb hits and break tackles inside.

Because of this versatility the Packers front office can justify Ty Montgomery’s roster spot.

Newcomer Trevor Davis is also a lock due to his status as the new 5th round draft pick. Giving up on young draftees is against Ted Thompson’s character, leaving the team with 5 spots tied up.

Davis also saw extended snaps against Detroit. Drawing a pass interference leading to a touchdown. Unfortunately for the rookie this will not show up on his stats.

On the downside he dropped an easy pass on a potential first down play. It will be important he doesn’t over-react to the drop overthinking each catch. This can be difficult for a young player looking to impress.

The controversy appears to be with Jeff Janis and Jared Abbrederis.

If Ted Thompson decides to free up a roster spot, he should first consider Jared Abbrederis. After 3 games the former Badger has hardly seen the field.

The return of Jordy Nelson has pushed every one back on the depth chart with Abbrederis suffering the most.

Despite Davente Adams struggles, coaches have stuck with him as the third option. This leaves Abbrederis as the odd man out. While he has shown glimpses of talent necessary to succeed in the league, there is little about him that stands out.