Green Bay Packers’ third starting receiver may not be who you think
By Joe Kipp
The amount of talented receivers on the Green Bay Packers’ roster is bountiful. Veterans Davante Adams and Randall Cobb are sure to lock up two starting spots. Here’s why Jimmy Graham should be the third.
A period of uncertainty- something innately rejected by human nature- has left many fans uneasy about the Green Bay Packers‘ situation at wide receiver. In the past few seasons, Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams and Randall Cobb had held down the starting roles.
But after Nelson was released before the onset of free agency, many were left wondering the plan moving forward. That anxiousness was partially relieved with a dose of three wide receiver draftees – J’Mon Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown.
Yet, even after three draft picks, the question remains: Who will be the starting ‘Z’ receiver – the guy who plays second fiddle. Adams will unquestionably take over the full-time ‘X’ receiver spot as the go-to man, while Cobb should see most of his work as the starting slot receiver.
I mean, let’s be real here – Geronimo Allison, Trevor Davis, Michael Clark or Deangelo Yancey aren’t taking over the reigns. The three rookies have a long way to go as well.
Enter Jimmy Graham, the Packers’ marquee free agent signing this offseason. Graham, whose been known as a tight end his entire career, figures to be used very similarly to how Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints treated him: as a receiver.
If you recall, in 2014 there was a dispute between Graham and the Saints regarding his position designation on his franchise tag. The 6-foot-7, 265-pound ‘receiver’ argued in favor as such. His argument was rooted in that he lined-up out wide or in the slot, as a receiver, for 67 percent of his snaps; neither of which are traditional tight end roles.
Leading up to the franchise tag, Graham had racked up 301 receptions, 3,863 yards and 41 touchdowns in only four seasons. He had a mind-boggling 16 touchdowns in 2013. All of these numbers are much more typical for a wide receiver.
There’s no question Graham was used much more as a receiver, but in the end, he was ruled a tight end. It was a significant ruling in terms of wages. If Graham had been designated as a receiver he would have made $12.312 million on the franchise tag. Instead, he was scheduled to earn $7.035 as a tight end.
The disagreement must have severed any remaining ties in their relationship, as Graham left New Orleans for the Seattle Seahawks the season after.
Looking back, the Seahawks never seemed to squeeze out all of Graham’s talent. His production was much lower than what it was in New Orleans. He never eclipsed 100 targets or 1,000 yards, and the most receptions he recorded was 65. His touchdown totals from year to year were two, six and ten, respectively – all much lower than his time with the Saints.
Much of the blame for Graham’s struggles can be placed on the Seahawks’ play calling. The coaching staff used him in a fashion that didn’t match his skill-sets. He was asked to block in-line far too often and was never hyper-targeted in between the 20 yard-lines, much like he was with the Saints. He also wasn’t targeted much in the redzone until last season, which was the final year of his contract.
Graham became an unrestricted free agent this offseason and signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Packers.
The signing remained questionable at first, but as time went on it became clear what his role would be: a perimeter weapon that presents a clear mismatch. The Packers don’t care what position you call it, but he’ll certainly be used more as a receiver.
In an interview in April, Graham was asked if he still has the potential for ’80 catches and 1,000 yards’ in a season. He promptly replied, “Well yeah – I mean, I’m still 6-7, I still run a 4.5 [40-yard dash], so I think so…when my number’s called I’m going to be ready, I can tell you that.”
Graham’s potential to be one of the starters on the outside became even more apparent this past week, after the signing of free agent tight end Marcedes Lewis.
Lewis played his previous twelve seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The former Pro Bowler remains the best run-blocker in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. He played 517 run-blocking snaps last season and should see significant time in the Packers’ lineup. Even at age 33, Lewis is a starting-caliber tight end.
Lewis’ signing allows the Packers to employ a multitude of looks on offense. It grants Graham the freedom to be moved around as the third option at receiver.
Whether it’s in an 11-personnel look (one running back, one tight end, three receivers) where Graham is used as a receiver on the outside or a 12-personnel look (one running back, two tight ends, two receivers) where Graham is used as a traditional tight end, he’ll certainly contribute no matter where the Packers place him.
The flexibility to place Graham at any receiver position, as well as a traditional tight end, makes Green Bay’s offense one of the most dynamic in the entire league. With Nelson no longer on the team, Graham adds an excellent threat as a big-bodied receiver in the red zone.
An Adams, Graham and Cobb combination at receiver – with Lewis at tight end and any of the running backs in the backfield – creates a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Whether it’s lining up in the slot or isolated against a safety out wide, Graham should return to his full potential with the Packers. If Green Bay learned anything from his past, it’ll be to utilize him as a receiver.