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Packers’ 2020 Depth Chart Predictions: Wide Receiver

By Brian Sampson

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 12: Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers runs in a 40-yard touchdown catch against the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 12, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 12: Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers runs in a 40-yard touchdown catch against the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 12, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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Predicting what the Green Bay Packers depth chart at wide receiver could look like heading into training camp of the 2020 season.

One of the most intriguing developments this preseason will be to see how the Green Bay Packers handle the wide receiver position. In the past, they haven’t been hesitant to keep six players at the position. Those days might be long gone.

Last season, the Packers played their fewest wide receiver snaps since the NFL began tracking the stat in 2012. That matches with the shift in philosophy from a spread passing offense to a bulky run offense. Green Bay’s 2020 draft personnel also matches that theory.

Davante Adams is the lone receiver on the depth chart whose a proven difference-maker. He’ll receive a heavy dose of the targets and carry the unit. Behind him, there will be a battle for the WR2 job between Devin Funchess and Allen Lazard. Funchess may not be the free agent signing fans were hoping for, but if he can return to his 2017 form (63 receptions for 840 yards and eight touchdowns) that would be a huge win for the Packers. Lazard came on strong at the end of last season and will have every opportunity to turn that into a WR2 job in 2020.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling is the opposite of Lazard in many ways. Where Lazard relies on his strong frame to box out corners, Valdes-Scantling tries to run past them with his great speed. Where Valdes-Scantling started 2019 out hot and fizzled down the stretch, Lazard seemingly improved every week. Perhaps the only wide receiver with speed on the roster, Valdes-Scantling will be given every chance to prove himself worthy of a roster spot.

WR1: Davante Adams

WR2: Devin Funchess

WR3: Allen Lazard

WR4: Marquez Valdes-Scantling

WR5: Jake Kumerow

WR6: Equanimeous St. Brown

WR7: Darrius Shepherd

WR8: Reggie Begelton

WR9: Malik Taylor

WR10: Darrell Stewart Jr.

Jake Kumerow might be in another battle for a roster spot considering it’s unknown how many wide receivers the Packers will be willing to carry given their new run-heavy scheme. Five may be the magic number.

Equanimeous St. Brown, Darrius Shepherd and Reggie Begelton are all interesting prospects with upside. St. Brown missed all of last season with an injury and we’ll see what he can bring to the table. Shepherd had a productive 2019 preseason, but couldn’t capitalize in the regular season. Has he improved? Begelton dominated the CFL last year and caught 102 receptions for 1444 yard and 10 touchdowns. Will any of that success translate to the NFL?

Malik Taylor and Darrell Stewart Jr. are simply warm bodies with very small chances of making the final roster.

It’s most likely a four-man race for the WR5 spot with Kumerow and St. Brown being the favorites. It will be difficult for the Packers to justify keeping more wide receivers as they continue their shift to a run-first team. Still, this will be an interesting battle to watch considering there will now only be two preseason games.

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