What to Know: Packers Work Out WR John Brown & 3 Others

Since releasing quarterback Kurt Benkert, the Green Bay Packers roster has been at 89 players, one short of the 90-man maximum with training camp right around the corner.

As a result, the Green Bay Packers reportedly worked out four players recently, most notably wide receiver John Brown.

There are, of course, a number of question marks surrounding the wide receiver position this season, including Green Bay needing to find a true deep threat to replace Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who is now in Kansas City. This is a role that Brown could fill.

Brown was a third-round pick in 2014 and would bring some big-time speed to this Packers team, running a 4.32-second 40-yard dash coming out of Pittsburg State.

Over his career, Brown’s average depth of target has been 15.2 yards downfield, which, to put into context, would have ranked sixth out of all receivers in 2021. He has also averaged 14.5 yards per catch, hauling in 56.3% of his career targets with 31 touchdowns, according to PFF ($$).

Brown has been heavily targeted over his career — lining up both on the boundary and in the slot — with four seasons of at least 90 targets, two of which were over 100, and only two years with fewer than 65. He also went over 1,000 yards receiving during the 2015 and 2019 seasons.

This past year, however, Brown spent time with four different teams and had just two total targets.

Between Sammy Watkins, Christian Watson, and Romeo Doubs, the Packers have three potential downfield targets already on the roster–although Watkins has struggled to stay healthy for an entire season while it remains to be seen how quickly the rookies can be productive in the NFL.

Having this element consistently in the offense will be a must as it will not only provide the opportunity for big plays, but create for other pass catchers underneath.

While the Packers receiver room has its unknowns, it’s not as if there are many spots up for grabs—in fact, there may be none and Brown may also not be a clear upgrade over who they already have on the roster, which would make this potential signing a bit of a head-scratcher in that regard.

In addition to Brown, the Packers also worked out tight end Sal Cannella, offensive lineman Airon Servais, and cornerback Bryce Watts, according to Rob Demovsky.

Canella was a receiver at Auburn and went undrafted in 2021. For his career, he caught 23 of 52 targets at 12.1 yards per catch with four touchdowns. For what it’s worth, he graded out very well as a run blocker by PFF during that span.

Servais went undrafted out of Syracuse in this most recent draft and has a wealth of college experience, playing over 4,300 career snaps, most of which came at center, although he has left tackle experience as well.

Watts would also go undrafted in 2022. He played for both Virginia Tech and, most recently, UMASS. Watts was primarily a boundary cornerback during his last season and allowed a completion rate of 59% on 34 targets and 17.0 yards per catch with an interception and two pass breakups.

We now wait and see if the Packers sign any of these players. Training camp begins next Wednesday.