Packers WR Juwann Winfree very much has Aaron Rodgers’ attention

Juwann Winfree was one of the early standouts last summer for the Green Bay Packers, routinely making plays in practice. Unfortunately, an injury would derail that, and the missed time was too much to overcome.

Winfree spent a portion of the season on the practice squad while also appearing in seven games on offense, which included eight receptions on 13 targets for 58 yards–30 of which came against Arizona when the Packers were short-handed at the receiver position, per PFF ($$).

Juwann Winfree standing out in Packers training camp again.

This summer, Winfree is once again making noise, taking his share of reps with the first team offense, routinely making plays, and perhaps most importantly, gaining the trust of quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

There was a play in practice two weeks ago that illustrates all of this. With Rodgers under pressure, he unleashed a downfield bomb to Winfree, who was matched up with Eric Stokes. As Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated would note, Winfree had a step on Stokes and came away with the catch.

The fact that Rodgers threw that ball to Winfree in the first place, given the circumstances, showcases that there was already a level of trust established. Winfree then making the catch only helped it continue to grow.

"“I will say,” Rodgers told reporters on Tuesday via Packers Wire, “between 88 (Winfree) and 87 (Doubs), there’s been a lot of positive things that makes you feel good about the depth we could have in that room.”"

That’s a very strong endorsement from the back-to-back MVP and one that makes you wonder, would the Packers actually leave Winfree off the 53-man roster if Rodgers feels this strongly about his play?

Maybe in years past, that would be the case. In fact, we saw it a few seasons ago with Jake Kumerow. However, as the relationship between Rodgers and management has improved, he’s had more of a voice in some of the decisions.

Despite all of the question marks surrounding the receiver room, many of the roster spots were already accounted for prior to training camp beginning.

I’ve actually been quite adamant that the roster was already set with the Packers keeping six receivers, just as they have in the past, and those spots belonging to Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Sammy Watkins, Christian Watson, Amari Rodgers, and Romeo Doubs.

However, given Winfree’s play and Rodgers’ comments, now I’m not so sure. Matt LaFleur could choose to roster seven receivers, or perhaps Watkins isn’t as much of a lock as I had previously thought.

While only a few weeks in and still learning a new system, Watkins hasn’t stood out much in practice—and it remains to be seen how much playing time he will get in the preseason. If the Packers were to cut him, they would also save $1.4 million, according to Over the Cap.

My guess as of now is that Watkins is on the 53-man roster, but I’m not as confident as I was prior to training camp.

In addition to building that rapport with Rodgers and making plays on offense, it will be important that Winfree — along with every other fringe roster player — makes an impact on special teams as well. So far, he has seen regular reps on the coverage unit.

As I wrote recently, the preseason games will provide us a lot more clarity when it comes to these roster battles, but through the Packers’ first dozen practices, Winfree has left his mark and made a very good impression on Rodgers.