The Green Bay Packers have a bounty of young playmakers at wide receiver. The top four options in that room all possess qualities that make them potential No. 1 wide receivers.
And coach Matt LaFleur is sick of hearing about which receiver is his No. 1.
“I want to vomit every time I hear No. 1 receiver,” LaFleur said during a press conference on Monday. “I think we’ve got a bunch of them…Especially those, I would say top four guys, they’re capable of being a No. 1 in some capacity.”
The days of Davante Adams gobbling up targets like he was Pac-Man are long gone. When Adams hit the field with Aaron Rodgers under center, it was a safe bet that he was going to haul in six-plus receptions for 80-plus yards and likely a touchdown.
Now, with Jordan Love under center, the Packers may not have a No. 1 wide receiver. However, they have a talented group that knows on any given Sunday it could be their day to carry the torch.
“I feel like every day in training camp one of them has just been like, ‘whoa.’…They’re all pushing one another…If you have a bad day, the other guy is going to go and steal your spot that day.” Jason Vrable, Green Bay’s passing game coordinator said.
Sonic Boom Jr
For those who have followed along, you know I’ve nicknamed Jayden Reed Sonic Boom Jr, an ode to Brandin Cooks during his days at Oregon State. Reed is an explosive play waiting to happen. During his rookie season, Reed led the Packers in receiving yards and accounted for 10 total touchdowns. With a year under his belt, Reed could again lead the Packers in touchdowns and receiving yards.
The Separator
Dontayvion Wicks is arguably the best route runner on the team. His ability to create separation makes him a quarterback’s best friend. In the preseason opener, he beat man-to-man coverage from the slot for a 65-yard touchdown from Jordan Love.
“Obviously you see his talent, his ability to run routes and separate.” Green Bay wide receivers coach Ryan Mahaffey said during a Monday press conference.
Inspector Gadget
Go Go Gadget Arms. Romeo Doubs makes difficult catches look routine. Doubs has outstanding body control and has an innate ability to adjust to the ball in the air. According to Pro Football Focus, Doubs led the Packers in contested catches last season with 15. The next closest was Christian Watson with six. His ability to go up and get the ball could make him Love’s go-to target inside the 20.
The speed merchant
At 6-4, 207 pounds, Christian Watson moves at a different speed. He’s an alien athlete, who can chew up grass quickly with his strides and speed. The former North Dakota State University product ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the combine and according to Vrable the Packers have clocked him at 21.9 miles per hour in practice this summer.
Passing game coordinator Jason Vrable said they track receiver speeds in practice and Christian Watson has had multiple days where he’s hit the high 21 mph mark. “When you’re 21.9 in practice … that’s flying,” he said. pic.twitter.com/wWRtkzlKZ7
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) August 12, 2024
With so many mouths to feed and no clear lead dog, the situation can be maddening for fantasy football enthusiasts and opposing defensive coordinators. Even without an “alpha” wide receiver, Green Bay’s aerial attack could be one of the best in the league this upcoming season.
