Green Bay Packers: Training Camp Roster Battles

Dec 8, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) celebrates a touchdown catch with wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 43-37. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

3. Wide Receiver

Options (12): Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Davante Adams, Jeff Janis, Jared Abbrederis, Ty Montgomery, Myles White, Ricky Collins, Jimmie Hunt, Larry Pinkard, Adrian Coxson, Javess Blue

2014 roster (5): Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Davante Adams, Jarrett Boykin, Jeff Janis

What to expect: There is no doubt the Packers bring back Nelson, Cobb, and Adams. It gets a bit trickier after that though. Both Janis and Abbrederis were drafted last year but neither made much of an impact, for different reasons. The return game, which we examined more closely earlier this month here, is likely going to come down to cornerback Micah Hyde, Abbrederis, and Montgomery.

Of those three, Abbrederis’ job is the one to most likely hinge on his impact on special teams. It’s also important to observe how he recovers from his season-ending knee injury last season. Montgomery was drafted earlier this year and will not be expected to impact anything outside of the return game, at least not at first.

After the first three spots on the depth chart, wide receiver may see quite a turnover. If competition heats up, Thompson may be tempted to keep six receivers on the roster this year, as opposed to last year’s five. Again, there is a lot riding on a player’s ability to jump in on special teams. Boykin’s departure to Carolina in free agency allows at least one new face to make the team so we will have to see who jumps out at coaches next month.

The conservative route would be to predict two roster spots being occupied by either Janis, Abbrederis, or Montgomery, but the truth is that any of the undrafted players may show off some serious skills and rattle the depth chart. There is a whole lot of talent at the receiver position and head coach Mike McCarthy is as good as any at identifying skillful players there.

Next: Getting the Inside Track