Green Bay Packers: Dez Bryant not necessary after 2018 NFL Draft
Aaron Rodgers is right, the Green Bay Packers don’t need Dez Bryant. They have the answers already on the roster thanks to the 2018 NFL Draft.
Green Bay Packers general Brian Gutekunst decided to release Aaron Rodgers’ favorite target, Jordy Nelson, this offseason. The release of Nelson sent a shock wave throughout Cheesehead Nation. The decision to let Nelson go had everything to do with the fact that the Packers wanted to clear cap space.
They had already signed Jimmy Graham and they needed to work on Randall Cobb. It appeared that they opted for youth and cap-space over the 32-year old veteran. So, when Rodgers said, “I don’t know why you’d cut Jordy [Nelson] and bring in Dez [Bryant],” he’s right (per ESPN).
The former Cowboys wide receiver is still just 29, but with questions about his route running after a couple of injury-plagued seasons in addition to his declining play, signing him doesn’t make sense at all. In fact, their replacement for Nelson will likely be one of the three receivers they took on Day 3 of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Let’s look at those guys, starting with J’Mon Moore.
J’Mon Moore
The Packers selected Missouri’s J’Mon Moore in the fourth round. The 6-3, 207-pound lengthy wideout may remind some of Nelson. Nelson was heavier than Moore coming out, but Moore does have a solid build with room to grow. At his Pro Day, Moore ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash to Nelson’s 4.51-second time, which translates to his ability to separate.
Where Moore excels is at separating is on underneath routes. Because of his play speed, he has shown the ability to stretch the field. Moore’s quickness and ability to work after the catch makes him dangerous. He must improve on running the route tree and his struggles with drops. Still, he offers a lot as a boundary target which has great size and speed that could come in handy early once he gets a feel for the game.
Because of his balance and length, and leaping ability — he and Rodgers could develop the ability to connect on that famous back-shoulder fade route. Still, that won’t be his only desirable quality. In fact, Lombardi Ave’s Derek Rasmussen believes Moore will be the third receiver in Green Bay’s lineup by year’s end. So Packers fans should be excited about what he brings to the table.