Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Packer Plus
Packers have options to fill big void at WR
Green Bay — The Green Bay Packers look vastly different than they did just days ago and it's all because of one player.
A blockbuster trade last Thursday sent wide receiver Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders. In return, the Packers received first- and second-round picks in the 2022 draft. The Packers had placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Adams two weeks ago and reportedly not only matched but exceeded the Raiders' offer. Still, Adams wanted to move to the Raiders and reunite with his college quarterback, Derek Carr.
So where does this leave the Packers, who also could lose Marquez ValdesScantling in free agency? The short answer is, it's impossible to truly replace Adams. But here are some potential options for the Packers to consider:
Jarvis Landry
After having been overshadowed by Odell Beckham Jr. with the Browns, Landry was released by Cleveland this past week. Now a hot ticket on the market, Landry could be an ideal fit for the Packers. His big-body, punishing style would mirror Adams' physicality and his versatility could be useful in Matt LaFleur's offense. Landry led the league in receptions in 2017 with 112, and his 564 career receptions are the most by a player through his first six seasons in NFL history.
Will Fuller
Fuller is such an intriguing option because he has stood out in less-than-ideal
situations. He spent five seasons with the Houston Texans, three-and-a-half with Deshan Watson as his quarterback, and finished with 500 or more yards in every season which he played more than 10 games. He's a deep threat who could be a nice complement to Rodgers' downfield passing prowess.
Julio Jones
The veteran receiver provides a conundrum. On one hand, Jones can take the top off a defense like few have in his time, using a deadly combination of speed, technique and versatility to become almost unstoppable. In his 11-year career, Jones has eclipsed the thousand-yard mark seven times. But the 33-year old has taken a step back in recent years. The Atlanta Falcons traded Jones to the Tennessee Titans after an injury-plagued 2020 season, and after just one year with the Titans (in which he played in only 10 games due yet again to injury), Tennessee released him.
Sammy Watkins
Much like Jones, Watkins is heading into free agency banking on his name and past resume more than anything. Unlike Jones, Watkins doesn't have the consistent years of production. His best two years came with the Buffalo Bills, playing with quarterbacks such as Kyle Orton, EJ Manuel and Tyrod Taylor. His time playing with Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson actually saw Watkins' production go down due to crowded receiver units.
DK Metcalf
With the Seattle Seahawks now officially in rebuild mode, the possibility seems to be there to trade for Metcalf. He's the perfect combination of size, which can run over defenders at the first level, and blazing speed to outrace anyone in the second level. In 2021, Metcalf hauled in 75 receptions for 967 yards and 12 touchdowns. Armed with more picks thanks to the Adams trade, the Packers could get a good return on an investment in the 24 year-old Metcalf.
Cole Beasley
Released by the Buffalo Bills this past week, Beasley will surely find a home before long. Could that home be with the Packers? Much of what Beasley brings to the game would fit LaFleur's playbook, but he is a slot receiver who doesn't really have the size to live outside. While Adams would line up in the slot at times, he didn't live there. The Packers have Allen Lazard, Amari Rodgers and tight end Robert Tonyan (when he recovers from his ACL injury) to fill that role.
The dynamic free-agent receiver revitalized his career this past season with the Rams. After a midseason move from the Browns, Beckham finished his season in L.A. and earned a Super Bowl ring. Under Sean McVay, OBJ had 48 receptions for 593 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games. He reminded defenses of what made him special coming out of the draft and with the New York Giants, proving he can still be a difference-maker who stretches the field and is shifty in space.
However, Beckham tore his ACL in the Super Bowl so he wouldn't be available until late in the season at best. For what he could provide when healthy, though, the Packers have to ask if it'd be worth the wait.
The NFL draft
Green Bay famously doesn't draft receivers in the first round but perhaps an exception could be made to replace Adams. There are top-end receivers available in the April 28-30 draft but they'll be taken early. Ohio State receiver Chris Olave shot up draft boards after a blazing 40-yard dash time (4.39) at the NFL combine in early March and he'll go in the draft just as fast.
If the Packers want to nab Olave, they'll likely have to move up to do so. But GM Brian Gutekunst has more draft capital to do so, thanks to an additional first- and second-round pick from the Raiders.