Rogers worth a look for Packers
Todd Korth
PackerReport.com Sep 2, 2006
Another team's trash could be Green Bay's treasure. Packers fans will know Sunday whether the Green Bay Packers are truly interested in wide receiver Charles Rogers, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2003 NFL Draft.
The Detroit Lions released Rogers, the No. 2 overall selection of the 2003 NFL draft today, leaving the Packers with a golden opportunity to obtain the wide receiver.
Packers general manager Ted Thompson said late this afternoon that the Packers have until 11 a.m. (CT) on Sunday to make a claim on Rogers. Thompson declined to reveal if the Packers had already made a claim, but with only four wide receivers on the Green Bay roster, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Packers try to get Rogers.
The Packers released veteran Rod Gardner and rookie Corey Rodgers today, leaving them with Donald Driver and Robert Ferguson, and two receivers that have never played a snap in the NFL. Rookie second-round pick Greg Jennings has been impressive in the preseason and Ruvell Martin, cut twice by San Diego in recent years, both have tremendous potential but no experience.
Rogers has missed 33 of 48 games with injuries. He missed two weeks of training camp this year with a knee bruise. He violated the league's substance abuse policy last season. Still, he is a risk worth taking for the green and growing Packers. He would give Brett Favre another bonafide option aside from Driver and Jennings, and a receiver with experience.
As far as Rogers attitude, the Packers' coaching staff should be able to detect rather quickly if Rogers, who received a $14.2 million signing bonus from the Lions in 2003, really wants to play football or not.
In any case, it sure seems like a no-brainer for the Packers to obtain Rogers, then see what he can do. The Packers need a potential big-time play-maker and Rogers fits the mold.
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I think he's worth a shot. He will cost very little and is very talented. I don't expect him to start or anything, but he's worth a waiver pickup.