Team Changes for Next Season

[DoURant]

Shouldn't it be about time the Packers dedicated their WR #6 position to be a kick returner. This past season the Packers averaged only 5.6 yards per punt return on only 26 returns in 17 regular season games.

If they went out and drafted a proven punt returner or got one via a trade or free agency, the value would be tangible. For example, if they finally had somebody who could average ablut 10 yards per punt return, they could realistically also take fewer fair catches. Instead of fielding 1.5 punts at 5.6 yards per return, a good returner could field 2 punts per game and give you 20 return yards (2×10 ypr).

That would be close to 12 yards of additional field position per game or two additional drives per game that start 6 yards closer to the end zone increasing the chances of a successful scoring drive.

Does a WR #6 who bounces between the roster and the practice squad give those higher scoring odds n 2 drives per game? Very doubtful.

Finding a good punt returner isn't easy, but spending the staff time and draft resources sure seems to be worth the effort when you compare the impact of a typical WR #6 with a good punt returner.

We did sign Micole Hardman as a FA last year, I would think it was in hopes he could be that returner for us. However, he was cut after the last Preseason game. He also turned the ball over on a punt return attempt, I believe in the last preseason game.

 

[gopkrs]

We did sign Micole Hardman as a FA last year, I would think it was in hopes he could be that returner for us. However, he was cut after the last Preseason game. He also turned the ball over on a punt return attempt, I believe in the last preseason game.

That's really not the same as having that last receiver as the returner. We hoped, but he was really there as a receiver.

 

[mradtke66]

...would that not be worth rostering instead?

I'd like to have this guy. We just haven't found him, at least not since Nixon got too valuable on defense.

Now we're down the rabbit hole of have we not found him vs. have we not looked for him vs. whatever roster construction issue lead us here vs. is being a better returner a coachable skill or an innate ability.

 

[DoURant]

That's really not the same as having that last receiver as the returner. We hoped, but he was really there as a receiver.

Not sure about that, since we drafted 2 guys, one in the 1st rd, plus we had Watson. Reed, Doubs, and Wicks already on the roster. Heath beat him out for the 6th spot, with Watson starting on on IR

 

[gopkrs]

Not sure about that, since we drafted 2 guys, one in the 1st rd, plus we had Watson. Reed, Doubs, and Wicks already on the roster. Heath beat him out for the 6th spot, with Watson starting on on IR

Then another reason not to keep Biachi. He cannot pick out key special team pkayers. He has to luck into them

 

[DoURant]

Then another reason not to keep Biachi. He cannot pick out key special team pkayers. He has to luck into them

Bisaccia should have been out the door a long time ago. He's like a cat... nine lives.

 

[OldSchool101]

I think the Packers need to draft a center but handing a starting job to a rookie if you let Ryhan walk could be a disaster.

Well sure asking any Rookie is a risk.
Now that said, Both Corey Linsley and Josh Myers started in their Rookie seasons and neither looked back.

As with most players nothing is guaranteed, that said if we’re going to go Center imo we’d need to strongly consider a Day2 prospect that played against Power 5 level competition and that’s ranked in that Top 75-100 overall type feel. Call it best 2-3 Centers at the collegiate level. Parker Brailsford is an intriguing prospect from Alabama


I am a little surprised Monk hasn’t come along better. He had 5 years of college Center experience and at 2nd team ACC conference level

 

[Heyjoe4]

He is a FA so just like Walker we cannot really know if he is going to be here or not.

Thanks for clarifying. Could be a case similar to Slaton's, where the Packers just aren't willing to pay a lot of money for inconsistent or one-dimensional production. It may end up being inexpensive to keep him. Hard to say what will happen in FA.

Gluten tried and faltered with Banks last year. Maybe find a C later in the draft. However they do it, Love deserves to have a steady C who will work with him for years.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I was a bit mistaken as Stenavich did reportedly interview (or is going to) for the Tennessee OC position.

Last year Matt allowed him to interview for multiple lateral moves as well (Houston, Seattle)

I don't know what the incentive is for Matt (other than just doing the guy a solid, I guess) but for Stenavich I have to think that taking an OC job elsewhere is a "promotion," practically speaking (if not in name/title). Kind of feels like he is essentially a glorified offensive assistant for us.

Spot on. Stevanich is a glorified offensive assistant, and I'm not sure what he contributes.

I'd like the Packers to hire a true assistant for MLF. Probably a current offensive assistant elsewhere - and add some new things to the playbook, and help with clock management, a true weakness for MLF.

Stevanich seems better served as an assitant, coaching the OL. I don't think anyone is giving him serious consideration as an OC, much less a HC, anywhere else. Hell the Eagles just hired 33 y/o Packer offensive assistant Sean Mannion as their new OC. How do we lose guys like this? Or was he not worth promoting from within.

At any rate an OC at GB is like a third wheel on a date. Pretty useless. I'd like to think Gannon can help MLF manage some things, but he's a former DC himself.

 

[Sanguine camper]

I'd like to have this guy. We just haven't found him, at least not since Nixon got too valuable on defense.

Now we're down the rabbit hole of have we not found him vs. have we not looked for him vs. whatever roster construction issue lead us here vs. is being a better returner a coachable skill or an innate ability.

I really don't think the Packers have used a late round draft picks on a guy who excels at returning kicks but is questionable at the WR position. It looks very much like they just farm it out to who's ever available. That philosophy isn't working and is a big reason the special teams suck every year.

Another hidden but huge impact of a really good punt returner is that you will likely have some coaches taking more chances on 4th down, rather than risking a big punt return.

Make a stop on a 4th down and instead of a 10 yard punt return, you have a 40 yard change in field position. That's like recovering a fumble.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I really don't think the Packers have used a late round draft picks on a guy who excels at returning kicks but is questionable at the WR position. It looks very much like they just farm it out to who's ever available. That philosophy isn't working and is a big reason the special teams suck every year.

Another hidden but huge impact of a really good punt returner is that you will likely have some coaches taking more chances on 4th down, rather than risking a big punt return.

Make a stop on a 4th down and instead of a 10 yard punt return, you have a 40 yard change in field position. That's like recovering a fumble.

I don’t remember the last time the Packers had elite KRs and PRs.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Im going DL double dip. Then iOL maybe, higher end center. Then drop CB later due to Diggs. Im a believer if good things happen on the DL the CBs look better. Plus gotta see FA play out.. it will change things.

Diggs is gone. I agree with comments that the OL needs to be stabilized. I see Morgan at LT, Belton at RG and Tom (hope he overcomes the patella injury) at RT. Still need starters at LG and C.

With pressing needs at corner and iDL, there’s a lot to do for Gluten.

 

[milani]

I don’t remember the last time the Packers had elite KRs and PRs.

Desmond Howard... Randall Cobb was pretty good.

 

[McKnowledge]

I think O-Line starting five needs to be defined during training camp.

The same needs to happen for WRs.

A clear hierarchy is absolutely necessary for every position group.

However, the biggest change I want to see is MLF developing into a true leader, and establishing a true standard that he won't even break.

It's time to give up play calling.

I would love to see him hire an OC from outside the organization, someone with a fresh
objective perspective.

 

[Sanguine camper]

I don’t remember the last time the Packers had elite KRs and PRs.

I don't know if Allen Rossum was elite, but he's better than what the Packers have tried in the past 8-10 years. He played on the Mike Sherman teams and had some big returns.
Desmond Howard may be the last elite returner.

 

[gopkrs]

I don't know if Allen Rossum was elite, but he's better than what the Packers have tried in the past 8-10 years. He played on the Mike Sherman teams and had some big returns.
Desmond Howard may be the last elite returner.

I'd take a Rossum any day. And he could play DB in a pinch. Not that I'd need him to be multifaceted in that way

 

[OldSchool101]

I don't know if Allen Rossum was elite, but he's better than what the Packers have tried in the past 8-10 years. He played on the Mike Sherman teams and had some big returns.
Desmond Howard may be the last elite returner.

Yeah.
Randall Cobb was our last “good” Punt Returner. He was a ~10 yard per guy across a large sample. Hardman was comparable to Cobb, but his days were numbered after we drafted a pair of top 100 selections at WR in an already thick group.
Keisean Nixon was an obvious Premier KR.

I think the Packers found their KR. Savion Williams looked really solid and it was instantaneously. What I like about him is he’s nearly smaller TE sized but quick. He doesn’t look fragile anyway.

That leaves PR. Personally I’m looking for one of the top Special Teams players in the Draft that has a proven track record at PR and using one of our 7th Rounders there.

I’d have my attention on Kaden Wetjen
Ranked
# 9 in KR
#1 in PR

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

 

[DoURant]

Micah Hyde was a pretty good PR for us.

 

[shockerx]

Yeah.
Randall Cobb was our last “good” Punt Returner. He was a ~10 yard per guy across a large sample. Hardman was comparable to Cobb, but his days were numbered after we drafted a pair of top 100 selections at WR in an already thick group.
Keisean Nixon was an obvious Premier KR.

I think the Packers found their KR. Savion Williams looked really solid and it was instantaneously. What I like about him is he’s nearly smaller TE sized but quick. He doesn’t look fragile anyway.

That leaves PR. Personally I’m looking for one of the top Special Teams players in the Draft that has a proven track record at PR and using one of our 7th Rounders there.

I’d have my attention on Kaden Wetjen
Ranked
# 9 in KR
#1 in PR

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

Lets just draft all IOWA guys ...Center, Guard , PR and and whoever else..we kinda do it with Georgia so maybe hit a sleeper LOL.

 

[milani]

Micah Hyde was a pretty good PR for us.

Huge return against Detroit in 2014 to help win the division.

 

[Sanguine camper]

Yeah.
Randall Cobb was our last “good” Punt Returner. He was a ~10 yard per guy across a large sample. Hardman was comparable to Cobb, but his days were numbered after we drafted a pair of top 100 selections at WR in an already thick group.
Keisean Nixon was an obvious Premier KR.

I think the Packers found their KR. Savion Williams looked really solid and it was instantaneously. What I like about him is he’s nearly smaller TE sized but quick. He doesn’t look fragile anyway.

That leaves PR. Personally I’m looking for one of the top Special Teams players in the Draft that has a proven track record at PR and using one of our 7th Rounders there.

I’d have my attention on Kaden Wetjen
Ranked
# 9 in KR
#1 in PR

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

I agree adding Wetjen would be a good move if they can get him as a 6th or 7th round draft pick or UDFA.

When was the last time the Packers had a very small player? Under 5 foot 10 and under 185 pounds? Most of the time, the good punt returners are small guys. I think it would be wise to relax the size thresholds for a punt returner.

 

[gopkrs]

I agree adding Wetjen would be a good move if they can get him as a 6th or 7th round draft pick or UDFA.

When was the last time the Packers had a very small player? Under 5 foot 10 and under 185 pounds? Most of the time, the good punt returners are small guys. I think it would be wise to relax the size thresholds for a punt returner.

Relaxing thresholds for everything makes sense to me. I wouldn't mind an xlnt 5'9" corner for instance.

 

[OldSchool101]

Micah Hyde was a pretty good PR for us.

Forgot about old Micah. Just looked Yeah he had 2 very good years in 2012-13. He was the predecessor to Cobby

 

[Half Empty]

Relaxing thresholds for everything makes sense to me. I wouldn't mind an xlnt 5'9" corner for instance.

Don't really know, but, given the overall athletic ability of all those 6'2"+ receivers, wouldn't that just mean heaving a lot of jump balls at the midget?

 

[milani]

I agree adding Wetjen would be a good move if they can get him as a 6th or 7th round draft pick or UDFA.

When was the last time the Packers had a very small player? Under 5 foot 10 and under 185 pounds? Most of the time, the good punt returners are small guys. I think it would be wise to relax the size thresholds for a punt returner.

The last small punt returner may have been Willie Wood, who was all of 5'10", but could stuff a basketball.