ESPN's John Clayton: The No. 3 WR Will Be Jordy Nelson
by Brandon on Jul 23, 2010 12:18 AM CDT
in Green Bay Packers Analysis
Email
PrintFrom ESPN's John Clayton:
As for Jordy Nelson, he continues to be in a big battle against James Jones for the No. 3 receiver role, and I think Nelson will win it and have his best season.
Jones looked lost running routes early last season. I kept waiting for Nelson to move ahead of him, but then Nelson had a knee injury, and later a shoulder injury, and it never happened. Meanwhile Jones got better as the season went on. First he had his only 100 yard game at Tampa in week 9, and finished the season with at least 3 receptions in 5 of the last 8 games.
I've been expecting Nelson to win the job for almost a year. Do you have a preference? Maybe these two are interchangeable right now.
70 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Nelson
I want to see Nelson take the number three spot this year. Nelson will be the better complement to Jennings since Nelson is a bit bigger and stronger. It’s not unusual for receivers to take around three years to get it all down, so this should be the year Nelson breaks out and solidifies that number three spot.
I think I am with you. HOneslty I just don’t think Jones has it in him to really break out but I think Jordy might have it in him. I’d love to see it and I think he’ll be the best replacement for driver when he retires one day.
Numbers
Check out Jones’ numbers while sharing the #3 WR role w/ Nelson last year!!! If you put him in Drivers #2 spot, he could easily double and maybe more the production he provided! Jones on another team would be a solid #2 WR. I don’t see any reason he couldn’t do what Smith has done for NYG. IMO, Jones is just as good as Smith.
That said, this year I have been saying for MONTHS that Nelson is ready to breakout and challenge Driver. The presence of both Jones and Driver is going to push Driver into FA after this season. He won’t finish his career a Packer, IMO.
thats a shame
I’d hate to see Driver on another team…he personifies what our team is about. You might be right…not sure…but we’ll see I guess. First one of those guys needs to finally step up to the plate and do what you are so sure they can. I still don’t know if either will. I feel more confident in Jordy doing it right now than Jones. I was VERY high on Jones a year or two ago but I’ve soured on him now.
soured
So you’ve soured on Jones cuz he had a knee injury that kept recurring and has had to share the #3 WR spot? Thats just dumb! Alot of player stepping up is calling on them to do it. Right now they can’t step up cuz they are established in their role. To grow they have to be put into a new role like being counted on to be the #2 WR. IMO, BOTH will take it upon themselves to be the #2 WR when they are put into that role! Right now their role is to share the #3 WR… It happens all the time to team players. They play the role they are asked to play and stepping up to the #2 WR can only happen when they are asked to be the #2 WR.
you know what else is dumb?
Just assuming every player is going to be able to take on a starting job even when they haven’t stepped up in the past! Just sayin…
Most teams expect players to do something to move into the starting spot. Most players aren’t just given a job without earning it. That is what you are implying and its just not how the league usually works. Sometimes it does…but you make it sound like every player should just be given starting jobs even if they haven’t shown the wherewithal to do the job well.
NO...
What I’m implying is that Jones has done enough to show that he is capable of becoming a #2 WR and that I think Nelson is going to become a good #2 WR also… Jones has good numbers having to share the #3 WR role. It stands to reason that if given more opportunities he will do even more!
A saying in the NFL… Its better to let a guy go a year early than to hang onto him a year too long!
Driver is at the age when the cliff can come up awfully fast!!!
Jones
Jones will serve as a good deep threat and i think thats what fits him….it really doesnt matter where he starts, as long as he can burn corners with his deceptive speed…
by SpaceGhost34 on Jul 28, 2010 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Nelson/Jones
To me, either is fine as long as one or both of them break out and have a big season.
I would prefer Nelson if that would get him off kick return duty..
Sometimes nothin is a real cool hand.
Interchangeable
I like Nelson’s size and he’s quicker than most people think he is, but the fact of a matter is he’s not any better than Jones. They are both about the same at this point. By rotating them in 3 WR sets, it keeps them both fresh, so that’s a postive outlook on it. However, if one if starting to have a breakout season, I would stick with ath WR.
Jones seems to be a little inconsistent in terms of having big games. One game it’s like he’s not playing, in another he puts up 50-100 yards. Getting 50 yards as a 3rd or 4th WR is good. Nelson, it seems like you get a good 30-40 yards per game. You know he’s always there, and he always seems to be one of the last targets Rodgers looks for. So in my opinion, Nelson seems to be a little more consistent. He also possesses more potential than Jones.
FYI- I can’t back up the numbers I provided in the 2nd paragraph. I’m just stating numbers through what I believe I saw. I think Nelson will end up with a breakout year though. It’s just a hunch that I have.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
I like Nelson’s size and he’s quicker than most people think he is, but the fact of a matter is he’s not any better than Jones. They are both about the same at this point.
I think what you said in the first sentence is exactly why Nelson has the edge, and appears to be the guy at #3. We already know about his size, strength, route running, and good hands. What we haven’t seen a lot of is his deceptive. He can beat guys deep. He just hasn’t gotten a whole lot of chances at doing so because Jennings and Driver are so good in that aspect of the game as well.
I think Jones would be a solid 3 too have. He’s strong as an ox, and has strong hands (tons of great fingertip type catches, though he dropped some easy ones last season). He’s a pretty good route runner, and occasionally will make a big play. He runs a really nice sideline fade.
by packallday555 on Jul 24, 2010 12:52 AM CDT up reply actions
I was just about to add in that Jones seems to get the big plays when we need them as opposed to Nelson. On the other hand, Nelson is a superior blocker…perhaps our best blocking WR. I don’t think Jones is as lost on route running as some seem to think. I think a lot of it has to do with limited opportunities. I agree though that Nelson has more potential than Jones, but at this point neither is better than the other. They both bring a different element to our passing game, so depending upon the situation, MM can utilize both WR’s in 3 WR sets.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
Nelson blocking
I remember last season Jennings took a long one to the house and right as he crossed the goal line Jordy Nelson destroyed one of the SF DB’s…i was like OHHHH SHIT JORDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by SpaceGhost34 on Jul 28, 2010 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Fresh?
I don’t think you’re concerned about the freshness of a WR. i think they’re like RBs in that the more they get the ball, the better they feel about it. Sure they’ll need a break every now and then, but they’re back out there soon enough.
I like Jones’ strength. People just seem to fall off of him. My knock on him is, as you all point out, his inconsistency. Perhaps that comes from not seeing enough action, though? I also really like his story – from homeless to NFL He goes out of his way to give back. A real stand up guy that I root for.
Both guys need to stay free from injury. Both have been dinged up and that’s what has been holding them back.
They both seem like good guys with all the necessary talent. I’m fine either way.
by Curly Lambeau on Jul 23, 2010 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions
All I know
Is that I really hope one of them (or better, both) steps it up and has a great year. While the ageless wonder that is Donald Driver has been awesome, it’s only a matter of time before we’ll have to find a replacement.
And on a less important note, fantasy football-wise, it would be great if one of them would become the clear-cut #3….haha
by wildcatfaninexile on Jul 23, 2010 10:25 AM CDT reply actions
Yep...
Been saying this for MONTHS too… IMO, both Jones and Nelson are ready to become #2 WR. About all that is preventing it has been Jones injury and Drivers presence. Packers will not demote Driver, but both of them could EASILY be the #2 WR this year… Drivers contract is up after this year and I don’t see the Packers bringing him back on another contract. If he wants to play till 40, he’ll have to do it somewhere else.
I have been considering drafting Nelson very late in a fantasy draft. IMO, he is having a breakout year! But w/ so many other options ahead of him it just wouldn’t be worth it. Jennings and Finley will see alot more passes, and Driver likely will too.
true
only if Driver gets injured will his replacement have FFL value, considering Finleys role.
However, I’m not sure the front office will not consider bringing Driver back. His knees will make or break that discision.
Jones and Nelson both need to play… THey need to get on the field and w/ Driver around that won’t happen. If you keep Driver, Jones is going to leave for a better chance to play. Keep a 37 yr old Driver or a 26 yr old Jones? Sorry, Driver should go FA. Its kinda like keeping a 37 yr old Favre and losing Rodgers.
I agree...
If Jones or Nelson continue to grow and show the potential we hope they have, you HAVE to let Driver go if he still wants to be a #2 guy for someone. I would support that just like I supported moving on from Favre.
I think he will…And comparing Jones and Driver to Favre and Rodgers is a bit much…Driver isnt doing anything to not deserve to play another 2 seasons..I think he gets a 2 year extension and plays his role after this season..
by SpaceGhost34 on Jul 28, 2010 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Driver
I see them giving him another contract…maybe not a lengthy one but still c’mon DD!?!? He is as good as a packer as we’ve had in recent history gentlemen…Remember now he isnt Farve F***in the organization with the retirement stuff…he deserves another contract for 2 years…but like what squat said…the knee’s will make or break him and he just got them cleaned up so maybe he could be getting better?
by SpaceGhost34 on Jul 28, 2010 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions
KGB
Has a good season w/ us, then got his knee “cleaned” up and the next year he was NOTHING!!! Not sayin thats happening to Driver but…
In the NFL there is a saying… Its better to let a guy go a year early then it is too hold onto him a year too long!!! Drivers time w/ the Packers is coming to a close and to keep him over a Younger WR ready for the next step in holding onto him a year too long!!!
Don’t think for a second that Thompson doesn’t know that saying!!! Its part of why #4 was allowed to leave and why Driver will not be w/ the Packers beyond this season!!!
WHOEVER WINS THE JOB
I will be content with whoever wins the job. Some people seem to feel Jones and Nelson haven’t produced enough. Jones and Nelson have basically split time as the 3rd reciever diminishing both recievers numbers. I would agree with Stroh that I feel confident that either reciever is mare than capable of replacing Driver right now should age be finally catch up with him. One thing Nelson has going for him is that he has Rogers confidence. I have heard Rogers quoted more than once praising Nelson in the last couple months. I’m not sure why everyone talks about Nelsons strength if you ever stood next to Jones he looks like a Sterling Sharpe clone. He’s pretty thick.
To sum it up I really like both players and hope we can keep both into the future as I think this is Jones last year on his contract. He would be a attractive free agent.
I’m not sure why everyone talks about Nelsons strength if you ever stood next to Jones he looks like a Sterling Sharpe clone. He’s pretty thick
I think it’s their height. Nelson’s 6’2", and Jones is 5’10". Your spot on about Jones strength though, as was gern above. Guys just bounce right off of him and on to the ground at times haha. I still remember that preseason game against Cincy in 2008 when Jones’ helmet popped off, yet he managed to stay standing and run in to score a TD haha!
by packallday555 on Jul 24, 2010 12:56 AM CDT up reply actions
jones height
I woulda swore jones was over 6 feet
He's short
I think that really works to his advantage in open space, thus giving him YAC. I’m not sure if his numbers back that statement up, but I think that is where Jones’ potential would be most revealed. It’s a lot more difficult to take down someone of the same strength that is short as opposed to tall. Nelson should be better than Jones in making catching while covered well, that is where his size should work to his advantage.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
Acme roster
The Acme roster has him listed as 6’1 I really wouldn’t call him short. He’s so thick looking that he may look shorter than he is.
Players usually always scew their listed size
as in height and weight
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
I'll take your word for it then
I never had the luxury of standing next to him. Looks kind of short on tv though.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
Haha your probably right. His stockiness must make him look much shorter then he actually is.
by packallday555 on Jul 24, 2010 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Jones is 6'1
Nelson is over 6’2… more like 6’2 1/2… I don’t see that Jones has anywhere near the physicality that Sharpe had! Everyone thought he would be like that, myself included, but he hasn’t really played to that strength yet. And I did see the CIncy hit… But those guys hit each other as much as Jones and in a way coming from different angles helped Jones stay on his feet. I would love to see him play more like Sterling did though.
Nelson is a far superior downfield blocker to Jones so that might be the difference since they are very equal in the receiving aspect.
"I agree but dont agree"
Good point. We don’t really talk a whole lot about blocking from Wr’s on this site.
by packallday555 on Jul 24, 2010 12:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Come on' Man!
U know Jordy is the white version of Hines Ward! haha.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
Nelson more of a slot guy
Nelson is 2 inches taller, but is listed as the same weight as Jones. Jones had a very strong preseason last year and has taken some tough hits. I would give him a slight edge on toughness. But toughness is far less important than hands, blocking, and route running.
They both have impressed, and to evaluate them without seeing them in the starting position is difficult. I think Nelson, with his speed, is more valuable in the slot.
agreed
Jordy is kind of a long strider. It takes him a while to get up to max speed. He’s better in the slot.
any way you slice it, with more balls for Finley, Nelson and Jones’ numbers go down this year unless someone gets hurt (and let’s pray that doesn’t happen)
by gern blanston on Jul 24, 2010 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Expect
Actually I expect Drivers number to go down more… I see Finley, Jones and Nelson and maybe Jennings increasing their numbers. Packers need to have Jones and Nelson ready to take over for Driver when he leaves after this season. Drivers contract is up and I think the Packers are more than ready to move on w/o him!
I think Jennings gets 1200
Finley gets 1000
Driver 750
Nelson and Jones 500
Another 700 to others and Rodgers has 4700 or so…
4700 yards?!
that’s a mighty bold prediction there. Not that Rodgers’ isn’t capable, but we are facing better defenses this year as opposed to last year. I’ll stick with 4,000 in consideration of our upcoming schedule.
I agree with the prediction in yards for Jennings, Finley, and Driver.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
solid offensive line
I feel if our line is solid for 16 games Rogers will improve upon last years yardage. Finley coming of age should be huge. If a back would step up (jacson or Starks) to take the dropoff pass and convert 3rd downs are offense could be something truly special.
Good points. When our OL was playing solid the last half of the season, our offense was seriously almost unstoppable. If we can give Rodgers time, he IS going to make opposing defenses pay.
If Starks turned out to be a good 3rd down Rb, I think we’d have possibly the best offense in the league.
by packallday555 on Jul 25, 2010 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Its only a little more than 200 more than last year.
With Finley emerging and playing every down, Jennings sees slightly less coverage. Add in Driver, Jones and Nelson, its just too many weapons for any defense to contain! If Rodgers hadn’t been sacked 50 time and it was only 40 he would have made 4700 last year. I expect about 30 sacks this season that should add another 200 yds. I think its a conservative prediction…
Right
but isn’t Dan Marino the only one that passed 4700 yards in a single season w/ Brees being slightly under. Something like that…. I mean, you’re making a really bold prediction. If the running game is better, that does mean more balance, but less passing attempts for Rodgers. You know something will happen, like some kind of injury on offense we’ll have to accomodate for. It’s just that’s a really big prediction!
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
would love to see it
Obviously we’re all just speculating….I’m sorry but I just don’t see DD being phased out of the offensive game plan. He’s simply too tough. And with his knee surgeries, I see no reason why he can’t buck the general decline of the WR at age 35.
I can definitely see Jones and Nelson getting more reps simply to see what they’re capable of. But I don’t see a deliberate attempt to move DD out the door simply because he’s in a contract year. If that logic were true, wouldn’t we see more Chillar than Hawk? I believe it’s the end of AJ’s rookie contract this year. No way he comes back at his price tag.
by gern blanston on Jul 26, 2010 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Hawk
Hawk I believe has one more year but at a huge sum of money so they’ll redo it or he’ll be gone. I think they need to see what Jordy and Jones can do so I think Drivers role will be reduced somewhat even if his skills haven’t declined substantially.
I think we’re going to see Hawk gone after this season unless he performs at a high level. Seems like between Chillar and Bishop, we have pretty good depth behind him, and two guys with good potential.
by packallday555 on Jul 26, 2010 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Driver
has a publicly stated goal to play until he is at least 40, and has said that that was a factor in getting his knees scoped this year.
I think that he will achieve that goal, but it will not likely happen with the Packers; not at the expense of one of the high quality young receivers that we currently have playing behind him who can still be here for years after DD is retired.
-
The glass is more than half-full.
Whats up NorthStarr?
I’ve been trying to tell these guys that all offseason, but they don’t want to hear it…
Like the saying says… “Better to get rid of a guy a year too soon than hang on for a year too long!”
Yeah
People never want to hear it about fan favorites, but, if you want to win, you have to be realistic, and make some tough choices.
-
The glass is more than half-full.
Hard
to talk about WR’s “stepping up” with Finley emerging more and more and who knows how many balls Quarless or “gods gifts” will get his hands on. On top of that if Driver keeps doing this : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uedDqyJqgg—— he won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. It will be fun to watch my fav 7th rd 30 something WR BURN and I mean BURN CB’s this yr ….sigh…….again.
I have always liked Nelson and Jones, I think it is more of a play calling and opportunitites thing in terms of how many balls they get their hands on. Go pack and GO DD. I’m a 30 something and I always enjoy watching the 30 somethings burn the twenty somethings.
Either Or...
I think Driver would rather retire a Packer than try out the FA. He’s not like his old buddy Favre and knows when his time has passed. Personally, I think Driver has at least another two good years left (including 2010), but after that, I can’t see him on the Packers’ roster in 2012 (or 2011… considering that his contract is up after this year).
I like both Nelson and Jones, and I agree with many here that either of them could become #2.
"The Green Bay Packers never lost a football game. They just ran out of time." -Vince Lombardi
Pride
I don’t see Driver being a diva like Favre… BUt he is extrememly prideful and I doubt he would take a demotion to #3 or #4 when he can go to another team and be a starter and good #2 WR. I also don’t see him taking less money, at least not much less, just to stay in GB.
I’m not sure I’ve been to several events around town that Donald and his family were at and the impression I get is he’s pretty content here, if another team doesn’t guarantee a starting spot I could see him being here in a reduced role. There have been very few recievers beyond 35 that have been effective.
If there are few WR beyond 35 that have been effective, then why even keep Driver around?
Teams guarentee FA starting jobs all the time. I think someone would give him a starting job… Is Driver going to be content if he’s making and playing alot less??? Thats the question you have to ask yourself!!!
Look how long it took TO to get a starting job…now sure he’s a punk but he’s was also in the top 3 WRs during his time in the NFL.
Not sure what TOol has to do w/ the discussion.
He took about the same amount of time it took Driver to become a starter… What of it??? ANd neither TOol nor Driver is still a top 3 WR or even close!!
jones and nelson
you could replace driver and jennings with nelson and jones and still be as productive —imo—just look at all the money you’d save. what hasn’t been mentioned yet is that not only is drivers contract up after this year, but jones’s is at well.
Interesting. That gives Jones a little more incentive.
by packallday555 on Jul 24, 2010 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions
mentioned
I’ve been mentioning it repeatedly all offseason!!! Driver being in the last year of his contract is a big deal. Jones will likely be re-signed as he is younger, cheaper and improving. Depending on the CBA he could be a RFA giving the Packers his rights for another year. Jones and Nelson have to see the field or they will leave for a better payday and more playing time. Thats why I think Driver is in his last year in a Packer uniform!
I would like to get a WR early in the next draft
There are quite a few WR’s in the next draft that will be listed at 6’5. Those are big targets and will be a quality #2 WR and go to guy for 1st Downs. I’d like to get another tall WR. Imagine the benefits that would make in the Red Zone. Him and Finley….TD’s all the way!
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
What was the FO thinking when they drafted Nelson as the first WR that year?
by The Licensed Pessimist on Jul 24, 2010 10:04 PM CDT reply actions
Actually Thomas in Wash was 1st.
And I think there might have been another taken before Nelson too… Either way Thompson was thinking forward to next season, after which Driver is likely moving on… I just don’t see Driver finishing his career in GB. Jones and Nelson need to get on the field more and be given a REAL opportunity to make a name for themselves! Its called thinking ahead!!!
While I agree Nelson may have a better season than Jones, I think Jones will have more potential on the outside as a #2 WR. I’m not saying that with a ton of confidence, but I think Nelson will shine more in the slot.
I love our 3 WR Singleback Formation the best. It’s my favorite formation and feel it puts our offense in the best situation to succeed considering the balance it provides. Nelson is hands down our best blocking WR. Keeping him in the slot in this formation and spreading the defense out with 3 WR’s will help us run the ball. I understand the idea that putting Nelson in on 2 WR Formations for running, but I don’t think he will be best when we pass out of that formation.
Of course this is all speculation. I would prefer to see Nelson settled in the slot here on out as our permanent #3 WR. Giving Jones occasional reps to change it up making them somewhat interchangable will help us out as well.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
I can’t say I approved it, but I guess the team wanted to get younger and released Koren Robinson following the draft of Jorday Nelson. I liked Koren in 2007, but when we went with Rodgers in 2008 as our QB, the team felt it was best to have a young WR group that Rodgers can build chemistry with over a longer time span.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
Robinson
His knees were giving him alot of problems and affecting his speed and elusiveness. He was helpful but the knees would have only gotten worse since he didn’t have much cartilage left (bone on bone). Not sure but I don’t think he’s even in the NFL anymore is he?
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Ahmad Bradshaw says Cowboys won’t win with Tony Romo at QB
- Cruz: Manningham’s Super catch wasn’t drawn up that way
- Whitney Houston performed the greatest national anthem in sports history (video)
- Justin Tuck visits New York City cop who survived gunshot wound to head
- The Giants won the ‘Brain Bowl,’ too
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
