To prepare for training camp, we will be breaking down every player on the Green Bay Packers' 90-man roster in more detail, looking at contract terms and 2013 statistics, before we make our prediction for which players will make the 53-man roster at the end of training camp.
As long as the Packers feature Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, one of their primary concerns will be the receivers placed around him. Thus far, it's hard to argue Green Bay hasn't done a good job. From 2008 (Rodgers' first year starting) through today, the Packers' roster is well stocked with receiving talent, including Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, and Jordy Nelson. While only Nelson remains, the team has replenished its depth with Randall Cobb, Jarrett Boykin, and others.
The Packers have traditionally retained between five and six players at this position. With as many as nine "rosterable" receivers, APC expects the team to lean towards the latter.
Projected Starters: Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb
The two most experienced wideouts are also the team's two best. Jordy Nelson is one of the league's premier X receivers, though the Packers also line him up in the slot. A broken leg slammed the brakes on Randall Cobb's breakout season, but with a clean bill of health he should make that leap in 2014.
Backups: Jarrett Boykin, Davante Adams, Jared Abbrederis, Chris Harper
For all intents and purposes, Jarrett Boykin is a starter in Green Bay's offense. He became a reliable weapon after injures decimated the receiving corps last year, and Aaron Rodgers will likely target him even more this season with James Jones' departure. Davante Adams looked good in shorts, but he probably needs some time before he can consistently contribute in the offense. Expect him to make a bigger impact -- and potentially compete for Boykin's spot -- later in the season. As for Jared Abbrederis and Chris Harper, both will play only a handful of snaps on offense barring injury, but the former should see time on special teams as a returner.
Released: Jeff Janis, Myles White, Kevin Dorsey, Alex Gillett
The Packers can't keep everybody. While Jeff Janis' athleticism captured the imagination of many draft pundits, the leap in competition from Division II to the NFL is too significant to project him over players like Davante Adams, Jared Abbrederis, and Chris Harper. Releasing Janis opens the door for another team to claim him off waivers, but if he clears a spot on the practice squad appears likely. Kevin Dorsey had his moments during OTAs and minicamp, but like Janis it's hard to see him beating out the talent ahead of him. Myles White is the only player in this group with actual NFL experience, but his limited physical gifts make him a less desirable option. Likewise, Alex Gillett doesn't have enough athleticism to make up for his other deficiencies.