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Over the next few weeks, we will break down each position on the Green Bay Packers' 2015 roster in detail, discussing each player and making our predictions for the final 53-man roster.
Continuing with our roster predictions, we move on to the highly touted receiving corps. Led by Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb, the two Pro Bowlers from last season, along with Davante Adams, they look to build upon one of the best offensive seasons the Packers have had in recent years. The aerial attack led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers put up over 4,000 yards, and took 38 passes into the end zone. With all three of his main targets back again, it doesn't look to change much in 2015.
Starters: Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, & Davante Adams
Jordy Nelson is back for his 8th season with the Packers, and coming off of his first Pro Bowl appearance. Catching 98 balls for 1,519 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2014, Nelson solidified his name as one of the most dangerous deep-ball threats in the NFL. His speed off the line of scrimmage and ability to create separation from the secondary has made Jordy one of Rodgers' favorite targets for the past four seasons, and they duo looks to keep that rolling into 2015.
Randall Cobb is also coming off of his first Pro Bowl season, and also a sweet new 4 year, $40 million deal. Cobb is becoming another dangerous target for Rodgers, catching 91 passes for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2014. With Nelson attracting attention on the outside, Cobb has been making plays in the slot, using every bit of his 4.46 40 time to slice and dice the secondary. His resigning with the Pack in the off-season was a huge sigh of relief for the organization and the fans, but left the NFC north and the rest of the NFL with a sigh of disappointment.
Davante Adams is set to be the third starter in 2015 next to Nelson and Cobb. Adams came on late last season finishing with 38 catches for 446 yards and 3 touchdowns, and provides another solid target in the passing game. Adams still has more of a role player status, but his role is pretty large in McCarthy's scheme as defenses will be looking to shut down the superstars. After a strong off-season full of praise from his head coach and quarterback, we should have a lot to look forward to come August and September.
Backups: Jeff Janis & Ty Montgomery
As for the backups, we predict only second year player Jeff Janis and rookie Ty Montgomery will make the final 53-man roster. With Janis having limited experience on the field and Montgomery about to begin his first season in the NFL, it is hard to know what we can expect from them. But with the reigning MVP throwing at them, we can hope they produce enough to prevent any double team on the starters. A good number of the APC staff also had the Wisconsin product Jared Abbrederis making the team, but with more pressing needs at other positions, it would take an impressive August to see him make the cut.
Jeff Janis has created a buzz this off-season, mainly because of his physical ability. Janis is the tallest receiver on the roster at 6'2'' and 7/8, and also the the fastest receiver on the roster clocking in at 4.42 in the 40 yard dash. He had trouble providing consistency in the offense last season, which caused him to only catch 2 balls the entire season, and was inactive the final 10 games. If he can gain the trust of Rodgers and McCarthy, Janis could potentially contribute significantly in 2015.
The Packers drafted Ty Montgomery in the 3rd round, 94th overall, in the 2015 Draft, mainly for special teams reasons. He looks to be another threat returning punts and kickoffs alongside Micah Hyde while providing depth as a receiver.