Driver's role with new QB (1 Viewer)

[rzrback77]

Donald Driver is 33 years old. He has spent nine years in the NFL, all at Green Bay and of course all with Brett Favre. In the most recent four year stretch he has finished 10th, 13th, 5th and 30th in 2007.

Fast forward to 08 and Favre has retired and is being replaced by Aaron Rodgers. What are the thoughts of the Shark Pool for Driver?

I personally thought that Jennings became the big play and TD target more last year and look for that to continue. FBG's dynasty ranking fro Driver has not dropped much from last year or even since the announced Favre retirement, but this surprises me greatly.

What do y'all say?

 

[sho nuff]

Hard to tell which WR Rodgers will have the most chemistry with.

I think Jennings and Jones are more the big play guys and possibly even red zone guys.

Driver more the possession type.

But...if Rodgers feels more comfortable with Driver (like Favre did) and gets that same trust together...it could be similar with receptions going alot to Driver.

He is a very good WR who works hard...runs great routes...gets open...and catches nearly everything thrown at him.

 

[Byron_nyc]

I venerated Brett Favre as much as the next guy, but I believe that his gaudy numbers this year (and last) were a reflection of the system and the players around him as much as the quarterback. To wit:

GB's O-line played great. It seemed like anyone they slotted in could run the ball behind that line: Ryan Grant was teaching high school this time last year, and Samkon Gado, who rocked in GB, failed in Houston and Miami to keep a roster spot and is now without an NFL contract. That O-line is a menace, and it helped Brett a lot.

GB also has three guys who are legitimate possibilities to be WR1s in the NFL: Driver, Jennings, and Jones.

The whole team is young, the defense is aggressive and keeps the team in every game.

Rogers has spent three years with these guys, learning the system and the men. He's looked good in limited action.

Frankly, I can't remember a better situation for a first-year starting quarterback -- and his WRs -- since Chad Pennington stepped in for Vinnie in NY six or seven years ago.

I think ALL Packers are buy lows this year, especially Rogers, who can probably be had in redrafts in the 11th or 12th round.

Driver isn't going to get those balls back from Jennings, but he is not going to drop off from the 2007 numbers much at all. He is no longer the overlooked fantasy WR1 he was a few years ago, but he is likely to be WR 30 again next year, which is nothing to sneeze at.

 

[sho nuff]

I venerated Brett Favre as much as the next guy, but I believe that his gaudy numbers this year (and last) were a reflection of the system and the players around him as much as the quarterback. To wit:GB's O-line played great. It seemed like anyone they slotted in could run the ball behind that line: Ryan Grant was teaching high school this time last year, and Samkon Gado, who rocked in GB, failed in Houston and Miami to keep a roster spot and is now without an NFL contract. That O-line is a menace, and it helped Brett a lot.GB also has three guys who are legitimate possibilities to be WR1s in the NFL: Driver, Jennings, and Jones. The whole team is young, the defense is aggressive and keeps the team in every game.Rogers has spent three years with these guys, learning the system and the men. He's looked good in limited action.Frankly, I can't remember a better situation for a first-year starting quarterback -- and his WRs -- since Chad Pennington stepped in for Vinnie in NY six or seven years ago. I think ALL Packers are buy lows this year, especially Rogers, who can probably be had in redrafts in the 11th or 12th round.Driver isn't going to get those balls back from Jennings, but he is not going to drop off from the 2007 numbers much at all. He is no longer the overlooked fantasy WR1 he was a few years ago, but he is likely to be WR 30 again next year, which is nothing to sneeze at.

A. Alot of last year was due to Favre though...especially early on when they could not run the ball.B. Oline played great? The Oline has been very good in pass blocking the past few years. But in run blocking...they were bad 2 years ago...bad to start this year, but came on and improved all year long. They need to settle the guard position IMO...and really need Junius Coston to stay healthy along with Spitz. Continuity is key there and they just have not had it.

 

[dmac37]

I can see Drivers numbers going up from last year, to more like his other years. He is still getting more targets than Jennings in general and the red zone, just did not convert more this past year. Rodgers does not seem to be the long ball gunslinger that Favre was, meaning he should be throwing more shorter passes to move the chains. Driver also appears to still be in great shape and still playing at a high level.

Good information from H.K and Scrumptrulescent from other posts:

The last five games Driver and Jennings played in the regular season, Driver had 42 (8.4 pg) targets to Jennings' 29 (5.8 pg).

2007 targets per game:

Driver 8.1

Jennings 6.5

Jones 5.0

2007 Red zone targets

Driver 17 for 2 TD's

Jones 11 for 0 TD's

Jennings 11 for 6 TD's

Who Rodgers went to in the Dallas game.

Driver: thrown to 7 times, 7 catches

Jennings: thrown to 6 times, 5 catches (including a td)

Lee: thrown to 4 times, 3 catches

Jones: thrown to 2 times, 1 catch

Robinson: thrown to 1 time, 1 catch

Martin: thrown to 1 time, 0 catches

RB's: thrown to 3 times, 2 catches

 

[Aaronstory]

Going back and watching the Dallas game last night, what struck me was how well Rodgers played within the system. He didn't seem to stare down his #1 read, but went through his progressions quite well. Plus, when things broke down, he did a great job of keeping things alive with his feet while looking downfield. (He had one throw to Lee like this that went for big yardage that was particularly impressive.)

His touchdown play was also impressive as he found Jennings in a hole vacacated by a blitzing LB.

It is, of course, folly to surmise too much from one part of a game, but this was the first live action Rodgers has seen when he hasn't been hopelessly behind and the defense couldn't simply tee off on him. And I came away even more impressed last night on review how well he plays within McCarthy's system.

As to the OP's original question, there really isn't much concrete on offer, but my hunch is that Jennings will continue to emerge as Rodgers go-to guy and Driver will have more of a complimentary role. Again, no facts to back this up, just a hunch.

 

[teamroc]

WR30 in 2007

Worst year in 4 years (lowest catches, yards, TDs)

He's 33

Unproven QB

To think he'll be better then last year will be a stretch. TDs will come and go, but he's trending down while his age goes up.

At best he's a decent WR3, probably a flex/bye starter. Will disappoint more then outperform. In non-ppr his value tanks.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

IMO he's already been passed by as GB's #1 WR and soon will be passed by JJones for the #2 spot, possibly as early as this season

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I think his career is on the downside, not because of Farve's retirement but just his age. I think Rodgers will do a decent job as QB for Green Bay but I think Jennings is the guy who will have the larger numbers.

I think Driver around WR 30 overall is a solid. I'm not sure where is ADP will be for next year but I guess my feeling is I'd take him as a late WR 2 or an early Wr3. If I don't have a solid Wr1 and he's my Wr2, you're team won't be very good.

 

[rzrback77]

IMO he's already been passed by as GB's #1 WR and soon will be passed by JJones for the #2 spot, possibly as early as this season

and you ddn't even include the TE Donald Lee, who performed very well last year also.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

IMO he's already been passed by as GB's #1 WR and soon will be passed by JJones for the #2 spot, possibly as early as this season

Well, eventually every player will have their day to be passed up, but concerntrating on this year, barring injury I highly doubt Jones has a more productive year than Donald Driver.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

IMO he's already been passed by as GB's #1 WR and soon will be passed by JJones for the #2 spot, possibly as early as this season

Well, eventually every player will have their day to be passed up, but concerntrating on this year, barring injury I highly doubt Jones has a more productive year than Donald Driver.

I said possibly, I think Driver is being phased out. That being said in re-draft I'd probably take Driver beofre Jones for this season, In Dynasty Jjones is the one to grab

 

[dmac37]

WR30 in 2007Worst year in 4 years (lowest catches, yards, TDs)He's 33Unproven QBTo think he'll be better then last year will be a stretch. TDs will come and go, but he's trending down while his age goes up. At best he's a decent WR3, probably a flex/bye starter. Will disappoint more then outperform. In non-ppr his value tanks.

I did not pay real close attention to Driver last year, did anyone notice his speed and skills going downhill? I'm interested in opinions, they could be but the stats don't really show that.Driver and Jennings stats for the last 2 years, FF points in a ppr league:2007Jennings rec-53 yds-920 td-12 ffpts-16.69Driver rec-82 yds-1048 td-2 ffpts-13.282006Jennings rec-45 yds-632 td-3 ffpts-9.01Driver rec-91 yds-1288 td-8 ffpts-16.9No doubt as the years go on Jennings will go up and Driver will go down, just not necessarily in the next 2 years. Jennings receptions were similar both years but the long TD's were the difference, without Favre and his long ball his stats could go back to more like 2006 than 2007 next year. Drivers stats were similar in both years except TD's, which can be very random. With Rodgers at QB I can see Driver for the next 2 years as the #1 or #1A WR on the Packers.

 

[fatness]

He is a very good WR who works hard...runs great routes...gets open...and catches nearly everything thrown at him.

He also works the middle of the field extremely well, something that not all WR's can do, or have the stomach to do.

 

[sho nuff]

IMO he's already been passed by as GB's #1 WR and soon will be passed by JJones for the #2 spot, possibly as early as this season

Well, eventually every player will have their day to be passed up, but concerntrating on this year, barring injury I highly doubt Jones has a more productive year than Donald Driver.

I said possibly, I think Driver is being phased out. That being said in re-draft I'd probably take Driver beofre Jones for this season, In Dynasty Jjones is the one to grab

Being phased out?Why do you think that?

 

[sho nuff]

He is a very good WR who works hard...runs great routes...gets open...and catches nearly everything thrown at him.

He also works the middle of the field extremely well, something that not all WR's can do, or have the stomach to do.

I could also see him emerging into a Wes Welker like slot role with Jones and Jennings on the outside.I think he is still a very good WR in ppr...but hurts you in TD heavy leagues.

 

[Aaronstory]

WR30 in 2007

Worst year in 4 years (lowest catches, yards, TDs)

He's 33

Unproven QB

To think he'll be better then last year will be a stretch. TDs will come and go, but he's trending down while his age goes up.

At best he's a decent WR3, probably a flex/bye starter. Will disappoint more then outperform. In non-ppr his value tanks.

I did not pay real close attention to Driver last year, did anyone notice his speed and skills going downhill?

He looked pretty fast running away from the Giants secondary for a 90 yard TD...

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

The demise of Driver is greatly exaggerated IMO. I think he just got the short end of the stick on the TDs this past season, and while I don't see him being a WR1 again, I think he's still a strong #2 for 2008.

I could easily see 1100/7 or 1000/6. He did average 1240/7 for the three years preceding 2007. Then posted 1048/2 in 2007.

I think he's going to have to worry about Jones taking his spot in 2009 though. Eventually youth will take over. Just not in 2008.

 

[rzrback77]

Just seems to me that with a fairly young team and a new starting QB with plentiful young talent at WR/TE, they would involve J Jones, Jennings, K Robinson, Lee and Driver. With five valid receiversm it seems to me that it is very likely that Driver's opportunities decrease from last year when he was WR 30 and continue to drop in subsequent years mininizing his value in dynasty.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Just seems to me that with a fairly young team and a new starting QB with plentiful young talent at WR/TE, they would involve J Jones, Jennings, K Robinson, Lee and Driver. With five valid receiversm it seems to me that it is very likely that Driver's opportunities decrease from last year when he was WR 30 and continue to drop in subsequent years mininizing his value in dynasty.

It's a fine theory but the bottom line is this, you throw to your best players. You throw to them because they are open and make plays.With that in mind, you have Jennings who's certainly emerged and should make some big plays this upcoming year but Driver can still play at a high level.I could actually see Driver's receptions go up this year from last and his ypc drop as Rodgers may try and throw safer passes to a Driver than gamble and go deep.

 

[az_prof]

Everyone in Green Bay's offense will likely see a decline, including Jennings. I don't care who is "Rodger's favorted target," that guy is likely to do worse than when Favre was throwing the ball. Even if Rodger's turns out to be good, it is likely to take him a couple of years to come close to meeting Favre's production, and all the receivers will do worse as a result. If I own any GB player I am trying to move them now.

 

[tribecalledjeff]

I can see Drivers numbers going up from last year, to more like his other years. He is still getting more targets than Jennings in general and the red zone, just did not convert more this past year. Rodgers does not seem to be the long ball gunslinger that Favre was, meaning he should be throwing more shorter passes to move the chains. Driver also appears to still be in great shape and still playing at a high level.Good information from H.K and Scrumptrulescent from other posts:The last five games Driver and Jennings played in the regular season, Driver had 42 (8.4 pg) targets to Jennings' 29 (5.8 pg). 2007 targets per gameriver 8.1Jennings 6.5Jones 5.02007 Red zone targetsDriver 17 for 2 TD'sJones 11 for 0 TD'sJennings 11 for 6 TD's Who Rodgers went to in the Dallas game.Driver: thrown to 7 times, 7 catchesJennings: thrown to 6 times, 5 catches (including a td)Lee: thrown to 4 times, 3 catchesJones: thrown to 2 times, 1 catchRobinson: thrown to 1 time, 1 catchMartin: thrown to 1 time, 0 catchesRB's: thrown to 3 times, 2 catches

I was just going to look up these numbers, because I was about how people could say that Jennings was the #1 target or was taking over the lead role. He wasn't - he just had an abnormally large %age of his catches go for TDs. Nor is there really any evidence to suggest that he will be the lead WR next year. And yet, everyone is convinced that Driver is done and Jennings has passed him. I hope everyone keeps underestimating Driver and making up trends that don't exist.

 

[Brewzers]

WR30 in 2007Worst year in 4 years (lowest catches, yards, TDs)He's 33Unproven QBTo think he'll be better then last year will be a stretch. TDs will come and go, but he's trending down while his age goes up. At best he's a decent WR3, probably a flex/bye starter. Will disappoint more then outperform. In non-ppr his value tanks.

Thats too harsh. Driver played injured all year. He had the mysterious shoulder injury and missed all of training camp. Then he sprained his ankle/foot in preseason. The sprain was a nagged him all year. Thats why he appeared slow and his production was down.The Driver who took it 90 yds for a TD in the post season is the one I would expect for next year. Sure looks like he is a big sleeper this year.

 

[rzrback77]

WR30 in 2007Worst year in 4 years (lowest catches, yards, TDs)He's 33Unproven QBTo think he'll be better then last year will be a stretch. TDs will come and go, but he's trending down while his age goes up. At best he's a decent WR3, probably a flex/bye starter. Will disappoint more then outperform. In non-ppr his value tanks.

Thats too harsh. Driver played injured all year. He had the mysterious shoulder injury and missed all of training camp. Then he sprained his ankle/foot in preseason. The sprain was a nagged him all year. Thats why he appeared slow and his production was down.The Driver who took it 90 yds for a TD in the post season is the one I would expect for next year. Sure looks like he is a big sleeper this year.

He's getting a lot of mileage on that one 90 yard TD....

 

[heidbrink]

I have a feeling that pretty much all packers' values will be discounted due to the ???? factor at qb. This is exactly the kind of situation where sharks live. That is...the risk/reward tradeoff. Sure the picks might be busts. The pack might fall apart w/o brett chucking the pig. OTO, this "risk" will create potential reward. I have always been a big fan of the grizzled vet WR as great value picks since I like to pile up on the RB's early. Driver has been on many of my teams. He (and guys like him) are gold on draft day, for my style of drafting. I can see him really falling especially adding to the above with the emergence of the other young ball catchers on the squad. But Hey... HE IS STILL DONALD DRIVER. I can easily see myself "In" on what I have to pay to get him this coming year, and am fairly confident he will get me more than what I will have to pay.

 

[teamroc]

I have a feeling that pretty much all packers' values will be discounted due to the ???? factor at qb. This is exactly the kind of situation where sharks live. That is...the risk/reward tradeoff. Sure the picks might be busts. The pack might fall apart w/o brett chucking the pig. OTO, this "risk" will create potential reward. I have always been a big fan of the grizzled vet WR as great value picks since I like to pile up on the RB's early. Driver has been on many of my teams. He (and guys like him) are gold on draft day, for my style of drafting. I can see him really falling especially adding to the above with the emergence of the other young ball catchers on the squad. But Hey... HE IS STILL DONALD DRIVER. I can easily see myself "In" on what I have to pay to get him this coming year, and am fairly confident he will get me more than what I will have to pay.

He is gold for your style of drafting? Late round value picks?Uh, you realize DD was WR 8-15 on most people's boards. He's had 80+ catches 1,000+ yards for the last 4 years.Sharks live? Sharks avoid guys like 08 Driver. Because fish will remember his glory days, pencil him in for another 80/1,000 and take him in the 5th round as their WR2. Driver is still a big name, and fish will still grab him when they run out of names they recognize. He's falling for a reason. "Hey, he is still donald driver", doesn't pay the rent. I remember you now. You're the "Hey, it's still Curtis Martin!". Hey it's still Darrell Jackson! Hey it's still Ahman Green! Cmoonnnn, it's still Joe Horn! Sharks don't get left holding the bag. Sharks don't get attached to names or players. Avoid unknowns. By taking Driver you're assuming Rodgers pans out, and Driver maintains his WR1 over the JJs. And he reverses his downtrend. And he gets back his RZ TDs he lost to Jennings.So why are we going to assume all these negative points will work themselves out?Oh, because HE IS STILL DONALD DRIVER. Touche.

 

[tribecalledjeff]

I didn't write the post that you are responding to, but I might as well have because I agree with all of the points, so I'll reply. Keep in mind that I play exclusively ppr, so that may taint my views slightly.

He is gold for your style of drafting? Late round value picks?

Yes. You'll be able to get Driver as a WR3 next year because of all the uncertainty surrounding the loss of Favre. He is currently ranked behind such studs as Santana Moss , DJ Hackett, Bernard Berrian, and Javon Walker by some of the FBG dynasty rankers. I understand that dynasty reduces his value, but I think you'll see a lot of similar rankins by some people in redrafts next year also.

Uh, you realize DD was WR 8-15 on most people's boards. He's had 80+ catches 1,000+ yards for the last 4 years.

Do YOU realize that he's had 80+ catches 1,000 + yards for the last 4 years? He's a talent and I see no signs of him slowing down. He had an abnormally small # of TDs this year, but it wasn' for lack of opportunity. He had a good deal more red zone targets than anyone else on the team. Do you realize that if he had caught 5 more TDs this year, he'd have been WR16? That would have given him 7, which is his average over the previous 5 seasons. This year was an outlier.

Sharks live? Sharks avoid guys like 08 Driver. Because fish will remember his glory days, pencil him in for another 80/1,000 and take him in the 5th round as their WR2. Driver is still a big name, and fish will still grab him when they run out of names they recognize.

So sharks aren't aware of Brett Favre retiring? Hell, my 6 year old cousin knows Favre retired. This presents an opportunity for VALUE. You're overreacting.

He's falling for a reason. "Hey, he is still donald driver", doesn't pay the rent. I remember you now. You're the "Hey, it's still Curtis Martin!". Hey it's still Darrell Jackson! Hey it's still Ahman Green! Cmoonnnn, it's still Joe Horn! Sharks don't get left holding the bag. Sharks don't get attached to names or players.

You're right, they get attached to stats, which Driver has consistently put up for the last 4 years. Even this year, in what was widely considered a horrible year, he was still a legit WR3 in non-ppr, and a legit WR2 in ppr. No, that's not quite what we were expecting, but there are worse things that can happen than having a guy you expected to be a WR1 turn into a WR2. When his TDs bounce back to normal, he'll be back where he's been.

Avoid unknowns. By taking Driver you're assuming Rodgers pans out, and Driver maintains his WR1 over the JJs. And he reverses his downtrend. And he gets back his RZ TDs he lost to Jennings.

Please understand that he still out-targeted Jennings by a wide margin.And who are the JJs... James Jones and J-reg Jennings?

So why are we going to assume all these negative points will work themselves out?Oh, because HE IS STILL DONALD DRIVER. Touche.

That's precisely why.

 

[jurrassic]

I agree that Driver's is getting up there in years but the guy still caught 80 balls and went to the Pro Bowl. In addition to that 18 games into the season, the guy still had enough juice left to take an 85 yard pass into the end zone vs. the Giants in the NFC title game. I think that should speak to the fact that he still has something left. That being said, I don't think I would take him before the 5th round in a 12 team league. There is too much uncertainty regarding Rodgers right now. Once we see him in action in pre-season we should have a better understanding of how the offense may roll.

Driver still plays the feature receiver roll in the offense which means he will be the first read on alot of plays. Favre was incredibly versed in the offense and at reading defenses, and was able to quickly make his progressions to get the ball off to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th options. Driver also drew the top DB coverage every week. I don't think Rodgers is going to be that comfortable. Driver could turn into his security blanket. McCarthy could also re-design some plays to get Jennings more involved after last season.

 

[delusional]

Frustration is a good role

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

I didn't write the post that you are responding to, but I might as well have because I agree with all of the points, so I'll reply. Keep in mind that I play exclusively ppr, so that may taint my views slightly.

He is gold for your style of drafting? Late round value picks?

Yes. You'll be able to get Driver as a WR3 next year because of all the uncertainty surrounding the loss of Favre. He is currently ranked behind such studs as Santana Moss , DJ Hackett, Bernard Berrian, and Javon Walker by some of the FBG dynasty rankers. I understand that dynasty reduces his value, but I think you'll see a lot of similar rankins by some people in redrafts next year also.

Uh, you realize DD was WR 8-15 on most people's boards. He's had 80+ catches 1,000+ yards for the last 4 years.

Do YOU realize that he's had 80+ catches 1,000 + yards for the last 4 years? He's a talent and I see no signs of him slowing down. He had an abnormally small # of TDs this year, but it wasn' for lack of opportunity. He had a good deal more red zone targets than anyone else on the team. Do you realize that if he had caught 5 more TDs this year, he'd have been WR16? That would have given him 7, which is his average over the previous 5 seasons. This year was an outlier.

Sharks live? Sharks avoid guys like 08 Driver. Because fish will remember his glory days, pencil him in for another 80/1,000 and take him in the 5th round as their WR2. Driver is still a big name, and fish will still grab him when they run out of names they recognize.

So sharks aren't aware of Brett Favre retiring? Hell, my 6 year old cousin knows Favre retired. This presents an opportunity for VALUE. You're overreacting.

He's falling for a reason. "Hey, he is still donald driver", doesn't pay the rent. I remember you now. You're the "Hey, it's still Curtis Martin!". Hey it's still Darrell Jackson! Hey it's still Ahman Green! Cmoonnnn, it's still Joe Horn! Sharks don't get left holding the bag. Sharks don't get attached to names or players.

You're right, they get attached to stats, which Driver has consistently put up for the last 4 years. Even this year, in what was widely considered a horrible year, he was still a legit WR3 in non-ppr, and a legit WR2 in ppr. No, that's not quite what we were expecting, but there are worse things that can happen than having a guy you expected to be a WR1 turn into a WR2. When his TDs bounce back to normal, he'll be back where he's been.

Avoid unknowns. By taking Driver you're assuming Rodgers pans out, and Driver maintains his WR1 over the JJs. And he reverses his downtrend. And he gets back his RZ TDs he lost to Jennings.

Please understand that he still out-targeted Jennings by a wide margin.And who are the JJs... James Jones and J-reg Jennings?

So why are we going to assume all these negative points will work themselves out?Oh, because HE IS STILL DONALD DRIVER. Touche.

That's precisely why.

Driver could definitely slip into the value WR pool - again - but now in later rounds than when he was closer to WR1.Taking a veteran who has "been there, done that" who might be at 75% of his production is still > taking a riskier, younger WR who hasn't had a track record like Driver. Projecting Driver at 75-80% of his 2006 numbers and slot him accordingly. If he's there, you take him, because the downside risk at that point is minimal and there's a good chance at upside.

 

[sho nuff]

Driver could definitely slip into the value WR pool - again - but now in later rounds than when he was closer to WR1.Taking a veteran who has "been there, done that" who might be at 75% of his production is still > taking a riskier, younger WR who hasn't had a track record like Driver. Projecting Driver at 75-80% of his 2006 numbers and slot him accordingly. If he's there, you take him, because the downside risk at that point is minimal and there's a good chance at upside.

Bingo...some will drop him down because of the lack of TDs and Favre's retirement. I think Driver will be solid value this year...where some might have Jennings overvalued due to the TDs and the perception by some that Rodgers looked his way more or will look his way more.Id much rather take a guy like Driver...than waste a pick on a young up and comer that is more likely to be a bust (as an example from last year...Vincent Jackson...)

 

[Bri]

Rogers has been around 3 years. He's not new. I can understand the use of the word as he rarely played and all but in this instance I don't think it applies. I can't imagine someone watching and practicing with the GB WRs for 3 years and not recognizing just how dependable Driver is. I don't think the quality of his play is going to change.

FF"s about numbers though, but still I don't see it as a Rogers thing. I could roll with Jennings and/or Jones improving or even Koren getting into the thick of this WR corps. Maybe that takes away from Driver but IMO he's a very good WR and those guys have a ways to go before bumping him off that rock. He's still "king of the mountain" in GB.

 

[bcr8f]

WR30 in 2007Worst year in 4 years (lowest catches, yards, TDs)He's 33Unproven QBTo think he'll be better then last year will be a stretch. TDs will come and go, but he's trending down while his age goes up. At best he's a decent WR3, probably a flex/bye starter. Will disappoint more then outperform. In non-ppr his value tanks.

I don't agree. #30? It all depends on work Rodgers does with the various receivers. Driver can still get deep and with his injuries healed somewhat(shoulder was bad last year) we'll have to wait and see.It's too early for predictions.

 

[Brutis]

Rogers has been around 3 years. He's not new. I can understand the use of the word as he rarely played and all but in this instance I don't think it applies. I can't imagine someone watching and practicing with the GB WRs for 3 years and not recognizing just how dependable Driver is. I don't think the quality of his play is going to change.FF"s about numbers though, but still I don't see it as a Rogers thing. I could roll with Jennings and/or Jones improving or even Koren getting into the thick of this WR corps. Maybe that takes away from Driver but IMO he's a very good WR and those guys have a ways to go before bumping him off that rock. He's still "king of the mountain" in GB.

Driver is a guy i have no interest in owning in any of my leagues.

 

[kerpow]

Rogers has been around 3 years. He's not new. I can understand the use of the word as he rarely played and all but in this instance I don't think it applies. I can't imagine someone watching and practicing with the GB WRs for 3 years and not recognizing just how dependable Driver is. I don't think the quality of his play is going to change.FF"s about numbers though, but still I don't see it as a Rogers thing. I could roll with Jennings and/or Jones improving or even Koren getting into the thick of this WR corps. Maybe that takes away from Driver but IMO he's a very good WR and those guys have a ways to go before bumping him off that rock. He's still "king of the mountain" in GB.

Completely agree, which is why it may be a shark move to snag Driver as WR3. Rodgers knows the system, knows all the plays in the book, knows all the personnel. The only thing we don't know about him is accurate he is and how he deals with gameday pressure, but the same applies to any QB coming into the NFL.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Rogers has been around 3 years. He's not new. I can understand the use of the word as he rarely played and all but in this instance I don't think it applies. I can't imagine someone watching and practicing with the GB WRs for 3 years and not recognizing just how dependable Driver is. I don't think the quality of his play is going to change.FF"s about numbers though, but still I don't see it as a Rogers thing. I could roll with Jennings and/or Jones improving or even Koren getting into the thick of this WR corps. Maybe that takes away from Driver but IMO he's a very good WR and those guys have a ways to go before bumping him off that rock. He's still "king of the mountain" in GB.

Rogers is in the Philip Rivers / Tony Romo camp. He's not a rookie.Whether he plays more like Rivers or Romo, that's still to be determined. But, he should do better than a rookie just thrown out there in Year 1.

 

[sho nuff]

Rogers has been around 3 years. He's not new. I can understand the use of the word as he rarely played and all but in this instance I don't think it applies. I can't imagine someone watching and practicing with the GB WRs for 3 years and not recognizing just how dependable Driver is. I don't think the quality of his play is going to change.FF"s about numbers though, but still I don't see it as a Rogers thing. I could roll with Jennings and/or Jones improving or even Koren getting into the thick of this WR corps. Maybe that takes away from Driver but IMO he's a very good WR and those guys have a ways to go before bumping him off that rock. He's still "king of the mountain" in GB.

Rogers is in the Philip Rivers / Tony Romo camp. He's not a rookie.Whether he plays more like Rivers or Romo, that's still to be determined. But, he should do better than a rookie just thrown out there in Year 1.

If you could guarantee me right now that he would have a year like Rivers first year as a starter....as a Packer fan, I would take it right now.21 TDs, 9 INTs, 3152 passing yards 92 rating.Where do I sign up?

 

[Bri]

Rogers has been around 3 years. He's not new. I can understand the use of the word as he rarely played and all but in this instance I don't think it applies. I can't imagine someone watching and practicing with the GB WRs for 3 years and not recognizing just how dependable Driver is. I don't think the quality of his play is going to change.FF"s about numbers though, but still I don't see it as a Rogers thing. I could roll with Jennings and/or Jones improving or even Koren getting into the thick of this WR corps. Maybe that takes away from Driver but IMO he's a very good WR and those guys have a ways to go before bumping him off that rock. He's still "king of the mountain" in GB.

Rogers is in the Philip Rivers / Tony Romo camp. He's not a rookie.Whether he plays more like Rivers or Romo, that's still to be determined. But, he should do better than a rookie just thrown out there in Year 1.

If you could guarantee me right now that he would have a year like Rivers first year as a starter....as a Packer fan, I would take it right now.21 TDs, 9 INTs, 3152 passing yards 92 rating.Where do I sign up?

I've said for years and unfortunately I think it will come true soon, GB fans and FFers are going to miss Favre's reliability for years after he retires. On the surface, 3152 is just under 200 a game so extremely doable for most QBs in the league. The injuries though......Rogers sitting with strained quad or broken ribs or a torn shoulder or whatever would seem relatively normal attrition anywhere else. Following up Favre's toughness may be harder than following his legendary play. Remember Donovan finishing a game with a broken leg? Boy I hope Rogers doesn't feel he has to do something like that.I think 3k with those WRs and that offense is quite attainable.

 

[sho nuff]

Rogers has been around 3 years. He's not new. I can understand the use of the word as he rarely played and all but in this instance I don't think it applies. I can't imagine someone watching and practicing with the GB WRs for 3 years and not recognizing just how dependable Driver is. I don't think the quality of his play is going to change.FF"s about numbers though, but still I don't see it as a Rogers thing. I could roll with Jennings and/or Jones improving or even Koren getting into the thick of this WR corps. Maybe that takes away from Driver but IMO he's a very good WR and those guys have a ways to go before bumping him off that rock. He's still "king of the mountain" in GB.

Rogers is in the Philip Rivers / Tony Romo camp. He's not a rookie.Whether he plays more like Rivers or Romo, that's still to be determined. But, he should do better than a rookie just thrown out there in Year 1.

If you could guarantee me right now that he would have a year like Rivers first year as a starter....as a Packer fan, I would take it right now.21 TDs, 9 INTs, 3152 passing yards 92 rating.Where do I sign up?

I've said for years and unfortunately I think it will come true soon, GB fans and FFers are going to miss Favre's reliability for years after he retires. On the surface, 3152 is just under 200 a game so extremely doable for most QBs in the league. The injuries though......Rogers sitting with strained quad or broken ribs or a torn shoulder or whatever would seem relatively normal attrition anywhere else. Following up Favre's toughness may be harder than following his legendary play. Remember Donovan finishing a game with a broken leg? Boy I hope Rogers doesn't feel he has to do something like that.I think 3k with those WRs and that offense is quite attainable.

I agree that we won't get used to seeing the QB limp off and miss a game.But Rodgers did play on a broken foot last year (2006) against NE (he hurt it early in the 3rd quarter and finished the game with it before missing the rest of the season).3k should be doable pretty easy...Id expect that and think 3500 is not all that unattainable for him.

 

[JPeso]

What is Driver's value in rookie picks? In some leagues he is expendable and I may look to get younger, whereas I may try to buy him in others as a WR3 for 2-3 years.

 

[Jeff Tefertiller]

What is Driver's value in rookie picks? In some leagues he is expendable and I may look to get younger, whereas I may try to buy him in others as a WR3 for 2-3 years.

I would hazard a guess that in many leagues, Driver will be sold for a late first or early second rounder.

 

[Brewzers]

What is Driver's value in rookie picks? In some leagues he is expendable and I may look to get younger, whereas I may try to buy him in others as a WR3 for 2-3 years.

I would hazard a guess that in many leagues, Driver will be sold for a late first or early second rounder.

At 33 years old, I don't think Driver has that much trade value. I tried to trade him without luck for a 1st (rejected) and then an early 2nd (rejected). I even tried to trade him for Ced Benson straight up (rejected). After that, my conclusion was to hold. He went through last year with nagging shoulder, knee & foot injuries, so I am hopeful he has healed and rebounds into the top 20 WR range this year. I think he could be a sneaky play, he has traditionally been undervalued and none more than this year.

 

[JPeso]

What is Driver's value in rookie picks? In some leagues he is expendable and I may look to get younger, whereas I may try to buy him in others as a WR3 for 2-3 years.

I would hazard a guess that in many leagues, Driver will be sold for a late first or early second rounder.

At 33 years old, I don't think Driver has that much trade value. I tried to trade him without luck for a 1st (rejected) and then an early 2nd (rejected). I even tried to trade him for Ced Benson straight up (rejected). After that, my conclusion was to hold. He went through last year with nagging shoulder, knee & foot injuries, so I am hopeful he has healed and rebounds into the top 20 WR range this year.

Wow.

 

[Brewzers]

What is Driver's value in rookie picks? In some leagues he is expendable and I may look to get younger, whereas I may try to buy him in others as a WR3 for 2-3 years.

I would hazard a guess that in many leagues, Driver will be sold for a late first or early second rounder.

At 33 years old, I don't think Driver has that much trade value. I tried to trade him without luck for a 1st (rejected) and then an early 2nd (rejected). I even tried to trade him for Ced Benson straight up (rejected). After that, my conclusion was to hold. He went through last year with nagging shoulder, knee & foot injuries, so I am hopeful he has healed and rebounds into the top 20 WR range this year.

Wow.

Yeah, I don't think he has much trade value. Everyone is concerned about a lost step and only two TDs, but if you research how many times he was on the injury report, you realize 2007 was an anamaly for him. If you offer something reasonable to the right owner, you should be able to grab him on the cheap.

 

[dmac37]

What is Driver's value in rookie picks? In some leagues he is expendable and I may look to get younger, whereas I may try to buy him in others as a WR3 for 2-3 years.

I traded Berrian for Driver. Both receivers seem to be in a roll of #1 or #1A WR on their team. Vikings were dead last in pass attempts last year, Packers were 6th, and Berrian was the #1 WR in Chicago who were 10th in pass attempts, his numbers should go down. Driver was the #23 WR in my ppr league last year while only getting 2 TD's, his TD total will go back up. At 33 he seems to be in great shape and I can see 2-3 more years as a #2 or #3 FF WR.

 

[Riffraff]

Assuming the Randy Moss comments to not to go to GB were accurate, the Packers #1 WR is Driver. With or without Favre.

I don't think he suddenly got replaced or phased out.

I do think his TDs go up from a measly 2 last year. Yards may be around the same.

If Rodgers can throw for 3,000 yards, I don't see any reason Driver won't get 1,000 of them.

He makes a great safety net. The gameplan is written around Driver.

Also, new QBs don't necessarily avoid the team's #1 WR. I would bet they lock into them a little more.

Cutler didn't avoid Walker (Walker got hurt after a few great weeks).

Edwards didn't avoid Evans.

Clemens didn't avoid Coles.

Anderson didn't avoid Edwards.

Roethlisberger didn't avoid Ward.

Schaub didn't avoid Andre.

Palmer didn't avoid Chad.

Romo didn't avoid Owens.

Bulger didn't avoid Holt.

The list goes on.

 

[JPeso]

What is Driver's value in rookie picks? In some leagues he is expendable and I may look to get younger, whereas I may try to buy him in others as a WR3 for 2-3 years.

I traded Berrian for Driver.

Kind of what I was looking in to. On some of my teams where Driver is WR4 and I won't need him, I'd trade him straight up for Berrian, but in leagues where I need him to make a playoff run, I wouldn't trade him for Berrian.

 

[Bri]

What is Driver's value in rookie picks? In some leagues he is expendable and I may look to get younger, whereas I may try to buy him in others as a WR3 for 2-3 years.

I would hazard a guess that in many leagues, Driver will be sold for a late first or early second rounder.

I'd make that trade in every league if I could then

 

[Sabertooth]

Drivers role will be = to Jennings role. Both are expected to start, stay healthy, and make plays. Production wise, I think Jennings is better. Driver is maybe a little bit more likely to stay healthy, he's tough as nails.

I think at the end of the day, they both finish in the top 25 with neither being higher than 12th.

 

[maccabees]

What is Driver's value in rookie picks? In some leagues he is expendable and I may look to get younger, whereas I may try to buy him in others as a WR3 for 2-3 years.

I would hazard a guess that in many leagues, Driver will be sold for a late first or early second rounder.

I'd make that trade in every league if I could then

I would also make that trade.