Player Spotlight: Donald Driver (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2006 Player Spotlight Series

Over the course of the offseason, we will be evaluating a multitude of players at every fantasy position. One such way we go about that is through the Player Spotlight series. Think of the Spotlights as a permanent record on some of the more intriguing players for the upcoming season. Each Spotlight will be featured in an article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Donald Driver, WR, Green Bay Packers

Player Page Link: Donald Driver Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide sustainable value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsBest of Luck and ENJOY!

 

[AeroFANatic]

Driver is the Rodney Dangerfield of Fantasy Football. Whatever he does, he gets NO respect. With Walker out last year, he put up some solid #'s. In 2006, with a still questionble defense....Favre will be gunslinging from behind alot this year. Driver figures to be the beneficiary of this production.

81 receptions 1200 REC yds, 8TDS. 50 rush yards.

Solid #1 wr, that can be had for #2-3 price. (4th-5th round)

 

[Jason Wood]

Hey Aero:

1) Great to see you around the boards!

2) I couldn't agree more. Driver is consistently one of the better fantasy wideouts regardless of who lines up on the other side of the formation and yet is never treated as a tried and true WR1 for fantasy purposes.

I'm guessing he will get that respect in drafts this year, though, given a) his new contract and b) the lack of alternatives in Green Bay.

 

[Jason Wood]

Forgot my own rules

85 receptions
1,200 yards receiving
14.1 yards per reception
8 TDs
168 fantasy points (FBG scoring)
253 fantasy points (PPR leagues)

 

[AeroFANatic]

Hey Aero:

1) Great to see you around the boards!

I've been here for a while. Lurk mostly, but post once in a while.Eisenberg too is a lurker

 

[CalBear]

I agree that Driver tends to fly under the radar. He's not flashy, he's got an average-sized body, and he doesn't do TD dances. That hasn't kept him from being in the top 13 WRs three of the past four years, the only exception being his injury year. He's also coming off consecutive 1200-yard seasons.

In 2003, with Driver injured most of the season, the best a Green Bay receiver finished as was WR#21. Other than that, the last time all Green Bay WRs finished outside the top 20 was when Lindy Infante was the coach and Don Majkowski was the QB. As the clear #1, Driver is a lock for top-20 and a virtual lock for top-15 as long as Favre is throwing the ball; Antsports has his current ADP as WR#18, which makes him a solid bargain.

85 receptions, 1200 yards, 8 TDs. Good for approximately WR#10.

 

[Tau837]

I agree that Driver tends to fly under the radar. He's not flashy, he's got an average-sized body, and he doesn't do TD dances. That hasn't kept him from being in the top 13 WRs three of the past four years, the only exception being his injury year. He's also coming off consecutive 1200-yard seasons.

In 2003, with Driver injured most of the season, the best a Green Bay receiver finished as WR#21. Other than that, the last time all Green Bay WRs finished outside the top 20 was when Lindy Infante was the coach and Don Majkowski was the QB. As the clear #1, Driver is a lock for top-20 and a virtual lock for top-15 as long as Favre is throwing the ball; Antsports has his current ADP as WR#18, which makes him a solid bargain.

85 receptions, 1200 yards, 8 TDs. Good for approximately WR#10.

 

[Winning IS Everything]

It looks like we are all in close agreement here.

Driver is and has been the most talented WR in Green Bay for years. He is close with Favre, knows the system and is a team guy. He will get drafted earlier this year with the departure of Walker and for good reason.

80 receptions- 1175 yards- 8 touchdowns.

 

[beto]

I just checked out the SSLs and the Driver is either WR14 or WR15 in those leagues, going around 50 overall. I snatched him up as my WR2, hopefully that is a value.

He's 31 this year, so he's past the point where you would feel comfortable calling for a career year. His situation is still very good so:

80 rec 1175 yards 7 TDs

 

[Jason Wood]

I can see why Driver hasn't gotten a ton of attention. He's so consistent that his numbers appear very "easy" to predict. And with his now being the unquestioned top WR in Green Bay, it's that much easier to pencil him in for a top 10-15 season.

I'd love to hear from those of you who would NOT draft Driver with these expectations and why?

 

[Winning IS Everything]

I can see why Driver hasn't gotten a ton of attention. He's so consistent that his numbers appear very "easy" to predict. And with his now being the unquestioned top WR in Green Bay, it's that much easier to pencil him in for a top 10-15 season.

I'd love to hear from those of you who would NOT draft Driver with these expectations and why?

I think the problem with Driver is the "boring" factor. He is not Randy Moss, Terrell Owens or Chad Johnson. He is not shown in the first ten minutes of Sportcenter, though he produces just as much as most of them. I think most people would rather take the chance on a "breakthrough" or "High ceiling" type of player as opposed to the Steady Eddie type. Even as I type this in support of Driver, if I had to chose Driver in the 10-15 WR range it would be tough to pull the trigger.Edit to add: Sometimes you just have to keep telling yourself to forget boom or bust and go with the guys that will give you years of constant production.

 

[Fullback Fro]

I think Driver may be a better/safer pick than Darrel Jackson.

 

[CalBear]

I can see why Driver hasn't gotten a ton of attention. He's so consistent that his numbers appear very "easy" to predict. And with his now being the unquestioned top WR in Green Bay, it's that much easier to pencil him in for a top 10-15 season.

I'd love to hear from those of you who would NOT draft Driver with these expectations and why?

I think the problem with Driver is the "boring" factor. He is not Randy Moss, Terrell Owens or Chad Johnson. He is not shown in the first ten minutes of Sportcenter, though he produces just as much as most of them. I think most people would rather take the chance on a "breakthrough" or "High ceiling" type of player as opposed to the Steady Eddie type. Even as I type this in support of Driver, if I had to chose Driver in the 10-15 WR range it would be tough to pull the trigger.Edit to add: Sometimes you just have to keep telling yourself to forget boom or bust and go with the guys that will give you years of constant production.

People's perception of high-ceiling players is almost always skewed. Who would have put Mushin Muhammad or Isaac Bruce on their list of high-upside players in 2004, or Santana Moss and Joey Galloway in 2005? Never ignore solid production; it can turn into top-5 numbers with just a small change in situation or opportunity.

 

[Renegades of Funk]

I have one concern about Driver. If GB has a season similar to last year I see a possibility Rogers gets thrown in around FF Playoff timing. I don't think this is a given, but definitley something I have considered. If the team struggles and Favre lets everyone know 2006 will be his last season the coaches would have some pressure to find out what they have in Rogers. On the other hand there would also be pressure by fans to see Favre play out the string so it could go either way.

1175 yards, 86 Receptions, 9 TD's

 

[ookook]

I think Driver should be ranked somewhere between WR10 and WR12 but has limited upside.

77 receptions, 1180 yards, 10 TDs.

(I have TDs up from the 9 in 2002 and 2004).

 

[perry147]

I have one concern about Driver. If GB has a season similar to last year I see a possibility Rogers gets thrown in around FF Playoff timing. I don't think this is a given, but definitley something I have considered. If the team struggles and Favre lets everyone know 2006 will be his last season the coaches would have some pressure to find out what they have in Rogers. On the other hand there would also be pressure by fans to see Favre play out the string so it could go either way.

1175 yards, 86 Receptions, 9 TD's

This is a very valid concern and one that I think has been overlooked. And GB could run the ball a lot this year, if their defense improves.My prediction.

1005 yards, 70 receptions, 8 TD's.

 

[wannabee]

I have one concern about Driver.  If GB has a season similar to last year I see a possibility Rogers gets thrown in around FF Playoff timing.  I don't think this is a given, but definitley something I have considered.  If the team struggles and Favre lets everyone know 2006 will be his last season the coaches would have some pressure to find out what they have in Rogers.  On the other hand there would also be pressure by fans to see Favre play out the string so it could go either way.

1175 yards, 86 Receptions, 9 TD's

This is a very valid concern and one that I think has been overlooked. And GB could run the ball a lot this year, if their defense improves.My prediction.

1005 yards, 70 receptions, 8 TD's.

Just for clarification sake, what numbers do you have for the Green Bay QBs? Who will get the other 200-250 completions?

 

[perry147]

I have one concern about Driver. If GB has a season similar to last year I see a possibility Rogers gets thrown in around FF Playoff timing. I don't think this is a given, but definitley something I have considered. If the team struggles and Favre lets everyone know 2006 will be his last season the coaches would have some pressure to find out what they have in Rogers. On the other hand there would also be pressure by fans to see Favre play out the string so it could go either way.

1175 yards, 86 Receptions, 9 TD's

This is a very valid concern and one that I think has been overlooked. And GB could run the ball a lot this year, if their defense improves.My prediction.

1005 yards, 70 receptions, 8 TD's.

Just for clarification sake, what numbers do you have for the Green Bay QBs? Who will get the other 200-250 completions?

The numbers for Rogers of course depend how the season goes for GB and how Farve plays. We need to wait and see at least how they play in the preseason before making any number predictions. BUT here are the number for the leading receptions since 2002.2002 70 - DD

2003 87 - DD

2004 89 - JW

2005 86 - DD

I think the chances for an 80 reception year for DD is less than in years past and think he might slip some if Rogers is QBing the final games.

 

[wannabee]

I have one concern about Driver.  If GB has a season similar to last year I see a possibility Rogers gets thrown in around FF Playoff timing.  I don't think this is a given, but definitley something I have considered.  If the team struggles and Favre lets everyone know 2006 will be his last season the coaches would have some pressure to find out what they have in Rogers.  On the other hand there would also be pressure by fans to see Favre play out the string so it could go either way.

1175 yards, 86 Receptions, 9 TD's

This is a very valid concern and one that I think has been overlooked. And GB could run the ball a lot this year, if their defense improves.My prediction.

1005 yards, 70 receptions, 8 TD's.

Just for clarification sake, what numbers do you have for the Green Bay QBs? Who will get the other 200-250 completions?

The numbers for Rogers of course depend how the season goes for GB and how Farve plays. We need to wait and see at least how they play in the preseason before making any number predictions. BUT here are the number for the leading receptions since 2002.2002 70 - DD

2003 87 - DD

2004 89 - JW

2005 86 - DD

I think the chances for an 80 reception year for DD is less than in years past and think he might slip some if Rogers is QBing the final games.

I apologize if this is a hijack, but there are specific reasons why 2002 was an aberration.First of all, please tell me if you think all of these feats will happen in 2006:

TEs getting 71 catches and 9 TDs

RBs getting 115 catches

WRs not named Driver getting 104 catches

I cannot fathom how all of those factors would come into play in 2006. Those other WRs included Terry Glenn, Javon Walker, and Robert Ferguson. I expect Driver to get a bigger percentage of the WR catches than 41%, don't you?

For comparison sake, even those the TEs last season (2005) had 85 catches, Driver still had 86. In addition, Driver had 47% of the WR catches in 2005. If the 6% does not sound like a ton, it still relates to 10-11 catches -> which is the almost difference we are talking about. The WRs in 2006 resemble those of 2005 much more than the WRs in 2002.

Even last year, the RBs grabbed 116 catches and it did not hurt Driver's production. For Driver to drop down to the 2002 level of production, all three of the above would have to happen, again, and I cannot see that happening.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb2002.htm

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb2005.htm

I think 82 catches for 1200 yards, and 7 TDs seem to be projections we could expect.

 

[Raider Nation]

I have one concern about Driver. If GB has a season similar to last year I see a possibility Rogers gets thrown in around FF Playoff timing. I don't think this is a given, but definitley something I have considered. If the team struggles and Favre lets everyone know 2006 will be his last season the coaches would have some pressure to find out what they have in Rogers. On the other hand there would also be pressure by fans to see Favre play out the string so it could go either way.

1175 yards, 86 Receptions, 9 TD's

This is a very valid concern and one that I think has been overlooked. And GB could run the ball a lot this year, if their defense improves.My prediction.

1005 yards, 70 receptions, 8 TD's.

Just for clarification sake, what numbers do you have for the Green Bay QBs? Who will get the other 200-250 completions?

The numbers for Rogers of course depend how the season goes for GB and how Farve plays. We need to wait and see at least how they play in the preseason before making any number predictions. BUT here are the number for the leading receptions since 2002.2002 70 - DD

2003 87 - DD

2004 89 - JW

2005 86 - DD

I think the chances for an 80 reception year for DD is less than in years past and think he might slip some if Rogers is QBing the final games.

I apologize if this is a hijack, but there are specific reasons why 2002 was an aberration.First of all, please tell me if you think all of these feats will happen in 2006:

TEs getting 71 catches and 9 TDs

RBs getting 115 catches

WRs not named Driver getting 104 catches

I cannot fathom how all of those factors would come into play in 2006. Those other WRs included Terry Glenn, Javon Walker, and Robert Ferguson. I expect Driver to get a bigger percentage of the WR catches than 41%, don't you?

For comparison sake, even those the TEs last season (2005) had 85 catches, Driver still had 86. In addition, Driver had 47% of the WR catches in 2005. If the 6% does not sound like a ton, it still relates to 10-11 catches -> which is the almost difference we are talking about. The WRs in 2006 resemble those of 2005 much more than the WRs in 2002.

Even last year, the RBs grabbed 116 catches and it did not hurt Driver's production. For Driver to drop down to the 2002 level of production, all three of the above would have to happen, again, and I cannot see that happening.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb2002.htm

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb2005.htm

I think 82 catches for 1200 yards, and 7 TDs seem to be projections we could expect.

I like your catches/yards call. I think he easily could have double-digit TDs.

As someone else mentioned, I really hope Rodgers doesn't see action in the FF playoffs.

 

[Man of Constant Sorrow]

I have a quick question on Driver, and thought that I would just place it here rather than begin a new thread.

Maurile Tremblay has just posted his newest WR rankings, and Driver is out of his top 60. I am trying to figure out if something major has happened in Green Bay, but I am drawing a blank.

 

[perry147]

I have a quick question on Driver, and thought that I would just place it here rather than begin a new thread.Maurile Tremblay has just posted his newest WR rankings, and Driver is out of his top 60. I am trying to figure out if something major has happened in Green Bay, but I am drawing a blank.

Is there something we do not know about?

 

[Fullback Fro]

I have a quick question on Driver, and thought that I would just place it here rather than begin a new thread.Maurile Tremblay has just posted his newest WR rankings, and Driver is out of his top 60. I am trying to figure out if something major has happened in Green Bay, but I am drawing a blank.

Its an oversight.

 

[Man of Constant Sorrow]

I have a quick question on Driver, and thought that I would just place it here rather than begin a new thread.Maurile Tremblay has just posted his newest WR rankings, and Driver is out of his top 60. I am trying to figure out if something major has happened in Green Bay, but I am drawing a blank.

Its an oversight.

That is what I figuered as well, but I have an auction draft tomorrow night and am targeting Driver as a good $ play. I just wanted to make sure that something is not sounding off under the radar.

 

[Eviloutsider]

*Homer Alert*

Just wanted to warn you all but I like Driver to be one of the bust out WR's this year. I know it's tough to bust out when you were previously a top 12 WR the past years but I like him to really get some red zone action this year and bust into the top five.

Reasons for it:

New West Coast Offense=More slants for Driver which is what he is good at

Not much competition from other WR's (Jennings, Fergy, Gardner are all untrustworthy in some way)

TE's arent as big as they were in GB

Favre trusts him to no end

Green Bay will be down a lot towards the end of the game

All those reasons equal a career year for Driver....

88 catches

1,350 yards

13 TDs

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Did anyone notice how buff Donald Driver looked the other night? He looks like he has put on some serious muscle. I think he is going to be much harder to tackle this season.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Did anyone notice how buff Donald Driver looked the other night? He looks like he has put on some serious muscle. I think he is going to be much harder to tackle this season.

Thus far Glenn and Driver are looking like steal o' the draft for me in my main league. Roy Williams may not see the light of day with Holt as my every week starter and Driver and Glenn playing the way they are.Hope it carries over to the season....

 

[Bobcat10]

Did anyone notice how buff Donald Driver looked the other night? He looks like he has put on some serious muscle. I think he is going to be much harder to tackle this season.

He's always looked pretty ripped up to me.

 

[Beergogglz]

I have one concern about Driver. If GB has a season similar to last year I see a possibility Rogers gets thrown in around FF Playoff timing. I don't think this is a given, but definitley something I have considered. If the team struggles and Favre lets everyone know 2006 will be his last season the coaches would have some pressure to find out what they have in Rogers. On the other hand there would also be pressure by fans to see Favre play out the string so it could go either way.

1175 yards, 86 Receptions, 9 TD's

This is a very valid concern and one that I think has been overlooked. And GB could run the ball a lot this year, if their defense improves.My prediction.

1005 yards, 70 receptions, 8 TD's.

Just for clarification sake, what numbers do you have for the Green Bay QBs? Who will get the other 200-250 completions?

The numbers for Rogers of course depend how the season goes for GB and how Farve plays. We need to wait and see at least how they play in the preseason before making any number predictions. BUT here are the number for the leading receptions since 2002.2002 70 - DD

2003 87 - DD

2004 89 - JW

2005 86 - DD

I think the chances for an 80 reception year for DD is less than in years past and think he might slip some if Rogers is QBing the final games.

I apologize if this is a hijack, but there are specific reasons why 2002 was an aberration.First of all, please tell me if you think all of these feats will happen in 2006:

TEs getting 71 catches and 9 TDs

RBs getting 115 catches

WRs not named Driver getting 104 catches

I cannot fathom how all of those factors would come into play in 2006. Those other WRs included Terry Glenn, Javon Walker, and Robert Ferguson. I expect Driver to get a bigger percentage of the WR catches than 41%, don't you?

For comparison sake, even those the TEs last season (2005) had 85 catches, Driver still had 86. In addition, Driver had 47% of the WR catches in 2005. If the 6% does not sound like a ton, it still relates to 10-11 catches -> which is the almost difference we are talking about. The WRs in 2006 resemble those of 2005 much more than the WRs in 2002.

Even last year, the RBs grabbed 116 catches and it did not hurt Driver's production. For Driver to drop down to the 2002 level of production, all three of the above would have to happen, again, and I cannot see that happening.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb2002.htm

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb2005.htm

I think 82 catches for 1200 yards, and 7 TDs seem to be projections we could expect.

I like your catches/yards call. I think he easily could have double-digit TDs.

As someone else mentioned, I really hope Rodgers doesn't see action in the FF playoffs.

Something to consider: Favre will be (or should be) close to Marino's TD record come FF playoff time -- do you really think McCarthy, regardless of the team's circumstances then, will give him the hook for Rodgers?