The Evolution of the Packers WR's (1 Viewer)

[BallparkFrank]

It's interesting that FBG's still has Jones ranked way too low (in my opinion) into the unstartable area in mandatory 3 start WR leagues, despite Jennings groin and Jones high number of snaps and Driver's apparent demotion. Certainly most teams have better starting options that were drafted, but at some point Jones is going to be solid start especially as a bye week filler.

The one thing that would worry me this season about projecting an uptick for Jones is if the Packers staff decides that Cobb is too valuable to continue giving WR4 snaps to - which is a very real possibility. If Cobb is the real deal, we could easily see Jennings and Nelson on the outside with Cobb in the slot for starters snaps with Jones rotating in when Cobb lines up in the backfield.

 

[BallparkFrank]

Mike Clay ‏@MikeClayNFL

The average depth of Randall Cobb's nine targets on Sunday was 1.8 yards. #Packers

If you are an NFL defense, you will take that all day long if it means keeping Jordy Nelson from running by you.

 

[Double Rainbow]

Hard to tell whether Jennings's injuries are just short-term bad luck, or something that will depress his numbers all year. I've seen enough of Jones to know he's no more than a bye/injury fill in, as he'll get his 45/600/5 again this year.Cobb, on the other hand, is going to be in the 70-80 catch range this year. Obviously it's not so bold to claim that after 9 catches in Week 1, but he's on waivers in tons of leagues. He has to be one of the top claims. I would take him over Ogletree or Hill.

I think you're reading this situation wrong re James Jones. Donald Driver is nothing more than injury security at this point in his career and is being phased out. This puts roughly 400/5 on the table for the other receivers. Based on week 1 snap counts it looks like James Jones may stand to benefit from this. 600/5 is his floor. Given the increase in snap counts he should be able to outproduce his past years production. Also, all the training camp and preseason reports were very positive on Jones. He apparently is in the best shape of his career and has looked better than in years past. His lack of dropped passes was specifically mentioned in this article: http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/nelson-shines-in-camp-ac6de4u-165372066.htmlJones was on the field more than Cobb. He'll have the benefit of being the third or fourth guy accounted for by the defense. In this offense, you just never know... it could be his year. It was Jordy's last year. Defenses will adjust accordingly. Rodgers is going to take what the defense gives him. Could it be Cobb's year? Sure. My point is I like Jones to have an uptick in production compared to years past. How much remains to be seen.

Something is going on here with James Jones. I'd grab him as quickly as possible. Huge negativity around him by fantasy players used to Jones' one great game then nothing pattern for the last 5 years makes him cheap. He wasn't picked up on waivers in my league and sounds like he is on the WW in quite a few others. So the price is right. On the other hand, apparently he is in the best shape of his life, is catching the ball better (hands not body), had a great first game and Jennnings is dinged up. What is most interesting though is why the hell did Jennings play in the slot last week? Did Jones take the starting outside WR position and nobody realized it? The outside receiver position is a big, big fantasy position in this offense and if the change is permanent, 4 for 86 and 1td may not be an abberation. I think he should be on every roster right now. In the very short term he has a chance to put WR 1 or 2 numbers if Jennings is out tonight (which sounds likely) and in the long run, there is real potential that he could be in line for a big, big uptick in production all season long. Cobb is the sexy pick-up but James Jones may be the guy to get.

 

[need2know]

Hard to tell whether Jennings's injuries are just short-term bad luck, or something that will depress his numbers all year. I've seen enough of Jones to know he's no more than a bye/injury fill in, as he'll get his 45/600/5 again this year.Cobb, on the other hand, is going to be in the 70-80 catch range this year. Obviously it's not so bold to claim that after 9 catches in Week 1, but he's on waivers in tons of leagues. He has to be one of the top claims. I would take him over Ogletree or Hill.

I think you're reading this situation wrong re James Jones. Donald Driver is nothing more than injury security at this point in his career and is being phased out. This puts roughly 400/5 on the table for the other receivers. Based on week 1 snap counts it looks like James Jones may stand to benefit from this. 600/5 is his floor. Given the increase in snap counts he should be able to outproduce his past years production. Also, all the training camp and preseason reports were very positive on Jones. He apparently is in the best shape of his career and has looked better than in years past. His lack of dropped passes was specifically mentioned in this article: http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/nelson-shines-in-camp-ac6de4u-165372066.htmlJones was on the field more than Cobb. He'll have the benefit of being the third or fourth guy accounted for by the defense. In this offense, you just never know... it could be his year. It was Jordy's last year. Defenses will adjust accordingly. Rodgers is going to take what the defense gives him. Could it be Cobb's year? Sure. My point is I like Jones to have an uptick in production compared to years past. How much remains to be seen.

Something is going on here with James Jones. I'd grab him as quickly as possible. Huge negativity around him by fantasy players used to Jones' one great game then nothing pattern for the last 5 years makes him cheap. He wasn't picked up on waivers in my league and sounds like he is on the WW in quite a few others. So the price is right. On the other hand, apparently he is in the best shape of his life, is catching the ball better (hands not body), had a great first game and Jennnings is dinged up. What is most interesting though is why the hell did Jennings play in the slot last week? Did Jones take the starting outside WR position and nobody realized it? The outside receiver position is a big, big fantasy position in this offense and if the change is permanent, 4 for 86 and 1td may not be an abberation. I think he should be on every roster right now. In the very short term he has a chance to put WR 1 or 2 numbers if Jennings is out tonight (which sounds likely) and in the long run, there is real potential that he could be in line for a big, big uptick in production all season long. Cobb is the sexy pick-up but James Jones may be the guy to get.

jones may end being the guy, but in leagues that reward for returns that puts cobb over him. I also have seen more consistency from cobb in his short time and limited chances that i have seen from jones over the years. cobb seems to just make things happen and does not drop passes....

 

[Raiderfan32904]

How risky is it to start both Cobb and Jones if you have both? Bloom has both of them ranked as WR2's this week in PPR leagues, and interesting to see Jones slightly ahead of Cobb in the weekly projections in non-PPR.

It's nuts to still be reading about Cobb or Jones still left on the waiver wire. The cat's out of the bag by now, fueled by Jennings groin issues that may not necessarily go away soon.

 

[need2know]

How risky is it to start both Cobb and Jones if you have both? Bloom has both of them ranked as WR2's this week in PPR leagues, and interesting to see Jones slightly ahead of Cobb in the weekly projections in non-PPR. It's nuts to still be reading about Cobb or Jones still left on the waiver wire. The cat's out of the bag by now, fueled by Jennings groin issues that may not necessarily go away soon.

guess it just depends on your options but i probably would not do it...

 

[packersfan]

Something is going on here with James Jones. I'd grab him as quickly as possible. Huge negativity around him by fantasy players used to Jones' one great game then nothing pattern for the last 5 years makes him cheap. He wasn't picked up on waivers in my league and sounds like he is on the WW in quite a few others. So the price is right. On the other hand, apparently he is in the best shape of his life, is catching the ball better (hands not body), had a great first game and Jennnings is dinged up.

I agree about Jones. I've never questioned his talent. I think he's more talented than Nelson. Jones' problem has been shaky focus and concentration. But in terms of pure talent there's no question in my mind he's a legit NFL starter. Maybe the light bulb has finally gone on for him. What jumped out at me about the 49ers' game was how often Jones was on the field. It seems clear to me the Packers plan to utilize him heavily (as well as Cobb while phasing Driver out). If Jones can put it all together and become more consistent he could easily have WR3 value in fantasy leagues and certainly higher should Jennings be traded or struggle to stay healthy.I like Cobb more from a fantasy perspective - especially in PPR leagues where he could gobble up receptions - but I think Jones could end up being a nice consolation prize for those who missed out on Cobb on the Waiver Wire this week. If he can carve out a consistent role in one of the best passing offenses in the NFL there's obviously plenty of value with that.

 

[The Dude]

You definitely want to acquire these guys off the waivers - and it's great if you drafted them.

But a lot of what is written above makes it sound likely that the Packers are going to elevate Cobb and Jones to WR2 status - some are even implying borderline WR1 - which would mean Jordy and Jennings would have a huge drop. It's a zero sum game.

While I agree Cobb and Jones will have some great starts - I would be hesitant to expect a huge transition in the collective numbers. Cobb and Jones will likely have plenty of duds along the way - similar to Nelson in 2011 who didn't really kick into gear until Jennings was gimpy.

And believe me, I would love if all 5 of these guys ended up 7 tds each - relegating them all to WR2.

I think some bloom will be off the rose after tonight.

 

[packersfan]

If everyone is healthy and no one is traded I think Jennings and Nelson both have WR1 upside while Cobb and Jones are WR3/WR4 types with strong WR3 upside. The Packers are not going to morph into a running team anytime soon. They are going to throw and throw a lot. If Jennings can't stay healthy or is traded, then Cobb and Jones both would see serious rises in fantasy value. I think both are great WW additions now if they are available and I wouldn't hesitate to start them tonight given Jennings' situation.

 

[BallparkFrank]

Do the Packers start running out 4 WR sets and Crabtree to block on a regular basis once Jennings gets healthy? Phase Finley out and get Nelson, Cobb, Jennings and Jones all on the field at the same time!

I would be entertained!

 

[UnderDawgs]

Anyone think Driver or Boykin could be of any value today?

 

[duaneok66]

Anyone think Driver or Boykin could be of any value today?

Driver is startable.