Story Created:
May 18, 2009
Story Updated:
May 18, 2009
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2008 Season Preview:
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• Offensive Line
• Defensive Line
• Linebackers
• Defensive Backs
• Special Teams
More:
• Favre Makes Jets Debut
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The Wide Receivers
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| Player |
Vitals |
'07 Stats |
Synopsis |
#80 Donald Driver
 |
6' 0", 194 lbs.
10th Year
Alcorn State |
82 receptions
1,048 yards
12.8 yards/catch
2 TDs |
Dependable, depenadble, dependable. Now, the beloved Double-D is going to have to be more than that for this young Packers squad. He's become the de facto locker room leader (taking over for Brett Favre). He must become Aaron Rodgers' version of Sterling Sharpe for Brett Favre - not in selfishness, mind you, but in the above triple-repeated words. |
#85 Greg Jennings
 |
5' 11", 198 lbs
3rd Year
Western Michigan |
53 receptions
920 yards
17.4 yards/catch
12 TDs |
Perhaps the slowest receiver in history to produce six 40+ yard touchdown receptions in one season. Don't let that slow you down from realizing this guy will be a Pro Bowl wideout someday. The more he takes the go-to pressure off Donald Driver, and takes the pressure for good off Aaron Rodgers, the better #12 looks. |
#89 James Jones
 |
6' 1", 218 lbs.
2nd Year
San Jose State |
47 receptions
676 yards
14.4 yards/catch
2 TDs |
A slow end to his 2007 left a semi-sour taste after a dominating August and September. He only had four catches in the month of December. For the Packers to do much in that month and later, he'll have to do much more in the games that really count. |
#82 Ruvell Martin
 |
6' 4" 220 lbs.
3rd Year
Saginaw Valley State |
16 receptions
242 yards
15.1 yards/catch
4 TDs |
A clutch guy in pressure situations, 15 of his 16 catches last year produced a first down or touchdown (4). This guy could at least be a third receiver for most teams, if not a starter on some, and proves the Packers have the deepest receiving corps in the NFL. |
#87 Jordy Nelson
 |
6' 3", 217 lbs.
Rookie
Kansas State |
(w/Kansas State)
122 receptions
1,606 yards
13.2 yards/catch
11 TDs |
Oh does this guy make special teams afficianados salivate. He proved in the last couple preseason games he could break tackles and go on long runs, so he'll play some part in that unit. Show that same yards-after-catch capability the rest of the receivers have, and the Packers will have to consider five-wideout formations - or consider moving him up to three or four in the rotation. |
|
The Tight Ends
|
| Player |
Vitals |
'07 Stats |
Synopsis |
#86 Donald Lee
 |
6' 4", 248 lbs.
6th Year
Misssissippi State |
48 receptions
575 yards
12.0 yards/catch
6 TDs |
The vertical passing game could thrive again with his abilities, but he'll have to expand on just seven catches of 20 yards or more to turn that into a regular threat to scare linebackers and safeties. |
#84 Tory Humphrey
 |
6' 2", 255 lbs.
3rd Year
Central Michigan |
Placed on injured reserve after breaking leg during first training camp practice on July 28, 2007 |
See the doctors holding his broken leg there? If they helped that thing heal, he'll break some special team opponent's psyche's with his play. |
| #88 Jermichael Finley |
6' 5", 247 lbs.
Rookie
Texas |
(w/Texas)
45 receptions
575 yards
12.8 yards/catch
2 TDs |
The youngest player on the Packers has a chance to, down the road, be a super-explosive part of a passing game that's young and growing, but he's a project. |
Source: Green Bay Packers, Stats LLC
