Loss to the Vikings exposes downside of the Packers' roster-building style
Since general manager Brian Gutekunst took over in 2018, he has made nine first-round picks. They were seven defensive players, quarterback Jordan Love, and offensive lineman Jordan Morgan. Outside of Love, the highest-paid players on the offense are left guard Elgton Jenkins and running back Josh Jacobs. It's clear that wide receiver is not high […]
Since general manager Brian Gutekunst took over in 2018, he has made nine first-round picks. They were seven defensive players, quarterback Jordan Love, and offensive lineman Jordan Morgan.
Outside of Love, the highest-paid players on the offense are left guard Elgton Jenkins and running back Josh Jacobs. It's clear that wide receiver is not high on Gutekunst's priority list.
Sure, he spent two second-round picks on Christian Watson and Jayden Reed. He spent multiple day 3 picks on players like Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks. It's a more than fine wide receiver room. The depth, in particular, is great.
But when you compare it to the Minnesota Vikings, you can see the difference. They have two first-round picks there. And it's not just because they are first-round picks (the Packers would have drafted Watson in the first round had the Vikings accepted their offer to move up). It's because they are truly elite offensive players. And that makes everyone else's life easier. Head coach Kevin O'Connell and quarterback Sam Darnold are the biggest beneficiaries
"They get two legitimate number 1 receivers," Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said after the game. "You get (Jalen) Nailor out there making play after play. They get a lot of weapons, (tight end TJ) Hockenson made some plays. We just collectively, as a unit, everybody gotta play a little bit better."
On Sunday, Doubs led the Packers with 58 receiving yards. Four Vikings players had more than that. Justin Jefferson (eight receptions/92 yards), Jalen Nailor (five receptions/81 yards, TD), Jordan Addison (six receptions/69 yards/TD), and TJ Hockenson (five receptions/68 yards).
There is a fair question about wide receiver value. While analytics indicates a strong correlation between receivers and offensive efficiency, top offensive lines have led teams to arguably more success. But the Vikings are a good example of the wide receiver value, and they have overcome an injury from star left tackle Christian Darrisaw.
"We gotta get pressure on these guys if they're gonna drop back so many times," LaFleur added. "If you don't, it's gonna be a long day. It's tough to try to go single coverage Justin Jefferson, then you've got Jordan Addison, Hockenson, they've got multiple players. Nailor was making plays out there. So, they've got a lot of good players."
Last year, the Packers passed on Addison, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Zay Flowers, for example. It's tough to argue that they have been much more valuable than Lukas Van Ness so far in the NFL.
But it's how the Packers perceive value. It usually works, but it's undeniable that it also has a downside.
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