At receiver, Packers feel strength in numbers

GREEN BAY – In most NFL cities, there tends to be a numerical value attached to every member of a receiving corps, a convenient way of categorizing No. 1 through 5, 6 or 7.

In Green Bay, however, the depth chart reads more like a menu than a ranking of available personnel.

Undoubtedly, the Packers’ receivers room begins with four-time Pro Bowler Davante Adams and understandably so. Since 2016, no NFL pass-catcher has more touchdown receptions (58) than Adams, with 11 more than any other player over that span.

However, the other five receivers on the Packers’ 53-man roster all bring something quite different to the party. They have different skill sets and backgrounds. One was drafted as high as the second round, while two were undrafted free agents. They range from 5-foot-9 to 6-5, 195 pounds to 227.

“We have some pretty good versatility there,” Head Coach Matt LaFleur said this week. “We have a legitimate No. 1 receiver, and I know for a fact that not everybody can say that in the league. We’ve got a guy that can really dictate coverage because you’ve got to pick your poison.

“But also, I think, the group as a whole has just something different that they can bring to this team.”

Adams is the master technician and arguably the NFL’s most dangerous receiver off the line of scrimmage. At 6-1, 215, Adams is big enough to hold his own on the perimeter but also quick enough to wreak havoc inside, when necessary.

Wherever he lines up, Adams is tough for cornerbacks to handle. Explosive out of his breaks, Adams also has a sixth sense for knowing where quarterback Aaron Rodgers is throwing the ball. Still only 28, Adams needs just 50 catches in 2021 to surpass Sterling Sharpe for second all-time in franchise receptions.