Looking for Prospects That Fit the "Packer Receiver Way"

As the Green Bay Packers try to decide which wide receivers to take in the upcoming NFL draft, and when to take them, one of the most influential voices in the room will be that of Jason Vrable.  He is the team’s receivers coach and passing game coordinator.  He has been intensely studying a plentiful class of college pass catchers who appear to be first tier prospects.  This is his fourth year on the staff.  He knows the Matt LaFleur system inside and out.  He has spent three seasons working with Aaron Rodgers.  He knows what kind of receivers QB12 likes and doesn’t like.   

So what is he looking for in a rookie?  “What we look for always is someone who will represent the ‘Packer Receiver Way’.  There is a standard of toughness and smarts and grit and then overall athleticism.  When you watch our tape over the last three years, we try to put our hat on that, more than a guy who just runs fast or maybe does some flashy plays.” 

What does that actually look like?  Vrable says players such as Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard are perfect examples.  They are different in terms of skill set and assignments, but share the same overall qualities.   Since the beginning of the Ron Wolf era in the early 1990’s, Green Bay generally likes tall, physical pass catchers who can block.  They have seldom put an emphasis on speed.  Vrable says every receiver on the team has a specific role, and the Packers will be looking to draft prospects who fit those roles.   

What is the single most important thing a young Packer receiver will need to have?  “Confidence”, Vrable says.   “Typically every team has an elite corner.  So you’re going up against guys that, you know, you just have to have that confidence (that you can beat them).  I think, for some guys, that takes a little more time than others.”  Vrable used second year receiver Amari Rodgers as an example.  Asked what Amari needs to do to take the next step, he replied “Just like I talked about, the confidence.  I think that’s the biggest thing for him is, how can you go out there and just believe in yourself the way you did at Clemson.” 

Speaking of Clemson, Vrable was on the Buffalo staff in 2014 when the Bills drafted Sammy Watkins number four overall out of Clemson in 2014, and no doubt had input in the decision to bring him to Green Bay.   

The assistant coach didn’t give away which receivers in the draft class he might be leaning toward.  Chances are Green Bay will tab at least one, and possibly two, from a group that includes Drake London, Chris Olave, Treylon Burks, Jameson Williams, John Metchie, Alec Pierce, Christian Watson, Jahan Dotson and George Pickens.  Vrable has pored through all of them.  “I watch all of the guy’s targets over his career.  I study game tape.  Watch the combine, watch their all-star games.  That way I can feel good about the draft class, where guys are going.” 

Of that group, the players who fit the “Packer Receiver Way” profile of recent years are London (6-4, 219), Pickens (6-3, 195), Burks (6-2, 225), and Pierce 6-3, 211).  All have just so-so times in the 40.  The smaller, speed burners like Williams and Olave have not been the Packers’ preference. 

With the possible exception of special teams, the receivers coach may be the most highly scrutinized position coach on the staff in the coming season.  Vrable will have to pull together a unit full of rookie draft picks and new veterans, along with returning veterans who have merely played supporting roles in the past.  The hole left by the departure of Davante Adams is the size of the Grand Canyon.  To put it in perspective, Adams caught 123 passes during the 2021 regular season.  All of the other wideouts combined caught a total of 117.  The second leading pass catcher was a running back, not a receiver.  Aaron Jones caught 52 throws, less than half of Davante’s total.   

Vrable chooses to be upbeat about the challenge.  “It’s exciting.  It’s a test for me.  Matt (LaFleur), along with our offensive staff will get these guys up to par, whoever it might be.”  His optimism is well founded.  The Packers have won the last seven games in a row, and ten of the last thirteen, in which Davante Adams did not play.  They haven’t lost a game when they were minus their star receiver since 2018.   

Maybe that’s just coincidence.  Or maybe it’s because “the Packer Receiver Way” is the perfect formula for success.