Davante Adams flopped for Green Bay last season, but it's not over for him yet. He's one of a number of players with a chance to be the team's No. 3 wideout in 2016. It's a position that has at times been a significant one in fantasy leagues.
This article looks at the team's wide receivers. Jordy Nelson is expected to return from his ACL injury as the team's No. 1, with Randall Cobb not far off as the No. 2 (or 1A, perhaps).
The No. 3? That could be Adams, or Jeff Janis, or maybe second-year man Ty Montgomery. Fifth-rounder Trevor Davis will compete for snaps, as will Jared Abbrederis.
Those who remember last year's playoffs may be most intrigued by Janis, who had a breakout postseason. But there are questions about his route-running and technique, so much so that it's not a given he even makes the roster. Or he could be the No. 3 with a strong preseason.
In the Aaron Rodgers era, the Packers have had some fairly prolific No. 3s; several seasons with 5-7 TDs and 650-750 yards. From 2010 through 2013, that player averaged 45 receptions for 661 yards and 5 TDs. Identify the right player, and that's a respectable floor -- with a much higher ceiling should either Nelson or Cobb battle injuries.
The table below shows the numbers from Green Bay's 3rd-best wide receiver over the last nine years. Adams, Montgomery, Janis? One of those players should emerge in the preseason to be in line for that kind of production.
| GREEN BAY NO. 3 WIDEOUTS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | No. 3 | Rec | Yards | TD |
| 2008 | Jordy Nelson | 33 | 366 | 2 |
| 2009 | James Jones | 32 | 440 | 5 |
| 2010 | Jordy Nelson | 45 | 582 | 2 |
| 2011 | James Jones | 38 | 635 | 7 |
| 2012 | Jordy Nelson | 49 | 745 | 7 |
| 2013 | Jarrett Boykin | 49 | 681 | 3 |
| 2014 | Davante Adams | 38 | 446 | 3 |
| 2015 | Davante Adams | 50 | 483 | 1 |
--Andy Richardson