Detroit Lions, NFC North Position Rankings: Wide Receivers

1. Green Bay Packers

Some will say quarterback Aaron Rodgers makes the Green Bay Packers wide receivers so great. And honestly, they aren’t completely wrong.

But the guys are still very talented. Unlike most teams, they actually have three main guys rather than just two. You could make an argument for their number one receiver being Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb or Davante Adams and I wouldn’t call you wrong.

Nelson came back last season after a preseason injury the year prior that knocked him out all year. And though he’s already on the wrong side of 30, he didn’t miss a beat.

Nelson’s injury also helped Adams’ development by throwing him right into the fire. This led to Adams ending last season at just under the 1,000-yard threshold and tied for second with touchdowns with 12, which was just behind Nelson. These two command the outside of the field, leaving the inside way more open.

And that inside is where Cobb thrives. Since coming into the league, Cobb has flourished as a primarily slot player. He has the ability to move outside, but in 2015 it showed that his production won’t be as much from out there.

Sticking Cobb between Nelson and Adams leaves defenses wondering who they should focus on each and every play. And either way, all these guys have the ability to make a huge play.

After these three juggernauts, the Packers still hold some talented players. Jeff Janis is one example. He has had some big games for the Packers, but usually, comes in because of an injury to somebody else. Still, having a reserve such as him is something I’m certain many teams would dream of.

It always seems the Packers have a thing for grooming receivers into great players. This happened to all the guys mentioned above, and the next few targets for that honor seem to be on the roster as well.

First is Geronimo Allison. He came in as a UDFA last season but played better than many drafted before him. Though he only caught twelve passes last year, his time on the field was trending upwards as the season progressed, leading to him re-signing this season.

Next: Ranking the 5 best Lions draft classes of the past 30 years

The other two players currently in this position were both drafted in the past two seasons. Trevor Davis was selected in the fifth round of 2016 out of Cal, and Malachi Dupre was selected in the seventh round of this past draft. Neither of these guys may make an impact this season, but a few years down the road they could both shine like so many unknowns have before them.