Planning for the 2025 WR group

[Scott4Pack]

Below, I'd like to briefly mention some details involved with each member of our 2024 WR group and then discuss a plan (as if we were GM/HC) going to 2025. First the summary of our guys.

1. Watson: Likely to miss most of 2025 regular season with ACL recovery. Hoping that he doesn't lose any/much speed as he recovers. Even if he does lose speed, he will demand a lot of respect from defenses. His frame demands attention, as he can still run patterns into traffic with his reach and athletic ability.

2. Doubs: Who could possibly know what his status is with the concussions? And then, is there a mental challenge about him playing in GB? He might have the best hands of this group and perhaps be the best route runner. Then, maybe his future is in the air more than any of these guys.

3. Reed: Drops are a real issues. And a dropoff from year 1 might also be considered. He might have the largest amount of "juice" for any of these guys.

4. Wicks: This is the only guy we have who could potentially "replace" Watson's ability to "take the top off the defense." But he hasn't shown an ability to do that yet. He also had bad hands early this year, but improved as the season went on and he got more reps. This is the one guy of this group that they say has more natural ability to get open.

5. Heath: Loads of potential. Another very young guy. Some say that he has a lot of upside and maybe he has shown that in preseason games. But so far, it seems like he hasn't caught up to the speed of the game. Maybe "raw" still describes his game.

6. Melton: Heath v2 but with more speed.

[Scott4Pack]

First, for Watson, we need to play the long haul game. It'll take so much time for him to recover. But I think there is 100% chance that the Packers work to bring him back as WR1 or at least the same significance in his role in the offense.

He is a special guy. Can't easily replace guys like him. We need to work every detail to get him back to the best that he can be. I don't know how that could even be questioned, but I'm willing to take comments toward that point.

-----

Second, we must absolutely bring in new talent. How many do we draft and how many FAs do we bring in. For any FA that we claim, how much experience does he need? I'm not assuming we get Adams or Higgins. Might easily be somebody else who is either younger or less costly, or both.

[musclestang]

I agree that Watson will be back and given a chance next year, but I doubt they're relying on him to be WR1. He is a special player with his size, speed, strength etc. I feel so bad for the kid, seems to have great attitude, work ethic etc. He was developing nicely despite all the injuries. Then seems to figure out the smaller nagging type stuff only to have a knee fall apart running a route.

I just don't think they can rely on him to be WR1. They must address that issue separate from Watson. If he's able to come back and pick up where he left off and stays healthy that's excellent for him and us, but we need that WR1 in the meantime and going forward.

[Pugger]

Another thing to consider is Watson may not be available when the season starts. He may be on the PUP list for a while.

[Pckfn23]

Another thing to consider is Watson may not be available when the season starts. He may be on the PUP list for a while.

He absolutely will start the year on the PUP unless there is some miraculous recovery.

[Acrobat]

Slight correction on the “Special” tag. I think he had the potential to be special with his size and speed but was never able to fully put it together and be dominant, even when healthy. He is a guy I would like to keep after he recovers, but in no way should we even think about planning on him being a #1 WR based on his first 3 seasons.

[TheSkeptic]

Another thing to consider is Watson may not be available when the season starts. He may be on the PUP list for a while.

Even after he comes off PUP he will not be the same player until the 2026 season - if we are lucky.

But anyone who thinks Doubs is coming back is being unrealistic. Didn't we all see the players on their knees when he was unconscious for several minutes? Maybe most of you did not see him walking to the locker room 15 minutes later. With a trainer on either side of him providing support. Did you notice how small his steps were and how bad his balance was? And what about the extra padding on his helmet to begin with? 99% chance he never plays again, and that is probably generous.

[paco]

Another thing to consider is Watson may not be available when the season starts. He may be on the PUP list for a while.

Even after he comes off PUP he will not be the same player until the 2026 season - if we are lucky.

But anyone who thinks Doubs is coming back is being unrealistic. Didn't we all see the players on their knees when he was unconscious for several minutes? Maybe most of you did not see him walking to the locker room 15 minutes later. With a trainer on either side of him providing support. Did you notice how small his steps were and how bad his balance was? And what about the extra padding on his helmet to begin with? 99% chance he never plays again, and that is probably generous.

Submitted into evidence.


You don't know &%$@ about Doubs and his situation. What he was 5 seconds or 15 minutes after that play makes ZERO difference on if he plays next season. There's no reason to put a percentage on it one way or another.

[go pak go]

Another thing to consider is Watson may not be available when the season starts. He may be on the PUP list for a while.

Even after he comes off PUP he will not be the same player until the 2026 season - if we are lucky.

But anyone who thinks Doubs is coming back is being unrealistic. Didn't we all see the players on their knees when he was unconscious for several minutes? Maybe most of you did not see him walking to the locker room 15 minutes later. With a trainer on either side of him providing support. Did you notice how small his steps were and how bad his balance was? And what about the extra padding on his helmet to begin with? 99% chance he never plays again, and that is probably generous.

I suggest listening to press conferences of Packers personnel and take their word over yours.

Gute didn't seem concerned about Doubs long term.

[go pak go]

Slight correction on the “Special” tag. I think he had the potential to be special with his size and speed but was never able to fully put it together and be dominant, even when healthy. He is a guy I would like to keep after he recovers, but in no way should we even think about planning on him being a #1 WR based on his first 3 seasons.

Yup. I have come to the conclusion he is a better MVS. Probably a 600 to 900 yard guy and always makes the defense stay homest

[YoHoChecko]

Yup. I have come to the conclusion he is a better MVS. Probably a 600 to 900 yard guy and always makes the defense stay homest

He's MVS and Lazard in one person. Big bodied blocker and deep speed threat. He lets you have both on the field at the same time. It's super valuable. But not when he's not on the field.

[go pak go]

Yup. I have come to the conclusion he is a better MVS. Probably a 600 to 900 yard guy and always makes the defense stay homest

He's MVS and Lazard in one person. Big bodied blocker and deep speed threat. He lets you have both on the field at the same time. It's super valuable. But not when he's not on the field.

That is a tremendous point.

[Yoop]

Yup. I have come to the conclusion he is a better MVS. Probably a 600 to 900 yard guy and always makes the defense stay homest

He's MVS and Lazard in one person. Big bodied blocker and deep speed threat. He lets you have both on the field at the same time. It's super valuable. But not when he's not on the field.

That is a tremendous point.

actually think he's better than that, his injuries stunted his growth, he'll miss most of his 4th season, if he seems fully recovered we could extend him cheap, that would be great. whatever we'll need to add a vet that can at least compete for #1 targets.

[TheSkeptic]

Another thing to consider is Watson may not be available when the season starts. He may be on the PUP list for a while.

Even after he comes off PUP he will not be the same player until the 2026 season - if we are lucky.

But anyone who thinks Doubs is coming back is being unrealistic. Didn't we all see the players on their knees when he was unconscious for several minutes? Maybe most of you did not see him walking to the locker room 15 minutes later. With a trainer on either side of him providing support. Did you notice how small his steps were and how bad his balance was? And what about the extra padding on his helmet to begin with? 99% chance he never plays again, and that is probably generous.

I suggest listening to press conferences of Packers personnel and take their word over yours.

Gute didn't seem concerned about Doubs long term.

Well of course, the GM never ever ever ever ever put an excessively positive spin on a player's injury. Never! How could I forget this???

But just a fyi, MLF is publicly "concerned"

And this is his 3rd concussion recorded with the first being in 2019. Two severe concussions in a year are very concerning and if you are not you need a reality check and a humanity check as well.

[go pak go]

Even after he comes off PUP he will not be the same player until the 2026 season - if we are lucky.

But anyone who thinks Doubs is coming back is being unrealistic. Didn't we all see the players on their knees when he was unconscious for several minutes? Maybe most of you did not see him walking to the locker room 15 minutes later. With a trainer on either side of him providing support. Did you notice how small his steps were and how bad his balance was? And what about the extra padding on his helmet to begin with? 99% chance he never plays again, and that is probably generous.

I suggest listening to press conferences of Packers personnel and take their word over yours.

Gute didn't seem concerned about Doubs long term.

Well of course, the GM never ever ever ever ever put an excessively positive spin on a player's injury. Never! How could I forget this???

But just a fyi, MLF is publicly "concerned"

And this is his 3rd concussion recorded with the first being in 2019. Two severe concussions in a year are very concerning and if you are not you need a reality check and a humanity check as well.

Oh there is absolutely reason to be concerned. But that is a long shot from the multiples posts where you declared "Doubs is done. Anyone who thinks otherwise is unrealistic"

There can definitely be middle ground. Gute stated he believes Watson will be a long term injury. Did not say that about Doubs.

[Yoop]

Even after he comes off PUP he will not be the same player until the 2026 season - if we are lucky.

But anyone who thinks Doubs is coming back is being unrealistic. Didn't we all see the players on their knees when he was unconscious for several minutes? Maybe most of you did not see him walking to the locker room 15 minutes later. With a trainer on either side of him providing support. Did you notice how small his steps were and how bad his balance was? And what about the extra padding on his helmet to begin with? 99% chance he never plays again, and that is probably generous.

I suggest listening to press conferences of Packers personnel and take their word over yours.

Gute didn't seem concerned about Doubs long term.

Well of course, the GM never ever ever ever ever put an excessively positive spin on a player's injury. Never! How could I forget this???

But just a fyi, MLF is publicly "concerned"

And this is his 3rd concussion recorded with the first being in 2019. Two severe concussions in a year are very concerning and if you are not you need a reality check and a humanity check as well.

who said they were severe concussions?

How long do the effects of a concussion last?
The effects of a concussion are often short term, but can last for days, weeks, or even longer.
Most people recover without long-term effects.

https://www.google.com/search?q=are+con ... e&ie=UTF-8

[Cdragon]

Watson is out at least half the season if they do a good job on him.

Doubs could be done, but I don't think so. People go against their self interest all the time. He's going to be feeling fine in a few months. He'd be leaving a lot of money on the table. This isn't a Terrence Murphy situation where they can easily see spinal stenosis. I doubt they'll get him a brain scan, since what you don't know isn't a problem. So I think he's playing.

That being said you'd be crazy, not to say he's a risk and have a replacement coming down the pipe.

[Yoop]

Watson is out at least half the season if they do a good job on him.

Doubs could be done, but I don't think so. People go against their self interest all the time. He's going to be feeling fine in a few months. He'd be leaving a lot of money on the table. This isn't a Terrence Murphy situation where they can easily see spinal stenosis. I doubt they'll get him a brain scan, since what you don't know isn't a problem. So I think he's playing.

That being said you'd be crazy, not to say he's a risk and have a replacement coming down the pipe.

CD, if it takes Doubs 2 months to recover from this 3rd concussion he absolutely should retire, probably should anyway.

I never fully accepted Brett Favre comments concerning his concussions, but then he never seemed over loaded with gray matter anyway

What NFL player has had the most concussions?
Brett Favre, who played as a prolific quarterback with the Packers, Jets, and Vikings, estimated that he had suffered at least 1,000 concussions over his 20-year NFL career.Jan 20, 2023

[Cdragon]

Watson is out at least half the season if they do a good job on him.

Doubs could be done, but I don't think so. People go against their self interest all the time. He's going to be feeling fine in a few months. He'd be leaving a lot of money on the table. This isn't a Terrence Murphy situation where they can easily see spinal stenosis. I doubt they'll get him a brain scan, since what you don't know isn't a problem. So I think he's playing.

That being said you'd be crazy, not to say he's a risk and have a replacement coming down the pipe.

CD, if it takes Doubs 2 months to recover from this 3rd concussion he absolutely should retire, probably should anyway.

I never fully accepted Brett Favre comments concerning his concussions, but then he never seemed over loaded with gray matter anyway

What NFL player has had the most concussions?
Brett Favre, who played as a prolific quarterback with the Packers, Jets, and Vikings, estimated that he had suffered at least 1,000 concussions over his 20-year NFL career.Jan 20, 2023

People go against their self interest all the time. Should retire isn't going to retire. Guys running jack hammers should retire before they start, but they are taking money they need, despite the damage. I have no idea what Doubs earning potential after football is but he isn't going to be making millions flipping burgers somewhere. People accept the risk because the risk is intangible and the money is there. Unless the Packers tell him it is over I think he's playing.

[Scott4Pack]

Watson is out at least half the season if they do a good job on him.

Doubs could be done, but I don't think so. People go against their self interest all the time. He's going to be feeling fine in a few months. He'd be leaving a lot of money on the table. This isn't a Terrence Murphy situation where they can easily see spinal stenosis. I doubt they'll get him a brain scan, since what you don't know isn't a problem. So I think he's playing.

That being said you'd be crazy, not to say he's a risk and have a replacement coming down the pipe.

CD, if it takes Doubs 2 months to recover from this 3rd concussion he absolutely should retire, probably should anyway.

I never fully accepted Brett Favre comments concerning his concussions, but then he never seemed over loaded with gray matter anyway

What NFL player has had the most concussions?
Brett Favre, who played as a prolific quarterback with the Packers, Jets, and Vikings, estimated that he had suffered at least 1,000 concussions over his 20-year NFL career.Jan 20, 2023

Might as well say that Favre had at least a million concussions. He would neeeehhvahhh exagerate.
;-)