Randall Cobb is gone. Amari Rodgers is gone. And so probably is the classic slot type in the Green Bay Packers’ receiving room.
“When Randall’s healthy,” quarterback Aaron Rodgers said in 2018, “I think our offense has been different because we have a true slot guy who can make plays in the slot consistently.” But now the starting quarterback is not the same, and the coaching staff is looking for something different.
Last year, The Athletic’s Robert Mays wrote an interesting piece about slot receiver types. Among the people who talked to him for the story, current Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich, who was still with the Indianapolis Colts at the time, mentioned three types of slot receivers: the traditional slot (Wes Welker, Randall Cobb), the power slot, and the speed guy.
Over the last couple of years, the Packers have had the first two. Cobb and Amari Rodgers were the classic types. Allen Lazard was the big-bodied receiver, and he had a significant share in the slot until 2021. However, Green Bay’s approach to the position has apparently changed.
During offseason activities, a rookie and a second-year player were the most utilized options in the slot: second-rounder Jayden Reed and last year’s seventh-rounder, Samori Toure. Both fit the criteria of speed guys.
“The Tyreek Hill,” Reich told Robert Mays. “He creates challenges in the middle of the field for the defense based on his speed.”
Not that Reed or Toure will be as good as Hill, that’s not up for debate. But this is the stylistic model that head coach Matt LaFleur wants for his offense. Based on what both of these young receivers are capable of doing, the plan seems to be utilizing their vertical ability from the slot to stretch defenses while running backs and tight ends work underneath. This is also a way to open space for end-around and jet action with Christian Watson.
Jayden Reed is expected to be the starter in the slot. When analyzing his Relative Athletic Score profile, it indicates he is faster than he is quick — 8.64 40-yard dash versus 5.27 shuttle. He also didn’t test for the three-cone, which tells us everything we need to know.
According to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, “He operates with good route speed and should improve his ability to separate with additional development and experience on the next level. His ball skills and feel for positioning on deep throws and jump balls are unquestioned.”
During his college career, Reed averaged over 14 yards per reception.
Samori Toure is not exactly a great route runner. But he does have good speed (4.48 40-yard dash) and ability to catch down the field, as he showed last year against the Buffalo Bills.
The Draft Network’s Brentley Weissman mentioned this style on Toure’s scouting report before the 2022 draft. “He is best working down the field on deep routes,” he wrote, “where he can open his stride, create separation, and track the ball.”
If the classic slot receiver era is over in Green Bay, a new (and fast) time might be coming.
The Packers won’t probably have a quick slot. Dontayvion Wicks could be an option, but he seems to be better suited to play outside. Because he missed some practice time during OTAs and didn’t participate in team drills, we don’t know what the plan is for him.
But the Packers will rely on different styles of slot receivers to play certain roles in the offense. Without Allen Lazard and Robert Tonyan, who departed in free agency, LaFleur will need to find other options to fit the power slot role.
The easy answer is Luke Musgrave.
He is big, fast, and has the physicality to develop as an NFL blocker.
“I was looking at Luke Musgrave and Jayden Reed a lot. Our weapons, man, they got some serious speed, Jayden and Luke,” offensive guard Elgton Jenkins mentioned on Good Morning Football. “Just being able to see them out there running and getting vertical up the field, running routes and stuff like that, it really put a smile on my face. I’m ready to see what’s in store for those guys. I feel like the future’s bright for those guys.”
Christian Watson is another option. If Romeo Doubs and one of the other young receivers can do the necessary work outside, Watson may kick inside sometimes and make an impact with his speed. Last year, during his rookie campaign, Watson played over 30% of his snaps in the slot, catching 16 of 22 targets with 12.9 yards per reception and three touchdowns.
For instance, he was in the slot on that touchdown play against the Philadelphia Eagles. This scenario puts him in position to do what he does best: create extra yards after the reception. It also shows that Watson and Jordan Love can develop a special connection.
Without Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard, the Packers will need to find different alternatives to explore the middle of the field. But they have enough options, and speed is probably the answer in multiple scenarios.
