NFL preseason report: Green Bay Packers

This page will be regularly updated with news and analysis regarding the Packers’ skill position players throughout training camp and the preseason. ⬆︎ ⬇︎ Indicate which way a player’s fantasy value is trending and (R) denotes rookies.

Warren Sharp has the Packers projected to face the 8th easiest schedule of 2018.

Quarterback

Aaron Rodgers ⬆︎ -- The surefire fantasy QB1 will continue to light up scoreboards in 2018. I won’t own him though because a 3rd round QB cripples your team.

Brett Hundley ⬇ -- Peter Bukowski over at Acme Packing Co. believes Hundley’s time in Green Bay is over. They know he’s a limited QB and Kizer has shown well in camp.

DeShone Kizer ⬆︎ -- The Packers have been excited with what they’ve seen out of Kizer thus far and potentially view him as Rodgers’ long term replacement. Kizer deserves a standing ovation after what he went through in Cleveland last year. I’m rooting for the kid.

Running Back

Jamaal Williams ⬆︎ -- Sharp predicts the Packers will not only have an easy overall schedule, but an especially easy run defense schedule. Whichever back wins the starting job will provide solid fantasy value in all formats. Evan Silva points out, in Sharp’s 2018 Football Preview, that although Williams is a less explosive runner than Aaron Jones, Williams excelled in pass protection and was surprisingly good as a receiver. Combining that with his zero fumbles and you’ve got a Mike McCarthy running back: a no-nonsense runner who can protect both Aaron Rodgers and the football. His receiving ability is just a bonus. I’m becoming more and more confident drafting Williams at his 7th round ADP.

Ty Montgomery ⬆︎ -- Montgomery has shown upside as both a runner and a pass catcher and could offer value being lined up as a wide receiver. Playing in the Aaron Rodgers-lead offense also helps his case. He’s trending up as a late round flyer.

Aaron Jones ⬇ -- Jones has missed most of training camp due to injury and was slapped with a 2-game suspension to boot. If he can get his act together and get healthy and work his way out the No. 3 job, Jones will have fantasy value. Until then, I’m fading him at his 8th round ADP.

Wide Receivers

Davante Adams ⬆︎ -- Davante Adams walks into 2018 as the top dog on the Green Bay Packers depth chart, having racked up 22 touchdowns over the last two year -- good for No. 1 in the NFL. He’s never been a yardage machine (997 in 2016 and 885 in 2017) but it’s safe to assume he’ll crack the 1,000 yards mark, with the departure of Jordy Nelson, while maintaining his double digit touchdown streak. Draft Adams confidently at his 2nd round ADP.

Randall Cobb ⬆︎/⬇ Cobb has shown the ability to be a dynamic NFL wide receiver when healthy, however, he’s already had surgery this year which scares me a bit. That being said, he’s reportedly looked good since going under the knife and snagging the No. 2 Green Bay WR in the 8th round, in most cases, is a steal.

Geronimo Allison ⬆︎ -- Allison has reportedly taken over the Packers’ No. 3 gig and I’m into it. Should Cobb and his shaky ankle miss time, Allison would immediately become a Top 24 WR fantasy option. Draft him at his 13th round ADP without hesitation.

J’Mon Moore (R) ⬇ -- J’Mon Moore impressed early in camp, however, he struggled in last week’s preseason game, corralling only 3 of 7 targets.

Equanimeous St. Brown (R) ⬆︎ -- ESB looks to be turning his rocky training camp around by totalling the 3rd most receiving yards against the Titans. He needed this after his apparent refusal to stretch or play special teams.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling (R) ⬆︎ -- Valdes-Scantling put on a show last week against the Titans (101 yards and touchdown) and is looking like a roster-lock given his special teams contributions.

Tight End

Jimmy Graham ⬆︎ -- The Other Jimmy G will be the Packers tight end to own in 2018. He isn’t what he once was in the open field, however, he’s still a dominant redzone threat (as he showed last year in Seattle). Evan “Tex” Western reports that word out of camp is Rodgers and Graham have a growing connection. Let’s hope that’s true.

Mercedes Lewis ⬆︎/⬇ -- Lewis should fill the No. 2 tight end role and would takeover as No. 1 should Jimmy Graham go down. He’s a solid blocker and decent pass catcher.

Lance Kendricks ⬇ -- There just isn’t enough room for 3 tight ends to be fantasy relevant on any team, especially as loaded as Green Bay.