Cory's Corner: Jimmy Graham Is Now The Perfect No. 3 WR
Now head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Joe Philbin don’t have to worry about that question as much because Jimmy Graham can be the Packers’ No. 3 receiver.
The Marcedes Lewis signing was tremendous.
But not just because the 6-foot-6, 267-pound road grader is an excellent blocker.
It’s because he now gives the Packers options — plenty of options.
One of the biggest question marks on offense is who will fill the No. 3 receiving void? Will it be the inconsistent Geronimo Allison, unproven Trevor Davis, DeAngelo Yancey or Michael Clark? Or will it be one of the three rookies?
Now head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Joe Philbin don’t have to worry about that question as much because Jimmy Graham can be the Packers’ No. 3 receiver.
Think about it. Graham has been a pseudo receiver his entire career anyway, might as well go with it and let it happen.
The Seahawks asked Graham to block too much the last two years. He was asked to run block in 26 percent of his snaps last year and 30 percent of his snaps in 2016. That’s too many for an agile guy that saw the National Football League Players Association file a grievance on his behalf in 2014 to say that he was a wide receiver and not a tight end. Why? Because the franchise tag number for a wide receiver was $5 million more.
Well, now it’s time for Graham to prove what the NFLPA was fighting. It’s time to line the 6-foot-7, 265-pound target outside and let defenses decide how to handle him. No corner will be able to outjump the former University of Miami basketball player, which means that Aaron Rodgers could potentially put it on his back shoulder all day long.
And with defenses rolling coverages to stop Graham, Davante Adams and Randall Cobb should be able to make their mark. Not to mention, Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams will be seeing more daylight with Lewis occupying more defenders.
It all sounds so easy, because it is all predicated on McCarthy and Philbin putting the best team on the field at all times. Would it be a little strange to see Graham lined up outside as a third receiver most of the time? Maybe to some, but in a passing league that is based off of matchups, having Graham on the outside away from getting chipped by linebackers would make a lot of sense.
Obviously it also puts those receivers listed above on notice. If Graham gets appointed the team’s third receiver for at least half of the offensive snaps, the Packers aren’t going to be willing to keep as many receivers.
The Lewis signing was excellent because he is so much of what Graham isn’t. But even though Lewis has only missed 22 games in his 12-year NFL career, his most important aspect is that he gives the Packers a lot of choices.
Just imagine how dangerous Rodgers will be with a guy with a huge catching radius like Graham’s? Why just run him down the seam and down the middle of the field? If Graham is still one of the best receivers on the team, treat him like one of the best receivers on the team.
Make him a wide receiver.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (55)
TKWorldWide
May 26, 2018 at 06:29 am
If he is on the field for the vast majority of snaps, I’m on board.
If he is mostly split out away from the tackle (or from Lewis), I’m in favor of that too.
If he is a matchup problem for the defense, hooray.
If he’s referred to as a tight end, wide receiver, h back, motion tight end, or slot receiver, I raise no objection.
As long as he helps GB move the ball and score touchdowns, you can call him Peter, Paul, or even Mary.
It’s all good.
HankScorpio
May 26, 2018 at 06:41 am
"If he’s referred to as a tight end, wide receiver, h back, motion tight end, or slot receiver, I raise no objection."
Any of those descriptions fit. Which makes Graham unique. Unique is good. By the definition of the word, defenses don't see all that much of it. Which makes it harder to defend.
GBPDAN1
May 27, 2018 at 11:39 am
I'm curious to see how fast Graham is now that he's older? I hear different 40 times at this stage in his career. Wish the Packers would clock and post his time. Not that 40 times are the end all. as long as he can still get open is what counts. But it would be beneficial if he could still run sub 5.6 if they are thinking of using him outside on a consistent basis.
I would guess they don't want to post his current 40 time. Keeping other teams in the dark may be better
Rak43
May 27, 2018 at 04:28 am
I read a couple months back where he and his agent claimed he ran a 4.56 over the off season doing some training back in February. Don't know how true it is but they claim it. If he can still run a 4.56 he's a fast as Deangelo Yancey and faster than Micheal Clark and Geronimo Allison.
GBPDAN1
May 27, 2018 at 11:45 am
At his size, athleticism and experience, 5.6 would be great. But my point is we don't really know what his true 40 time is considering this news came from Graham himself or his agent.
holmesmd
May 27, 2018 at 09:13 pm
5.6?! Lineman run 5.6. Is it cute to leave out a number or are you guys not familiar with positional 40 times? Just asking. Graham at his signing presser claims to still run a 4.5 . That’s plenty fast with his size and experience.
carlos
May 27, 2018 at 07:50 am
At this point in his career I don’t care about his 40 time. He’ll get open with his size, study habits and experience. Packers are shaping up to look good at this point. Right tackle is a concern and injuries as always.
Descarte
May 26, 2018 at 07:05 am
It doesn't accomplish too much to cut a 30 something receiver who lost a step and replace him with the same. The 2017 Packers lacked a receiving corp that had vertical speed and could achieve separation. The back shoulder throw works best when the defensive back has to respect the downfield speed threat.
Charvid
May 26, 2018 at 07:32 am
Does a guy who is 6' 7" playing against a 5'11" CB need that much separation? Throw it up and let Graham get it. His separation will be vertical.
Descarte
May 26, 2018 at 10:42 am
We drafted 3 wideouts who have height and speed. I hope one of them or perhaps Clark can develop quickly to become that needed Jordy replacement. Letting Graham line up as a tight end gives Rogers an excellent over the middle option that still utilizes his height.
carlos
May 27, 2018 at 07:51 am
Clark May be the odd man out now.
holmesmd
May 26, 2018 at 11:36 am
Graham still claims to be able to run a 4.5 forty! With his height and catch radius, separation won’t be a problem when catching passes from #12.
TKWorldWide
May 28, 2018 at 12:20 pm
The TKstinator ran a 4.5 40 in his college track days. He also blazed a 10.8 100 meters.
But he is a most unimposing 5-11, 180.
Graham is SLIGHTLY larger than that.
Bure9620
May 26, 2018 at 02:53 pm
Separation can be achieved in many ways, remember, just because a receiver is fast, does not mean they are creating separation. One reason why Janis and Davis never became contributors in the passing game is once a corner got hands on them, they were toast, and could not separate at the LOS. Separation is different than speed, and not all fast receivers are able to create separation if they run poor routes and can't beat press.
Thegreatreynoldo
May 26, 2018 at 12:21 pm
It should stop Cobb from lining up outside. He is not versatile. I wrote that Cobb can't play boundary when we were arguing how to pay him after his 2014 season. No evidence suggests that he is much good there. I was never a fan of lining Cobb in the backfield either. He just isn't very good as a running back since his injury, and there is no evidence that he is. A 3.8, 3.4, 3.3 and 1.9 yd/carry average ought to have pounded that point home.
Guess I just disagree, JS.
Colin_C
May 26, 2018 at 02:20 pm
Every time Cobb lines up in the backfield, I swear at the TV. It's as consistent a play as the power sweep was, except in the wrong direction.
Bearmeat
May 26, 2018 at 07:41 am
The article isn't a bad op-ed, but the title is not quite right. Graham is not the #3 WR in this offense. He's the #2 target. Cobb will eat because Davante and Jimmy are going to be the focal points. If one of them gets hurt, Cobb's stats will suffer.
marpag1
May 26, 2018 at 07:50 am
"No corner will be able to outjump the former University of Miami basketball player, which means that Aaron Rodgers could potentially put it on his back shoulder all day long."
Back shoulder plays involve a lot of jumping??
The back shoulder pass works by having enough speed to sell the go route, enough quick stop ability to backtrack quickly, enough hand-eye coordination to catch balls that are coming hot and fast, enough chemistry between QB and WR to work the timing, and the ability of the QB to make a pin-point pass.... in other words, just about everything EXCEPT for jumping. Very often the WR will have to go DOWN for the ball, because the QB will want to put it in the most inaccessible spot for the DB, which is low and away.
Tundraboy
May 26, 2018 at 08:27 am
deleted
Bearmeat
May 26, 2018 at 11:54 am
Best comment you've ever made, Tundra. ;)
I kid, I kid. :P
marpag1
May 26, 2018 at 04:26 pm
Seems like you're not getting your customary one downvote anymore. Then again, I haven't seen that "Bearmeat" dude around lately. Maybe he's the one who was downvoting you? ;)
Tundraboy
May 26, 2018 at 10:44 pm
That's what my wife said! Lol
Tundraboy
May 26, 2018 at 08:27 am
Call him whatever you want but we still need someone besides Adams and Cobb to emerge. All the same,with the number of weapons this team has, and with Philbin added, the only way this Offense is predictable is if MM runs it that way. So much yet to see before I believe it. I know one thing I want to see them come out aggressive at the start of the season and not be unwilling to show all the new looks.
Tundraboy
May 27, 2018 at 10:11 pm
I see your points and am too, sick of the conservative attitudes. With the firepower this team has had over the years, it is a mystery. As for leaving everything on tape, I guess I have too much Lombardi in me. My attitude is run your offense, execute it perfectly and it doesn't matter if they know what's coming. Besides relying on surprise plays and different looks hasn't panned out so well for this team. Look at Capers D. I think this team will benefit far more with live game repetition over the course of the season, then in gradually working in new players, and potential play makers into the rotations. I was reading Hostler and Philbin's recent comments that it will be more about refinements and not starting from scratch, so the players should be able to absorb the tweaks quickly and be read able to execute day one and have it mastered as the season wears on. I have a lot of faith that both of them, as well as Pettine will have this team prepared. Haven't been this optimistic in years.
NickPerry
May 26, 2018 at 08:08 pm
I agree with you here TB. Obviously McCarthy won't show everything week one and might save something for a team like NE down the road but the Packers IMO MUST start quickly this year and do what they have to to win every game. I know that sounds a bit like stating the obvious but looking at the schedule after the bye week they NEED a fast start. Not only is the schedule brutal with 4 of 5 games on the road with 3 of the 5 against 11 plus win teams PLUS Seattle, but the travel is brutal too.
New QB coach, new OC, new WR coach, and new pass game coordinator. The Packers offense BETTER not be the same OR predictable. I understand McCarthy has an offensive philosophy but there's just to many new offensive minds not to have something different in the ole playbook on 3rd and 8 or even 3rd and 1. But hey, that toss play left might work with a TE that can block now... : )
Tundraboy
May 26, 2018 at 10:47 pm
I'm willing to sacrifice the toss play for the time being.
Spock
May 27, 2018 at 09:25 am
Tundra, I don't care if they show the new looks, but they BETTER be aggressive the first two games since they are NFC conference games (Bears, Vikings) and we need to start with those two games as W's!
Tundraboy
May 27, 2018 at 09:31 pm
Yes. My thoughts as well. No need to play all our cards, but no sense sitting on them either.
mrtundra
May 26, 2018 at 08:30 am
Can Graham throw the ball? TE! WR! QB?
Flow49
May 26, 2018 at 08:30 am
With an accurate QB Graham should be a devastating weapon. In the middle and outside the numbers. And the redzone should open up for everyone. Looking forward to watching and hoping for some surprise rookie production. As a #4 or 5 option I think Moore could do some damage too. He plays fast in pads, don’t care what the underwear olympics show.
Handsback
May 26, 2018 at 08:34 am
Just a reminder....Philbin was the OC when Jmike had those great seasons. Do you think is a coincidence that Philbin comes on board and then they sign Graham?
Bearmeat is right....Graham will be the #2 target.
Savage57
May 26, 2018 at 08:49 am
I like the fact Philbin's back and the rush on quality at the TE position is proof of how the position will be a focus of the Packers 2018 offense.
NickPerry
May 26, 2018 at 08:53 am
There was a really good article over at PackersTalk.com which went over all the possibilities on offense now that Lewis is signed. May of the thoughts and illustrations presented showed Graham lined up outside. The Packers can now use 12 or even 13 personnel (3 TE). Obviously Kendricks would have to play much better to be successful but I love the ideas. An offense with Kendricks, Lewis, and Graham and they could still have Adams and Monty or Jones in the backfield?
Jimmy Graham will be put in a position to succeed. His best shot for that is having him lined up wide so he can be matched up on a CB or Safety. Like Cory said if Graham is line up wide there won't be a LB to chip him. Graham on CB or Safety is a huge advantage for the Packers, especially with a QB as accurate as Rodgers. Man this is starting to get fun again!!
NickPerry
May 26, 2018 at 11:50 am
That's the one Jonathon...Since Philbin is back AND McCarthy says he wants to run the ball again the Packers could really be versatile out of these sets. I watched a few games on YouTube recently form the 2011 season. In EVERY game the announcer made a comment about McCarthy saying he wanted to run the ball more.
Kendricks isn't a terrible blocker and Lewis is one of the best at TE. NOW is the time to actually put that lip service to work. It's only going to make the TEAM that much harder to defend, especially in those December and January games in GB.
Just stay healthy and the possibilities are just about endless with what this offense could do. For those that are overly concerned about Lewis's age don't be. That man can block. Can you just see Jones getting the edge because Lewis can actually seal off the DE or OLB?
Thegreatreynoldo
May 26, 2018 at 12:38 pm
Thanks for the link, JS. I encourage folks to go to the link and and then click on the twitter link in Ben Fennel's embedded tweet. Then watch the film that tweet and in the comments as well. James Light has a particularly interesting shot of Atlanta going from 13 to an empty backfield - very difficult matchup. Edit: Oh, I'll just provide the link. All of our RBs should be able to motion out to wide receiver or run out of the same formation.
https://twitter.com/JamesALight/status/828318558266462208
NickPerry
May 26, 2018 at 02:08 pm
Nice job...Thanks TGR.
4thand1
May 26, 2018 at 09:22 am
No wonder he left the seahags, with their crap line he couldn't play his game. Now we have lewis to help block and free up JG, this should be fun to watch. I AM GUTE and the Packers are making the right moves. A running game, 3 top notch receiving targets, AR should be really really happy.
stockholder
May 26, 2018 at 11:59 am
Just No. He's not the perfect #3 WR. And neither is Davis, Allison or Clark. The packers drafted 3 new ones. You rave about Adams. Well let's compare him to Adams first. Granham is a mismatch. Not a Wr. He can't block that great. He's a red zone threat at best. The blocking snaps weren't mind blowing. And the TE position has No future. The packers are hoping for production, nothing more. Graham will be just another retooled vet in green Bay. A guy that filled the position, so we could draft Defense. The draft said it all. CBs, Trade the 3rd and 4th. Draft Wrs late. The speed is what stands out this draft. The packers needed it. And their not going to get that HomeRun from any Veteran TE, Allison or Clarke. So don't try and say he can play wide. The biggest problem with the packers has been trying to put a square peg in a round hole. He's a TE, and we NEED/needed-- speed with Hands, outside.
EddieLeeIvory
May 26, 2018 at 05:56 pm
Just no, stockholder
stockholder
May 26, 2018 at 06:46 pm
So you want this team slower. Great. You don't have the slightest idea on what makes an offense. It's SPEED! And Reliability! The Vikings have caught us. Oh- you can say with A-rod we have a chance. That it doesn't matter. But this team has NO great WR trio, or offensive threats. Adams will now get covered by the #1 CB. Cobb is the only threat over the middle. Graham is Chewie. Well, -This offense is getting old. Cobb, Monty, Bulaga, and others will be gone next year. The offense is being thrown together. Packed with the idea of Super Bowl or Bust. Next year is now. It's seems to me that A-ROds contract is more important than the super-bowl. The picture is getting clearer with every crazy idea. Graham a #3 WR. ? What a REACH!
NickPerry
May 27, 2018 at 05:58 am
We've both been commenting here for years and some of what you say I agree with. I especially enjoy some of your comments leading up to the draft because you do know quite a bit it seems about many of the rookies declaring for the draft. I even understand some of the skepticism you have for the 2018 Packers. But some of what you say just doesn't make any sense to me.
The Packers are continuously one of the youngest teams in the NFL and IMO is one of the biggest reasons they've won just one SB under Rodgers. They've always tried to go with the YOUNG, inexperienced UDFA instead of a proven veteran who's actually done something in this league. Gutekunst has made this team better this season both offensively and defensively adding both experience and players better than those they had. Jordy Nelson was a GREAT GBP....But Nelson had gotten both old and slow. I highly doubt Nelson is any faster than Graham or if he is it's marginal. Personally I'd take Graham over Nelson at this point of their careers simply because Graham offers the Packers something Nelson doesn't. He's BIG and for his position is still fast.
"Graham a #3 WR. ? What a REACH!"
Please tell me who's a BETTER #3 receiver in the NFL then.
NO WAY does Thompson go out and sign Graham or even Wilkerson. He's have gone with Byrd and HOPED Adams last years 3rd rounder panned out this year. Hell Thompson may have resigned Richard Rodgers instead of signing JG..Now Rodgers is slow!
If the Packers are as doomed as you think they are then we'll now pretty quickly into the season. But they do have a #1 WR in Adams IMO who BTW LEADS the NFL in TD receptions over the last two years. So what if he doesn't have a 1000 season, he scores TD's. Had Rodgers not been injured I have no doubt he'd have 1000 last season and he still came close with that sorry ass Hundley throwing the ball. We're all well aware of your extreme dislike for Davante Adams. As for me I simply haven't a clue WHY you still feel that way. If it's the contract be pissed at Thompson not Adams. Hell all the dude has done every season is get better yet each season you bash him.
I have a feeling after this season even you will have o give Adams his due. He'll have close to 100 catches for over 1300 yards and 14 TD's.
stockholder
May 27, 2018 at 08:45 am
Very good points Nick. I'm glad you feel that way. I see problems ahead. When the packers won the super-bowls, and were so dominate, they GOT the WRS, Tes, and had at least 1 good RB. This team is relying on MMs play calling! Tell me who is a stand out right now on the offense besides A-Rod. Nobody! Yes we hope. It's the play of A-Rod and MMs calling. I'm a backer of MM because of what I see. Just compare the offense now to those earlier. With Bart Starr, he had better players. Farve had better, and made guys better. A-rod made Adams better. You think I'm against Adams. But it's obvious to me; A-Rod had to throw at his left hand. (Adams has gotten FASTER on HIS BREAKS. ) But I still see work IN ADAMS. He's NOT SMOOTH! And now he's going to go up against the best Cbs. (We saw what happened when Nelson was hurt.) MM has designed plays for certain players, only to make up for lack of what TT didn't get him. The players must show versatility just to stay on the roster. This team lacks talent. And is getting older in key positions! A-Rod, Mathews,Perry, Wilkerson, Bulaga, are not in their prime. (Were looking for that great Year here.) The Picks were spent on Defense again! Richard Rodgers was slow. But so was James Jones. And he still helped A-Rod. Lets hope these new Wrs get their chance to be legends. This packer team should not just be about the coaches. But the word REBUILDING is so fitting!
NickPerry
May 27, 2018 at 11:54 am
I've thought this would be a bit of rebuilding year as well but I think Gutekunst has helped the process with some of the moves he's made. Are the Packers a perfect team? No. Do they have the laundry list of great WR they had just a few years ago? No. But they do have a nice mix of players. AND I honestly believe in the group of RB's they currently have. Monty could be a nightmare if used right. Lets hope he stays healthy to prove my point but I think the Packers will incorporate much more of Patriots like use of the RB position this year with the backs they have.
I wouldn't call Wilkerson "Old" or past his prime, not yet. IF they can get Bulaga back and he stays back (Big If) that would go a long ways in improving the right side. Bulaga is the oldest of anyone mentioned but I still want to see where he is at TC before I'm totally ready to move on. I think he's got a couple really good years left IF he can just stay healthy.
I also think Graham will only help Cobb and Adams be better. Who the hell are they putting on Graham if he's out wide and the teams #1 CB is on Adams? There's not that many #1 CB's in the NFL who will shutdown Adams, not anymore. I like Adams because he has improved every single year IMO. In 2015 when Nelson was hurt so was Adams AND Cobb for that matter.
I've said 2019 will be the Packers year if Rodgers contract doesn't totally screw them over. But I think 2018 has a chance to be special because of Graham, Wilkerson and the hopeful growth from King, Jones, M Adams, and Biegel for example. AND because we have Philbin back and Mike "My Scheme Fits the 21st Century NFL" Pettine. BTW...I think Moore is going to be a stud...Sooner rather than later. I guess we just have to see it play out but I'm remaining optimistic, perhaps overly so but that's okay.
stockholder
May 27, 2018 at 08:17 pm
Graham says he can run 4.5. per CBS sports. Seeing is believing. 4.56 was his combine time. Everyone claims he's slower now. Not trying to break hearts.
holmesmd
May 27, 2018 at 09:20 pm
Dude, what the heck are you talking about?! Can we wait until we get thru camp before making opinionated statements as facts?!:/
stockholder
May 27, 2018 at 09:35 pm
https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/packers-jimmy-graham-cla...
Community Guy
May 26, 2018 at 03:27 pm
so, i am looking at Graham to be many of the things that Jordy was for the Packers.. a red zone threat and a reliable go-to on third down. and Graham is on the same pay level as Jordy was last year. i have one slight concern about Graham.. it seems that it is unanimous that he is not a good, or even willing, blocker at times. it annoys me that Graham has more mass than Jordy, yet, Jordy is the guy with a long history of really good downfield blocking. i am fine with calling Graham a WR, but, i want to see him use his body to make blocks for others downfield.
Charvid
May 26, 2018 at 05:38 pm
With 3 viable options at RB, doesn't it make sense to move Monty back to WR? I think he makes a pretty decent 3rd WR if one of the rookies or 2nd year guys doesn't step up. Having Monty and his versatility adds depth at both RB and WR...he can be plugged into whichever group gets hit by injury.
What a fabulous luxury to have.
Grandfathered
May 27, 2018 at 12:05 am
Monty will stay a RB, but there is an excellent point that the Pack should be using him more in the passing game. I would like to see more of the west coast pass to the RB.
dobber
May 27, 2018 at 03:04 pm
In 4 games with ARod at QB (note that Monty got hurt and missed a couple games), Montgomery had 18 catches and 27 targets.
Thegreatreynoldo
May 27, 2018 at 09:35 pm
I am not following: what conclusion should I draw from your stat? I count 18 recs on 23 targets, 129 yards, for a 7.17 yd/rec average in PFR. That is really in 3 games: in the fourth game he played 5 snaps and had 5 carries.
Still, that would be a ton of receptions over the course of a season. He did have 2 receptions that went 20 yds or more. Jamaal Williams had 3 recs that went over 20 yards in 25 receptions. Jones had no receptions in the first 4 games and just one for 9 yards against MN (not sure if AR or BF was the QB), and just a long of 9, which I find really surprising despite BF.
dobber
May 29, 2018 at 08:13 am
Oh, sorry. My point was that last season, with #12 at QB, it was clear that he was a very important part of the passing game. I dropped the stat just to see what people would make of it rather than pushing any specific conclusion.
stockholder
May 27, 2018 at 07:39 pm
Monty stays at RB. He will be a RB. 1. His 2016 year suggest he's better at RB. A 5.9 avg. in 2016. His career avg. as a WR is 9. If the OL can figure out how to block. He'll be good again. If not he'll get injured like 2017. Replacing Lang should be the first priority this year for the offense. Not who runs the ball.
EddieLeeIvory
May 26, 2018 at 05:59 pm
Anthony Barr will need assistance to get off the Lambeau Field turf week 2. Teach our RBs how to block just like Jamaal Charles did on Brian Cushing a few years ago.
NoNonsense
May 27, 2018 at 02:42 am
I like the idea of Graham blocking a CB or S, instead of a OLB or DE. Hes not a great in line blocker but i gotta believe he will give good effort and out physical some of the guys he will be blocking downfield whether hes split out or in the slot. I think Graham will thrive outside in this offense, hes got at least 4 or 5 inches on most anybody that will be covering him and the guy did run a 4.5 in the past, says he still can. Hes gonna be a mismatch for a lot of guys.