Over the last three decades, what sticks out the most when it comes to the offenses the Green Bay Packers have fielded is, of course, the Hall of Fame-caliber Quarterback play. But, on the end of those passes from those Quarterbacks, there have been some un-selfish receivers. Some might argue that those Quarterbacks made those receivers great, but I'd say in response that it was their team-first attitude that helped most of them get there. If you look at the history of big-time receivers ever since the mid-90s, you will see a lot of primadonna's. I doubt I have to name names, you know who they are. The ones complaining in the media about their lack of targets, telling reporters it's all their QB's fault, or just making each game all about them. The Packers have lacked these types of receivers over the years, and that's what's helped make them successful.

The vast majority of receivers that fit that primadonna description have one thing in common. They don't have a Super Bowl ring. They might be some of the best receivers to play the game, but all they have is individual accolades because their team could never go all the way. Whether or not they're personally to blame is a question for another time, but one thing is for sure, they may have been a great receiver, but they weren't exactly a complete receiver. A complete receiver does everything on the field that they are asked 100% regardless if the ball is coming their way or not. That's how you help your team win every single game.

This means running a route as a decoy to perhaps draw defenders and leave your teammate wide open. It means staying on the field and blocking on running plays. It also means on passing plays when the ball doesn't end up in your hands, you still block for your teammate that did receive it. You may be the best skill player on that field, but you can help your team out, and sometimes yourself out too in the process. 

When asked about the importance of receivers' run blocking, Matt LaFleur has been quoted saying that it is absolutely paramount. "If you're not gonna block, you're gonna have a hard time getting on the grass." In LaFleur's offense, everybody on the field plays a part in the play-call to ensure its success.  The Packers have a talented young core of Wide Receivers. Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks have all shown a willingness to block for their teammates. During the playoff loss to the 49ers, highlights were shown of Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks holding their own and blocking Nick Bosa and Chase Young during running plays. Bosa and Young, of course, are no pushovers, they're premiere edge rushers, normally they're being blocked by 300-pound offensive linemen, not receivers that are barely over 200. Doubs and Reed have also paved the way for their fellow teammates to enjoy success.

Bo Melton, this offseason has been embracing his role as a complete receiver. Matt LaFleur has stated that Melton has elite speed which will of course help him in the passing game, but he's trying to improve Melton's blocking abilities as well. He may not be the biggest guy on the field but he's going to do his best to block everyone in sight. 

Once these receivers complete their blocking development, that skill can not only help their team but help them as well. 

The Benefits of Becoming a Complete Receiver

Earlier this week, Aaron Nagler chatted with Jordy Nelson about the Packers' trip to Brazil, Jordy's career, and his thoughts on today's Packers.  You can find that interview here. During that chat, Aaron asked Jordy a very good question about how he and Aaron Rodgers were able to be so effective on deep shot plays that no one since has been able to replicate. In a nutshell, Jordy credited it to his being on the field during every type of play regardless of the assignment. He wanted to be out there blocking even if it was a running play out of a one-receiver set. He'd be out there blocking the corner or safety. Not all receivers are always willing to do that. So, by having that unpredictability, he was able to bait corners and safeties a bit at times into thinking that he was just blocking before he'd turn on the jets and run right passed them for a deep shot. 

That's how becoming a complete receiver not only fully benefits your team, but can benefit your own personal stat sheet at the same time. Stay on the field and block for your teammates for five plays and that 75-yard deep shot touchdown could be right around the corner. 

For Christian Watson, this could be what skyrockets him to super-stardom. We've seen he has already begun with the blocks I mentioned before. If Watson gets his hands dirty for 3-4 plays, a receiver with his speed and athleticism could easily replicate Jordy Nelson's success in a Packers uniform. Wicks, Reed, Doubs, and Melton as well have made strides as blockers as we've seen. It doesn't even need to be deep shots every time. If you cause a defender to second-guess your role even in the first few seconds, you could get in front of them and hit a quick slant for a first down. 

Much like the great Packers receivers of the last three decades, we don't have selfish players in that position group. They're ready for every single thing that is asked of them and willing to give it 100% each play regardless of assignment. That's how you get complete receivers that will take you to Super Bowls.