If your immediate response to the question is “no,” odds are, you’re right. That said, there was one interesting development we noted at Green Bay Packers’ OTAs on Thursday — receiver Max McCaffrey was lining up with the second-team offense.
He made some plays, too.
Of course, we should note that the depth chart is somewhat skewed. Randall Cobb wasn’t in attendance on Thursday, which would have made the first-team receivers Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams and Geronimo Allison.
McCaffrey was joined on the second team by Jeff Janis and Trevor Davis. Interestingly, although not surprisingly after last season, the Packers obviously believe the undrafted Allison is the better player than 2016 fifth-round pick Davis.
The other thing to note is McCaffrey is ahead of 2017 draft picks DeAngelo Yancey and Malachi Dupre… for now.
McCaffrey spent part of last season on the Packers’ practice squad, so he obviously knows the offense better than Yancey and Dupre at this point. We wouldn’t doubt that the pecking order at wide receiver will change sometime during training camp.
The Packers appear to be giving McCaffrey a real opportunity, however.
On the plus side, he certainly has the bloodlines. His father is former Giants and Broncos receiver Ed McCaffrey. His brother Christian was the Carolina Panthers’ first-round draft pick.
That won’t get you much in Green Bay, though.
McCaffrey is going to have to earn a roster spot and that will be an uphill climb. Much like last year, the Packers have a wealth of talent at the receiver position.
Remember, in 2016, the Packers cut Allison after a strong preseason in favor of keeping Janis, Davis and Jared Abbrederis. After being brought up off the practice squad, Allison ascended to the team’s No. 4 receiver.
Such a situation may present itself again this year.
Nelson, Cobb and Adams are locks to make the roster, in my opinion. Allison would have to regress tremendously not to make it. Unlike last year, we don’t see the Packers keeping seven receivers to open the season.
That leaves a bunch of guys fighting for two spots.
Janis and Davis were both non-factors in 2016. They will both need to improve to earn a roster spot. Similarly, Yancey and Dupre aren’t guaranteed anything as late-round picks. The Packers could release one or both with hopes of bringing them back on the practice squad.
So does McCaffrey have shot with the Packers?
Yes.
He’s still a long shot, but there are two receiver slots open and no locks to claim them that we can see yet.
