Can Packers count on Brett Swain?

By Kevin SeifertHere's a query that arrived up this few days all through a discussion with eco-friendly Bay Packers instructor Mike McCarthy: How huge should undoubtedly broad receiver rank near to the Packers' offseason priority list? And contemplating that we've recently discussed the placement relative using the Chicago Bears (right here) and Minnesota Vikings (here you go), I figured now was as awesome of the time as any to hold a peek on the Packers.

[ ] EnlargeKirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PresswireBrett Swain (16) could possibly be in collection for even more actively playing time if James Jones leaves by employing free of demand agency.Intuitively, there doesn't appear a whole great offer urgency for just about any team that boasts a expert Bowl starter in Greg Jennings, a still-crafty veteran in Donald Driver along using the quickly ascending Jordy Nelson -- a second-round draft choose in 2008 who caught nine passes in very Bowl XLV. But James Jones' arrangement has expired and his long-term is uncertain. He almost certainly will return if classified like a limited free of demand agent, but could depart once the NFL's pending offseason rules make him unrestricted.

Most clubs would contemplate on their own build with three confirmed receivers. however the three-receiver build are steering to be the Packers' bottom formation. in accordance with ESPN Stats Information, the Packers utilized it on 57.5 % of the offensive plays in 2010. Meanwhile, they opened the very Bowl within of a four-receiver build and utilized even more five-receiver formations compared to relaxation belonging using the NFL's 31 clubs mixed all through the frequent season.

So it's reasonable to say the Packers possess a bigger structural phone call for on the placement than some teams. It won't be an situation in 2011 if Jones returns. If he doesn't, however, the very first query to ask for is whether or not reserve Brett Swain is ready to sign up for the rotation.

Swain experienced a tough go within very Bowl pursuing Driver departed with an injury, and in two NFL seasons he has 6 receptions for 72 yards. McCarthy was hesitant to explore the probability of Swain's ascension, especially as lengthy as Jones persists to be considered a prospect to return, but he do remind me that Swain suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in October 2009.

"I believed Brett certainly responded nicely from his season-ending knee injury," McCarthy said. "You often glimpse for that from players. The very first twelve weeks back again from knees is in no way very right. ... He do a splendid duty in rehab. He produced it by employing the year. do a awesome duty on specific teams. He's nevertheless a youthful player. It are steering to be fascinating to ascertain if he can hold that up coming start if he's supplied even more opportunities. if you actually get by employing that very first twelve weeks [after important knee surgery], generally the up coming twelve weeks is better, from my know-how -- especially perimeter players."

If certainly nothing else, Swain has adopted a advancement route comparable to that of other prominent Packers players. He invested 2008 near to the exercise squad pursuing the Packers produced him a seventh-round draft choice, and has long been a backup/special-teams stalwart greater compared to up coming two seasons. supplied the time they've invested in him, along using the accomplishment of the advancement plan with other players, I think the Packers on the very minimum will give Swain a lengthy glimpse -- along possessing a draft choose or two -- in instruction camp.Share