Packers WR Jake Kumerow ready for opportunities in 2020
The Packers didn’t add a receiver in the 2020 NFL draft, and Devin Funchess – their lone receiver pickup in free agency – opted out of the season.
Someone must step up.
During the 2019 season, Jake Kumerow caught 12 passes for 219 yards and one touchdown.
Because the Packers have a lot of question marks in the wide receiver room, Kumerow will have the opportunity to step up and contribute to Green Bay’s offense in 2020.
Kumerow believes that his mission to make an impact has gotten off to a good start.
“Camp is going well so far, we have had a few changes to the program so we have been adapting,” Kumerow said. “I think overall it is going well. I come into camp every year with the same mindset, regardless of what I did in the past years. I am coming in to earn a spot, so I am ready to come in and do what it takes to help this team win.”
Last year was the first year for the Packers in the offensive system of Matt LaFleur. In 2020, Green Bay now knows the offense a lot better.
Kumerow is glad that he and his teammates have been able to learn the plays in-depth during this offseason.
“I feel like for me and a lot of other receivers, it has been a lot different this year. Seeing the plays a second time around, and installing things multiple times. It definitely helps us get a grasp on the whole offense and all of the concepts and the little in’s and out’s. I think that it has definitely been a better year for us so far.”
Davante Adams is a star for the Packers at wide receiver. But after Adams, Green Bay doesn’t have any other proven players. Despite this, Kumerow still has faith in the Packers’ receiver group.
“We have full confidence in the guys in our room – and the guys in every room – that we will be able to get the job done. We got 12 in the backfield holding us down, so as long as he is back there getting us right, it doesn’t matter who we got out there. Any of us can get the job done.”
While he has certainly proven himself capable, Kumerow likely isn’t going to put up huge receiving numbers in the 2020 season. Instead, his outstanding blocking will allow him to earn a good amount of playing time.
“In college, I would have my fair share of blocking as well. But last year, It really developed with the tight-knit group that we had. Those guys in the backfield that carry the ball, I’m doing everything that I can to get them extra yards. Jammal (Williams), Aaron (Jones), and Swerve (Tyler Ervin), they are all great guys. Whenever they get the rock, I just want to make sure that I am giving it my all.”
Kumerow has become a fan favorite for a good reason. The former UW-Whitewater star is a gritty player who is willing to do all of the little things. In 2020, his name might now show up on the stat sheet too much, but people around the Green Bay organization know that the receiver will make winning plays.
