2009 Predictions for Offensive Skill Players: Donald Driver
Driver is Getting Older, But Will He Slow?
Donald Driver turned 34 this past February and enters the 2009 season looking to record his sixth straight 1,000-yard season. If he is able to do so, it will be his seventh 1K season since 2002. Driver keeps himself in outstanding shape and shows no signs of fatigue. But can he continue to produce as he has in the past?
Last year, Driver barely cleared the millennial mark for yardage and became somewhat of a possession receiver opposite Greg Jennings spectacular playmaking. This year Jennings is the clear number one, but that doesn’t mean Driver can take the number two spot for granted. He’ll be pushed this year by James Jones, who lost last season to nagging knee injuries but showed potential as a rookie by posting more yards and more catches than did Jennings in his rookie year. Right behind Jones is Jordy Nelson who showed up at OTAs faster, more agile and with hands magnetized to football leather.
Driver will not cede his position in the Packers offense though. Jones must prove himself durable enough to last the season and while Nelson is emerging and would make a quality three receiver on any team, he won’t supplant Driver either.
So how will Driver produce this year? While Jones and Nelson will not take his place as the number two receiver, Driver’s numbers will see a slight decline from last year due to their emergence as playmakers. Number 80 will be hard pressed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards in 2009 as his catches will dwindle to around 60. He will be no less valuable, however, as he is the clear leader of the team since the departure of Brett Favre; even more so than Aaron Rodgers who is still maturing.
Donald Driver’s 2009 Projection
| Receptions | Yards | Average | Touch Downs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 893 | 14.4 | 7 |
Up next: Greg Jennings
Hmmm. Donald Driver < 1000 yds?
Maybe. But nobody is guaranteed their 1000 yds. Just ask Ladainian Tomlinson, who squeaked in at 1110 yds, 3.8 yd. avg. last season.
In my so-called mind, it depends on the OL. If they can support passing game (last year they done good) and provide some rushing consistency and 4th quarter punishment, then I would look for the two WRs Driver and Jennings to light up some DBs in shocking long receptions.