By Marques Eversoll

Jordy Nelson, fresh off a contract extension, and Randall Cobb, looking for a new deal of his own, are firmly entrenched as the Packers’ top two receivers. That much is known.

After Nelson and Cobb, however, the Packers entered camp wondering whether Jarrett Boykin would remain the No. 3 option or if second-round pick Davante Adams would steal the job. At this point through three padded practices, Boykin’s consistency has outshined Adams’ flashes. Either way, Boykin and Adams figure to be the third and fourth options in whichever order.

And that’s where things get interesting.

Fifth-round rookie Jared Abbrederis, who enjoys an overwhelming applause from the Packer faithful in the stands after doing just about anything short of tying his shoes, is vying for a roster spot, competing with the likes of second-year players Chris Harper, Myles White, Kevin Dorsey and Alex Gillett. Seventh-round rookie Jeff Janis still has yet to practice in training camp, although head coach Mike McCarthy said after Wednesday’s practice that Janis would return to the field “sooner than later.”

As of Wednesday’s practice, Harper, who has impressed dating back to OTAs and minicamp, lined up as the No. 5 receiver when the Packers used such a formation. Abbrederis has lived up to his billing as a crisp route runner, and White looks bigger than he did in his rookie year last season.

But on Thursday, it was Gillett, the forgotten man, who made the play of the day.

Backup quarterback Matt Flynn launched a rainbow in Gillett’s direction down the left sideline with rookie Demetri Goodson in coverage. Gillett made a leaping catch with outstretched hands, much to the offense’s delight. Gillett’s big play brought ended the team period of practice.

“He’s made a very smooth transition,” McCarthy said. “I was very impressed with him last year. He’s kind of changed his body a little bit. He was able to be on the practice squad last season. He does a lot of good things, and I think he’s going to be a really good special teams player too.”

Gillett faces a steep uphill battle to crack the team’s 53-man roster as the fifth – or sixth – receiver. But with such a deep position group, it’s definitely possible that the Packers could try to stash a couple receivers on the practice squad.

“It’ll be exciting to Alex (Gillett) when we get going here in these preseason games,” McCarthy said.

On top of the wide receiver position, running backs Eddie Lacy, James Starks and DuJuan Harris have spent much of the offseason refining their pass-catching skills to add yet another dimension to the Packers’ already potent offense.

“(James) Starks, DuJuan (Harris) and I definitely caught more passes, you know, in practice this offseason than last season,” Lacy said. “I think it’s a big emphasis this season, going into the season to catch the ball and be where you’re supposed to be.”

After the team’s first training camp practice July 26, quarterback Aaron Rodgers told reporters that Lacy has a self-appointed nickname of “Moss,” referring to former NFL receiver Randy Moss. Lacy wasn’t ready to go that far.

“I’m thinking that’s starting to get a little out of hand,” Lacy said, laughing. “Butm I mean, I’m a pretty decent catcher.”

Last offseason, the Packers lost Greg Jennings to the Vikings. This offseason, they lost James Jones to the Raiders. But if the early stages of training camp are any indication, Green Bay will be OK.