The Green Bay Packers are set to open training camp later this month. This is the next in a series of articles previewing the Packers position by position, analyzing the talent on the roster and discussing key questions that are facing the team as they begin preparation for the 2024 season. Today we will examine the wide receiver position. We will preview another position each day until the start of training camp.
To see our preview of the quarterbacks, click here and for defensive tackles, click here, click here for running backs, here for linebackers, here for tight end, and for offensive linemen, click here, here for defensive end, here for special teams and here for safety.
Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Wide Receiver, Projected Starters: Christian Watson
Christian Watson possesses a rare combination of size and speed that gives him the potential to be an elite NFL wide receiver. Whenever he’s on the field, opposing defenses know they need to account for him on every play. Even if he’s not getting the ball, he can help free up teammates by creating time and space for them.
But keeping Watson on the field has been a challenge for the Packers. In his first two seasons in the league, the former North Dakota State star has missed 11 full games and been limited in many others. Last season, he caught just 28 passes for 422 yards and five touchdowns.
The Packers sent him to a hamstring specialist to see if they can keep him on the field. If Watson stays healthy and plays a more consistent game, he’s capable of being the team’s WR 1. Either way, his presence makes the team better.
Romeo Doubs
Romeo Doubs may not be the Packers biggest receiver or their fastest but may be their most consistent. The former Nevada star tied for the team lead with eight touchdown catches while catching 59 passes for 674 yards.
Doubs and quarterback Jordan Love have developed excellent chemistry and Love often looks for Doubs on key third downs and in the red zone.
Doubs will have to fight for reps with the Packers deep and talented receiver room, but he should see plenty of playing time.
Jayden Reed
Jayden Reed led the Packers in catches and receiving yards last season and tied for the team lead in touchdown catches. He did all this while playing just 56 percent of the team’s offensive snaps while playing primarily as the slot receiver.
Reed exceeded expectations as a rookie and has the potential to do even more in his second season. He could take on a larger role in the offense but again, the receiver room is talented and deep so he will have to earn his chances.
Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Wide Receiver, Projected Backups: Dontayvion Wicks
Rookie fifth-round pick Dontayvion Wicks surprised a lot of people with his strong finish to his first NFL campaign. The Virginia alum caught 39 passes for 581 yards and four touchdowns with most of his productivity coming in the second half of the season.
Wicks has good acceleration which creates separation from defenders. Love has already said Wicks could be a breakout player this season. Now it’s up to Wicks to do it.
Bo Melton
Bo Melton provided the Packers with a feel-good story last year. He started the season on the practice squad, worked hard and took full advantage of his chance when he got it later in the season.
Melton played five late-season games and caught 16 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown. He was the first Packers receiver to gain 100 or more yards receiving in a game.
The former Rutgers star will battle for more playing time in 2024.
Malik Heath
Malik Heath earned a roster spot as an undrafted free agent last season. The Ole’ Miss alum played in 13 games and caught 15 passes for 125 yards and one score. He also contributed on special teams.
Heath will look to build on his rookie year in 2024.
Samori Toure
Samori Toure faces an uphill climb to stay on the roster as he enters his third NFL season. The 2022 seventh round pick caught eight passes for 78 yards.
He was passed on the depth chart by players like Melton and Heath and will have to beat them out to stay on the roster. The Packers may opt to keep him on the practice squad if he fails to make the team.
Alex McGough
Alex McGough will attempt to make the switch from backup quarterback to wide receiver. He is starting training camp on the PUP list and has to be considered a long shot to make the roster or the practice squad.
McGough possesses the athleticism to play receiver, but he’ll be fortunate to earn a spot on the practice squad.
Dimitri Stanley
The Packers signed Dimitri Stanley as an undrafted free agent in May. The former Iowa State star is a Packers legacy as his father, Walter Stanley, played for the Pack in the 1980s.
Stanley has good speed but will face an uphill climb to make the roster. A strong training camp could land him on the practice squad.
Grant DuBose
The Packers selected Grant DuBose in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The former Charlotte star spent the season on the practice squad. He was elevated for one game but did not see action.
DuBose needs to show progress in year two to have any chance of making the roster or the practice squad.
Julian Hicks
Albany alum Julian Hicks signed with the Packers as an undrafted free agent in May. Hicks already 24. He has to be considered a long shot to make the roster.
Three Key Questions for the Packers Wide Receiver
Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Wide Receiver: Question One, Does Anyone Emerge as the WR1?
The Packers may not need to decide on a number one receiver, but the possibility exists that one will emerge. It is more likely that two or three wideouts distinguish themselves and become Love’s favored targets.
With a number one receiver, the Packers have a go-to guy in key situations. Without one, this deep and talented receiving group can keep defenses guessing as to who may get the ball.
Question Two: Who Starts?
When healthy, Watson, Doubs, and Reed begin training camp as the starters. But will they start the season that way? The battle for playing time will be an interesting one to watch in training camp this year.
Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Wide Receiver: Are There Enough Receptions to Go Around?
NFL wide receivers tend to have egos and they all want the ball. Will there be enough targets to go around for this deep and talented group?
Last season, the receivers supported each other and celebrated each other’s success. If that mindset continues the team will certainly benefit.
Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
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