The Green Bay Packers lacked a go-to receiver in 2024. GM Brian Gutekunst was counting on one or more of his young receivers to take a big step forward last season to become a clear-cut number one wideout. In the alternative, the Packers hoped that a receiver by committee approach would keep opposing defenses off-balance and the offensive would benefit because they didn’t know who quarterback Jordan Love would look to throw to in key situations. But who is most likely to become the Packers number one receiver in 2025? Here are the top three candidates who are on the current roster and why they may be the best fit for the position. The team could still add a player in free agency, the draft or via trade to be WR1 to fill the position.

Most Likely Packers Number One Receiver in 2025, Number Three: Romeo Doubs

Romeo Doubs finished the season with 46 catches for 601 yards and four touchdowns. He only played 13 games and started 12 so his numbers were down from 2023 when he appeared in all 17 games.

Doubs provides the Packers with consistent play although he is the least dynamic of the three candidates on this list. While he is less of a deep threat than other receivers on the Green Bay roster, he is the guy Love looks for on third down when he needs a key first down pickup.

There are some concerns about Doubs heading into the offseason. First, he suffered two concussions late in the 2024 campaign. Concussions are cumulative and each one makes you more susceptible to getting another.

The Packers also suspended Doubs for one game for “conduct detrimental to the team,” last season. Apparently, the receiver was unhappy with his role in the offense and wanted more targets. While Doubs returned to the fold and worked hard the rest of the season, published reports indicated the issue was not fully resolved after Doubs’ return.

If Doubs becomes the Packers number one receiver next season, it means they stuck to a receiver by committee approach and Doubs became the top dog of the group.

Number Two: Dontayvion Wicks

Dontayvion Wicks remains a talented but inconsistent receiver for the Packers. He caught 39 passes for the second consecutive season in 2024. This year, he gained 415 yards and caught five touchdown passes.

Unfortunately, Wicks dropped too many passes this season. The former Virginia star dropped nine passes in 2024 according to pro-football-reference.com, which ranked him at or near the most drops in the league depending on who was doing the counting.

If Wicks can severely curtail the drops, he has proven he can get open downfield and create splash plays. Unfortunately, drops were an issue for Wicks dating back to his college days.

With Christian Watson expected to miss at least the first half of the 2025 season, Wicks could get the opportunity to assume a larger role. He stepped in and became a bigger downfield threat when Watson was out of the lineup in 2023.

Wicks will get a chance to take on a bigger role in 2025 during training camp. This may be his best chance to become a go-to receiver or at least to become a full-time starter as opposed to the number four option on a team that usually has three wideouts on the field.

Most Likely Packers Number One Receiver in 2025, Number One: Jayden Reed

Michigan State alum Jayden Reed usually lines up in the slot. Despite playing only 63 percent of the team’s offensive snaps, he led the Packers with 55 catches and 857 receiving yards and finished second on the team with six touchdown catches.

Reed also struggled with drops and was credited with nine by pro-football-reference.com. He will need to clean those up to become the go-to receiver.

Unfortunately, Reed’s play also fell off in the second half of last season. The Packers got him the ball frequently early in the season and he made a lot of big plays downfield. In the second half, his production dipped and most of the times he did get a target, it was near or even behind the line of scrimmage.

Reed possesses the potential to assume a bigger role in 2025, even possibly as the go-to receiver. He will need to take a third year jump to make that happen, but the skills are certainly there.

 

 

 

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