Green Bay Packers NFL Scouting Combine Preview: Wide Receivers

The Packers may not need a receiver in this year's draft, though general manager Brian Gutekunst might be unable to ignore a field-tilting threat or a player to bolster the bottom of the depth chart. Here are some of the top prospects for next week’s Scouting Combine.

If you've heard the anecdote once, you've heard it a million times.

The Green Bay Packers have not drafted a receiver in the first round since 2002, when Mike Sherman traded up to select Florida State's Javon Walker with the 20th overall pick.

After last year's youth movement at receiver, a good argument can be made that the Packers don't need one going into 2024.

That could be true, but a lack of need has never stopped the Packers from picking a player they have liked.

General manager Brian Gutekunst did not need a pass rusher when he took Rashan Gary. He had both Za'Darius and Preston Smith. Of course, he did not need a quarterback when he took Jordan Love.

The same has been true at receiver in previous years. Ted Thompson did not need a receiver when he took Jordy Nelson with the team's first choice in 2008. Thompson in 2011 took Randall Cobb despite having Nelson, Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and James Jones under contract.

So, while it’s unlikely, but the Packers could target a receiver early in the 2024 draft. If they do, here are some names that could catch their eye at next week’s Scouting Combine.

For the full list of receivers working out at the Combine, you can find them here.

 

Keon Coleman, Florida State

Resume: After catching 58 passes for 798 yards and seven touchdowns at Michigan State in 2022, Coleman transferred to Florida State and caught 50 passes for 658 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2023 to earn first-team all-ACC. According to PFF, 110 FBS-level receivers in this draft class were targeted at least 55 times. He ranked 75th in yards per route (1.74), 28th in drop percentage (3.8 percent; two drops), 16th in contested catches (10; but was 85th a 33.3 percent success rate) and 33rd in YAC per catch (6.3).

How He Fits: Coleman was skyrocketing up draft boards early in the season before a midseason slump. Now, Coleman could be available at the 41st overall pick when the Packers are scheduled to be on the clock in the second round. Coleman would give the Packers a receiver on the boundary with the potential to be the team's best. He made a bunch of highlight-reel catches but struggled at times to create separation. Listed at 6-foot-4, his 11 touchdowns in 2023 would give the Packers another red-zone threat.

Dane Brugler’s ranking for The Athletic: 28.

Keon Coleman could be a consideration for Green Bay / Bob Donnan USA Today

Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky

Resume: Corley had three consecutive seasons of more than 70 receptions, including 101 in 2022 and 79 grabs for 984 yars and 11 touchdowns in 2023. He finished with 3,033 career receiving yards and 29 career touchdowns; 2024 Senior Bowl National Team Top WR and first-team all-Conference USA in 2023. According to PFF, 110 FBS-level receivers in this draft class were targeted at least 55 times. He ranked ninth in yards per route (2.78), 64th in drop percentage (7.1; six drops), 100th in contested catches (4-of-17; 23.5 percent) and fourth in YAC per catch (8.6).

How He Fits: Corley's nickname is "YAC-king" for his ability to make plays after the catch. The Packers struggled in that area in 2023. Jordan Love ranked 19th in YAC per completion. Their leading receiver in YAC was Jayden Reed, who totaled 335 yards after he caught the ball. Dontayvion Wicks got to 211, and nobody else on the roster got to 200. For comparison's sake, Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb had 680 yards after the catch.

Corley averaged 8.6 YAC in 2023 and 9.7 in 2022, when he forced an astounding 40 missed tackles. He could give them a boost and get them some easy yards in the passing game while potentially providing a boost on jet sweeps and other concepts within the run game.

Brugler ranking: 49

Troy Franklin, Oregon

Resume: Franklin posted 81 receptions for 1,383 yards (17.1 average) and 14 touchdowns in 2023, when he was first-team all-Pac-12. He was a second-team choice in 2022. He closed his career with 2,483 career receiving yards and 25 touchdowns. According to PFF, 110 FBS-level receivers in this draft class were targeted at least 55 times. He ranked third in yards per route (3.32), 83rd in drop percentage (10.0 percent; nine drops), 77th in contested catches (36.8 percent; 7-of-19) and 26th in YAC per catch (6.6). He was one of the top deep-ball receivers, going 14-of-25 (56.0 percent) on passes thrown 20-plus yards downfield.

How He Fits: Franklin is a potential speed threat but could have more obstacles to getting to Green Bay other than whether the Packers perceive whether or not they have a need. Franklin is lighter than their preferred weight threshold since he is listed at a listed 178 pounds. The Packers have bent their thresholds for who Brian Gutekunst perceived as the right player, but drafting Franklin would be a significant departure. If they did decide to do that, however, Franklin's speed and athleticism would be a welcome addition to Green Bay's receiver room.

Brugler ranking: 40.

Marvin Harrison Jr. Ohio State

Resume: The son of Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr., Harrison finished with 2,613 career receiving yards and 31 touchdowns. He finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy race and won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver in 2023, when he caught 67 passes for 1,211 yards (18.1 average) and his second consecutive season of 14 touchdowns. According to PFF, 110 FBS-level receivers in this draft class were targeted at least 55 times. He ranked second in yards per route (3.44), 72nd in drop percentage (8.2 percent; six drops), 58th in contested catches (43.3 percent; 13-of-30) and 29th in YAC per catch (6.4). He was 15-of-24 on passes thrown 20-plus yards downfield, a fifth-ranked 62.5 percent.

How He Fits: Marvin Harrison Jr. would be the best receiver prospect the Packers have had since Sterling Sharpe. Barring something catastrophic, or a significant trade-up, Harrison Jr. is not going to be available for Green Bay. If he were, he'd be in line to be the team's best receiver from the day he stepped into Green Bay.

Brugler ranking: 2.

Xavier Legette, South Carolina

Resume: After four quiet seasons in which he totaled 41 receptions, Legette burst onto the national scene as a fifth-year senior in 2023 with 61 receptions for 1,255 yards (17.7 average) and seven touchdowns. He was second-team all-SEC and a member of the Senior Bowl All-American Team. According to PFF, 110 FBS-level receivers in this draft class were targeted at least 55 times. He ranked fifth in yards per route (3.15), 18th in drop percentage (2.7), 49th in contested catches (47.6 percent; 10-of-21) and 29th in YAC per catch (6.4). He caught 13-of-24 passes thrown 20-plus yards downfield, good for an eighth-ranked 54.2 percent.

How He Fits: Legette was one of the standouts at the Senior Bowl, which is a place the Packers have typically liked to find some of their draft choices. Last year alone they drafted Jayden Reed, Karl Brooks and Luke Musgrave. Legette would add more speed to Green Bay's lineup and, according to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler does his best work on verticals, posts, and crossing routes. Legette could compete to be at the top of the receiver room if Gutekunst decided to pick him. He'd likely require a draft choice within the first three rounds.

Brugler ranking: 80.

Luke McCaffery, Rice

Resume: McCaffrey was a quarterback at Nebraska in 2019 and 2020 and at Rice in 2021 before moving to receiver. After catching 58 passes in 2022, McCaffrey earned first-team all-AAC in 2023 with 71 receptions for 992 yards (14.0 average) and 13 touchdowns. According to PFF, 110 FBS-level receivers in this draft class were targeted at least 55 times. He ranked 46th in yards per route (2.11), 32nd in drop percentage (4.1 percent; three drops), 11rh in contested catches (60.7 percent; at 17-of-28, his 17 contested catches trail only Washington’s Rome Odunze) and 36th in YAC per catch (6.0).

How He Fits: McCaffery should be a familiar name to Packer fans as the brother to the star running back of the San Francisco 49ers Christian McCaffery and the son of former NFL star receiver Ed McCaffrey. He’s likely a Day 3 pick. That's not a disqualifier. Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks were arguably the Packers' two best receivers last year, and they were both picked on Day 3. McCaffery would add competition to the back of that room initially. Gutekunst values competition and could look to an NFL bloodline to add some more.

Brugler ranking: Unranked.

Ladd McConkey, Georgia

Resume: Limited to nine games in 2023, McConkey caught 30 passes for 478 yards (15.9 average) and two touchdowns. He was second-team all-SEC in 2022, when he caught 58 passes for 762 yards and seven touchdowns and added two touchdowns with a 19.1-yard average on seven carries. Had he played enough to be listed among our 110 prospects who were targeted at least 55 times, he would have ranked fourth in yards per route (3.26), 52nd in drop percentage (6.3 percent; two drops), 65th in contested catches (40.0 percent; 2-of-5) and 33rd in YAC per catch (6.3).

How He Fits: McConkey was the most explosive player for college football's current powerhouse, the Georgia Bulldogs. He does have some issues with injuries that the Packers will need to decide whether they are comfortable with McConkey's health long-term. If they are, McConkey is a fast, savvy route-runner who could give the Packers another explosive weapon to help take the top off of opposing defenses.

Brugler ranking: 34.

Jalen McMillan, Washington

Resume: McMillan was an honorable mention on the all-Pac 12 teams in 2022, when he caught 79 passes for 1,098 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2023, those numbers fell to 45 grabs for 559 yards (12.4 average) and five scores. He finished with 2,127 yards over his final three seasons. According to PFF, 110 FBS-level receivers in this draft class were targeted at least 55 times. He ranked 31st in yards per route (2.30), 83rd in drop percentage (10.0 percent; five drops), last in contested catches (0-for-1) and 29th in YAC per catch (6.4).

How He Fits: McMillan was the third part of a trio of pass catchers that helped power the Washington Huskies to the National Championship Game. McMillan was used mostly underneath while Ja'Lynn Polk and Rome Odunze were used as threats down the field, with 71 percent of his catches in 2023 coming within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. That's still a valuable skill-set. Perhaps the Packers could want to add another weapon for the underneath portions of the field as they have guys like Christian Watson and Jayden Reed to attack vertically. McMillan will likely require a second or third-round pick, which is where the Packers have had loads of success.

Brugler ranking: 65

Adonai Mitchell, Texas

Resume: After two years of limited production at Georgia, Mitchell landed at Texas and caught 55 passes for 845 yards (15.4 average) and 11 touchdowns in 2023. According to PFF, 110 FBS-level receivers in this draft class were targeted at least 55 times. He ranked 78th in yards per route (1.72), sixth in drop percentage (1.8 percent; one drop), 79th in contested catches (36.4 percent; 4-of-11) and 100th in YAC per catch (3.2). He caught 8-of-22 passes thrown 20-plus yards downfield.

How He Fits: Mitchell is part of a trio of pass catchers that powered the Texas Longhorns' high-octane offense to within one play of playing for the national championship.

Mitchell was the best receiver for Steve Sarkisian's group. Listed at 6-foot-4, he is one of the guys to watch in the 40-yard dash. His acceleration is one of his best traits, which is where he'd presumably fit in Green Bay if they wanted to add another speed threat to their offense. If Mitchell were available in the second round, Brian Gutekunst could be tempted to pull the trigger.

Brugler ranking: 35.

Malik Nabers, LSU

Resume: Nabers was a unanimous first-team All-American and one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award in 2023, when he caught 89 passes for 1,569 yards (17.6 average) and 14 touchdowns. He also topped 1,000 yards in 2022, giving him three-year totals of 189 receptions, 3,003 yards and 21 scores. 

According to PFF, 110 FBS-level receivers in this draft class were targeted at least 55 times. He ranked first in yards per route (3.64; 0.20 better than Marvin Harrison), 41st in drop percentage (5.3 percent; five drops) and 53rd in contested catches (45.5 percent; 10-of-22). He was 26th in YAC per catch (6.6) but fourth in missed tackles (30). A great deep-ball threat, he caught 19-of-29, ranking second in catches and fourth in percentage (65.5).

How He Fits: Nabers is big and explosive. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has him rated third overall in his Top 100. Coming into the year, there was no debate that Marvin Harrison Jr. was the best receiver in this year's draft class. Nabers made that a debate, which means he's unlikely to be available for the Packers unless they were to make a big trade into the top of the first round. Nabers would be looked at as the team's top receiver.

His explosive ability, with 34 catches of more than 20 or more yards, would add another big-play threat to an offense that is looking to cement itself among the league's elite.

Brugler ranking: 3.

Rome Odunze, Washington

Resume: In 2023, Odunze was an All American and one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award, which goes to the best receiver in college football. After a season of 75 receptions for 1,145 yards in 2022, Odunze caught 92 passes for 1,640 yards (17.8 average) and 13 touchdowns in 2023. According to PFF, 110 FBS-level receivers in this draft class were targeted at least 55 times. He ranked eighth in yards per route (2.93), 24th in drop percentage (3.2 percent; three drops), third in contested catches (75.0 percent; a draft-high 21-of-28) and 45th in YAC per catch (5.6). Nobody could match his 23 receptions of passes thrown 20-plus yards downfield. Nine of them came on 14 contested-catch chances.

How He Fits: Odunze was the best receiver on one of the best offenses in college football. Odunze was the Jordy Nelson to Michael Penix Jr.'s Aaron Rodgers. Odunze could provide a similar connection with Jordan Love. He's a silky-smooth route runner, with the ability to make plays down the field, as well. He had 32 catches of more than 20 yards in 2023, which was second to only LSU's Malik Nabers.

Odunze would likely require a significant trade, but he’d give the Packers a true alpha at the receiver position. Perhaps they already have one on the roster, but Odunze would give them more assurance that they do have that type of player.

Brugler ranking: 7.

Ricky Pearsall, Florida

Resume: Pearsall spent three years at Arizona State before moving to the SEC. During his final season at Florida, he caught 65 passes for 965 yards (14.8 average) and four touchdowns. His five-year totals include 2,420 receiving yards, 21 touchdowns and a 10.2-yard average on punt returns. According to PFF, 110 FBS-level receivers in this draft class were targeted at least 55 times. He ranked 38th in yards per route (2.23), 21st in drop percentage (3.0 percent; two drops), 37th in contested catches (50.0 percent; 5-of-10) and 39th in YAC per catch (5.8).

How He Fits: Pearsall's movement skills when running routes earned him the nickname "Slick Rick". He was Florida's leading receiver after spending three years at Arizona State learning from San Francisco's Brandon Aiyuk. His route-running abilities could pair nicely with Dontayvion Wicks. Pearsall projects as a third-round pick, based on Dane Brugler's rankings; the Packers have two of those.

Brugler ranking: 78.

Ja'Lynn Polk, Washington

Resume: Polk opened his career at Texas Tech before spending his final three years at Washington. He had a breakout final season with 69 receptions for 1,159 yards (16.8 average) and nine touchdowns. His four-year totals include 2,231 receiving yards and 18 scores. According to PFF, 110 FBS-level receivers in this draft class were targeted at least 55 times. He ranked 32nd in yards per route (2.29), 42nd in drop percentage (5.5 percent; four drops), 29th in contested catches (54.2 percent; 13-of-24) and 51st in YAC per catch (5.52). He was 14-of-28 (50.0 percent) on deep passes.

How He Fits: As one of three marquee receivers in this draft class from Washington, Polk was Michael Penix's second preferred option to Rome Odunze, who is likely to be a Top-10 pick.

Polk's catch radius and adjustment skills are something that could be valuable to Jordan Love as he attempts to continue his ascension to the top of the NFL. At 6-foot-2, Polk's size will fit Green Bay's typical prototype for the position. Polk would likely require a second-round pick. The Packers have had plenty of success at that spot with their receivers. They have not hesitated to add a player they like in that round if they have the conviction to take him.

Brugler ranking: 54.

Brenden Rice, USC

Resume: After two seasons at Colorado, Rice moved onto USC, where he caught 39 passes for 611 yards and four touchdowns in 2022 and 45 passes for 791 yards (17.6 average) and 12 touchdowns in 2023 to earn second-team all-conference. His four-year totals include 1,821 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns. According to PFF, 110 FBS-level receivers in this draft class were targeted at least 55 times. He ranked 11th in yards per route (2.75), 34th in drop percentage (4.3), 96th in contested catches (25.0 percent; four) and 51st in YAC per catch (5.2). He caught 8-of-20 deep passes with six touchdowns.

How He Fits: Rice is much more than just a famous former receiver's son. Brenden, the son of legendary Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, averaged a touchdown for every 3.75 catches. His athleticism and bloodline make him an intriguing prospect. He had plenty of opportunities the past two years at USC, where he played in Lincoln Riley's pass-happy offense. His route tree is developed but could use some polish. Rice would likely need to be a third-round pick. The Packers are slated to pick twice in that round.

Brugler ranking: 97.

Brian Thomas Jr., LSU

Resume: Most of his career totals of 24 touchdowns and 1,897 receiving yards came in 2023, when he caught 68 passes for 1,177 yards (17.3 average) and 17 touchdowns. He closed his career with eight catches for 98 yards and two scores against Wisconsin. According to PFF, 110 FBS-level receivers in this draft class were targeted at least 55 times. He ranked 14th in yards per route (2.61), 56th in drop percentage (6.8; five drops), 30th in contested catches (53.8 percent; 7-of-13) and 43rd in YAC per catch (5.57). On passes thrown 20-plus yards downfield, he ranked second in catch rate (68.2 percent), third in catches (15) and first in touchdowns (12).

How He Fits: Listed at 6-foot-5, Thomas has a lot of the same qualities that likely made Brian Gutekunst fall in love with Christian Watson two years ago. He's a tall athlete that runs very fast. As a former basketball player, he can move differently than other receivers. Thomas Jr. would likely have to be selected in the first round. That'd be a luxury pick, but could provide insurance for Watson if his injury issues were to persist. In today's NFL where rules continue to slant towards offense and scoring points, there are never enough playmakers on the field.

Brugler ranking: 14.

Brian Thomas Jr. makes a move / Matt Pendleton - USA Today

Devontez Walker, North Carolina

Resume: Walker was second-team all-MAC in 2022 for Kent State, where he caught 58 passes for 921 yards and 11 touchdowns. From there, it was off to join Drake Maye at North Carolina. In eight games, he caught 41 passes for 699 yards (17.0 average) and seven scores. According to PFF, 110 FBS-level receivers in this draft class were targeted at least 55 times. He ranked 33rd in yards per route (2.28), 56th in drop percentage (6.8), 17th in contested catches (58.8 percent; 10-of-17) and 104th in YAC per catch (2.8). He hauled in 10-of-23 deep passes.

How He Fits: Walker's deep speed and big-play ability is something the Packers could value early in the draft. For all their improvement on offense, they were missing some of the home-run hitting ability that all of the great offenses possess. Whether it's been Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Christian Watson, the Packers have had their struggles when their primary speed threat is out of the lineup. Walker would help add another speed threat to the lineup to protect against an injury.

Brugler ranking: 64.

Jordan Whittington, Texas

Resume: Whittington posted four years of solid production. He finished his career with 1,797 receiving yards as a two-time honorable mention on the all-Big 12 team. As a fifth-year senior, he caught 42 passes for 505 yards (12.0 average) and one touchdown. According to PFF, 110 FBS-level receivers in this draft class were targeted at least 55 times. He ranked 92nd in yards per route (1.52), 56th in drop percentage (6.8 percent; three drops), last in contested catches (0-for-1) and 43rd in YAC per catch (5.7).

How He Fits: Listed at 6-foot-1 and 206 pounds, Whittington has the typical measurements in height and weight that the Packers have typically preferred with their receivers. Whittington is likely to be picked on the third day of the draft, which would put him in competition with the back end of Green Bay's receiver room. Malik Heath, Bo Melton and former sevent-round pick Samori Toure have had their moments in that role.

Brugler ranking: Unranked.

Johnny Wilson, Florida State

Resume: With two seasons at Arizona State and two seasons at Florida State, Wilson finished his career with 102 receptions for 1,757 receiving yards and eight scores. He was third-team all-ACC in 2023 with his 41 catches for 617 yards (15.0 average) and two touchdowns. According to PFF, 110 FBS-level receivers in this draft class were targeted at least 55 times. He ranked 21st in yards per route (2.42), 93rd in drop percentage (five drops; 10.9 percent), 64th in contested catches (40.9 percent; 9-of-22) and 86th in YAC per catch (3.8).

How He Fits: Wilson would be a completely different player than what the Packers have in their receiver room. He was listed at 6-foot-7 at FSU, which is about 3 inches taller than the Packers' tallest receiver, Christian Watson. He's taller than tight ends Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave, as well. At that size, he needs to be better in contested-catch situations. He could work himself into an Allen Lazard-type role.

Brugler ranking: Unranked.

Roman Wilson, Michigan

Resume: Wilson was second-team all-Big Ten in 2023 with 48 receptions for 789 yards (16.4 average) and 12 touchdowns. In four seasons, he caught 107 passes for 1,707 yards and 20 scores. According to PFF, 110 FBS-level receivers in this draft class were targeted at least 55 times. He ranked 13th in yards per route (2.68), ninth in drop percentage (2.0 percent; one drop), 72nd in contested catches (37.5 percent; 3-of-8) and 67th in YAC per catch (4.6).

How He Fits: Wilson is a shifty route-runner with enough deep speed to threaten defenses down the field. Apart from Christian Watson, the Packers do not have a consistent speed threat for the vertical game. He caught 12-of-18 deep shots in 2023, his 66.7 percent success rate ranking sixth in the draft class. While he’s only 186 pounds, he could provide an insurance policy to Watson if his injury issues persist.

Roman Wilson makes a catch in the Rose Bowl / Jayne Kamin-Oncea - USA Today

Brugler ranking: 45.

Xavier Worthy, Texas 

Resume: With three strong seasons, Worthy finished his career with 197 receptions for 2,755 yards (14.0 average) and 26 touchdowns. He was second-team all-Big 12 in 2021 and 2022 and first-team in 2023 when he had 75 catches for 1,014 yards (13.5 average) and five touchdowns. According to PFF, 110 FBS-level receivers in this draft class were targeted at least 55 times. He ranked 43rd in yards per route (2.14), 58th in drop percentage (6.3 percent; five drops), 99th in contested catches (23.5 percent; 4-of-17) and 13th in YAC per catch (7.6). He was just 6-of-23 on deep passes.

How He Fits: Worthy is expected to be one of the fastest players at his position at the Scouting Combine. He would, however, require a pretty big bending of the usual thresholds that the Packers have at receiver. Worthy is small, listed at just 172 pounds. That would be a pretty big bend for a player who could be selected in the second round. The fit for Worthy is a little clunky due to his size, which will likely force him to strictly play in the slot, but having two dynamic slot receivers is something that Matt LaFleur could have a lot of fun with.

In addition, Worthy was a second-team All-American as a punt returner with a 16.9-yard average and one touchdown in 2023. The Packers could be in the market for one of those, as well.

Brugler ranking: 46.

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