The Green Bay Packers are in the market for a wide receiver
The Green Bay Packers have prioritized visiting with wide receivers before the 2023 NFL Draft. The Packers need to add pass catchers at receiver and tight end. By mid-April, the Packers have the lowest-funded pass-catching units in the league. And the Packers’ lack of depth comes in an offseason when they’re transitioning to a new starting quarterback. The Packers will visit with another potential draft option Friday.
According to Aaron Wilson with KPRC, the Packers are hosting NIU wide receiver Cole Tucker. Tucker worked out with the Chicago Bears Thursday.
Northern Illinois @NIU_Football wide receiver Cole Taylor, who worked out for #Bears Thursday, visiting with #Packers today, per a league source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 14, 2023
Tucker had a great career at NIU
Tucker played for six seasons at NIU. He joined the 2,000-yard receiving club at NIU as he recorded 2,030 receiving yards. He scored ten touchdowns as well. Tucker had his best statistical season in 2022 when he caught 45 balls for 632 yards and scored four touchdowns.
Tucker was used as a punt and kick returner on special teams and averaged 21 yards per kick return in his college career. Pro Football Focus named him an honorable mention for All-MAC honors for his 2022 season. Tucker finished his career at NIU with the eight most receiving yards in school history. He was just 255 yards shy of Kenny Golladay, who has the fifth-most receiving yards at NIU.
According to Joseph Segreti with the Northern Star, NIU offensive coordinator Eric Eidsness said Tucker would have an opportunity to play at the next level:
“Obviously, he would like to keep playing as long as he can,” offensive coordinator Eric Eidsness said. “You can control what you can control, and what he can control is make sure he’s in the best shape, be ready to go when whatever opportunity comes, and I think that he’ll get an opportunity – and he needs to be ready to make the most of it.”
Tucker entered the CFL Draft in February.
Tucker could be a slot receiver for the Green Bay Packers
The Packers need a slot receiver this offseason. According to Jimmy Williams with NFL Draft Diamonds, Tucker is projected to play that role at the professional level:
“Strong-handed, possession receiver that will be a better fit as a big slot at the next level. Physical, tough, uses body and angles well to get in front of the ball and shield corners from catches. Good, reliable target that can give the QB options underneath. Stretches the field. Average breakaway speed after the catch, sufficient ability to use vision and improvise.
Plays to the quarterback. Does a good job pushing the sideline and finding open green. Has a clear second gear in the game, can get slowed down. Plus run blocker, though should be more aware of angles. Not a very sharp route runner, can decelerate out of breaks. Slow to release against press coverage. Very much a sideline-to-sideline, east-west route runner.”
One would assume Tucker isn’t an option for the Packers until late day three of the draft. But he’d more likely be a risk they’d consider as an undrafted rookie free agent. According to Ric Serritella with NFL Draft Bible, Tucker sits as the 95th-best wide receiver in this year’s draft class.
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