The Green Bay Packers added five pass catchers to the offense last weekend in the 2023 NFL Draft, and that might have changed their outlook on getting free agency help this offseason. Head coach Matt LaFleur is getting to work with the draftees this weekend during the rookie minicamp.
There’s a lot of excitement around wide receiver Jaylen Reed. He could push for a starting spot to join second-year Packers wide receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. With Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard signing with the New York Jets in free agency, it was unclear what the Packers would do to add experienced depth at wide receiver. After all, the Packers could have their starting tight ends be a rookies as well this season.
Matt LaFleur talks about Green Bay Packers WR situation
During the League Annual Meeting, LaFleur said that the Packers needed to add a veteran to the wide receiver room. However, with the several draft picks general manager Brian Gutekust provided the offense and the cap space being stretched thin this season, it appears the Packers could forgo a veteran wide receiver.
The Packers’ offensive skilled players will be young this season. Seven of their eight primary skilled players are 24 or younger. The Packers will need their youthful players to grow up quickly in the NFL. Per WSH Media files, LaFleur said last week after the draft that his staff would have to figure out how much information they could put on their young athletes plates. He said they’d have to work on getting better each practice:
“I think the expectations are to put the work in every day and get better and better and better. Never going to limit what we can’t do. We’ve just got to figure out what works best.”
For last week’s draft picks, the work started this weekend. We’ll see if they can grasp enough in the next few months to offset a team that can’t afford to bring in veteran help.
Uncover how Matt LaFleur’s strategy for the Green Bay Packers’ wide receiver situation might be shifting. Learn more about the potential impacts of the 2023 NFL Draft picks in our Packers News section.
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