Countdown to camp: Packers are crowded but plenty capable at receiver

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Countdown to camp: Packers are crowded but plenty capable at receiver

Packers
16 Jul 2025, 19:30 GMT+

Equally high expectations exist at tight end

Mike Spofford

"Countdown to camp" is a position-by-position overview of the Packers' roster heading into training camp. The series continues with the wide receivers and tight ends.

GREEN BAY WhenMecole Hardmansigned with the Packers as a free agent this spring, he had no idea he'd be the eldest wide receiver on the roster at an apparently ancient 27.

But while the Packers remain young at the position, age-wise, with no one but the former Chiefs wideout on anything but a rookie contract, they're no longer young as far as experience goes.

Romeo Doubshas played in 43 regular-season NFL games, whileChristian Watsonhas played in 38,Jayden Reedin 33, andDontayvion Wicksin 32. Even beyond them on the depth chart,Malik Heathis up to 26 games played andBo Melton22.

So when the message gets delivered that the front office doesn't consider the receiving corps quite so young anymore, that's what is meant.

They've all heard the chatter about the group residing among the league leaders last year in dropped passes, and they're motivated to change that narrative. Future contracts are on the line, too.

The competition at the position got cranked up following the draft as well. The Packers spent two of their top three picks on receiversMatthew Goldenfrom Texas breaking the franchise's first-round receiver drought that dated back to 2002 andSavion Williamsfrom TCU.

Golden is a true speedster who's potentially dangerous both underneath and over the top, while Williams is a raw prospect who possesses a different body type and lined up anywhere as an all-purpose weapon in college.

On the health front, there was a lot going on this spring:

Watson (6-4, 208) isn't expected back from his ACL rehab until sometime during the season, though all reports indicate his recovery is going exceedingly well.
Doubs (6-2, 204) was a full participant in the offseason program following multiple concussions in the latter stages of last season.
Reed (5-11, 187) told reporters the shoulder injury that knocked him out of the playoff loss at Philadelphia didn't require surgery and he's fine.
Williams (6-4, 222) was wearing a red, no-contact jersey during OTAs and minicamp for an undisclosed reason, but there's been no suggestion he won't be ready for training camp.

Watson's initial absence will likely open up another spot on the 53-man roster when training camp concludes, though there still isn't room for everyone.

For what it's worth, Golden (5-11, 191) was getting some reps with the No. 1 offense (never automatic for any rookie), Melton (5-11, 189) was asked to experiment at cornerback in spring practices (perhaps an avenue to expand his value as a reserve at a crowded position), and Hardman (5-10, 187) closed the offseason programmaking the biggest splashes on the field.

Oh, and undrafted developmental prospectsCornelius Johnson(6-3, 212),Julian Hicks(6-2, 201) andSam Brown Jr.(6-2, 200) are in the mix, too.

However it shakes out,the group is tight-knit with an understanding of the big picture. Making the final decisions difficult will be the collective goal.

At tight end, the volume of players isn't as robust, but the expectations for production are just as high.

Third-year proTucker Kraft(6-5, 259) is the position group's leader, coming off a 700-yard season in which he established himself as a complete tight end as a blocker, pass catcher, and yards-after-catch threat.

Kraft's ascent has been as steady as it's been impressive, and he'scalling upon himself to develop into a stronger leaderin the locker room who's willing to speak up when the situation calls for it.

Fellow 2023 draft pickLuke Musgrave(6-6, 253) will look to get back on track following a second straight season interrupted by injuries. Kraft and Musgrave have yet to spend any extensive time on the field together in Matt LaFleur's offense, so some curiosity remains as to just what that might look like.

Returning vetsBen Sims(6-5, 250) andJohn FitzPatrick(6-7, 262) have succeeded in complementary roles at different times, with Sims catching four passes each of the last two years. They, along with practice-squad returneeMessiah Swinson(6-7, 259) and January signeeJohnny Lumpkin(6-5, 264), could wage an interesting battle for the No. 3 spot.