The performance of the Packers Wide Receivers in 2023 was nothing short of amazing.
There were questions last offseason about who would start at receiver and how much depth the Packers receivers room would have.
Furthermore, the Packers took the risk of not signing a veteran receiver like the did the year before.
They decided to go young at the Wide Receivers Position.
The team selected two Receivers in the 2023 NFL draft and took a chance on an un-drafted free agent.
Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks and Malik Heath all contributed in helping Jordan Love and the Packers passing game.
By the end of the 2023 season, the Packers knew that their would be no question that their receivers are ready to make a bigger impact next season.
Jayden Reed
Reed contributed to the Packers offense right away as the Packers main slot Wide receiver.
It didn’t take long for him to make an impact on the team.
His first touchdown as a pro against the Falcons and also had his first multiple touchdown game.
He quickly became Love’s favorite receiver as the season went on.
Reed ended the season as the Packers leading receiver with 793 yards.
Along with fellow wide receiver Roemo Doubs, Reed lead the team with 8 touchdowns.
Reed’s quick development in the Packers offense is a great sign for him.
His connection with Love and the Packers offense is reminiscent of Randall Cobb’s development when he was a Packer.
If he can continue developing, there is a chance he’ll see more playing time in the three Wide Receiver sets the Packers have.
Dontayvion Wicks
Unlike Reed, Wicks got off to a slower start as he battled with injuries.
Wicks barley played in any Preseason games and went into the season as an unknown.
While he did have some playing time with the offense in the season opener, Wicks made more of an impact in his second game.
He scored his first touchdown in that game along with Reed.
Throughout the season, Wicks became more of a possession receiver.
He became Love’s favorite target when it came to third downs.
Wicks also drew some slight comparison to former Packers Wide Receiver Davante Adams.
This was due to his footwork and smooth route running.
Look for Wicks to continue his development as the Packers 4th wide receiver as he’ll probably battle Heath for that position.
Malik Heath
Heath had a strong showing in the 2023 preseason.
Strong enough that he earn a roster spot as an un-drafted rookie.
Heath showed that he was able to step up when needed.
When injuries started to pile up for the Packers Wide Receivers, Heath showed he belonged on the team.
While towards the end of the season he was a healthy inactive, he has shown that he is ready in any instance.
While there is no guarantee that he’ll make the roster this year with the depth the Packers have, he’ll have a chance to take possibly the 5 spot in the Receiver room.
He’ll also have the chance to make the practice squad if he doesn’t make the 53-man roster.
Conclusion
The Packer Wide Receivers room has a bright future ahead of them.
With the starting spots already solidified, the Packers may have some decisions to make come the end of August.
While Reed and Wicks might be locks to make the team, Heath and Bo Melton might be battling for the 5th spot.
That is if the Packers decide to keep a 5th receiver.
Whatever the case, the Packers know that have receivers that can step in when needed.
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Hau Khuong has been a Packers fan since 1996. He currently works as a video editor in Green Bay and writes for PackersTalk.com and you can follow him on twitter at @HauKhuongSports.
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