The Green Bay Packers' next steps at wide receiver will be fascinating, especially relating to Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson.
They've done their homework on the top receivers in this year's class, highlighting a potential interest in adding to the position. It goes beyond giving Jordan Love some help in the immediate future. General manager Brian Gutekunst must also consider the big picture.
Time is ticking on Doubs' and Watson's rookie deals, with only one season remaining. Watson's ACL injury further complicates the situation, as it will likely cost him a significant number of games in 2025.
The Packers already faced an awkward situation with Doubs, having suspended him for one game due to "conduct detrimental to the team."
Green Bay is unlikely to keep Doubs and Watson beyond 2025, and the team could even replace both. The Packers' recent moves suggest they are preparing for life after Doubs' rookie contract expires.
Packers meet with the perfect Romeo Doubs replacement before the 2025 NFL Draft
Colorado State's Tory Horton is an under-the-radar wide receiver prospect in this year's class, but many in the know have connected him to the Packers. And for good reason. He checks every box, from athleticism to production.
The Packers confirmed their interest by hosting Horton for a pre-draft visit.
Horton is among the best athletes in this year's class, earning an elite 9.83 Relative Athletic Score. The Packers also value college production at the wide receiver position. Horton provides that, having caught 167 passes for 2,267 yards and 16 touchdowns between 2022 and 2023. He only played six games last season.
Many have compared him to Doubs, who he could replace long-term in Green Bay's offense. Ironically, they were teammates for two seasons at Nevada.
Horton could play the Doubs role in Matt LaFleur's system, becoming a reliable possession receiver for Love. Like Doubs, Horton makes tough catches look easy even when the ball is away from his body. He is also a willing blocker, which will quickly earn LaFleur's trust.
The Colorado State star isn't the only receiver on the Packers' radar. They have met with several possible early-round targets, including Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka, Texas' Matthew Golden, and Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan.
Horton is an ideal Day 2 target.
Gutekunst often drafts with future needs in mind. He selected Jordan Morgan despite the Packers not needing an immediate starter at tackle. He could replace Rasheed Walker in 2026. Gutey selected Rashan Gary before he needed to start. Former first-rounder Lukas Van Ness still hasn't started a game. Of course, Love was the most famous big-picture move Gutekunst made.
Drafting Horton would be another. While he could contribute immediately and give Love additional help, his biggest impact would come in 2026 and beyond, when the Packers may need to replace Doubs, Watson, or both.
It sure feels like that process is underway.