Brian Gutekunst already created a wide receiver headache by signing Mecole Hardman before drafting Matthew Golden and Savion Williams. There's only so much room on the 53-man roster.
The Green Bay Packers leave the offseason workout program behind with another receiver to watch closely. Remember the name Cornelius Johnson.
"Johnson is having one hell of a minicamp," Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated reported from practice this week. "Two touchdowns in red zone today after a few catches in 2-minute yesterday."
A seventh-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers a year ago, Johnson has maximized his minutes on the practice field this summer. And while he still faces a daunting uphill battle to secure a spot on the roster, the second-year pro is doing everything possible to force his way into the conversation.
It certainly wasn't in the script, but it's time to pay attention to the former Michigan Wolverine.
Cornelius Johnson is making the Packers' deep wide receiver room even more crowded
There isn't much room at the inn. The Packers have Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, Golden, and Williams all locked into a roster spot. Hardman may join them. Christian Watson will return at some point this season, too. Don't forget about Bo Melton, either, although he might make the roster as a cornerback.
Could Johnson force his way into the mix?
He is 6-foot-3, 212 pounds, with the contested-catch ability to win on the outside. He also blocks well. We know Matt LaFleur loves that. Johnson has an elite Relative Athletic Score of 9.45 out of 10, which, again, is a common theme in Green Bay.
It's only minicamp, so it's important not to draw any overarching conclusions. However, we also shouldn't just write off Johnson's head-turning performances as unimportant because it's "just a practice."
Malik Heath began his surprise run with the Packers by turning heads in the offseason program. Romeo Doubs made a name for himself right out of the gate during the summer of his rookie season.
Johnson must continue to build momentum when the team returns for training camp, especially when the pads are on. Then, and only then, can he truly join the 53-man roster conversation.
But he has made the perfect start. Stay tuned.