Training camp is fast approaching, placing several positional battles under the microscope. How the Green Bay Packers distribute the targets at wide receiver is among them, and veteran Malik Heath has everything to play for.
The Packers shocked the world by selecting Matthew Golden at No. 23 overall. Finally, a first-round receiver. Just as fans had stopped high-fiving and watching Golden highlights, the team doubled down by drafting Savion Williams in the third round.
It leaves Green Bay with a crowded wide receiver room, potentially spelling bad news for Heath.
Along with adding rookies Golden and Williams, the Packers signed free agent Mecole Hardman, who has already made a strong impression on the practice field. Hardman offers Pro Bowl kick and punt return potential and will aim to carve out a role on offense.
Malik Heath must overcome the odds to make Packers' roster this summer
Heath has overcome the odds before. Few expected him to make the 53-man roster in a crowded receiver room as a rookie in 2023, but he edged out draft pick Grant DuBose for the final spot.
He will need to produce something similar at training camp to climb an even bigger mountain.
Beyond Golden and Williams, the Packers have roster locks in Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks. That is, of course, assuming Green Bay doesn't trade a veteran wide receiver.
Bo Melton also has a strong case to make the roster. Beyond the ability he has shown as a receiver, Melton plays special teams and is currently cross-training at cornerback.
Heath is a reliable pass-catcher and stepped up when injuries hit the wide receiver room, but his best chance to earn playing time may come on another team. He has never been able to earn consistent snaps in Matt LaFleur's offense, and the Packers' added depth could signal the end of his impressive run in Green Bay.
We've learned to never write off Heath, but it's difficult to see a realistic path to a roster spot. Barring an outstanding performance at camp and in the preseason, Heath may be playing for another team in 2025.