Speed, Size, and Playmaking: Which WR Fits the Packers’ 2025 Draft Blueprint?

As the Green Bay Packers gear up for the 2025 NFL Draft, one position stands out as crucial for the team’s future success: wide receiver. With key players like Christian Watson potentially sidelined due to a significant knee injury, the Packers will need to reload at the position, and the second round of the draft offers a prime opportunity to secure the next standout receiver.

Historically, the Packers have found value in the second round, where they have selected players like Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, and even the recently emerging Christian Watson. In the 2025 draft, general manager Brian Gutekunst could find himself targeting a receiver to complement his existing stable of wideouts and help fill the void left by Watson’s potential absence. So, which wide receivers should the Packers have on their radar?

The Clump of Big-Play Wide Receivers

NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah recently shed light on a promising group of wide receivers who could be available around pick No. 54 overall. These prospects not only have the size and speed the Packers crave but also offer big-play potential to boost Matt LaFleur’s offense.

1. Tre Harris (Ole Miss)
   At almost 6-2, Tre Harris is a solid, all-around receiver. He combines size with explosiveness, making him a versatile target who could immediately contribute to a Packers offense that values playmaking ability. Harris’ ability to stretch the field vertically and make plays in the red zone would make him a good fit as a deep threat opposite Watson or as a potential replacement in the slot.

2. Jayden Higgins (Iowa State)
   Standing nearly 6-4, Higgins is an imposing figure on the field. His size, combined with his ability to make plays down the field, could provide the Packers with another physical presence in the receiving corps. His ability to produce in the red zone would be invaluable, especially for an offense that sometimes struggles to convert inside the 20-yard line.

3. Jack Bech (TCU)
   Measuring in at 6-1 and 214 pounds, Bech offers a similar skillset to Harris and Higgins. His physicality and big-play potential make him a prime candidate for a Packers team in need of a reliable target who can produce in multiple phases of the game. Bech’s build and playstyle resemble what Green Bay has traditionally looked for in its wideouts—dynamic, tough, and able to compete at the next level.

These three players represent the “clump” of wide receivers that could be available around pick No. 54. With a combination of size, speed, and red-zone ability, they would add a dynamic presence to the Packers’ offense and could seamlessly fit into LaFleur’s system.

A Few Wild Cards: Smaller, Explosive Players

While the Packers could target a big-bodied receiver, there are also a few smaller, explosive players who could pique their interest in the second round. Jeremiah highlights some intriguing prospects who could offer a different dynamic to the Packers’ passing attack:

1. Tory Horton (Colorado State)
   Horton is an electrifying playmaker who could add some spark to Green Bay’s offense. Though smaller in stature compared to the previously mentioned players, his quickness and agility make him a potential weapon as a slot receiver or even as an outside threat who can stretch the defense with his speed.

2. Jaylin Noel (Iowa State)
   Noel is one of those players who might steal the show at the combine, and his explosiveness could be just what the Packers need. Though not the tallest option at 5-11, Noel has the ability to make plays both inside and outside the numbers. His quickness and separation skills would provide a different dimension to the Packers’ offense.

3. Jalen Royals (Utah State)
   Looking like a throwback to Randall Cobb, Royals combines compact strength and speed to create mismatches. At 210 pounds, he brings some physicality to the table but remains agile enough to make big plays. A slot receiver with versatility, Royals could be an interesting piece to add to the Packers’ arsenal.

Filling the Gap Left by Watson

As Christian Watson recovers from a knee injury, the Packers’ need for a speedy, physical wideout becomes even more pressing. Watson’s unique combination of size and speed made him a crucial deep threat, and the Packers will likely look for a receiver with similar traits to help fill that void. Harris, Higgins, or Bech could provide the Packers with a similar skill set—one that balances both size and explosiveness.

The Packers’ history of finding success with second-round wide receivers shows that this year’s draft could yield another gem for the team. With the 2025 draft approaching, Gutekunst and company will need to evaluate the crop of wide receivers and select the player who can step in and immediately contribute. Whether they go with a big-bodied receiver like Harris, Higgins, or Bech, or opt for a smaller, speedier option like Horton, Noel, or Royals, the Packers are in a strong position to add another weapon to their offense.

Ultimately, the choice will come down to what type of receiver the Packers envision complementing their current roster. Whether it’s a big-play threat or an explosive, compact player, one thing is certain: Green Bay has a wealth of options in the second round to solidify the future of their wide receiver corps.