Packers Coach Praises Offseason Work of Wide Receivers

The Green Bay Packers have a talented group of pass catchers that are only scratching the surface of their potential. Potentially the youngest team in the NFL for a second straight season, Green Bay’s wide receiver depth chart is full of first, second and third-year players.

It will be fun watching them compete for playing time throughout the offseason. The entire group has shown they are capable of making an impact on the field, bringing different strengths to the mix.

Two of the players people are excited to see are Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks. Second and fifth-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, both players provided plenty of highlights during their rookie seasons.

Reed led the team in receptions and yards and was tied for first in touchdowns. His 64 receptions were a franchise high for a rookie and he was the first rookie to lead the team in both categories since 1988 when Sterling Sharpe did it. The 10 total touchdowns she scored were the third most for a rookie in Packers history.

Wicks ended up playing in 15 games, starting six of them, as he took full advantage of Christian Watson’s inability to remain healthy. He was the most efficient wide receiver on the team, averaging a healthy 14.9 yards per reception.

This offseason, both players put in a ton of work. They spent it living together in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. From early February through the first Packers team workouts, Reed and Wicks were down south.

“We were going to the same spot,” Wicks said. “So working out in the same spot would’ve been the best thing to do.”

It was something Jason Vrable, the former wide receivers coach turned passing game coordinator, loved to hear about. He also praised the work Reed has done heading into Year 2 of being a pro.

“I think the first offseason, sometimes when you see growth is because they really get to hone-in on their football skills,” said Vrable. “There’s no [college] class. There’s not [pre-draft] visits. It is football 24/7, and he’s in great shape right now, and I’m just excited to see where this offseason and season goes for him.”

There is a lot of excitement in Green Bay about the direction of this offense. With a year of experience under their belts, things should open up even more in 2024 as Matt LaFleur can begin installing more. The Packers, on their current trajectory, have a chance to be one of the best offenses in the NFL.

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