The future direction of the Green Bay Packers at the wide receiver position is intriguing, particularly concerning Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson. The team has diligently scouted the top wideouts in this year’s draft class, indicating a potential interest in bolstering the position.
This move isn’t just about providing immediate support for Jordan Love; general manager Brian Gutekunst must also weigh the long-term implications. With only one season left on Doubs’ and Watson’s rookie contracts, and Watson’s ACL injury complicating matters by likely sidelining him for significant portions of the 2025 season, the situation is complex. Additionally, the Packers have already navigated a challenging scenario with Doubs, having suspended him for a game due to “conduct detrimental to the team.”
It’s improbable that Green Bay will retain both Doubs and Watson beyond 2025, and they might even replace them sooner. Recent actions by the Packers suggest they are gearing up for life after Doubs’ rookie contract concludes. Before the 2025 NFL Draft, the Packers met with Colorado State’s Tory Horton, a less-heralded wide receiver prospect but one with strong ties to the team. Horton, known for his athletic prowess and production, has been linked to the Packers by those in the know.
The Packers demonstrated their interest by inviting Horton for a pre-draft visit. Among the top athletes in this year’s cohort, Horton boasts an impressive 9.83 Relative Athletic Score. The Packers also prioritize collegiate performance at the receiver position, and Horton delivers with 167 receptions, 2,267 yards, and 16 touchdowns between 2022 and 2023, despite playing only six games last season. Comparisons have been drawn between Horton and Doubs, whom he could ultimately replace in Green Bay’s offensive scheme.
Coincidentally, they were teammates for two seasons at Nevada. Horton has the potential to fill Doubs’ role in Matt LaFleur’s system, providing reliable possession receiving for Love. Like Doubs, Horton excels at making challenging catches look effortless, even when the pass is off-target. He also embraces blocking, which will quickly earn him LaFleur’s confidence.
Horton isn’t the only receiver on the Packers’ radar; they’ve also met with several potential early-round picks, including Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka, Texas’ Matthew Golden, and Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan. Horton is a perfect target for Day 2. Gutekunst often drafts with an eye on future needs. He picked Jordan Morgan even though the Packers didn’t need an immediate starting tackle; Morgan could replace Rasheed Walker in 2026.
Gutekunst chose Rashan Gary before he was needed as a starter, and former first-round pick Lukas Van Ness has yet to start a game. Of course, Love was the most notable long-term gamble Gutekunst took. Drafting Horton would be another such move. While he could provide immediate contributions and bolster Love’s support, his most significant impact would likely come in 2026 and beyond, when the Packers may need to replace Doubs, Watson, or possibly both.
