Since Brian Gutekunst became general manager in 2018, the Green Bay Packers have drafted or signed 47 players who participated in the Senior Bowl.
Last year, Gutekunst emphasized that while the Packers don’t specifically target Senior Bowl players, the event plays a crucial role in their evaluation process. He praised Jim Nagy and his staff for providing excellent access, allowing Green Bay to scout top talent and interact with players in a competitive environment.
No team selected more players from the Senior Bowl in the 2024 draft than Green Bay, who took eight. Ty’Ron Hopper was invited but couldn’t attend due to injury. The Packers also signed a 10th Senior Bowl player, long snapper Peter Bowden, as an undrafted free agent.
Green Bay’s passing-game coordinator, Jason Vrable, will serve as offensive coordinator for the National Team in the 2025 Senior Bowl. He will coach under Mike Kafka of the New York Giants.
🚨NATIONAL TEAM🚨https://t.co/QM74fxdYON
@Giants #Giants100 @Packers #GoPackGo @Browns #DawgPound@Titans #TitanUp #BestOfTheBest#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/l7ReBUQcAR— Reese’s Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 16, 2025
Having Vrable on the Senior Bowl staff will enhance Green Bay’s scouting profile for many prospects and give Gutekunst a closer look at the wide receivers.
According to his father, Christian Watson tore his ACL against the Chicago Bears and is expected to return around December. Green Bay must replace the speed and versatility he brings to the offense. Watson was their best man-coverage beater. Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks struggled to create any separation without him on the field.
Green Bay’s lack of receiver depth was evident in the Wild Card game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Reed and Doubs sustained injuries, leaving Jordan Love to finish the game with Wicks, Bo Melton, and Malik Heath as his receivers. Green Bay must prioritize adding competition and depth at the position.
Luckily for Green Bay, the Senior Bowl features several intriguing receivers who fit the profile the team typically targets in the draft.
Jack Bech (TCU)
Bech is a perfect fit for the Packers. He has great size, runs precise routes, and is a strong run-blocker. Bech’s ability to play outside and in the slot offers Matt LaFleur valuable flexibility within the scheme.
Jack Bech is the most unique WR near the top of the 2025 NFL Draft.
He’s a converted tight end playing X receiver and is a nuanced, physical route runner at 6’2 215lbs.
Boasts just a 1.6% drop rate with a gaudy 68.4% contested catch rate. Also the best run blocker in the class. pic.twitter.com/q5EBAizhle
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 12, 2025
Jalen Royals (Utah State)
Royals is another intriguing option. He excels in yards after the catch, could thrive as Jordan Love‘s go-to target in quick-designed passing plays, and offers versatility. Royals’ skillset resembles that of Jayden Reed. However, he dealt with injuries in 2024 and has produced primarily against inferior competition.
Utah State WR Jalen Royals (#1) may be the most underrated pass catcher in the 2025 NFL Draft. Does a little of everything… route running, YAC, and solid overall athleticism.
55 receptions for 834 yards and 6 touchdowns in only 7 games in 2024. pic.twitter.com/qZiHTET2va
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) January 16, 2025
Pat Bryant (Illinois)
Bryant would also be an excellent fit for the Packers. He generates yards after the catch on nearly every reception. While not the fastest receiver, he uses his technique to stack defenders effectively. Illinois often involved him in the run game, a trait LaFleur values highly in his wide receivers.
Elic Ayomanor (Stanford)
Ayomanor is my early draft crush for 2025. He has excellent body control, adjusts well to the football, and is very physical off the line of scrimmage. Ayomanor is a player I can see Gutekunst targeting on Day 2.
Green Bay will likely address the wide receiver position in free agency and the draft. However, if the free-agent market doesn’t align with Gutekunst’s philosophy, there are draft prospects who could make an immediate impact. Whoever represents the Packers at the Senior Bowl will surely enjoy their time with a notebook and pen, meticulously analyzing every detail of these prospects.