Competition at wide receiver is among the top storylines to follow at Green Bay Packers training camp.
The Packers already have a deep receiving room, even if none of their top pass-catchers showed the consistency to become a breakout star last season. Green Bay invested premium draft capital to add even more talent, with first-round pick Matthew Golden and third-round choice Savion Williams joining free-agent acquisition Mecole Hardman.
General manager Brian Gutekunst admitted he hadn't planned to take two receivers with their top three selections, but that's how the board panned out.
It leaves them with a fascinating but challenging situation. Understandably, fans have questioned whether the crowded picture could lead to a trade (Romeo Doubs to the Pittsburgh Steelers?)
If we assume they keep their current group, there are five roster locks: Doubs, Jayden Reed, Golden, Williams, and Dontayvion Wicks. The Packers could leave it there, but they have kept six receivers on the initial 53-man roster three times in the past five years. If they aim for that number again, the final spot will likely go to one of three players.
Three players will battle for potentially one final spot at wide receiver during Packers training camp
Hardman offers experience and special teams potential, but can he carve out enough snaps on offense to secure a roster spot? The former Super Bowl champion only played 10 percent of the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive snaps last season, but he is a former Pro Bowl returner. That counts.
If Matt LaFleur can find a creative role for him, as he did for Tyler Ervin, there's a clear path for the 27-year-old to clinch a roster spot. He had an outstanding offseason program by making several big-time plays on offense, but the veteran is still far from guaranteed to make the roster.
Then there is Bo Melton, who might be the most interesting player to watch this summer.
We've seen Melton make plays on offense before, but the Packers are cross-training him at cornerback and even had him line up in the backfield during minicamp. The more you can do. Melton might become impossible to cut if he shows an ability to play a variety of roles.
Malik Heath faces a daunting task. The veteran has provided steady play at receiver in recent years, catching 25 passes for 222 yards and three touchdowns over two seasons. He rarely makes mistakes when called upon.
But with Hardman's arrival and Melton taking an increased role, Heath is already behind the eight-ball.
The Packers added further competition to the roster with Sam Brown Jr., who outperformed Matthew Golden while they were college teammates, but the final roster spot will likely come down to Hardman, Melton, and Heath.
And it should be a fascinating battle.
