Packers News: 2,200 Yard WR Reportedly “Falling Into Green Bay’s Lap”
The Green Bay Packers signed Mecole Hardman to a one-year contract earlier this week, further highlighting their need at the position. One year ago, the wide receiver corps were thought to be one of the strongest groups on the entire team. By season’s end, however, drops and injuries highlighted the position more than anything else.
As it turns out, there may be a big name falling right into their laps that could dramatically improve the whole group.
Oct 13, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) during warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
With Vic Fangio’s defense blanketing Green Bay’s receivers, Jordan Love had nowhere to go in a three-interception loss against the Philadelphia Eagles.
This season, Watson is expected to miss significant time and could leave in free agency next spring. In the coming weeks, the Packers should begin thinking about how they might replace him, and the ideal target might fall into their lap as the draft approaches:
Luther Burden III could solve many of the Packers’ offensive problems without Watson. He offers a bit of everything. The Missouri wide receiver has the necessary speed and home-run ability to punish defenses, but he can also generate explosive plays after the catch.
The good news? He could fall to the Packers at No. 23 despite having the talent to go earlier. ESPN’s Matt Miller ranks him 13th in this year’s rookie class but believes he could go lower on draft day.
“His three seasons of production and 4.41 speed at the combine are enough for me to believe he’s a top-15 player in this class — though he might be drafted lower due to concerns NFL teams have about his statistical drop-off,” writes Miller.
Nov 30, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) catches a pass for a two point conversion against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Here is a look at Burden’s college stats:
Receiving
Rushing
Scrimmage
Season
Team
Conf
Class
Pos
G
Rec
Yds
Y/R
TD
Y/G
Att
Yds
Y/A
TD
Y/G
Plays
Yds
Avg
TD
Awards
2022*
Missouri
SEC
FR
WR
13
45
375
8.3
6
28.8
18
88
4.9
2
6.8
63
463
7.3
8
2023*
Missouri
SEC
SO
WR
13
86
1212
14.1
9
93.2
7
31
4.4
0
2.4
93
1243
13.4
9
2024*
Missouri
SEC
SR
WR
12
61
676
11.1
6
56.3
9
115
12.8
2
9.6
70
791
11.3
8
Career
38
192
2263
11.8
21
59.6
34
234
6.9
4
6.2
226
2497
11.0
25
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) drops back to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
