Packers w/ “Heavy Interest” in Deep Threat WR Samori Toure

We know the Green Bay Packers have to address the wide receiver position, but one specific need is finding a vertical threat to replace Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s presence.

In addition to the downfield opportunities this element adds, the entire passing game also benefits when the defense is concerned about the shot play by creating better spacing and that vertical threat drawing the attention of the safeties.

So with that being a major need for this Packers offense, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they have “heavy interest” in Nebraska’s Samori Toure and his skill-set.

According to Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson, the Packers are among a handful of teams, including Kansas City, Cincinnati, San Francisco, and Indianapolis, who are intrigued by Toure’s downfield abilities.

Toure measured in at 6’3” – 191 pounds and posted a RAS of 6.11 following his pro-day, which included a 4.48-second 40-yard dash and a 6.77-second 3-cone. However, his RAS score was brought down because of his height, weight, vertical jump, and 10-yard split. Using RAS as a bench mark, it’s worth pointing out that a majority of Brian Gutekunst’s selections have scored 8.0 or better.

Toure began his career at Montana, having a breakout year in 2019 when he was targeted 113 times, according to PFF ($$), while catching 69% of those passes at 17.5 yards per catch with 12 touchdowns.

During his lone season with the Huskers, Toure again was a big play waiting to happen, with most of his production coming from the slot. He caught 61% of his 75 targets at an impressive 19.0 yards per catch with a touchdown.

Toure also posted the 10th most deep ball receiving yards — or yards accumulated on passes that travel at least 20 yards — in all of college football last season as well. It’s also worth noting that he had two punt return attempts at Nebraska, averaging 4.5 yards per return, and he has kick return experience from his time at Montana.

Below is a snippet of how Brentley Wiseman of The Draft Network summed up Toure’s game:

"“Overall, Toure is a technically advanced receiver who has good size, ball skills, and enough vertical speed, but his lack of twitch and physicality hinders his ability to consistently win against NFL defenders.”"

Whether the Packers take a Day 3 flier on Toure, select Tyquan Thornton, who Green Bay recently had in for a visit, or draft another prospect, Matt LaFleur needs that speed and vertical element in this offense, and the draft will present with the opportunity to find someone for this important role.