Packers Meet Virtually w/ UNI’s Deep Threat Isaiah Weston

Matt LaFleur has mentioned the need for the Green Bay Packers offense to add some speed, especially with Marquez Valdes-Scantling now in Kansas City. Meanwhile, I’ve discussed on a few occasions the importance of having a vertical threat for this passing attack–again, another element that is missing with MVS no longer in Green Bay.

In addition to the big-play ability that is provided by a downfield threat, and Aaron Rodgers wanting to take a few shot plays each game, that presence also creates better spacing and has the ability to open up the passing game for others with the attention that this player draws.

The Green Bay Packers need to find speed and a downfield threat in this year’s draft.

The Packers have already hosted both Tyquan Thornton and Christian Watson for top-30 visits, and both players could provide these much-needed elements. But another name to keep your eyes on is UNI’s Isaiah Weston, who met virtually with Green Bay, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network.

Weston fits that big-bodied receiver mold that we know the Packers covet, measuring in at the combine at just under 6’4″ and weighing 214 pounds. He also tested incredibly well, posting a RAS of 9.62 with a 4.42-second 40-yard dash and elite measurements in the vertical and broad jumps–although he did struggle in the shuttle and 3-cone drills.

During Weston’s time at UNI, he was a big play just waiting to happen. In his final three years, he was targeted 150 times, catching 51% of those passes at 22.0 yards per catch with 12 touchdowns.

While his catch rate is low, that comes with the territory of being a primary deep threat. Over his career, Weston was targeted on average 18.3 yards downfield–including 21.4 yards on average this past season, which at the FBS level, would have ranked second in the country, according to PFF ($$).

The 2021 season was his most productive as he totaled 873 yards on only 35 receptions, which averages out to an incredible 24.9 yards per catch. Weston also hauled in five touchdown passes as well, and spent most of his career on the boundary; however, he does have some slot experience.

Now for more on Weston’s game, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had this to say:

"“One-speed route runner with the height, weight and speed to beat up on FCS opponents down the field. His primary function was to stretch and challenge defenses vertically, but he appears to have the physical tools to become a more nuanced route runner with more coaching. Weston will find that getting a clean release and outracing an NFL cornerback will be a much greater challenge. The downfield ball skills can be spectacular at times and his productivity would have skyrocketed with a more accurate quarterback.”"

Initially, Weston is likely just going to be a vertical threat for whichever team selects him, although, as Zierlein mentions, with his athleticism and the right coaching, there is upside that could be unlocked, allowing him to expand his game. It’s also worth mentioning that Weston does not have any special teams experience during his time at UNI, but that will have to change at the NFL level.

Weston is an older prospect at 24 years of age, and while we know in the first round of the draft the Green Bay Packers just don’t draft players above 22, exceptions are more likely to be made on Day 3 of the draft when Weston is going to be selected.