Green Bay Packers Draft Prospects to Know: WR Jalen Tolbert

We know that the Green Bay Packers need receivers, but one of the specific needs that they have at the position is finding that home run ability to help replace Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s role in this offense.

Whether it be on short, intermediate, or downfield throws, this Packers offense needs that big play element at the receiver position. Having a true downfield threat, specifically, will not only lead to big plays, but it will open up the passing game by creating better spacing, which will benefit other pass-catchers with the safeties concerned about getting beat over the top.

One player who could provide that presence for the Green Bay Packers is South Alabama’s, Jalen Tolbert.

Tolbert measured in at 6’1″ and weighed 194 pounds. He posted a RAS of 8.62 out of 10, including a 4.49-second 40-yard dash. While that time may not leap off the page, his 10-yard split was 1.49-seconds, showcasing his ability to get on top of the defender quickly, which helped him win downfield as often as he did.

Tolbert has been one of the more productive downfield targets in college football the past two seasons. In 2020, he led the NCAA in deep ball receiving yards — or passes that travel at least 20 yards — with 500. For his career, Tolbert has averaged 17.6 yards per catch, according to PFF ($$).

This past season, he ranked 4th in that same category with 646 downfield yards along with ranking 16th in average depth of target (ADOT) at 14.2 yards. While that figure certainly illustrates Tolbert’s role in the South Alabama offense, that ADOT is actually down a bit from his 2020 and 2019 totals of 17.1 yards and 17.9, respectively.

Although the big play may be Tolbet’s bread and butter, as The Draft Network notes in their scouting report, “he also is a threat on short to intermediate routes to score from wherever on the field.” Tolbert would go on to finish the 2021 season averaging 7.1 YAC, which ranked 14th, and his 581 total YAC ranked seventh in the country.

Tolbert’s season totals over the last two years include 234 targets, a completion rate of 63%, 17.5 yards per catch, and 16 touchdowns, per PFF. NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah would also call Tolbert one of the “biggest winners” at the Senior Bowl, where he caught two passes for 24 yards in the All-Star game, but really impressed in practice against some high-level competition.

Now for more on his game and what he can offer the Green Bay Packers, here is a closer look at what The Draft Network had to say:

"“Tolbert has the speed to be a vertical threat and also has the strength and size to become a good run-after-catch receiver. Tolbert has a high upside as a player. If he continues to work on the small intricate details of being a receiver, like becoming a detailed route-runner, Tolbert can develop into a No. 1 receiving option in an NFL offense.”"

For an added perspective, Lance Zierlien of NFL.com wrote this about Tolbert in his pre-draft report:

"“Silky smooth athlete who has morphed into a monster over the last two seasons. Tolbert is a high-character prospect with skill elements that are dripping with NFL potential. He gave work to everyone he faced, including SEC cover corners at Tennessee. His three-sport background offers unique perspective to pull from at his position, and his route-running gives him a leg up in camp battles early on. His traits, talent and production should push him up the board, and dialing up the competitive spirit could turn him into a top-flight WR2.”"

Tolbert isn’t mentioned among the top receivers in this year’s class, but he will provide the Green Bay Packers with a much-needed element that this offense is currently missing. Tolbert will likely be selected on Day 2 of the draft, where the Packers currently have three picks.