We round out the Green Bay Packers 2022 draft class by taking an in-depth look at wide receiver Samori Toure, who was taken in the seventh round at pick 258 overall.
In our deep dive series, I’ve been taking a closer look at each draft pick and soon-to-be each UDFA signing as well. I discuss the Packers’ need at the position of the draft pick; what their role could look like as a rookie, stats from their college days worth noting, and lastly, a pre-draft scouting report has to say.
If you’ve missed any of the other draft picks, you can find them here:
Green Bay Packers need at wide recevier prior to the draft
As I mentioned in the write-ups about Watson and Doubs, we all knew that the Green Bay Packers had a major need at receiver. But when it comes to a specific need at the position, one in particular, was that this offense was missing a vertical threat with Marquez Valdes-Scantling now in Kansas City.
Matt LaFleur even said as much at the NFL Owners’ Meetings in late March:
"“Certainly, if you look at our roster right now, we definitely need to get some speed in that room,” LaFleur said, per ESPN. “We need a legit guy that can take off the top of the coverage. We lost a guy that was pretty good at doing that.”"
In addition to having that home run ability — which is an important element in this Packers’ offense — that downfield presence will also open up the passing game and help create for other pass catchers with the attention that is drawn.
I’ve said this before, but look back at the Packers’ playoff loss to San Francisco; without Valdes-Scantling to worry about, the field was condensed as the 49ers didn’t seem too concerned about getting beat over the top. This, of course, made moving the ball through the air that much more difficult for Green Bay.
Big plays are certainly great, but they provide more than just a home run opportunity, and for the Green Bay Packers’ offense to be firing on all cylinders, they need this element.
Samori Toure’s potential role as a rookie
Toure is going to be fighting for a roster spot, and if the Green Bay Packers choose to keep six receivers as they often have in previous years, then the numbers are stacked against him.
Right now, Sammy Watkins, Christian Watson, Randall Cobb, Amari Rodgers, Romeo Doubs, and Allen Lazard likely account for six pretty much-guaranteed roster spots. So for Toure to make the cut, Green Bay will have to keep seven receivers–and this, of course, doesn’t include if an addition is made.
If Toure does make the 53-man, realistically, his role on offense will be small as there are only so many snaps to go around. But when on the field, he could provide that needed big-play ability.
With Montana in 2019, Toure averaged 17.5 yards per catch. Then after transferring to Nebraska for the 2021 season, he caught 46 passes and averaged an even more impressive 19.5 yards per catch, including 552 downfield receiving yards, which was 10th in the nation, per PFF ($$).
However, his biggest potential role could come on special teams, where he was a gunner for the Cornhuskers with his 4.48-second speed.
😏 @HuskerFBNation can score long TDs too
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 6, 2021
Samori Toure takes off for the 72-yard touchdown 😤 pic.twitter.com/hJRveTuDal
Stats to know about Samori Toure
As just mentioned, Toure was a big play waiting to happen with Nebraska. He finished this past season ranked 10th in total deep receiving yards, and his 19.5 yards per catch ranked 15th. Toure spent most of his career lined up on the boundary.
Toure totaled 1,368 yards on 78 receptions with 12 touchdowns during his final season at Montana in 2019 and recorded 896 yards with five touchdowns at Nebraska.
Toure measured in at just under 6’1″ and weighed 191 pounds. He ran a 4.48-second 40 and posted a RAS of 6.15 out of 10–although as Acme Packing Co. points out, his RAS jumps to 8.06 if you exclude Toure’s 10-yard split and bench press.
He did have two punt return attempts last season, totaling only nine yards, but his primary special teams role was as a gunner.
What the pre-draft report says about Toure
Tony Pauline – Pro Football Network
"“Positives: Underrated receiver who has shown next-level ability throughout his college career. Plays with great awareness, comes back to the ball, and follows the quarterback across the field to make himself an available target,” wrote Pauline. “Tracks the pass in the air, uses his frame to shield away defenders, and comes away with some very difficult receptions.Fires off the snap into pass routes, immediately gets to top speed, and stays low exiting breaks. Tracks deep passes, possesses outstanding eye/hand coordination, and nicely times receptions. Consistently extends to snatch the ball away from his frame. Keeps the play in bounds and works to pick up yardage after the catch.Negatives: Lacks a second gear and cannot run to deep throws. Possesses a thin frame.Analysis: Toure is one of the most underrated receivers in this year’s draft, in my opinion, and is flying under the scouting radar. He was productive for both Montana as well as Nebraska and had three outstanding days of Shrine Bowl practices. While he’s not a vertical receiver, Toure possesses the skills necessary to be a productive fourth or fifth wideout at the next level.”"