What to Know: Packers host NIU WR Cole Tucker on pre-draft visit

Northern Illinois wide receiver Cole Tucker was on a pre-draft visit with the Green Bay Packers on Friday, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC Houston. The Packers are able to have 30 of these such visits prior to the 2023 NFL Draft.

Tucker stands 6’1″ and weighs 193 pounds–right around the typical bigger-bodied frame that the Packers often covet at receiver. However, Tucker did not test all that well, posting a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 4.39, which is considered below average. For reference, 30 of Brian Gutekunst’s previous draft picks to register a RAS scored 8.0 or higher.

Tucker spent six seasons at Northern Illinois. Over his career, he caught 143 passes on 238 targets (60%) at 13.0 yards per catch with nine touchdowns. The 2022 season was by far his most productive, where he was targeted 77 times, catching 45 of those passes while averaging 14.0 yards per reception with four touchdowns–all career highs.

He was an efficient pass catcher, averaging 2.16 yards per route run and reliable, being credited with only two drops. Tucker was moved around the offensive formation frequently, spending 42% of his snaps in the slot and 58% out wide. Also important, Tucker has graded out fairly well over his career as a run-blocker by PFF’s metrics and has over 300 special teams snaps.

For a brief look at Tucker’s game, NFL Draft Diamonds had this to say in a pre-draft report:

"“Good, reliable target that can give the QB options underneath. Stretches the field. Average breakaway speed after the catch, sufficient ability to use vision and improvise. Plays to the quarterback. Does a good job pushing the sideline and finding open green. Has a clear second gear in the game, can get slowed down. Plus run blocker, though should be more aware of angles. Not a very sharp route runner, can decelerate out of breaks. Slow to release against press coverage. Very much a sideline-to-sideline, east-west route runner.”"

From a skill-set standpoint, Tucker is a good fit for the Matt LaFleur offense. When it comes to the receiver position, the Packers are in need of both depth and consistent playmaking at the position.

This is a position group that is very young and currently has only five receivers on the roster, and only two of those players, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, have more than 120 career snaps. Hopefully, as Watson and Doubs continue to develop, they provide more of that consistent playmaking, but Green Bay is also going to have to invest in the receiver position early on in the draft once again and likely come away with more than just one player.

If Tucker does join the Green Bay Packers, it is most likely going to be as an undrafted signee following the draft.