A lot of attention has been given to the Green Bay Packers’ skill positions this offseason, with the main topic being their youthfulness. Not only is Jordan Love, who has started only one game in his career, taking over the offense as the starting quarterback, he is surrounded by players with just as little experience as a professional.
Wide receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs have received all of the publicity as they are in line for huge roles heading into Year 2. After sharing duties with veterans Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb last season, they are now the go-to guys in the passing offense.
But, there is another second-year receiver that is garnering some attention inside the building as well; Samori Toure. Toure was a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Nebraska and saw very few opportunities as a rookie.
He appeared in 11 games, catching five passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. Heading into Year 2, Toure looks ready to break out as his coaches have commented on how much better in shape he is this offseason.
“If you guys would see Samori right now, you wouldn’t even recognize the guy from last year, his growth,” said receivers coach/passing game coordinator Jason Vrable at the start of organized team activities in May. “He’s probably, of everybody, the one that everybody around the building is like, ‘(Number) 83 looks unbelievable right now.'”
With so many targets available on offense, Toure has a chance to carve out a role right from the start. He will likely be competing with rookie Jayden Reed for No. 3 duties behind Watson and Doubs and with a year of experience in the system, likely has a leg up.
This offseason he spent time focusing on his body, preparing for the 17-game season. While he didn’t have a specific goal in mind for how much weight or strength he wanted to add, he is happy with how things turned out.
“I didn’t do a lot of stuff different, but I just feel like I was more intentional in the weight room,” Toure said. “I’ve got a pretty wiry body, so honestly, I put on eight pounds, and I really don’t even notice but I can definitely feel a difference. I feel more explosive. I feel stronger.”
Toure has a shot to lock down the slot role that was vacated with Cobb heading to the New York Jets. That is an important role in the Packers’ offense and Toure believes that he is ready to make that jump after progressing similarly in college.
“I feel like I’ve made a big jump,” Toure said. “That’s something that’s been consistent with me, even throughout college. I’ve been able to make a lot of progress throughout each year. It’s just a matter of being comfortable with the system, the playbook, the speed of play and all that.”
With no veterans added to the mix this offseason, a role in the Packers’ offense is up for grabs. Toure has done everything he can to put himself in the mix for one of those spots with the relentless work that he put in this offseason.
