Since the Green Bay Packers traded Davante Adams to the Raiders after the 2021 season, the team has not had an undisputed number one receiver. Instead, head coach Matt LaFleur preferred to spread the ball around to different receivers. Starting in 2023 when Jordan Love took over as the starter, the receiving corps has been young and inexperienced. Still, is a receiver by committee approach the best way to maximize the Packers offense?

Right now, it is clear that LaFleur believes it is. When he was asked earlier this week about the strong performance of rookie first round pick Matthew Golden against the Bengals, LaFleur insisted the team will not try to force the ball to Golden despite his recent improvement.

“I know everybody wants us to force-feed guys the ball, but that’s really not how we’ve done it around here and I don’t plan on changing that,” LaFleur told reporters. “That’s the beauty of having a lot of guys that we have a lot of confidence in. We have confidence that we can put anybody in the situation and try to have plays off of plays. A lot of it is dictated off the coverages, however teams are playing us, and the quarterback’s role is to make sure the ball’s going in the right place based on what the defense presents. And whoever gets those catches, they get them.”

Right now, the Packers have a group of talented pass catchers, but none of them stand out as elite at this stage of their careers. Each player in the receiving corps has different skill sets and at any given time, they are capable of having a big game depending on the matchups and defensive systems being utilized by the opposition.

Romeo Doubs gives the team a reliable short and intermediate range target. He has developed excellent chemistry with Love who tends to look for Doubs in the red zone and on key third downs. Doubs may be the team’s most consistent receiver.

Jayden Reed has led the team in catches in each of his first two NFL seasons. He plays mostly out of the slot. When healthy, he can also provide big plays for the offense. The coaching staff has utilized him on jets sweeps and end arounds and had him line up in the backfield at times. He is presently on the injured reserve right now with multiple injuries but is expected to return later this season.

Christian Watson provides the team with a unique combination of size and speed. He can stretch the field and catch long passes. Last season, he averaged more than 20 yards per catch. Watson’s presence can open up opportunities for his teammates because defenses must respect his speed. When safeties follow Watson, it clears out open areas on the field. Watson remains on the PUP list but is expected back shortly. He has been the team’s best receiver against man coverage.

Golden also has great speed and strong hands. He has the potential to beat man coverage and to get deep. However, he is still learning the offense and adjusting to playing in the NFL. Golden enjoyed his best game so far against the Bengals.

Dontayvion Wicks has cut down on his drops significantly this year after struggling with them in 2024. He can also catch deep passes but is further down the depth chart this year with the additions of Golden and third round pick Savion Williams.

Tight end Tucker Kraft continues to prove he is one of the league’s better players at the position. His specialty is running after the catch, and he can turn a short pass into a sizeable gain.

LaFleur has run offenses built primarily around one receiver. In 2021, Adams’ last year with the team, Adams had 169 targets. The next highest player was running back Aaron Jones with 65. That offense finished in the top 10 in the league in passing yards and points scored.

But now, the team lacks a receiver who is elite like Adams was back then. Therefore, it makes sense for LaFleur and Love to spread the ball around and take advantage of matchups and the hot hand in each game.

If Golden or Watson or any of the other players becomes elite, LaFleur will likely adjust and give that player a disproportionate number of targets. Until then, receiver by committee will be the way to go.