The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL draft.
Christian Watson is likely going to miss a large portion of the 2025 season, as he recovers from a torn ACL.
The Green Bay Packers need to find a way to replace his big-play potential. A wide receiver that Brian Gutekunst could target during the 2025 NFL Draft to help alleviate the absence of Watson is Kyle Williams. The Washington State wide receiver checks in at No. 82 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A transfer from UNLV, Williams recorded 61 receptions for 843 yards and six touchdowns during his first season at Washington State.
This past season, Williams recorded career highs in receptions (70), receiving yards (1,198) and receiving touchdowns (14).
“He was their best playmaker, far and away,” Jamey Vinnick, the Washington State beat writer for CougFan.com, said. “He was probably the best Cougar receiver in nearly 10 years and if anything, he was under-utilized.”
Williams has the vertical speed to stretch the defense. He chews up grass quickly with his strides and finds a second gear when he gets downfield quickly. The former UNLV wide receiver tracks the ball downfield without having to throttle down. Williams averaged 17.1 yards per catch this past season and had three games where he caught a pass of 50-plus yards.
There are no wasted movements with Williams. He’s sharp in and out of his breaks to create separation. He does a good job of using subtle head bobs to set up defenders and varies his tempo to keep cornerbacks off balance.
“His separation is impressive,” Vinnick said. “He does an excellent job getting open and creating space, no matter who the defender is. He toasted Travis Hunter several times last year.”
Williams is shifty after the catch and if the Cougar wide receiver makes the first defender miss, he could be making a house call. He has the quickness to destroy pursuit angles. According to Pro Football Focus, Williams racked up 590 yards after the catch this past season and forced 20 missed tackles.
“He is incredible after the catch,” Vinnick said. “Watch his touchdowns against Syracuse and Oregon State. Once he gets going, good luck. He’s speedy as all heck and has tremendous elusiveness.”
Fit with the Packers
A year ago, the Green Bay wide receiver room was the talk of the town. Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks and Watson, all showed flashes this year but were far too inconsistent.
Now the question becomes which, if any of them earn second contracts with the Packers? That group needs to bounce back in a big way this season and they could have added competition to light a fire underneath them.
With his big-play ability, Williams could be an attractive target for the Packers early on Day 3 of the upcoming draft.
“I think there is still untapped potential,” Vinnick said. “He was explosive this year, and when Washington State consistently got him the ball, he was unstoppable. He’s the type of wideout that if you get him the ball, he can make things happen every time he touches the pigskin.”
