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The Green Bay Packers want second-year receiver Samori Toure to continue building consistency to his game, but there is confidence in his development so far, especially in terms of his overall ability to separate in the passing game, entering the 2023 season.
Coach Matt LaFleur said Toure has “had his moments” during the offseason workout program. The next step, like with all young players, is doing the good things consistently.
“We’ve got to continute to build on those and become more and more consistent along the way, but he’s a guy we definitely have high hopes for,” LaFleur said last week. “He has the things, the tools necessary, that you look for in terms of being able to separate. He has them in his body, he possesses those. It’s just continuing to get more and more reps.”
In the most simple description of the job, receivers in the NFL must separate and catch the football. LaFleur and the Packers sound confident in Toure’s ability to run routes and shake loose from coverage, checking one important box.
Mastering the little details of the position is what creates the ever-elusive consistency. And mastery typically arrives through experience, so on-field reps during the summer will be vital as Toure continues to develop.
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A seventh-round pick out of Nebraska last year, Toure caught five passes for 82 yards and a score over 11 regular-season games as a rookie. He was on the field for 112 offensive snaps. During the preseason, Toure caught nine of 13 targets for 125 yards, averaging 13.9 yards per catch and 9.6 yards per target.
The 25-year-old is now entering Year 2 with an incredible opportunity to carve out a legitimate role as a complementary receiver to Chrsitian Watson and Romeo Doubs in 2023.
According to receivers coach Jason Vrable, Toure put on 8-10 pounds during the offseason and is playing fast and confidently to start Year 2. Physical and mental development are always important keys to taking a meaningful step as a young player. Truly breaking out as a player is when talent develops congruently with a growing opportunity.
The question becomes: Is Toure bound to become another over-hyped young player who disappears when it matters, or is he entering his second season on the verge of an actual breakout? Opportunity in the Packers receiver room isn’t a hurdle. If Toure can grow and find consistency as a second-year player, he’ll be in a perfect position to contribute for LaFleur and Jordan Love in 2023.