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.
Brian Gutekunst has drafted 10 wide receivers since taking over as general manager of the Green Bay Packers in 2018. Out of those 10 wide receivers, seven of them competed at the Senior Bowl and out of those seven, five of them were drafted on Day 3.
A wide receiver who was down in Mobile this year and could be a Day 3 target for the Packers during the 2025 NFL Draft is Chimere Dike. The Florida Gators wide receiver and Wisconsin Badger transfer checks in at No. 77 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
During his lone season at the Swamp, Dike reeled in 42 receptions for 783 yards and a pair of touchdowns. In his four seasons as a Badger, Dike hauled in 97 receptions for 1,478 yards and nine touchdowns.
“Dike was an important target for DJ Lagway and Graham Mertz,” Adam Dubbin, the managing editor of Gators Wire, said. “Additionally, his speed and versatility came in handy in many facets of the game. It’s worth noting that he was the primary punt returner for the Gators, leading the SEC in return yardage with an average of 16.5 per return. Every team can use a jack-of-all-trades like Dike.”
Dike is a three-level threat and a well-rounded wide receiver. The Florida wide receiver has some suddenness in his release to quickly gain separation at the line of scrimmage and gets downfield quickly with his strong strides. He shows sharp footwork at the top of his routes. He understands route leverage and has good body flexibility. The former Badger wide receiver has strong hands and plucks the ball away from his frame.
“His speed is his greatest strength,” Dubbin said. “Not just sprinting speed, but lateral speed and the ability to quickly adjust his momentum on the fly. His body control allows him to be right where he needs to be when the pass arrives, plus he has the athleticism to accommodate throws that might not be quite on the mark.”
Despite not being the biggest wide receiver, Dike is willing to get physical as a blocker and appears to enjoy the physical side of the game. The Gators would often send him in motion and have him crash down, much like the Los Angeles Rams utilized Cooper Kupp.
“Despite his diminutive size, he is willing to throw his body at defenders and was utilized in this role regularly lining up in the slot,” Dubbin said. “I would have concerns about his frame handling NFL-level physicality, but the willingness and motivation are there.”
Dike brings special teams value with his experience as a punt and kick returner. He finished his collegiate career with 26 punt returns and 20 kick returns.
Fit with the Packers
It’s Super Bowl week and the talk surrounding the Packers is they need a No. 1 wide receiver. If Josh Jacobs gets his wish, the Packers will land a big fish in free agency or via trade.
As we wait to see what Gutekunst does this offseason, there is still talent inside Green Bay’s wide receiver room.
There were times early on this past season when Jayden Reed looked like he had established himself as the leader of the wide receiver classroom. Then he got hit with the drop bug, the same bug that impacted Dontavyion Wicks for much of the season.
There is no denying Christian Watson’s big-play ability and the value he brings to the offense. After suffering a torn ACL in Week 18, the former North Dakota State University star likely won’t be back until the middle of the upcoming season.
Despite his gobs of potential, the Packers will have to take into account the durability concerns when it comes to giving Watson a second contract.
Romeo Doubs was just okay and one has to wonder if he has done enough to get a second contract with the Packers.
With his toughness, speed and special teams value, Dike could be a late Day 3 target for the Packers to add to the mix.
With Keisean Nixon wanting to retire from returning kicks, Dike could be a potential replacement for him and he’d provide quality depth at wide receiver.
“Dike is one of those guys you just love having on your roster,” Dubbin said. “His versatility, football IQ and heart are the trifecta of a true team player, and he is the kind of athlete who will find a role somehow.”
Dike is not the most dynamic wide receiver in this class. He’s not the most dangerous with the ball in his hands. He’s not the best route runner. He may not be great at one single thing, he just does everything well. He’s a well-rounded player, who could provide an immediate impact as a return specialist and is willing to do the dirty work on the edges. He’s the ideal bottom-of-the-depth-chart wide receiver.
