Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Nebraska wide receiver Trey Palmer.
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL draft.
The Green Bay Packers need more playmakers. Christian Watson has the makings of the team’s new No. 1 wide receiver. Romeo Doubs could develop into a solid No. 2 or No. 3 wide receiver. Samori Toure has a spot on the depth chart.
With that trio, the Packers have a solid foundation in place. Now, Brian Gutekunst needs to keep adding pieces to the mix.
Green Bay’s general manager will likely look to bring in a free agent to join the youngsters. Even if they bring in a veteran, Gutekunst will likely add a wide receiver or two in the upcoming draft.
A player that Gutekunst could target is Trey Palmer. The Nebraska wide receiver checks in at No. 44 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.
A former five-star recruit and LSU transfer, Palmer enjoyed a breakout campaign during his lone season at Nebraska. Palmer reeled in 71 receptions for 1,043 yards and nine touchdowns. Palmer’s 1,043 receiving yards set a program record for receiving yards in a season. Palmer set a program record for receiving yards in a game with a 237-yard performance against Purdue.
“Palmer was a great addition to the Huskers, giving Nebraska a legit go-to receiver and someone who provided a big play threat,” Brian Johannes, a reporter for Corn Nation said. “During the Purdue game, he took over and helped the Huskers nearly pull the upset. However, when Casey Thompson got hurt and they had to play their backups, Palmer disappeared as they couldn’t get him the ball.”
Palmer, a former track athlete, won a state title in the 100 and 200-meter dashes. He set a Louisiana state meet record in the 200 with a time of 21.11. That speed was on full display at the NFL Scouting Combine when Palmer clocked a 4.33 40-yard time, which was the fastest time among wide receivers. Palmer has a different gear. The Nebraska wide receiver is able to easily accelerate past defensive backs.
“If you watch his release off the line compared to the other Husker receivers it is noticeable,” Johannes said. “His ability to burst off the line and get an initial advantage really helps him. However, he also has that extra gear that allows him to get behind defenses and reel off huge chunk plays. Nebraska even had him do an end around against Purdue that he took to the house. Every team knew that they had to take away the vertical routes with Palmer but he was still able to produce.”
Palmer’s speed makes him a terror in space for opposing teams. If he makes the first defender miss he has the speed to make a house call. Once he gets the ball in his hands, he smashes down on the turbo button. According to Pro Football Focus, Palmer racked up 385 yards after the catch this past season.
“Palmer doesn’t have much wiggle and isn’t going to make many defenders miss,” Johannes said. “But his combination of burst and long speed allows him to hit creases and get yards after the catch.”
With his elite speed, Palmer is one of the better vertical threats in the 2023 NFL Draft. That being said, his route running will need sharpening. The LSU transfer also doesn’t have the stickiest of hands. Palmer finished this past season with 10 drops.
“Palmer has some work to do with his route running as he isn’t overly crips in and out of breaks,” Johannes said. “He tends to round off a lot of his routes. Palmer is at his best working vertically and can show the ability to use leverage and some quick cuts at full speed to get open down the field. Palmer can use that deep threat to open him up underneath but he still doesn’t do well to sink his hips.”
At LSU, Palmer returned a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown. He finished his collegiate career with 27 punt returns and 18 kick returns. He averaged 8.3 yards per punt return and 25.3 yards per kick return.
“Palmer had two return touchdowns at LSU, but wasn’t used as frequently at Nebraska for whatever reason,” Johannes said. “His lack of production could be due to Nebraska’s refusal to return the ball in the punt game and some of their special team blocking woes. Palmer has the traits and the ability to be a returner in the NFL. He can do both punts and kick returns and could end up being a weapon.”
Fit with the Packers
Get Jordan Love more weapons. The Packers have the pieces in place to have a good to even great offensive line. They have a proven one-two punch at running back.
Now, Gutekunst needs to surround Love with weapons at wide receiver and tight end. Palmer is a big-play threat with the speed to put a lot of stress on a defense.
“There has been some buzz that he could go on day two and he has the speed that teams covet,” Johannes said. “But him being a bit limited as a route runner and early day two may be a bit rich.”
Speed kills and the Packers have a need for speed. Palmer’s ability to win vertically could help open things up underneath for the rest of the offense.
Pairing Palmer’s speed with Watson and his world-class speed could create a lot of problems for opposing defenses. He may not be a polished prospect. However, you can’t teach the speed and Palmer has speed for days. Adding an electric playmaker like Palmer will only make life easier for Love.
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