The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select 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 were Day 3 picks.
Tory Horton Jr is a Day 3 wide receiver that Gutekunst could target in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Colorado State pass-catcher checks in at No. 58 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
Horton spent the first two seasons of his collegiate career at Nevada, where he played with current Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs. Horton transferred to Colorado State in 2022 and finished the season with 71 receptions for 1,131 yards, which led the Mountain West and eight touchdowns. In 2023, the former three-star recruit recorded 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns.
Horton had his 2024 season cut short due to a season-ending knee injury. In six games he recorded 26 receptions for 353 yards and one touchdown.
Christian Watson is likely going to miss a large portion of the 2025 season, as he recovers from a torn ACL. The Packers need to find a way to replace his big-play ability and vertical presence.
With his size and ability to win downfield, Horton could be an ideal target as the Packers look for a potential replacement.
Horton is nowhere near as explosive as Watson. Horton is more likely going to run in the low 4.5s in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Horton eats up cushion with his long strides and he has the long speed to keep defensive backs honest. He seems to find a secondary burst when he gets downfield to create separation on vertical routes. The Colorado State wide receiver tracks the ball well. With his frame, he has a wide catch radius and has outstanding body control.
“Horton consistently generates vertical separation and is also good with stutter steps, and freezes to create space,” Kevin Lytle, a reporter for The Coloradoan, said. “Horton has high-level athleticism and explosive speed, giving him a good combination of catch radius and downfield danger for defenders.”
Horton will need to add branches to his route tree. That’s not to say he isn’t a smooth mover. He’s very fluid and has sharp footwork. He has some suddenness to him and has worked hard to develop into a three-level threat. He has strong hands and has no issue making contested catches.
“A good route-runner who will need refining,” Lytle said. “The good news is he spent a lot of time in college both inside and outside receiver spots, so he has experience working multiple styles. Sometimes he won on athleticism rather than perfect route-running but it’s overall solid.”
Horton is physical after the catch. It can take a gang to get him down sometimes. He fights through arm tackles and uses his long strides to quickly rack up yards after the catch. He has good vision and lateral agility to make the first defender whiff. During his first two seasons with the Rams Horton had 990 yards after the catch.
“He’s surprisingly elusive after the catch,” Lytle said. “Horton is one of those guys who doesn’t necessarily *look* like he’s pulling away but smooth, long strides allow him to find a corner and get downfield fast. He’s not overly physical but will battle a tackler if needed.”
Horton was a standout punt returner during his time with the Rams. During his three seasons with the Rams, Horton averaged 16.3 yards per return and three touchdowns.
No block. No rock. That is likely a saying that’s plastered above the wide receiver room at 1265 Lombardi Avenue. Matt LaFleur loves wide receivers that get after it as blockers. With his frame, Horton is an above-average blocker out on the perimeter.
“He has the tools and has had big success in it with some notable plays in college where he’s blocking 20-plus yards downfield to create a big play for a teammate,” Lytle said. “A little bit inconsistent in doing so every play is probably the biggest thing to improve.”
Fit with the Packers
A year ago at this time, the Packers had a promising wide receiver room. Fast forward a year and the shine has worn off a little.
Dontayvion Wicks struggled with drops, something thats plagued him going back to his days at Virginia. It doesn’t matter how much separation he creates if he doesn’t start consistently finishing the process.
Jayden Reed started off his sophomore season with a bang, before cooling off and getting the case of butterfingers.
Doubs suffered two concussions this past season and also had an isolated incident earlier in the season that caused the Packers to suspend the former Day 3 selection.
Gutekunst needs to make it a priority to add talent to the room. With his size and ability to win downfield, Horton could be an ideal target in the fourth round.
“The physical tools are there to see,” Lytle said. “Horton also has many of the off-field intangibles. He comes from a great family with a long line of athletic success and is well-liked in and around the community. I’ll be surprised if Horton isn’t a strong NFL contributor. He and Romeo Doubs are close, too, and Horton jokes that he taught Doubs everything he knows.”
