The Green Bay Packers are set to welcome two rookie wide receivers from the 2025 NFL Draft, but a third prospect won’t be joining the team after failing his physical.
Green Bay addressed their receiving corps early in the draft, selecting Texas standout Matthew Golden in the first round (No. 23 overall) and adding Savion Williams from TCU in the third round (No. 86 overall). Shortly after the draft, the Packers also agreed to terms with former Penn State and Ohio State wideout Julian Fleming as an undrafted free agent—a move even announced by Penn State’s official social media account.
However, Fleming’s name was notably absent when the Packers officially revealed their UDFA signings. According to The News-Item’s Marc Malkoskie, the team backed out of the agreement after Fleming failed his physical due to concerns over recent hip and back injuries, including a re-torn hip and a bulging disk.
Could Fleming Still Land with the Packers Later?
Fleming, a two-time Gatorade Pennsylvania Player of the Year, faced setbacks throughout his college career. Injuries and a crowded depth chart at Ohio State—where he played alongside future NFL stars like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba—limited his early opportunities.
He finally broke out in 2022, posting career highs in receptions (34), yards (533), and touchdowns (6). However, his production dipped in 2023, leading him to transfer to Penn State for more playing time and a chance to boost his draft stock. Despite appearing in 16 games for the Nittany Lions, including a College Football Playoff semifinal run, Fleming managed just 14 catches for 176 yards and one touchdown—ultimately leaving him undrafted.
At 6’2” and 205 pounds, Fleming’s physicality and blocking ability likely intrigued the Packers. If he recovers fully, Green Bay could revisit signing him later. However, his path to making the roster was already uncertain, and with the team’s current depth, a return seems unlikely barring multiple injuries.
Packers’ WR Room Set for Competitive Training Camp
While Fleming won’t be in the mix, Green Bay’s receiving corps is far from lacking talent. Alongside rookies Golden and Williams, the Packers signed veteran Mecole Hardman Jr. in free agency, adding experience to a young group.
The current lineup features Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton, and Malik Heath, with Christian Watson expected to miss the start of the season while recovering from a torn ACL.
With Reed, Golden, and Williams all but guaranteed roster spots, and Doubs likely safe (though a trade isn’t out of the question), the remaining receivers will need to prove their worth in training camp. The competition for the final spots promises to be fierce as the Packers look to solidify their pass-catching options for the 2025 season.
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