Unpacking Future Packers: No. 33, Arkansas WR Andrew Armstrong

USA Today

28-03-2025

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 33, Arkansas WR Andrew Armstrong
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2025 NFL draft.
Since taking over as Green Bay's general manager in 2018, Brian Gutekunst has drafted 10 wide receivers, with seven of those picks occurring on Day 3 of the draft.
Andrew Armstrong is a Day 3 wide receiver that Gutekunst could target during the 2025 NFL Draft. The Arkansas wide receiver checks in at No. 33 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A native of Texas, Armstrong started his collegiate career at East Texas A&M. During his first season with the Razorbacks in 2023, Armstrong recorded 56 receptions for 764 yards and five touchdowns.
This past season Armstrong led the SEC in receptions (78) and receiving yards (1,140). He added one receiving touchdown.
"Armstrong meant everything to the Arkansas offense," Jackson Fuller, the Univeristy of Arkansas sports reporter for the Times Record, said. "He was the best player, blending consistency and explosiveness while having a knack for clutch plays."
With his frame (6-4) and leaping ability, Armstrong turns 50-50 balls into 80-20 balls. He climbs the ladder and attacks the ball at its highest point. He has outstanding body control and can adjust mid-air. The Arkansas wide receiver tracks the ball well over his shoulder. He has strong hands (six drops over past two seasons) and has no issue making catches in traffic.
"He just gets open and makes tough catches," Fuller said. "He finds zones in the middle of the field and has a good enough release to beat a cornerback on quick slants or deep go routes."
Armstrong runs hard with the ball in his hands and has a little shake-and-bake to his game to make the first defender miss. He has the long strides to quickly chew up grass and can find a second gear once he gets rolling. According to Pro Football Focus, the Arkansas wide receiver racked up 417 yards after the catch.
Armstrong runs his routes with urgency. He's physical and doesn't get his timing disrupted. The Arkansas wide receiver does a good job of selling double moves to create separation downfield.
Armstrong shows good effort as a blocker. WIth his frame and willingness to mix it up, NFL teams will love his mentality in that department.
Fit with the Packers
Armstrong checks the boxes with his size (6-4) and athletic profile. Put him in a lineup with the other Day 3 wide receivers that Gutekunst has drafted, and it would be hard to tell them apart. He looks the part of a Packers wide receiver.
"Armstrong is an NFL player. I wouldn't be shocked at all if he develops into a standout No. 3 wide receiver," Fuller said. "I think of a guy like KJ Osborn when he was with the Minnesota Vikings or a Tyler Boyd when he was with the Bengals."
Dontayvion Wicks struggled with drops, something that has plagued him since his Virginia days.
Jayden Reed started off his sophomore season with a bang, before cooling off and also getting the case of butterfingers.
Romeo 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.
Christian Watson is likely going to miss a large chunk of the upcoming season as he recovers from a torn ACL. Gutekunst needs to make it a priority to add at least one, if not two wide receivers to the mix.
Armstrong could be a roll of the dice type pick on Day 3. With his size, catch radius and strong hands, Armstrong could challenge for reps as a rookie and develop into a reliable target for Jordan Love.