NFL Mocks: Packers get receiver help early in mock draft

Could the Green Bay Packers double-down at wide receiver in the opening two rounds of the draft? NFL Mocks believes so.

In his first two offseasons as general manager, Brian Gutekunst has shown that when he sees an area of need on the roster, he’s willing to double-down in order to fix it.

Cornerback was the team’s biggest need in Gutekunst’s first offseason. He first signed Tramon Williams in free agency then used his first two draft picks at the position, bringing in Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson. He also signed two tight ends, Jimmy Graham and Marcedes Lewis.

Last offseason with help needed at edge rusher and safety, Gutekunst took a similar approach. In free agency, he signed pass rushers Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith and safety Adrian Amos. He used both first-round picks at the same positions, selecting Rashan Gary and Darnell Savage.

Could Gutekunst take a similar approach at wide receiver this offseason?

He has already signed Devin Funchess. Now how will he go about adding receiving talent in the draft?

Sayre Bedinger of NFL Mocks has the Packers doubling down at receiver in the opening two rounds of his recent mock draft. At No. 30 overall, they select Arizona State’s Brandon Aiyuk. At No. 62 overall, it’s wide receiver/tight end Chase Claypool out of Notre Dame.

I’ve written a lot about Aiyuk, who is excellent at picking up yards after the catch. I’m a big fan of his and would love to see him in Green Bay next season. Whether that’s in the first round or second round, selecting Aiyuk would be a great move by Gutekunst.

Claypool would be an interesting addition also. Whether the Packers see him as a receiver or a tight end, he’d give Aaron Rodgers another pass-catcher to work with. Claypool is 6-foot-4 and impressed at the combine.

The Packers also have other needs, of course, such as defensive tackle and inside linebacker. They may opt to select a receiver early and then again on Day 3. But as we’ve seen in the past, Gutekunst isn’t afraid to double-down at a position of need with consecutive picks.