Packers: Three bold predictions for 2021 NFL Draft

1. Packers trade up for wide receiver in first round

The Packers used to draft wide receivers in the early rounds often. It’s why we saw the depth at the position remain strong over the years as the team drafted Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Randall Cobb, and Davante Adams in the top three rounds. It’s been six years since Green Bay last drafted a receiver in the opening three rounds.

To find the last time the team drafted a receiver on Day 1, we need to go back in time to 2002 when they selected Javon Walker with the 20th overall pick.

Is this the year that all changes? The Packers should be able to find good value at the wide receiver position later in the draft, but we certainly can’t rule out them going early, and even trading up to do so.

According to Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano of ESPN, Green Bay has “spent time” with Rashod Bateman ahead of the draft. Meanwhile, Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network noted in his mock draft that the Packers “love” Kadarius Toney.

That’s two receivers who could be first-rounders, and both could be off the board before No. 29 overall.

It’s another talented receiver class and it could be the time for the Packers to go early. I predict they’ll trade up in the first round for the fourth year in a row, but this time select a wide receiver.