Packers 2022 draft preview: Wide receiver is the top priority

Without a doubt, the Green Bay Packers‘ number one draft need is at wide receiver.

We’ve heard over and over that the Packers have never given Aaron Rodgers a first-round receiver to throw to. If ever there was a time for this to change, it’s now.

If nothing else, the Packers must leave this month’s draft with some receiving help.

Free agency recap

Marquez Valdes-Scantling signed with the Kansas City Chiefs and Equanimeous St. Brown joined the division-rival Chicago Bears. As of yet, the Packers are yet to make any wide receiver additions via free agency.

The biggest move wasn’t through free agency, but rather a trade, as the Packers sent All-Pro Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for picks in the first and second rounds.

Need in the draft?

Yes.

Even in a world where Green Bay didn’t trade Adams and re-signed MVS, wide receiver would still be a need. Now with both of them gone, it should be a huge priority.

Draft outlook

With two picks in the first round, Green Bay should have a good opportunity to draft a wide receiver on Day 1 should general manager Brian Gutekunst wish.

Potential first-round targets include Ohio State’s Chris Olave, Arkansas’ Treylon Burks, Alabama’s Jameson Williams, and USC’s Drake London, although London might be gone before No. 22 overall.

However, the Packers can still find quality receiving talent outside of the first round. North Dakota State’s Christian Watson, Western Michigan’s Skyy Moore, and Georgia’s George Pickens could all fall to the second round but would make sense for Green Bay.

It would come as no surprise if Gutekunst doubled-down at wide receiver as he’s done in the past at edge rusher, cornerback, and safety. Whether it’s two first-rounders, a first and second, or an early pick paired with a Day 3 selection, the Packers should aim to leave the draft with multiple receivers.