Packers trade for top wide receiver in 2022 three-round mock draft

Round 1 (23): Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

History suggests general manager Brian Gutekunst will happily trade up for a prospect he likes. Gutekunst has traded up on Day 1 three times in his four draft classes for the Packers.

Last summer, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Packers tried to move up for Justin Jefferson in 2020. Imagine how different things could’ve turned out.

Fortunately, history doesn’t repeat itself in this mock draft. Here, the Packers jump up to No. 23 to ensure they have back-to-back picks, sending both of their fourth-rounders to the Arizona Cardinals.

Arizona is an ideal trade-down candidate as it doesn’t own picks in the fourth or fifth rounds. This trade fixes that.

The Packers importantly trade ahead of the receiver-needy Dallas Cowboys to land Ohio State’s Chris Olave.

When looking for a wide receiver who can instantly impact Matt LaFleur’s offense, few offer the same upside as Olave. With his smooth route-running and game-changing speed, Olave could be a home-run hitter immediately.

Arguably the best route-runner in the class, it would be fun to watch Olave working in LaFleur’s offense. His ability to separate and stretch defenses vertically could quickly make him Aaron Rodgers’ new best friend with Davante Adams gone.

If the Packers leave the first round with Karlaftis and Olave, they could draft nothing but punters and long snappers the rest of the way and still be delighted.