Packers land receiver at No. 22 in NFL Spin Zone mock draft

In a recent mock draft by NFL Spin Zone’s Randy Gurzi, the Green Bay Packers leave the first round with a top wide receiver and defensive player.

Gurzi has the Packers selecting Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave at No. 22 overall, then Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean at No. 28.

Historically, the Packers don’t tend to draft wide receivers and inside linebackers in the first round. With Olave and Dean, there would good reason to make an exception to the rule.

Olave is arguably the top route-runner in this draft class.

This gives him a great chance to translate his talent into instant success in the NFL, something the Packers desperately need at wide receiver.

Olave has the potential to quickly become a WR1 in Matt LaFleur’s offense.

With his route-running and ability to separate, he could become Aaron Rodgers’ new best friend and receive plenty of targets early on.

He has great speed having run a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine.

Inside linebacker likely won’t be a priority for the Packers on draft day, but Dean has Pro Bowl potential and could be tough to pass up if he falls to No. 28 overall.

With Dean and All-Pro De’Vondre Campbell, Green Bay could have a dominant duo at inside linebacker. Dean would upgrade the number two spot on the depth chart.

Last season at Georgia, Dean made 72 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, five pass defenses, and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.

By drafting Olave and Dean, the Packers would have improved on both sides of the ball.

They would still have remaining needs at edge rusher, safety, and the offensive and defensive lines. With two second-round picks and a third-rounder to come, the Packers would have plenty of opportunities to address those areas on Day 2.