Packers reportedly ‘exploring’ a trade up in first round of 2022 NFL Draft

Keep a close eye on the Green Bay Packers in tonight’s first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Packers are “exploring a move up”, potentially “for their receiver of choice.”

This wouldn’t be surprising. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has often traded up in the first round.

He did so in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

Green Bay desperately needs wide receiver help. While Gutekunst could decide to wait until the second day of the draft where there could be options like Georgia’s George Pickens and North Dakota State’s Christian Watson, it’s also possible he lands a pass-catcher tonight.

Who could Green Bay trade up for? Your guess is as good as mine, but there are a handful of wide receivers who could be gone before the Packers’ No. 22 pick.

Ohio State’s Chris Olave could be worth moving up for. What if USC’s Drake London or Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson falls far enough for the Packers to make a move?

The fact Green Bay owns two first-round selections (No. 22 and No. 28 overall) helps its options dramatically.

If Gutekunst wants to be aggressive, he could offer both first-round picks in a package to move up into the top 10. Whether he would consider that is another question.

Maybe paring the No. 22 pick with a second-rounder could help the Packers move up. They would then still own the No. 28 pick and one of their two second-rounders.

The good news is Gutekunst has plenty of options. If there’s a player who falls into their range, he has enough draft resources to make a trade offer.

Gutekunst has traded up on Day 1 three times in four years. Will he be on the phone looking to make a deal again in the first round tonight? In just a few hours, we will find out.