Ranking wide receivers Packers could draft in the first round
The Green Bay Packers are in desperate need of reinforcements at the wide receiver position heading into the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Packers’ top three receivers are currently Sammy Watkins, Allen Lazard, and Randall Cobb. Each are respectable players, but none are the caliber of a top receiver on a championship contender.
If the Packers want to return to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2010, they’ll need to find a go-to target for two-time defending MVP Aaron Rodgers.
While no rookie will be able to completely fill the shoes of Davante Adams, players like Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase have proven that rookie receivers can be stars, especially with a player of Rodgers’ caliber under center.
The 2022 NFL Draft is considered to be a deep class at the wide receiver position, with potential impact players even falling to the second round in many mock drafts.
While I’m not totally convinced that Packers will draft a receiver in the first round, especially with holes on both the offensive and defensive line, a first-round receiver would be the flashy addition that many Green Bay fans have been hoping for for years.
In this article, I’ll rank each of the four receivers I believe the Packers might select in the first round, based on both their skill and their fit within Matt LaFleur’s system.
1. Chris Olave, Ohio State
Most Green Bay fans would be thrilled if the Packers select Olave with the 22nd pick in the upcoming draft.
A star at Ohio State, Olave caught 65 passes for 936 yards and 13 touchdowns during his senior season in 2021, per ESPN.
He has the speed that the Packers are looking for at receiver, having run a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine.
Olave is one of, if not the best route-runner in this class, and is a three-level threat at wide receiver, meaning he can make plays on short, intermediate, and deep routes.
He’s played against top-level competition in the Big 10 throughout his college career, and because of that, shouldn’t have to adjust as much to the NFL as other receivers who went to smaller schools.
However, when the Packers draft a wide receiver, especially in the early rounds, they typically look for players with prototypical size. Simply put, Olave does not possess that size.
He stands at just 6-foot, 187 pounds. Despite that, if Olave is still available when the Packers are on the clock, they should run to the podium to select him.
He’s one of the most complete receivers in this class, and could provide the instant impact that Green Bay needs to remain Super Bowl contenders this season.
2. Treylon Burks, Arkansas
If Green Bay elects to select a receiver with size instead of one with polish, Arkansas star Treylon Burks will be their pick.
During his junior season in 2021, Burks caught 66 passes for 1,104 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has the best physical attributes of any receiver in this draft, and because of that, likely has the highest ceiling.
He stands at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds and ran a 4.55-second 40-yard dash. Burks has shown the ability to make plays after the catch, and is a smooth route-runner, especially for someone of his size.
The only thing that kept Burks below Olave in my rankings is that the Packers are desperate for a player who can make an impact in 2022.
While Burks is a talented prospect, he lacks the polish that Olave’s game has. Because of that, he may struggle to make the immediate impact that Olave could during his rookie season.
However, his combination of size and speed makes him a tempting boom-or-bust prospect for the Packers, and one with the athleticism that I could easily see Brian Gutekunst and company falling in love with in the first round.
3. George Pickens, Georgia
There was a time where it appeared that Pickens would be the top receiver in this draft class.
While an ACL injury hurt his draft stock, he still has the talent that made him one of the best receivers in the SEC during his freshman season, when he caught 49 passes for 727 yards and eight touchdowns.
Similarly to Burks, Pickens possesses excellent size, standing at 6-foot-3, 195 pounds. Having run a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, he also has the speed the Packers are looking for at wide receiver.
He’s shown excellent ball skills throughout his college career and could make an immediate impact in Green Bay.
However, while Pickens’ immense talent is tempting, it would be surprising to see the Packers spend a first-round pick on a receiver with a history of ACL injuries. Additionally, Pickens lacks the explosiveness in his route-running that Olave and Burks possess.
While Pickens is another prospect with a high ceiling, I believe it would make more sense for the Packers to trade up for him in the second round rather than select him in the first.
4. Skyy Moore, Western Michigan
The best word to describe the way Moore plays is “shifty.” He’s not especially fast for his size, nor does he have the burst out of his routes that most other first-round receivers possess.
However, he was still able to break an FBS-high 26 tackles last season, per Pro Football Focus.
He’d be an interesting prospect for the Packers, especially if they decide to use him as a pass-catcher in screens.
However, while Moore was consistently productive throughout his college career, he rarely faced the level of competition that other receivers in this class faced, and could face a steep learning curve once he reaches the NFL.
That’s not ideal for a Green Bay team that needs an immediate contributor. Moore is a developmental prospect with immense talent, but a player that will likely require time to unlock it.
If he’s available on Day 2, it’d make sense for the Packers to draft him. However, I’d be surprised if they spend a first-round pick on him.