Packers: 3 biggest draft mistakes that are hurting the team now

2. Drafting Jace Sternberger over Terry McLaurin

In the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Packers tried to find their future starting tight end by selecting Jace Sternberger. One pick later, the Washington Commanders picked wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

It couldn’t have gone much worse for the Packers.

Sternberger played a total of 18 games for the Packers, making 12 catches for 114 yards and a touchdown, before being released early in his third season.

McLaurin, meanwhile, has quickly become one of the NFL’s top wide receivers, making 249 catches for 3,530 yards and 18 touchdowns in 53 career games.

McLaurin has hit 1,000 yards receiving in each of the past two seasons and is on pace for another in 2022.

He caught five passes for 73 yards and a touchdown in the Commanders’ win over the Packers last week, despite matching up with All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander regularly. McLaurin came up with a huge catch on third down late in the fourth quarter to effectively win the game.

A need for wide receiver help is nothing new in Green Bay.

Green Bay could’ve had McLaurin and Davante Adams together at wide receiver for three seasons, with McLaurin becoming WR1 this year. He could’ve been a star in Matt LaFleur’s offense, catching passes from four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers.

A missed opportunity.