The Green Bay Packers received two draft picks in the Dontayvion Wicks trade. They cashed one in this past weekend.
While the sixth-rounder will wait until the 2027 draft, the Packers turned the Philadelphia Eagles' fifth-round choice into versatile offensive lineman Jager Burton.
Burton hasn't proven anything yet, but he is a potential starter at any of the three interior spots on the offensive line. His arrival puts Sean Rhyan on notice at center, where Burton has the most experience. And don't just take my word for it. Aaron Nagler of Cheesehead TV has been driving the Burton hype train since before the draft.
"The Packers are pulling the trigger on a guy who I think could come in and compete right away and push Sean Rhyan or Anthony Belton at right guard or center," said Nagler. "I'll tell you what. The way he projects to the next level certainly points to, if not this year, then certainly there's a chance that this is your starting center long-term in Green Bay."
Packers have potentially hit a home run with the first of two picks from the Dontayvion Wicks trade
Here are the updated trade details:
Packers receive
- OL Jager Burton
- 2027 sixth-round pick
Eagles receive
- WR Dontayvion Wicks
Of course, Wicks has proven his talent at the NFL level. He showed flashes of star potential in Green Bay but never carved out a full-time role. The Packers have swapped a bit-part player for a prospect capable of becoming a long-term starter at the heart of the offensive line.
And they still have another pick to come in 2027. That's fantastic value.
Burton is the best athlete among the offensive linemen in this draft class. Per Next Gen Stats, his 96 Athleticism Score ties Trey Zuhn III in first place. He clocked a ridiculous 20.32 mph during his 40-yard dash.
Don't count out his experience and production, either. He isn't just a raw prospect who can perform well in the athletic testing. Burton started 47 games for Kentucky and allowed zero sacks last season. Not to mention he turns 24 this summer. He's here to compete now.
Wicks is undoubtedly talented. Regular readers will understand how much we love him.
The reality, though, is that he wasn't a full-time player in Green Bay. Burton could be. Nothing is guaranteed for a rookie who is yet to play an NFL down, but the Packers may have swapped a wide receiver who played only a little over a third of the snaps last season for a center who may never leave the field.
That's before factoring in the contract situation. Wicks only had a year remaining and would've undoubtedly bolted in free agency next offseason, whereas Burton is here for at least four seasons.
It's just good business. Wicks can thrive in Philadelphia, but the trade is already looking like a success for the Packers.
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