The Green Bay Packers have a desperate need at wide receiver after the injury to Christian Watson.
This need gets amplified even more with the NFL Draft taking place in Green Bay this year, especially considering the team hasn't drafted a first-round wide receiver since Javon Walker in 2002.
The Packers have reportedly hosted Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka, the third receiver the team is bringing in for an official visit. The team has also met with Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden, both from Texas.
Some experts around the league are predicting that this will finally be the year the Packers break the streak and draft a receiver in the first round. As fun as it would be, and it would please the Green Bay faithful in attendance just outside of Lambeau Field, there are several reasons that it shouldn't happen this year.
Packers should avoid wide receiver in the first round of 2025 NFL Draft
Depending on the mock draft you're looking at and where you place Travis Hunter, four or five receivers could go on the opening night. Hunter will likely go in the top five, and Tetairoa McMillan could go as high as the top 10 or the early 20s. Golden, Bond, and Egbuka are also potential first-rounders. Some even have Luther Burden III as a Day 1 candidate.
Of these options, McMillan is probably the most compatible option for the Packers' needs. He stands at 6-foot-4 and can play any spot in the formation. Pro comps liken him to Mike Evans, Tee Higgins, or Drake London. Odds are, though, for Green Bay to land "T-Mac," they would have to trade up. Once he is off the board, the rest of the first-round candidates aren't quite a fit, as they are more slot receivers.
The Packers also have bigger needs at No. 23. Whether it be cornerback, edge-rusher, or defensive tackle, the team should go back to building the defensive side of the ball. They will have options on Day 2 to address the wide receiver position.
Keep your eyes on names like Elic Ayomanor or Jayden Higgins to fill the Christian Watson void.