2024 NFL 4-Round Mock Draft: Packers hit home run with star receiver, fix secondary

Overcoming expectations, the Green Bay Packers proved why they are still one of the NFC's best teams, even in their first season without Aaron Rodgers.

Green Bay has all the draft capital it needs to add even more young talent to the roster and strengthen in areas of need. The Packers pick five times in the opening three rounds and could land three compensatory picks.

Defensive reinforcements are a priority, especially in the secondary. Green Bay may also aim to improve its offensive line depth.

But what if they start with a wide receiver?

Round 1 (25): Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

I know. I know. The Packers don't draft wide receivers in the first round. And they don't even desperately need a receiver, given their depth. But the way the board fell in this mock draft simulator, it was impossible to pass up on a player as talented as LSU's Brian Thomas Jr. The top corners in the class were gone, and Thomas at No. 25 would be a steal.

"Thomas is a big-play machine and has the upside to develop into a No. 1 receiver for his drafting team," writes NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah, who has Thomas as his 15th-best player in the class.

Thomas has everything the Packers look for at wide receiver: Size, speed, and athleticism. He dominated in his final season at LSU, catching 68 passes for 1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns. Thomas stretches defenses vertically with his speed, can win contested catches, and is excellent at making defenders miss.

He could be the final piece to an exciting young receiving room. Add Thomas to a receiving corps featuring Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Bo Melton? That'll work.

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