Packers are showing interest in the wrong wide receiver in 2024 NFL Draft

Wide receiver doesn't stand out as a position of need for the Green Bay Packers, but they may still continue to restock their depth chart in the 2024 NFL Draft. General manager Brian Gutekunst said he's open to the possibility of adding more receiving talent in the draft.

The Packers have the benefit of picking five times in the opening three rounds, giving them the flexibility to strengthen their roster across the board, even if they don't only prioritize areas of need.

It could make sense to add another receiver when thinking long-term. Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs have two years remaining on their current deals, and Jayden Reed and Dontavyion Wicks each have three. Drafting another receiver would allow the Packers to reset the clock with another rookie contract, which could be important when it comes to potentially losing players in free agency in 2026.

Actions speak louder than words. It's one thing for Gutekunst to say they could draft a receiver, but hosting Alabama's Jermaine Burton for a top-30 visit proves they are seriously considering it. Burton could be a target in Rounds 2 or 3, and he checks a lot of boxes for what the Packers want at the position.

Green Bay has reportedly met with Burton twice, both for a top-30 visit and at his Pro Day. However, another potential Day 2 target would be a better fit in Matt LaFleur's offense.

Packers should target Adonai Mitchell on Day 2 of 2024 NFL Draft

The Packers don't need to draft a wide receiver, but if they want to continue adding talent, Texas' Adonai Mitchell should be at the top of the list. They did reportedly meet with Mitchell at the NFL Combine but haven't hosted him for a top-30 visit. That shows there is at least some interest, and for good reason.

Mitchell doesn't just meet Green Bay's strict size and athleticism thresholds, he has everything the Packers look for in each area. The Texas star is 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, and ran a lightning 4.34-second 40-yard dash, helping him earn a near-perfect 9.99 Relative Athletic Score.

"Mitchell is an ideal X receiver. He can make plays when covered, and he's a real weapon in the red zone," writes Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network.

That's the role Mitchell could play in Green Bay. He would mostly line up on the outside, where Jordan Love could lean on him in must-have situations, especially in the red zone. Mitchell caught 11 touchdown passes in 2023.

He would also give the Packers another deep threat. Mitchell uses his speed to stretch defenses vertically, averaging 15.4 yards per catch last season.

Mitchell projects as a late first- or early second-round pick. The Packers are unlikely to burn the No. 25 selection on a wide receiver, but they may be tempted if he's still on the board at No. 41. With his size, speed, athleticism, and physicality, Mitchell could become a go-to target for Love as the X receiver in LaFleur's offense.

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