Curd is the Word: It's All About the Receivers
Another year hoping for one of the top receivers in the draft
By GregMeinholz
First off, Happy Easter to all those who celebrate. I hope you and yours have a great holiday today. If you don't celebrate Easter, then celebrate that we've made it to Draft Week. By next week, we will have our 2025 Green Bay Packers' Draft Class. Several positions of need will hopefully be addressed in the draft, and of course, the most popular of those positions seems to be wide receiver.
Now, where on Earth have I heard that before? It's only been the favorite position for seemingly every draft of the last few years. We were spared last year when it seemed our receiving corps was all set, and we were right, nobody projected a receiver to the Packers early, and the Packers didn't even choose a single one in the 2024 draft. It was refreshing. But we're right back in it this year. We have the same receivers returning next year as we did last, but the vibe and situation are a little different this time around.
Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks are coming off what you could call sophomore slumps by some standards, given the number of passes dropped by them in the 2024 season. Romeo Doubs is coming off a season where he suffered two concussions, along with a few other possible off-field issues. His status is good to go, but I wouldn't blame the Packers if they're a bit cautious with him. Christian Watson suffered a torn ACL at the end of the regular season, so he's not expected to be back until the middle of the season at best. You'd think that maybe a one-year receiver signing like the Packers made with Mecole Hardman would suffice as just a little experienced filler until Watson returns, but contracts make the situation even more interesting.
The rookie contracts of both Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs expire following the 2025 season. So, relying on a one-year rental when two of your other receivers need to get paid after the season may not be that great of an idea. Unless both receivers make themselves irreplaceable when they are on the field this coming season, it's doubtful that both Doubs and Watson are on the Packers' roster for 2026. One of the two? Yes, but both? I don't think so. So, drafting a receiver that can come in and produce while being under a rookie contract for the next four years, maybe five years, is a good call.
But will the Packers break that first-round receiver slump? Or will they once again grab a different position in the first and draft a receiver in the second or third round?
The Prospects
This year's crop of receivers may not be as exciting as last year's when it comes to expectations of production right off the bat, but they do have great potential. The list is topped by Travis Hunter, who seems to be taking after his coach at Colorado, Deion Sanders, when he plays on both sides of the ball at cornerback and wide receiver. The Packers likely don't even have him on their board at all, as there is probably zero chance he drops to 23. However, there has been a little muttering around Hunter that some teams may pass on him early, preferring a player who's committed to one position on one side of the ball. I think this could be a psych-out tactic from a GM trying to have him fall into their laps, but it's worth noting just in case. If it does happen, I wouldn't blame Brian Gutekunst at all if he traded up for the chance to snatch him.
But it's much more likely the Packers grab a different receiver. Their pre-draft visits show they're not shying away from some of the top first-round prospects either. To get a look at what receivers could be a Packer come next Sunday, let's look at those that have already been in on a visit to Lambeau Field.
Tetairoa McMillan - Arizona
Tet McMillan is a projected first-round receiver and could be the 2nd or 3rd ranked receiver in the draft. McMillan is a WR1 prospect who has been very productive in his last two college seasons. He makes great route adjustments and is very capable of highlight reel catches. McMillan could be a dominant force in the Packers' offense, and with rumors of him possibly falling a bit in the first round, the Packers may pull the trigger to trade up and grab him, as Brian Gutekunst appears to be very interested in him. Not only was McMillan in for a predraft visit, but Gute also personally attended his private workout.
Tory Horton - Colorado State
Tory Horton is a projected third-round receiver. He is a versatile receiver who is known to make big plays from the slot and the perimeter. He does a good job of avoiding getting jammed at the line of scrimmage, however, he can be a bit stiff in his route-running. This is a coachable fix, however, if Horton puts in the work to avoid it being an issue.
Tai Felton - Maryland
Tai Felton is a projected fourth-round receiver. He is a speedy receiver, allowing him to beat zone coverage with ease. He could be used as a bit of a Swiss-Army knife, as that speed allows him to line up all over the field. That role I would normally hand to Jayden Reed, but it wouldn't hurt to have two very versatile receivers on the field at once to cause mismatches.
Emeka Egbuka - Ohio State
Emeka Egbuka is a projected first-round pick. He's considered one of the top-5 receivers in the draft, but there is a chance he could fall to 23. I like to focus on knowing who the players are who are projected to go within a ten-pick radius of the Packers, and Egbuka falls right into that list. He's a very reliable receiver with smooth route-running skills. Egbuka is also a good blocker, which certainly boosts him up the Packers' board a bit.
Matthew Golden - Texas
Matthew Golden is a projected first-round pick. With McMillan being number 2 and Egbuka being number 4, Golden slides right in between at number 3. He can create good separation with his route running and is a reliable catcher. He is thought of as a smaller receiver, of course, standing at 5'11", but he plays much larger than his stature and is worth the pick given the effort he gives and how dynamic he is with the ball in his hands.
Isaiah Bond - Texas
Isaiah Bond is a projected third-round pick. Like Matthew Golden, Bond is a smaller receiver, but his explosiveness out of his breaks could make him a great temporary replacement for Christian Watson, as he can be a field stretcher. He does a great job tracking the deep ball, making him a good vertical threat, and hopefully, this will transfer to the NFL level, as the ceiling for Bond could be very high.
Of course, the Packers seem to have a tradition of not selecting players they have for pre-draft visits in the first round, as it's happened fairly often lately. If that is the case, and they completely pass on the receiver position in the first round, look for Jayden Higgins of Iowa State to be a candidate for the Packers in the second round. They may have to trade up to get him, but his athletic testing alone makes him a prime Packers candidate. Higgins can often win separation with his route running, and his hands are outstanding, nabbing nearly every ball thrown his way.
Count me in as one of the folks who would love that first-round receiver slump to end this year. But I will say that one time the Packers drafted a first-round receiver in the last 25 years wasn't as great an idea as everyone would have wanted it to have been in the long run. Javon Walker, drafted in the first round of the 2002 draft, had his explosive moments, but in the end, he opted to demand a trade from the Packers and ended up in Denver after only playing three full seasons. Now, I would absolutely take 2004 Javon Walker for 2-3 seasons today, But only if we know he isn't going to decide he wants out.
If the Packers do grab that first-round receiver, hopefully, they will have many explosive seasons without the drama.
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Greg Meinholz is a lifelong devoted Packer fan. A contributor to CheeseheadTV as well as PackersTalk. Follow him on Twitter @gmeinholz and Bluesky @gmeinholz.bsky.social for Packers commentary, random humor, beer endorsements, and occasional Star Wars and Marvel ramblings.
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Comments (52)
Boneman
April 20, 2025 at 06:58 am
I don't think this is the year to break the first round receiver streak. In fact, I don't think there is a bona fide 1st round receiver in this whole class! This draft is loaded with 2nd and 3rd round talent but all the top guys have their flaws which would normally take them out of the 1st round, at least the first half of the 1st round. Of course somebody will out perform projections but it's anybody's guess...
I'm not an expert analyst, but I have followed drafts closely for a long time. I listen to and read a wide variety of opinions and for this year I feel nobody who knows their stuff is very excited about receivers. This year the talent is at RB, DL, TE and that's about it.
Travis Hunter has all the trappings of a guy who will under perform. All you hear is "generational talent, superior ball skills, freak athlete, etc..". I see a guy built on hype and playing two ways. He didn't test so he's probably not very fast. He has a slight build for the NFL. He played for a lower level program against inferior talent. Stat wise, he didn't compare to other talent at WR or CB, not even in this years class! Of course Cleveland will draft him at number 2 and build on their reputation for being dumb.
I see the Packers taking a WR in the 2nd or 3rd round. Look for Higgins, Harris, Bech or Royals. GPG!
TKWorldWide
April 20, 2025 at 07:06 am
Totally agree that there will be receivers this year that outperform expectations, but who the heck they are is anyone’s guess! Glad I didn’t make my living based on projecting what 21 year olds will do at the highest level of competition!
Oh and Happy Easter, y’all!
stockholder
April 20, 2025 at 07:27 am
Only Egbuka fits in the first round.
PFF- He's a high-floor, versatile and savvy
receiver as a borderline WR1/WR2.
Everyone else is a wait and see.
The wait and sees, are 2nd and third.
Who must tie themselves to the QB.
Especially in the early going.
And then there was Amari Rodgers.
jannesbjornson
April 20, 2025 at 10:05 am
Burden was All-SEC two years running. He will be in rd one. Fits a Pro style offense. I just ate breakfast, don't remind me of the Amari disaster. Nico Collins and Amon-Ra staring any competent evaluator in the face. Then there is the Local Guy who they overlook, like Badger LBs. Quinn Meinerz, 1st Team All-Pro, 2024. Chasing a need, or a concept of a need, gets a guy in trouble. Take the best Players.
stockholder
April 20, 2025 at 07:17 am
Let's understand one thing.
The difference when Watson was
on the field, said it all.
Nobody liked the injuries or drops.
Sure they can improve, but for how long?
A little more Razzle dazzle can never hurt.
So just catching the ball won't be enough.
We need the ability of a Watson.
And the mismatches that can take this offense
to the next level.
Dooniebrewers
April 20, 2025 at 09:40 am
You have been making a ton of sense the last month or two. Upgrade the offense, fine-tune the defense.
joejetson
April 20, 2025 at 05:22 pm
I rarely agree with Stockholder, but this time he actually makes a cogent, decipherable argument.
Upvote.
NickPerry
April 20, 2025 at 07:53 am
"look for Jayden Higgins of Iowa State to be a candidate for the Packers in the second round. They may have to trade up to get him, but his athletic testing alone makes him a prime Packers candidate. Higgins can often win separation with his route running, and his hands are outstanding, nabbing nearly every ball thrown his way."
My Draft crush... I really like this dude. He can block, CATCH the ball, run good routes, and he's PRODUCED in college. He's a bigger WR which I like too... Plus, read that last sentence above..."Nabbing nearly every ball thrown his way". IMO Gutey would have to go and get this guy in the 2nd round. He's not lasting until 54.
I also like Emeka Egbuka a lot. If the Packers drafted him in the first I'd have no objection. The Packers just gave Love ALL that money. He doesn't even have half the talent that Rodgers had his 3rd year starting. Shit, it's probably closer to 25% of the talent. The Packers NEED to give Love weapons. They've pissed around long enough. Gute has pissed around long enough.
It is TIME...
TKWorldWide
April 20, 2025 at 08:41 am
Time for CM3 to force a fumble? 😉
beerandbrats
April 20, 2025 at 09:02 am
I really like Jayden Higgins as well. I'm hoping we can get Watson back healthy next year so we can line up two 6'4" wide receivers!
I also agree that Higgins will be gone before our second pick at 54. I think the challenge with Higgins is how to get one of the top DTs and Higgins with our first two picks.
NickPerry
April 21, 2025 at 06:26 am
That would be fantastic!
PhantomII
April 20, 2025 at 11:19 am
Then take him in the 1st. We have no true #1 or #2 WR. Ideally I would take Egbuka 1st AND Higgins at top of the 2nd with a trade of Willis to a QB needy team if it could be done...otherwise use draft picks to move up as close to top of RD2 and nab him or a consolation WR...maybe a stud TE. Gute not picking up a #1 WR in FA has made it more difficult to pick up a couple stud DL early when we score only 10pts in the playoffs. Not having a replacement waiting in the wings from Adams was really poor Management by Gute and honestly even DA had no #2 WR back-up. I chalk up 2-non Super Bowl appearances with AR and possibly 1-bye JL in 2023 to this mind numbingly poor decision.
LLCHESTY
April 20, 2025 at 07:48 pm
Higgins reminds me of a turbo Lazard, nice player but I don't see the upside that Harris and Royals show IMO.
WD
April 20, 2025 at 07:57 am
First, I do not assume that Watson will be out the entire season. Secondly I do not assume Mecole Hardman will not contribute. Moreover we can pick up some really good receivers in rounds 3-4. One sleeper WR no one talks about is WR Dante Thorton from Tennessee. His measurables are freakish. He is like Golden but much bigger and even more productive in college. Try 6'5 214ibs and runs a verified 4.30 forty. Don't take my word check him out.
First round: take the best edge available. My worst nightmares is if they pick edge Mykel Williams . He is great against the run but his speed of 4.77 is frankly slow for edge. He is too small to play in the middle.
Second round: take a big d-linemen. I think Andy mentioned Alfred Collins who can even play nose.
Third round: WR of your choice. But we need someone who is fast and can stretch the field. And, has good hands! There will be a number of them available.
TKWorldWide
April 20, 2025 at 08:45 am
If they take an edge at 23 they might as well trade LVN the same night.
Do you want one d-lineman? Or several d-linemen?
I commented on another thread that I expect receivers and d-line to be the spots with multiple picks.
Speaking of multiple picks, I wonder what Gute thinks about the current cb situation?
LLCHESTY
April 20, 2025 at 07:51 pm
I think Thornton is talked about WAY too much, given his on field production.
GregC
April 20, 2025 at 07:58 am
I've watched the highlight films, and I thought McMillan looked fantastic. He's the one who could possibly be worth trading up for, if he falls into the late teens. He gets open and catches the ball, and he looks good running after the catch too. He doesn't have blazing speed, so he's not considered to be a field stretcher, but I've always thought the best way to stretch the field is by having good players. You can stretch the field horizontally rather then vertically, and if the defense has to spread itself thin to cover your good players, you can sometimes sneak behind them. James Jones did not have blazing speed, but he made some huge plays for the Packers.
Egbuka is hard to judge from the film. He looks like a slot receiver doing slot receiver things. I thought Luther Burden looked more athletic, although Egbuka would be the safer choice. Slot receivers are hard to judge because they are often schemed open rather than beating the coverage or catching contested balls.
LLCHESTY
April 20, 2025 at 07:56 pm
Yeah, but McMillan is like Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, doesn't pass the speed test.
GregC
April 20, 2025 at 09:27 pm
I'll take Puka Nacua any day of the week. Or Cooper Kupp in his prime.
LLCHESTY
April 21, 2025 at 10:05 pm
That was sarcasm. I'd take McMillan if he fell to 23. When it comes to receivers people get way too enamored with speed.
murf7777
April 20, 2025 at 07:58 am
I have to agree there’s not a WR worth taking in round 1. The DL is loaded and they need to find a dynamic, athletic big man who can pressure the QB up the middle. That would be my preference. There’s also some very good DE’s that might fall to them. Unless OT Banks falls to them, I see the Packers once again going defense with their #1 pick.
Handsback
April 20, 2025 at 08:45 am
Because of serious concerns for the next two years, see the Pack taking 2 DTs and 2 receivers. Not sure who they pick first, but both positions need to be fortified with talent or they run the risk of paying high dollar FAs.
I know Royal is short, but to me he reminds me of Sterling Sharpe. Higgins may be the best all-round receiver in this year's draft.
BTW, Boneman I agree with your assessment
of Henry. He's 188 pounds, I'm not sure how he would hold up as a CB, and rather see a bigger WR.
Personally, I'm a huge fan of Watson and when healthy should be a greater part of the offense. The problem....he's fragile. Doubs needs to step it up. So new blood is needed in WRs.
Just MHO
WD
April 20, 2025 at 12:36 pm
And ignore CB and Edge? Here is the priority that takes into account the depth at each position.
1) EITHER Edge or DT
2) CB
3) WR
4) 4-7 best available.
TKWorldWide
April 20, 2025 at 02:00 pm
Fine to rank priorities, but gotta let the board fall rather than plan round by round.
Handsback
April 20, 2025 at 03:48 pm
WD, not saying ignore CB, OL, or Edge positions, just doubling up the DT and WR positions. Green Bay has 8 selections in this year's draft, 4 or half will be earmarked for DTs and WRs. That's all I'm saying.
The reason is that both of those positions will be, or could be very thin with talent in a couple of years. For instance let's say Nolen is first round pick, you pick up the DT from Maryland, Phillips, in the 4th round. Nolan starts and Phillips learns and in 2 years Phillips starts as well. You never want to be lacking in a position and have to shop for expensive FAs.
Again Just MHO
LLCHESTY
April 20, 2025 at 08:10 pm
Big no on Phillips. Absolutely no pass rush at all. In 533 passing snaps the last three years he had zero sacks and 7 pressures total. He makes TJ Slaton look like Aaron Donald.
Handsback
April 20, 2025 at 08:45 am
Happy Easter everyone!
Coldworld
April 20, 2025 at 08:55 am
Mecole Hardman is not and never has been a credible field stretcher. He’s a good returner, especially on punts and a decent depth slot/gadget. He’s moved the needle on returns perhaps but as a WR not one iota.
We need a field stretcher, but the best of those are not projected in round one. We need depth and future options behind Doubs. Both McMillan and Egbuka could be that and I think both will be good pros. However, there are a number of options in the early mid round that may have as good careers but perhaps need a little more polishing.
In this draft the opportunity to add net talent is heavily and unusually prevalent at DT and there are some good Edge prospects too. I think the optimal chance to improve is to capitalize on that with our first pick and again in the first 5 while also taking 2 WRs in that range, just not in the first. That fits our needs and the class of draftees. Don’t fight it, seize upon it.
lou
April 20, 2025 at 09:18 am
The NFL is still a Quarterback league but even if you have the guy you want if you can put pressure on them and have a solid QB of your own, minus turnovers in the game you can still win the majority of games. I believe the top pick should go for either an edge rusher or defensive tackle that can pressure "inside". Our top teams had that type of defensive tackle (Henry Jordan - Gilbert Brown - B. J. Raji) that were difference makers.
We have a solid QB who is progressing and several talented WR's some who regressed last season but are young enough to get back on track. A healthy Musgrave to stretch the defense and a healthy Lloyd out of the backfield incorporated into the passing game can add a lot to the offense. Lets go that route and get our "disruptor" on the other side of the ball with the first pick and add a healthy Watson for the playoff run.
jaxpackfan
April 20, 2025 at 09:35 am
DT Henry Jordan was a pass rushing legend. Harmon from Oregon and Nolen from Ole Miss seem to be good comparisons. Wouldn't mind if we got either in Round 1.
Coldworld
April 20, 2025 at 10:42 am
I don’t think we need to stress on the order early. I think it’s increasingly likely we could trade down a little at a number of spots if we can find partners, and I think there are sweet spots for teams with different needs where we could get one.
Here’s one where I took a number of small trade offers and covered a lot of depth and development bases while being pretty happy with the chance to upgrade positions of need.
The one thing I wanted and didn’t get was depth at Mike ILB, as I don’t see one currently on the roster with Wilson gone. So add Jacob Dobbs, James Maddison or Jestin Jacobs of Oregon as a priority UDFA developmental pieces.
32. Kenneth Grant DT Michigan
54. Jalen Royals. WR Utah State
66. Ashton Gillotte. EDGE Louisville
87. Omarr Norman-Lott. DT Tennessee
101. Dont'e Thornton. WR Tennessee
127. Quincy Riley. CB Louisville
138. Chase Lundt. OT UConn
159. Riley Leonard. QB Notre Dame
160. Zah Frazier. CB UTSA
250. Elijhah Badger. WR Florida
251. Robbie Ouzts. TE Ala
WD
April 20, 2025 at 12:51 pm
I love this only because it selects Donte Thorton at 101, Problem is he will never make it to 101. He would be a steal in round three. Moreover we need a CB before we would need a second DL.
But at least you are thinking out of the box a little. I wouldn't be surprised if Gute throws a couple of trades into the mix. It will be exciting.
Coldworld
April 20, 2025 at 01:00 pm
Thornton is an athlete but he’s role limited, probably won’t be more than a deep threat due to his athletic profile. He may or may not be around at 101, but to many teams he’s not as good a fit to need and I don’t see that as impossible. In the event he wasn’t available there Teslaa and a coupe if others were with a similar upside.
joejetson
April 20, 2025 at 05:39 pm
I don't disagree with your thought process here. One thing, though, is they don't need a CB early if they can straighten out the Jaire Alexander situation and get him back to where he was before the injury string started.
If they decide he's not worth the risk, then they do need to add a CB. We'll probably find out what their plan with JA is, sooner rather than later. Possibly by how they draft for the position.
stockholder
April 20, 2025 at 04:59 pm
Grant should be gone-
Maxwell Hairston replaces
#127 #159 and #160.
He will be in attendance Thursday.
jannesbjornson
April 21, 2025 at 06:58 pm
See if Gutedkunst has the stones to move on Jalen Ramsey.
LLCHESTY
April 20, 2025 at 08:35 pm
I've gone through the day 3 LBs a couple times, there's just not much size there and I think with running games looking back in vogue it would be nice to get some size to groom for Walker's (probable) departure. Maybe next year will be better but the way the majority of college offenses are being run I don't see a lot of size coming down the pike. Jamon Dumas-Johnson has some nice size and might be a good add if he isn't drafted.
I wouldn't mind seeing them grab a day 3 coverage LBer to replace Wilson and get McDuffie off the field on passing downs. Hopefully that's Hopper but a little competition wouldn't hurt. Carson Bruener might be a good 3rd down coverage LB. He's about 50/50 to be drafted.
crayzpackfan
April 21, 2025 at 11:29 am
Ashton Gillotte - 31 7/8 Arm reach. He's an absolute T-Rex. Not a bad player, I guess? But no way GB has an edge dude with under 32" arm length on their board. The rest all look good.
Spock
April 20, 2025 at 10:51 am
Nearly every possible pick in Greg's article comes with a "Gutey would/should trade up to get" comment on the end. With just 8 (?) picks to start with I don't see Gutey trading UP much, if any, and probably trading DOWN quite a bit more to get more bites of the apple. DL would seem to be the likeliest pick in round one with Gutey maybe trading lower into round one and maybe then trading back up. I just don't see a lot of picks allowing for him to trade up unless there is some last-minute trade involving JA.
PhantomII
April 20, 2025 at 11:29 am
JA is the only CB1 I have seen shut down Jefferson completely. He's a top CB when healthy. We also have QB-Willis for a needy team who drafts a Rook...may want some insurance or who can't get who they want for another GB draft pick (Hopefully) in RD 2. That should give us a couple picks, although if Gute picks up a couple better WR's....this may be the year a couple others lights come on and we can get to the NFCC game again so I would rather keep JA.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 22, 2025 at 05:05 am
Keep Malik Willis, too
jannesbjornson
April 21, 2025 at 07:01 pm
He should move up in the 1st round and the second round to snag Playmakers. They have enough scrubs on the practice squad.
HarryHodag
April 20, 2025 at 12:03 pm
Here's a question to consider: would you rather grab a rookie receiver in the first round or a disruptive pass rusher who can help stop the run?
The Packers losses last year were largely due to a lack of pass rush and an inability to consistently stop the run.
Another key factor was Love's injury.
Fans love to watch quarterbacks throw bombs for touchdowns. They're less inclined to watch a defensive battle. That's been the game since Don Hutson was around.
Ask another question: given the signings of two top flight wide outs in Cincinnati, shouldn't they be automatic Super Bowl contenders? My bet is they might be in the playoffs but they still really suck on defense, one pass rusher excepted.
There are plenty of receivers to take in rounds 2-4. There are a few really good defensive linemen-edge folks who could easily fill the top pick.
Of course, all of it is moot if the Packers do what might be the smart thing and trade back.
WD
April 20, 2025 at 12:54 pm
Mostly agree but our coverage in the secondary also needs to improve to compliment the pass rush.
GregC
April 20, 2025 at 02:22 pm
Nobody said the Bengals should be automatic Super Bowl contenders because they have two top flight wide outs. Their defense was crap last year. The Packers' defense was actually pretty good, although not good enough in most of the big games. But I think the unit that was most deficient, especially in the final game, was the wide receivers. That's why I think a good receiver could have the most impact.
I actually don't like the top edge players any more than I like the top receivers. Who they pick will depend on who falls to them and their own evaluations of those players. I still think DT is the most likely pick.
PhantomII
April 20, 2025 at 02:46 pm
Harry...We scored 10 points and as I remember our WR's were covered like a blanket in man coverage the whole game....Like I have posted many times Rodgers started his career with: Driver / Jennings / Jones / Jordy and don Lee at TE.....Is Jordan Love EVEN REMOTELY surrounded by a Driver or Jennings....The answer is Heck No. That is THE MAIN ISSUE NOW. Gary has not lived up to his perceived potential and has not put enough work in the gym to look even close to the top Browns DE Garrett....Gary does put forth effort on the field. The quickest fix is actually DL for a pass rush. GB beats subpar teams they are suppose to and is missing elite WR 1 and 2 positions to compete against better teams. GB has not had elite level pass rush since Gute bought the Smith brothers in FA. Before that it was Matthews...the only pass rushing OLB GB actually drafted that was pretty good. My point is GB would be better off buying a FA for a pass rush cause picking one does not turn out well and takes years to get above average and never dominant. Dominant pass rushers are left to Steelers and such because our GM is smarter than everyone else.
Packman60
April 20, 2025 at 12:29 pm
I would take Mcmillan if he drops to #23, Higgins if available at #54, but I wouldn't trade up for either. I think good options will be available in the 3rd with Royals, Beck, Ayomanor or Horton being available at #87. I fully expect the Packers 1st two selections will come from Edge, DT or CB.
ricky
April 20, 2025 at 12:32 pm
Time to remind people about some of the WR's the Packers have drafted after Round One in the draft.
2007: James Jones, 3rd round.
2008: Jordy Nelson, 2nd round. Jermichael Finley, 3rd round.
2011: Randall Cobb, 2nd round.
2014: Davante Adams, 2nd round.
2018: Marquez Valdez Scantling, 5th round. Equanimious St. Brown, 6th round.
2022: Christian Watson, 2nd round. Romeo Doubs, 4th round, Samori Toure, 7th round.
2023: Jayden Reed, 2nd round. Dontayvion Wicks, 5th round. (Also, Luke Musgrave, 2nd round; Tucker Kraft, 3rd round).
Not all were difference makers, but all were at minimum solid players. And having the QB being able to go through his progressions, rather than focusing on just one receiver (hello, Rodgers to Adams), makes the job of the opposing defense a bit more difficult.
GregC
April 20, 2025 at 02:39 pm
The difference in quality between the first half of your list and the second half of your list tells us everything we need to know about our current WR situation. You are forgetting one player, by the way: J'Mon Moore, drafted in the 4th round in 2018. He was a complete bust. Couldn't catch the ball.
The only WRs drafted higher than the fourth round since 2014 are Jayden Reed, who is a decent slot receiver, and Christian Watson, who has been constantly injured and may not be worth a second contract. Gutekunst's scattershot approach to rebuilding the WR room has not been a success. Meanwhile, the Eagles drafted a WR #10 overall and traded a #18 overall pick for the other one. Their approach has worked much better than Gute's.
PhantomII
April 20, 2025 at 03:30 pm
ricky...time to remind YOU every one of them took 2-3 years to be something.....that's 2-3 more YEARS of wasted JL QB play...just like most of AR career always a couple players away from being able to succeed in the post season. The reason for taking a WR1 in round 1 is they are suppose to be MOSTLY turnkey and be fairly polished at route running, etc than who GB generally picks in RD 2-on. If you have not noticed GB does not have a #1 nor a #2 WR on it's team. I have been waiting 15 years for GB to return to glory. I would be okay with a RD2 WR IF GUTE picked up a FA WR1.....but he did not. JL has blown 4-5 years of his career either behind AR or hiccuping thru the last 2.....Just ask yourself how much longer you are willing to wait....everyone in our Division is better than GB right now. Do you want to be a GB cellar dweller or put the NFL on notice with a few critical NEEDED draft picks. Clark / Gary and Jenkins will be timing out in a few seasons and that's 3 less pro bowlers gone....the time is NOW.
NFLfan
April 20, 2025 at 03:04 pm
Recently, the Packers have not really addressed the 'develop' part of their famous equation. I would appreciate the hiring of the absolute best position coaches (ie., Campanile), money can buy and focus on elite coaching if they are not upgrading WR personnel significantly. I bet there are some WR improvements to be had. There are likely some bad habits, poor route-running and comprehension issues that could be addressed. If they aren't going to sign an elite WR#1, they should be focusing on elite coaching. Re: the OL, Mike Wahle has repeatedly commented on OL poor footwork. Drafting is exciting and fun but I feel we need to raise the bar on the development end. Rebrovich was not the only weak cog.
SteveMiller22
April 20, 2025 at 05:13 pm
Love Love Love Horton. Want him very badly. Unfortunately that means there's no chance he ends up in Green Bay.