Everybody knows the Green Bay Packers biggest need entering the 2022 NFL Draft is at wide receiver. The loss of Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling leaves the Packers with big holes to fill as they do not currently have a legitimate WR 1 on their roster.
Fortunately, there are several quality wide receivers available in this year’s draft. Most draft analysts expect either five or six wideouts to go in the first round. With the Packers armed with the 22nd and 28th picks in the first round and two additional picks in the second round, they have the ammunition to land one or more quality receivers whether they choose to trade up or use their current picks late in the first round.
Today we will examine the top six wide receivers in this year’s draft and discuss how well they fit or don’t fit in the Green Bay offense and the expectations the Packers have in a receiver.
Keep in mind that no player is a perfect fit and almost all of them can be productive in some way in the offense if they work hard and stay healthy. The analysis is based on the take of scouts and experts and my own film analysis of these players.
Expect the Packers to select more than one wide receiver in this draft with one likely coming in the first round and another possibly coming on day two of the draft. GM Brian Gutekunst may also opt to obtain a wide receiver in a trade or sign another moderately-priced free agent. But here is a look at how the top six wide receiver prospects fit into the Packers offense and depth chart as of now.
The players are not listed in any particular order:
Garrett Wilson, Ohio State
Wilson is not as tall as the Packers tend to like their receivers. He stands 6’ and weighs about 185 pounds and the Packers tend to prefer taller and thicker players at the receiver position.
Versatility is one of Wilson’s best assets and the Packers could line him up in several different positions on the field to create mismatches, something Matt LaFleur loves to do and did often with Adams.
He is also a precise route runner and is elusive after the catch both of which would certainly make Aaron Rodgers happy.
Because of his lack of size, Wilson may start his NFL career as a slot receiver and with Randall Cobb and Amari Rodgers on the roster, that is one area the Packers don’t have an immediate need for.
Drake London, USC
When it comes to size, London fits the Packers prototype to a “T” at 6’4” and 210 pounds. He is also strong and makes a lot of contested catches.
The former USC star is also a precise route runner which may help him gain the trust of Aaron Rodgers which has not always been easy for young receivers to do.
However, London is not as speedy as the Packers would ideally like in a wide receiver. He struggled at times to gain separation from college cornerbacks and may struggle even more at the NFL level where the players are bigger, faster and have better technique in coverage.
Chris Olave, Ohio State
Olave has the diversity the Packers look for in a receiver. Because of his varied skill set, the Packers could line him up in several different positions during a game once he grasps the offense and that could help LaFleur create favorable matchups in the passing game.
Like Adams, Olave also does a good job of gaining an advantage off the snap of the ball and keeping defensive backs guessing as to what type of pattern he will run.
Olave only stands 6’ tall so he lacks the ideal height the Packers seek. He may not have as much upside as some of the other receivers at the top of this year’s draft but he is further along in his development than most of them. More scouts regard Olave as a talented WR2 than a legitimate WR1 although he could certainly prove them all wrong.
George Pickens, Georgia
Pickens has two things the Packers really like. He is 6’3” which gives him the desired height the Packers prefer and he has outstanding speed. In addition, Pickens times his jumps well and can go up and…
Read More: How Each of the Top 2022 WR Prospects Would Fit into the Packers Offense