Could this be the year the Green Bay Packers finally take a wide receiver in the first round?
Reports have circulated that Brian Gutekunst was the only GM at a private workout for Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. There’s an incredibly slim chance that McMillan will be available when the Packers pick, opening the door for a potential trade-up for the star wideout.
We’ve seen Gutekunst trade up for Jaire Alexander and Darnell Savage in the first round. It’s certainly not out of the equation. However, the Packers will have to give up a hefty package to get the Arizona star.
The most likely option is at eighth overall. The Carolina Panthers have that pick and a lot of other holes on the roster to fill. A trade back may be in their best interest.
The package I sent to Carolina was the first rounder at 23, a second and third next year, and a sixth and a seventh.
That allowed Green Bay to keep its second-round pick this season, along with a fourth, fifth, and seventh. With only five picks to work with, the Packers will have to make them count. McMillan is a great addition to a playoff team that also plugged holes in free agency.
With that in mind, here is how trading up for Morrison would affect Green Bay’s draft:
Round 1 (8) – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The crown jewel of this class for the Packers. With over 1,300 yards and eight touchdowns for the Wildcats last season, McMillan has been dominant in his college career.
The Hawaii native is 6’5” and not yet 22 years old. His pro comparison is A.J. Green, but there is not really a weak point in the wideout’s game. He would be a true No. 1 pass catcher for the Packers.
Round 2 (67) – Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Was able to move back in the second round to get some draft picks back both in this year’s class and next year’s class. Dropped 13 slots and added a fourth this year and next, which allowed me to take Morrison.
He’s been really solid in both man and zone coverage over his three years at Notre Dame and would be a huge addition to a Packers secondary in need of playmakers.
Round 3 (94) – David Walker, ED, Central Arkansas
Even for a small school like Central Arkansas, Walker has been a beast. With PFF grades of 88 or higher in all of his last three years and 37 sacks over that time, Walker is a boost of production and skill the Packers could use on the edge.
Round 4 (124) – JJ Pegues, DL, Ole Miss
Pegues would add depth and versatility to Green Bay’s defensive interior, helping supplement the loss of T.J. Slaton in free agency. The Packers need to get stronger on the interior, and a tremendous athlete like Pegues would help.
Round 5 (159) – Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
One of the smoothest and most productive receivers in the country last season, Williams led Washington State with 1,196 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The Packers need to add more threats to their receiver room, especially with their young players in Romeo Doubs, Malik Heath, and Bo Melton becoming free agents at the end of season.
Round 7 (237) – Clay Webb, OL, Jacksonville State
Webb is one of my favorite offensive line prospects. He’s very similar to Jacob Monk, who the Packers drafted last year. Good size and versatility to play any of the interior line spots.