Green Bay Packers go back-to-back WRs in 2022 mock draft
I know amongst some people, doubling up at positions in the draft isn’t the most popular thing in the world to do. While it may be unpopular, I think it is absolutely the right move for the Packers, especially when you take a look at the Packer’s wide receiver position.
If the Packers were to draft Olave in the 1st round like I have them doing, he would more likely than not be receiving serious starting snaps, which means one of Allen Lazard or Sammy Watkins would see some form of reduced snaps.
While this would be helpful, having Watkins or Lazard as your only decent backups is not something you want.
Looking back at the receivers that the Packers have drafted, it’s clear that they have a type. Green Bay loves younger players, who are big, strong, and overall athletic, and that’s what George Pickens is.
Pickens caught the attention of everybody in the NFL and college world during his freshman season at Georgia. During the aforementioned freshman season, Pickens lit up SEC defenses and showed serious promise of being a dominant receiver in college as well as in the NFL.
Unfortunately for Pickens, he’s been sidelined by injuries, most notably an ACL injury.
While he did have some injury issues, he has still shown some serious promise. Pickens looked like a man amongst boys at certain times in his college career, thanks in part to his large frame.
Pickens also used his frame to his advantage when it came to targeting the ball in the air as he was able to pluck the ball with ease. Despite being a large receiver who can at times live with defenders putting their hands on him, Pickens loves to be active with his hands and keeps his body very clean.
Of course, the biggest concern is his injury scares and if he can develop or has developed since he’s had his major injuries. Outside of that, the other biggest negative surrounding Pickens is his speed or lack thereof.
If the Packers snag two receivers in the 1st round, especially ones with the talent that Pickens and Olave have, at least one of them will turn into a quality receiver in the NFL.
Other Players Considered: Skyy Moore, Jalen Pitre, Zion Johnson