The Green Bay Packers offense is going to look a lot different in 2022 than it has the last few seasons. While they were able to work out a deal to bring Aaron Rodgers back into the fold, his No. 1 target from the better part of the last six seasons is moving on.
Davante Adams was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders after informing the team that he would not play this season under the franchise tag. The Packers tried working out a long-term deal, but Adams was not interested and the sides parted ways.
Without Adams in the mix, Rodgers will need a new go-to receiver. There is a chance that he has a whole new set of skill position players to throw the ball to as Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard, the second and third-leading receivers behind Adams, are both free agents as well.
One way that they can fill that void is in the 2022 NFL Draft. Green Bay picked up an extra first-round pick in the Adams trade from the Raiders, so it would make sense to use at least one of them on a pass-catcher.
Who may the Packers have their eyes on? Here are three options they must target in the 2022 NFL Draft.
3. Jameson Williams, Alabama
If the Packers are willing to wait a little while to reap the benefits of their first-round pick, they could have some interest in Jameson Williams. Williams was looking like the No. 1 wide receiver in this year’s draft class before injuring his knee in the National Championship Game.
As a result of that injury, he has fallen down draft boards. He will likely be a first-round pick still, but it will be closer to the late teens and 20s, not the top-10. With two first-round picks, Green Bay could possibly afford to wait for Williams to finish his rehab.
There is legitimate No. 1 receiver, star potential with Williams. He caught 79 passes for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, so he can produce when given the chance. Will Green Bay be where he can showcase those talents?
2. Chris Olave, Ohio State
There has been some chatter linking the Packer to Chris Olave, the burner from Ohio State. A track star in high school, Olave possesses excellent straight-line speed to blow past defenders. But, he brings a lot more than just speed to the table.
Olave is a crisp route runner, arguably the best one in this year’s draft class. His production improved every season with the Buckeyes despite playing sharing the field and targets with some incredible pass catchers. His teammate Garrett Wilson has a chance to be the first wide receiver off the board this year.
Olave may not project as a true No. 1 wide receiver, but his skill set will translate right away to the NFL. He could quickly become a go-to receiver for Rodgers with his diverse skillset being able to fit into different roles.
1. Treylon Burks, Arkansas
One player that has been mocked to the Packers at a few different outlets is Treylon Burks out of Arkansas. He makes a lot of sense as a potential target in the first round, especially after the trade of Adams.
Burks has a rare blend of size and speed, standing 6’3” and weighing 225 pounds yet still retaining excellent athleticism. He should be able to fill the role Valdes-Scantling has been filling the last few seasons right off the bat with the potential to grow into more.
Rodgers needs help now, so Burks will have some pressure to develop quickly. He doesn’t have blazing speed, but his after-the-catch skills and ability to break tackles should be enough for him to provide production right out of the gate for the Packers.
