The Green Bay Packers, as many fans are quick to point out, have not taken a wide receiver in the first round of the NFL Draft since they selected Javon Walker in 2002. In the 23 years that have passed since that pick, many fans have grown increasingly frustrated with Green Bay’s front office for not selecting big-name pass catchers instead of lesser known defenders or offensive linemen.
In 2020, many Packers fans wanted the team to draft Tee Higgins to pair with Davante Adams. Instead, Green Bay traded up to select Jordan Love as the successor to then-quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Of course, this was a highly unpopular move at the time, and further highlighted fans’ frustrations that the Packers have not used premium draft picks on a position they feel is very important.
While there is really no way to determine if this trend continues in the 2025 NFL Draft, it is interesting that the Packers suddenly are being linked to an established veteran that is on the trade block.
The Green Bay Packers Have Been Linked to Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver George Pickens
Packers general manager Brian Gutkunest, of course, is not opposed to making any number of trades during the NFL Draft. And according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Green Bay has been pretty serious about going after Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens:
“George Pickens is one intriguing trade name to watch. Pittsburgh has taken and made calls on the talented WR, who’s now extension-eligible. After paying Metcalf, league sources are skeptical the Steelers will pay two receivers.
“‘It’s just not in their DNA to spend that much on two wideouts,’ the AFC GM said. ‘Pickens is more available than people think. Green Bay’s been serious, and they’re not the only ones.’”
The Packers, of course, will be without Christian Watson for the beginning of the season as he recovers from a torn ACL. Pickens, who was drafted in the same year as Watson and Romeo Doubs, will be a free agent after this season is over.
Green Bay considered drafting back in 2022, but instead chose Watson because of characters concerns with Pickens.
