[ad_1]
The Green Bay Packers are heading into the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft with quite a few needs to address. Among those needs are help at the cornerback position, on the offensive line, on the defensive line, and adding another weapon for MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
It has been a strange offseason for the Packers thus far. They have failed to make any big moves, focusing instead on retaining their talent by re-signing star running back Aaron Jones and cornerback Kevin King. Making the move to re-sign King was a major surprise after he was torched by Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Championship.
However, it is time for the Packers to focus on adding another wide receiver to the roster. Davante Adams is one of the best in the game, but behind him Green Bay could use more help. Both Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard are talented players, but they are not legitimate No. 2 threats on a consistent basis.
That could lead general manager Brian Gutekunst to look at adding a wideout in one of the first few rounds of the NFL Draft. This draft is loaded with wide receiver talent, but in order to get a player that could help the Packers compete for a Super Bowl in 2021, they would need to focus on getting one in the first three rounds of the draft.
All of that being said, let’s dive in and take a look at three wide receivers the Packers could target in the 2021 NFL Draft.
3. Amari Rodgers, Clemson
Should the Packers choose to wait until the third round to target a wide receiver, Amari Rodgers could be the best option available. Rodgers has actually openly stated that he would like to play for the Packers. He would be a good fit and could become an immediate starter to begin his NFL career.
During his four-year career with the Tigers, Rodgers racked up 181 receptions for 2,144 yards and 15 touchdowns. Most of that production came in the 2020 season where he caught 77 passes for 1,020 yards and seven touchdowns.
Rodgers would not cost the Packers a first-round pick and would at most be a late second-round target for Green Bay. If they can get him in that range or even in the third round, it would be a major win for the franchise.
2. Rashod Bateman, Minnesota
The first of two potential wide receivers that the Packers could look at in the first round with their No. 29 overall pick, Rashod Bateman. He has been compared to Dallas Cowboys receiver Michael Gallup, which is very intriguing. Bateman would be Green Bay’s No. 2 wideout right off the bat.
Standing in at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Bateman has excellent size and athleticism. He caught 147 passes for 2,395 yards and 19 touchdowns during his three-year career in college with the Golden Gophers. Those numbers show the kind of star potential that Bateman has entering the next level.
Bateman is a player that the Packers should absolutely consider pursuing in the latter stages of the first round. If they can get him, Aaron Rodgers would be a very happy man.
1. Rondale Moore, Purdue
Finally, there is one player in this NFL Draft class that would check all of the boxes for what the Packers need. Rondale Moore would be able to come in and bring speed, playmaking, and possession skills to the offense. He would also be a major steal at No. 29 overall.
There are some concerns surrounding Moore’s consistency, as he had an up and down career with the Boilermakers. During his freshman season, he was one of the top playmakers in the country. He caught 114 passes for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also rushing for 213 yards and two touchdowns on just 21 carries.
Moore’s performance as a freshman gained him some Heisman Trophy hype, but he was unable to live up to it. Despite the concerns about his consistency, the Packers should not shy away from taking him at No. 29 if he is available. His ability to make big plays and play the slot wide receiver role is exactly what Matt LaFleur has been missing.
Adding Moore to play in the slot alongside Adams and Valdes-Scantling would be lethal for the Packers. Gutekunst would finally get Rodgers the dynamic weapon that he has been needing and Green Bay would have to feel good about fixing the biggest hole in their offense.
Source link