Packers: Three realistic draft day trade scenarios

The draft is officially 10 days away and the Packers are sitting with the second most draft picks (11) in the NFL.  To say that a trade is impossible, or “for certain” won’t happen is simply wrong.  There is, of course, no guarantee a trade will get done, but here are three trade scenarios that could realistically happen:

Trade Scenario #1: Trade up for a wide receiver

The Jets (who pick twice), Falcons, and Giants all have draft picks in the top ten.  All three of these teams have a need for wide receiver, especially the Jets.  The New York Jets have been in on nearly every big name wide receiver free agent in the off-season.  Most notably reaching out about AJ Brown and Tyreek Hill.  If two or three wide receivers go in these first ten picks, Green Bay may want to move up.

Brian Gutekunst has traded up in the first round in three of his four NFL drafts as the Packers GM.  If he packages the #22 overall pick with a second or third round pick he could move up into the early teens.  The Saints, Ravens, and Eagles all pick between 14-19 and have similar wide receiver needs. Jumping in front of those teams to grab Garrett Wilson, Drake London, Chris Olave, or another wide receiver still available would make sense.

Trade Scenario #2: Trade for Steelers’ wide receiver Diontae Johnson

Make no mistake about it ! The @packers are exploring Every option to replace 17, it might be someone who you would never guess that was available 🤔

— leroy butler (@leap36) April 5, 2022

LeRoy Butler made it clear that Green Bay may be targeting someone we aren’t suspecting.  Dionate Johnson fits that profile and it a OUTSTANDING wide receiver.  Pittsburgh faces an uncertain off-season and a possible rebuild.  Ben Roethlisberger is gone, Pittsburgh lost out on the Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and Deshaun Watson sweepstakes.  A possible rebuild is on the way.  In 2019 the Steelers drafted Johnson in the third round, if Green Bay sends a second for him, that’s good business.

Johnson finished with 107 receptions (ranked 5th in NFL) and 527 yards AFTER the catch (ranked 8th in NFL) in 2021.  He is a YAC MONSTER.  In total he finished with 1,161 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.  59 of his reception in 2021 converted a first down.  Over 50% of the time Johnson is moving the sticks.

Trade Scenario #3: Packers trade premium picks for Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, or AJ Brown

Second-round picks that include WRs Deebo Samuel, A.J. Brown and Terry McLaurin are not expected to participate in their teams’ on-field off-season programs because they want new contracts at a time this off-season when WR deals have exploded, per league sources.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 18, 2022

While it may be the most unlikely of the three, it is certainly not impossible.  With the report of these three wide receivers refusing to report to off-season programs, questions of a trade have to be on everyone’s mind.  Matt Lafleur has been vocal about how much he likes Deebo Samuel’s game.  AJ Brown and Terry McLaurin have had great seasons with much lesser quarterback play than what Aaron Rodgers would bring (in-fact all three have).

If the opportunity presents itself on draft day, Green Bay would at least have to consider trading one or two premium picks to get one of these guys.  It is no secret that Green Bay was willing to pay Davante Adams, he just wanted out.  If Green Bay is comfortable in losing draft capital for one of these guys, it figures they would be willing to pay them as well.  Again, while it may be unlikely, you can’t rule out the possibility.  Especially after it was made so abundantly clear how un-happy all three of these wide receivers are.

Update:

The Green Bay Packers have been rumored to be atop the list of teams interested in trading for Deebo Samuel.  Something to watch out for going forward!

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