Packers: Brian Gutekunst on why Christian Watson was worth trading up for
The Green Bay Packers have added four players in the first three rounds of this year’s draft. And one has drawn more attention than the others.
The reigning NFC North champions entered this year’s draft with 11 selections. That included a pair in both the first and second rounds. On Thursday night, the team enhanced its defense with a pair of selections from the defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs.
With the 22nd pick, obtained in a trade from the Las Vegas Raiders that sent All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams to the Silver and Black, Matt LaFleur’s club added linebacker Quay Walker. Six selections later, the team grabbed defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt.
So much for the team snapping that streak of not taking a wideout in the first round – the last being Javon Walker in 2002. But the wait wasn’t long. Via a trade with the rival Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay gave up both of its second-round picks to move up to No. 34 and opted for speedster Christian Watson from North Dakota State.
Packers wanted Christian Watson on Day 1
So why not take him in Day 1? The answer from Gutekunst via Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Brian Gutekunst says #Packers don't assign round grades to players, but he would have been comfortable drafting Christian Watson in the first round...if the price was right. Ultimately, couldn't find a match to move back into Rd 1. So he traded both second-round picks for No. 34.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) April 30, 2022
It’s hardly been a surprise that the Packers are looking for more wide receiver help. Of course, many forecasted that head coach Matt LaFleur and four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers would be bolstering the position in the first round.
But this team was also in need of some defensive help. Green Bay was slightly improved on this side of the ball a year ago under new coordinator Joe Barry. But the Pack showed it could once again be had when it came to stopping the run. The club was a so-so in the NFL vs. the run in 2021 and frankly, it’s been an issue for too many years.
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Regardless of when he was drafted, Watson is now with the Packers. The team also added veteran Sammy Watkins as Gutekunst looks to replace Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Chiefs) and Equanimeous St. Brown (Bears). And there’s still four more rounds to go and some veterans on the market.