The Green Bay Packers are in an intriguing spot as they navigate their roster strategy. With last year's draft pick, Matthew Golden, marking their first first-round receiver selection since 2002, the question arises: could they do it again?
At first glance, using a high draft pick on another wide receiver might seem counterintuitive, especially with the Packers facing salary cap constraints and lacking first-round picks for the upcoming drafts. Their needs at cornerback, defensive line, and offensive line are pressing, and they might even lose starting linebacker Quay Walker.
Yet, when you dig deeper, adding another receiver could be a strategic move. Green Bay currently has four primary receivers: Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Matthew Golden. Savion Williams, a third-round pick from 2025, is also in the mix, though he's coming off a foot injury.
The depth chart includes Jakobie Keeney-James, Will Sheppard, and Isaiah Neyor, but they’re not expected to make a significant impact in 2026. Romeo Doubs and Bo Melton, two contributors from 2025, are without contracts.
Melton, versatile and cost-effective, is likely to return. Doubs, however, is expected to command more on the open market than the Packers can afford, leaving a gap in their receiving corps.
Watson's health is crucial, as the Packers leaned heavily on Doubs early last season due to injuries to Watson and Reed. This reliance highlights why drafting another receiver could be wise.
Reed's collarbone injury in Week 2 left the team thin, forcing rookies Golden and Williams into larger roles than anticipated. While Golden found his stride later in the season, the early pressure was palpable.
The potential starting lineup of Watson, Reed, Wicks, and Golden, with Williams as depth, is promising but fragile. Injuries have been a recurring issue, with Watson, Reed, Wicks, Golden, and Williams all missing time due to various ailments.
Adding to the complexity, Reed and Wicks are entering the final year of their contracts. The Packers have shown interest in extending Tucker Kraft and possibly Watson, but Reed and Wicks remain question marks. Investing heavily in both might not be feasible, leaving Watson, Golden, and Williams as the only receivers under contract next season.
The Packers have a history of planning ahead, drafting players to avoid being cornered into re-signing others. This strategy was evident with A.J.
Dillon’s selection as Jamal Williams' eventual replacement. They've applied this approach across various positions, ensuring flexibility in roster decisions.
If Green Bay wants to maintain this flexibility and avoid being forced into re-signing Reed or Wicks, drafting a receiver early this year could be a savvy move. This would allow them to follow a best-player-available approach in future drafts, investing resources where they’re most needed.