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Packers GM Brian Gutekunst explains decision to draft receiver Christian Watson

275133747_4796292347117549_592518599057046758_nby:Jonathan Wagner•04/30/22•

Jonathan Wagner

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Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images.

The Green Bay Packers have added a wide receiver, trading up to select North Dakota State wideout Christian Watson with the No. 34 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft on Friday night. Green Bay traded up to get Watson, sending the No. 53 and 59 overall picks to the Minnesota Vikings.

Following the Packers trade and selection of Watson, general manager Brian Gutekunst explained the decision and excitement around adding the talented weapon.

“He’s a big, fast, physical receiver,” Gutekunst said, via Matt Schneidman. “Really smart kid that we feel will fit our culture.”

In the first round of the NFL Draft, the Packers added two Georgia defenders in linebacker Quay Walker and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt. Following the Packers’ selection of Watson in the second round, they took UCLA offensive lineman Sean Rhyan with the No. 92 overall pick in the third round.

Watson should play an immediate role in the Packers offense

Following the trade of Davante Adams, the Packers have been looking for help at receiver. They signed Sammy Watkins in free agency, but then lost Marquez Valdes-Scantling. That left a big hole on offense, and Watson should be in a good position to fill it.

Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb are other potential starters for the Packers, but adding Watson undoubtedly adds more talent and speed to the offense. That will surely make Aaron Rodgers happy.

NFL Network was very high on the selection of Watson for the Packers.

“The Packers packaged the 53rd and 59th overall picks to climb up for Watson, a tall and agile receiver who offers the downfield speed they recently lost when Marques Valdes-Scantling left in free agency,” NFL Network wrote. “Dealing a mid-second-round pick to move up 19 spots was a steep price to pay, but that’s what the market demanded given the heavy focus on receivers. As the first of seven wideouts selected in the second round, the North Dakota State product will be compared with guys like Skyy Moore and George Pickens for years to come.”