After missing out on all the first round wide receivers on Thursday night as a run started early, the Green Bay Packers were not willing to let that happen again in the second round. Friday night had just barely gotten started when the Packers traded up with the NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings, acquiring the 34th overall pick in exchange for the 53rd and 59th picks, both of the Packers second rounders.
With the 34th pick, Green Bay took their receiver of choice, and it was North Dakota State wideout Christian Watson.
Watson stands at 6'4" and 208 pounds. He ran a 4.36 40 yard dash and had a 38.5" vertical jump at the combine. Watson has a great combination of size and speed with the size to get position over defenders on contested catches and the speed to blow past defenders and get separation.
Watson can play in any position at wide receiver, inside or outside, and even in the backfield. He's a willing and talented blocker as well which has been big for the Packers under Matt LaFleur, having their wide receivers make blocks. Also, to help address the special teams issues, Watson is an excellent kick returner, which is a position the Packers have also struggled with in recent years.
He's physical, he's fast, he's strong, he's a good route runner, and he's versatile. It's exactly what the Packers need and were looking for.
Last season for the Bison, Watson had 801 receiving yards, seven TD catches, 114 rushing yards, and 227 kick return yards on 10 returns.
The Packers moved up to ensure they had their pick of the litter of the remaining wide receivers and with all their options on the board, Christian Watson was atop the board and it's easy to see why. The next selection the Packers have will be all the way towards the end of the third round.