The Green Bay Packers were in the headlines ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft when news broke that Aaron Rodgers had told people in the organization that he would not play again for the team.
Reports continued to break that the Packers were close to trading Rodgers to the Denver Broncos, and that Rodgers wanted to play for the Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, or San Francisco 49ers. Nothing ended up happening and Packers' general manager Brian Gutekunst has made it clear that the team will not be trading the reigning NFL MVP.
Following all of the Rodgers rumors and drama, the Packers still had to make their selection in the first round of the draft at No. 29 overall. Many thought they would go after a wide receiver to help please Rodgers, but once again that did not end up being the case. Instead, the franchise chose to take Georgia cornerback Eric Stokes.
Stokes is a physical specimen for the Packers. He is big, super fast, and super athletic. In fact, he was described as looking like more of a track star than a football player, although his football skills are impressive as well.
Packers fans need to know that during the 2020 season with the Bulldogs, Stokes ended up recording 20 total tackles to go along with four interceptions, two defensive touchdowns, and four defended passes. He was a lethal duo with fellow Georgia cornerback Tyson Campbell.
There has been a split reaction to the Packers' decision to take Stokes. He could form a nice long-term duo at cornerback with Jaire Alexander, but many fans and media members are blasting the team for not looking for more offensive help.
However, did the Packers make a mistake by not drafting a receiver in the first round?
At this point in time, the answer to that question is a resounding no. The Packers have plenty of weapons for Rodgers and they are already adding one that they didn't have last season.
That's right, even though the Packers have not signed, traded for, or drafted a wideout, they will be adding a potentially huge impact player in 2021. His name is Devin Funchess.
Funchess was signed in free agency last offseason to be an upgrade at the wide receiver position for the Packers. He opted out of the 2020 season due to concerns surrounding COVID-19. But, he could end up being a major piece of the Green Bay offense this coming season.
Back in the 2018 season with the Panthers, which was the last year he played close to a full season, Funchess caught 44 passes for 549 yards and four touchdowns. In 2017 with the Panthers, he racked up 63 receptions for 840 yards and eight touchdowns. He absolutely could end up being a quality piece for the Packers' offense.
No, the Packers did not “screw up” by not taking a wide receiver. Brian Gutekunst drafted a talented young cornerback, which was another position that Green Bay needed to improve this offseason. By improving the defense and making themselves a better all-around football team, the Packers will please Rodgers by giving him a better chance to win another Super Bowl.
Going further, the franchise still has the opportunity to draft a wideout in the second or third round if they choose to do so. But, the Packers certainly do not “need” to bring in a wide receiver. A group of Davante Adams, Funchess, Allen Lazard, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling is a dangerous foursome.
Looking past the wide receivers, the Packers have other weapons for Rodgers. Robert Tonyan was a very impressive tight end last season, catching 52 passes for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns. Aaron Jones is also one of the top running backs in the NFL and was re-signed to a long-term contract this offseason in free agency.
The whole idea that the Packers have not surrounded Rodgers with talent and that they have not given him the best opportunity to win is simply false. Rodgers has a lot more talent than many quarterbacks around the league. Drafting a wide receiver in the first round would have given Rodgers more comfort, but it was not a necessity by any stretch.
Expect to see the Packers continue putting together a quality NFL Draft. Eric Stokes was a good pick and they should be very happy that they got their guy. No mistake was made by not drafting a wide receiver in any way, shape, or form.
Follow Us
Subscribe