The 2022 NFL Draft kicked off Thursday night with the Green Bay Packers having two first-round picks.
With them trading their best receiver to the Las Vegas Raiders, cheeseheads thought they were getting a receiver.
However, the Packers would disappoint any fans hoping for some weapons for their quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.
Green Bay would select linebacker Quay Walker and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt Thursday night.
This now marks 20 years since the Packers drafted a wide receiver in the first round.
That 2002 first-round receiver pick was Javon Walker.
The Packers drafted Aaron Rodgers a linebacker and defensive tackle. They haven't selected a wide receiver in the first round since Javon Walker in 2002.
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) April 29, 2022
Packers fans remembering him might understand why Green Bay hasn’t drafted a receiver in the first round in 20 years.
The Player Packers Fans Would Rather Forget
Walker came from Florida State with tons of promise for the Packers.
However, his ego and new agent were part of the reason he became a player from hell in Green Bay.
2004 was a great season for Walker.
He had 1,382 receiving yards, 12 touchdowns, and a Pro Bowl selection by the season’s end.
That performance, and his new agent, fueled him to demand a better contract.
He would threaten to retire if the Packers didn’t trade him after they refused to renegotiate his contract.
However, he would renege on his threats and play for Green Bay in 2005.
But his season ended in the first game, as he tore his ACL during a passing play.
With everything Green Bay endured with him, this could be why they didn’t draft a receiver.
But one person is shockingly okay with the two picks Green Bay made.
Rodgers Is OK With Draft Choices
Without an elite receiver, Packers fans would expect Rodgers to be upset with Green Bay’s draft choices.
However, he approved of both of the picks made..
Rodgers seems to be involved with the draft, meaning everyone needs to R-E-L-A-X.
Instead of asking all the emotional people… just tell them to watch the Pat McAfee show from last night… Rodgers spoke on what is happening. He's involved with the draft. R-E-L-A-X
— Aaron Brost (@brostaa12) April 29, 2022
With their star quarterback’s approval, Green Bay is rebuilding a defense that lost some key players.
The biggest hole they needed filled came at the linebacker position.
The drafting of Quay Walker filled that need for Green Bay.
It also shows Green Bay has faith in Rodgers’ ability, no matter who he has at receiver.
However, when you look at his consecutive MVP runs, you see Davante Adams was an enormous factor in him winning MVP.
Why Adams’ Absence Plays A Role In Rodgers 2022 Season
Three things helped seal Rodgers’ 2021 MVP run over Tom Brady.
First, the people doing the voting liked him more than Brady, even though Brady had better stats.
Second, Rodgers protected the ball, throwing only four interceptions.
Last, he had Adams to account for over one-third of his stats.
Without Adams, Rodgers’ numbers could suffer in 2022.
He leaves big shoes to fill in Green Bay.
It also takes away Rodgers’ most reliable target on offense.
However, the Packers could fill that spot in the final rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft.
