As mock draft season hits its peak, NFL.com’s Chad Reuter is turning heads with a bold prediction for the Green Bay Packers. In his latest full seven-round mock draft, Reuter envisions the Packers making a rare move: trading up in the first round to secure a dynamic wide receiver—Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka.
It’s no secret that the Packers are doing their homework on top receiver prospects. General Manager Brian Gutekunst personally attended Tetairoa McMillan’s private workout, and the team even used a top-30 visit on him. But in Reuter’s mock, McMillan is snatched up by the Seahawks at No. 18, and Texas standout Matthew Golden goes next to the Cowboys at No. 19. With Green Bay originally sitting at No. 25, Reuter sees them making a calculated leap to No. 19 to grab Egbuka—possibly the next-best wideout available.
This kind of move would be unprecedented for the Packers in recent years. They haven’t taken a receiver in the first round since 2002, although they did trade up in the second round to get Christian Watson in 2022. But Reuter’s mock has Green Bay pulling off a strategic two-for-two trade, swapping their third-round pick for a fifth-rounder to climb up just four spots in the first round—without losing a selection overall.
So why Egbuka?
He’s considered one of the most NFL-ready receivers in this year’s draft class. Known for his crisp route-running, reliable hands, and willingness to block in the run game, Egbuka fits the Packers’ mold of versatility and physicality. While he may not project as a future WR1, he has one of the highest floors among wideouts, making him a low-risk, high-upside investment.
For a Packers offense that’s seeking a reliable complement to Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, Egbuka could be an instant contributor in Matt LaFleur’s system. His polished skill set and mature game would make him a plug-and-play option, and fans in Green Bay would no doubt celebrate the team finally making a splash at receiver in Round 1—even if it comes via a surprising trade-up.
Reuter’s mock may not predict the safe or expected—but if history tells us anything, the Packers often thrive when they zig while everyone else zags.