Packers land Watson after trading up to No. 34

Aaron Rodgers has a new weapon.

The Green Bay Packers selected North Dakota State wide receiver Christian Watson in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft after trading up to the 34th overall pick.

The Minnesota Vikings sent the pick to the Packers for Nos. 53 and 59.

There was speculation Green Bay could use one of its two first-round selections to find a replacement for Davante Adams, but the NFC North club instead addressed its defense with both picks. The Packers took linebacker Quay Walker at No. 22 and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt at No. 28.

Watson could immediately compete for a starting job despite being viewed as a project in the NFL.

Sammy Watkins, Allen Lazard, and Randall Cobb currently top Green Bay's depth chart following the departures of Adams (traded to the Las Vegas Raiders) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (signed with the Kansas City Chiefs).

Watson racked up 43 catches for 800 yards (18.6-yard average) and seven touchdowns last season.

Scouting profile: Christian Watson

Watson is one of the hardest prospects to evaluate in this year's group because almost all of his positive traits are linked to his otherworldly athleticism, including the 12th-best relative athletic score (RAS) among receivers since 1987. However, his skills as a receiver and a football player are very much works in progress. He runs a limited route tree, he's not physically imposing despite his size, his hands aren't trustworthy, and his mediocre college production came against weak competition. He's also an older prospect who turns 23 in May, which is notable considering he still needs some development. Despite all that, Watson remains a risk worth taking for an NFL front office due to his size-speed combination and potential as a splash-play threat with elite upside.