Packers trade of Dontayvion Wicks could force shift toward 5 wide receiver prospects becoming obvious fits in the draft
Green Bay is likely to select a wide receiver during this year’s draft to keep their long-term process in place, even after using significant resources at the position in 2025.
The Green Bay Packers made their intentions clear by trading wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2026 fifth- and a 2027 sixth-round pick. Matthew Golden and Savion Williams are the only two receivers on the current roster under contract beyond 2026, so there’s an obvious necessity to add more long-term options at the position.
The Packers have a clear type at receiver, so using those factors, we will try to find out five wide receiver prospects who would be options to Green Bay next week — also, with blurbs from Dane Brugler’s The Beast about each player.
Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
Tall and fast. This is what Brazzell is, and this is what the Packers love, so it’s not a surprise that he’s a top-30 visit for them. If you look at his tape, you see several plays where he’s wide open — and that’s in large part due to his ability to run routes and create separation.
Dane Brugler’s takeaway: Brazzell still has a long way to go before becoming a complete receiver, but he is a long-striding athlete and dangerous vertical threat with surprising savvy for his size. He has the talent to become a team’s No. 2 or No. 3 option.
Malachi Fields, Notre Dame
Fields is a 6-4 receiver who’s a prototypical outside receiver, but he also has the ability to generate separation with his deep speed and route-running. He’s the 71st prospect on the consensus big board. After four years at Virginia, he played his final college season at Notre Dame and had 36 receptions for 630 yards and five touchdowns.
Dane Brugler’s takeaway: Fields is a big-bodied receiver who presents a large target for his quarterback, using his athleticism and catch radius. He has the talent to be a solid No. 2 receiving option, and his game closely resembles that of Michael Pittman.
Ted Hurst, Georgia State
Hurst is the ideal type for the Packers to draft and develop. In the second of his two seasons at Georgia State, he had 2.42 yards per route run, despite his seven drops. He’s the 79th prospect on the consensus board. A 6-3, 206-pound receiver, he had a top-30 visit with Green Bay.
Dane Brugler’s takeaway: Hurst faces a steep learning curve versus NFL press and coverage traffic, but his physical traits and ball-tracking skills — especially as a downfield target — are exciting. He is a developmental X/Z receiver with down-the-road starting upside.
Bryce Lance, North Dakota State
He’s Trey Lance’s brother, but he looks more like Christian Watson as a football player. 6-3, he lacks development and his competition at the FCS level was weaker compared to similar prospects, but his explosiveness jumps off the tape. He’s the 91st player on the consensus board.
Dane Brugler’s takeaway: Lance is a good-sized athlete and natural hands-catcher who requires route polish but adjusts well to the ball with physicality and body control. He projects as a rookie backup who should eventually compete for a starting role.
Reggie Virgil, Texas Tech
Just like Wicks, Virgil is likely a late Day 3 pick, as the 190th prospect on the consensus board. But that also brings value, alongside his ability to play special teams. As a receiver, he can create separation and impact the offense horizontally as well. Based on traits, he’s possibly the most similar one to Wicks’ style, which includes the versatility to eventually play in the slot.
Dane Brugler’s takeaway: Virgil is a tall, silky-smooth athlete with the long-striding speed and adequate ball skills that give him a fighting chance as an outside pro receiver. His versatility on special teams coverages will increase his value.
Honorable mention: De’Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss
Not in terms of quality, but it’s easy to see some DK Metcalf traits in Stribling’s game because of his size and how he can operate with a limited route tree. The 120th prospect on the consensus board, he had his best season in 2024 at Oklahoma State before transferring to Ole Miss.
Dane Brugler’s takeaway: Stribling isn’t the most well-rounded in terms of his route success, but he is a big-bodied athlete with strong ball skills and a pro mindset. He has the talent and competitive toughness to settle into a WR2/3 role for an NFL offense.