LAS VEGAS — The Green Bay Packers drafted a receiver in the second round or higher for the first time since 2014 on Friday, April 29, when they took North Dakota State's Christian Watson with the 34th overall pick in the second round.
The choice was obtained through unusual means: a rare trade with Minnesota, its division rival. The Packers acquired the 34th selection by giving Minnesota Nos. 53 and 59. The Packers took Davante Adams with a second-round selection in 2014, Randall Cobb in 2011, Jordy Nelson in 2008 and Greg Jennings in 2006.
Watson's father, Tazim Wajid Wajed, then known as Tim Watson, was a 1993 sixth-round Packers draft pick as a safety out of Howard.
Watson, 6-foot-4 and approximately 210 pounds, ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He played in a Bison offense that ran the ball 72% of the time during his senior season, a ninth national championship for the FCS juggernaut. He averaged 20.4 yards per reception, accumulating 14 receiving TDs in 52 games in Fargo, North Dakota. He also scored two rushing touchdowns and two kick returns.
In the third round, the Packers focused on their offensive line, selecting Sean Rhyan out of UCLA with the 92nd overall pick.
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Rhyan, 6-5 and 321 pounds, started 31 games over the past three seasons on the Bruins' offensive line, including starting the season opener in 2019 as a true freshman. Scouts believe he could play tackle or guard.
The draft concludes with rounds 4-7 on Saturday. The Packers have two picks in the round, Nos. 132 and 140 overall.
