If history has shown us anything, it’s that, regardless of circumstance or how the board shapes up, the Green Bay Packers don’t take wide receivers in the first round of the NFL draft.

This year, that trend may continue — all available evidence suggests it will — but even still, all is not lost at wide receiver. Stanford’s Elic Ayomanor would provide a plug-and-play option for the Packers if they select him later in the draft.

Green Bay believes it’s poised to compete for championships, starting now. General manager Brian Gutekunst said as much in January. With that belief comes the idea that the Packers should focus on drafting a few players who they can pencil into the scheme immediately.

The Jordan Morgan picks will still exist, and that’s perfectly fine. Brian Gutekunst took Morgan knowing the Packers didn’t need the rookie offensive lineman to be a Day 1 starter; instead, they could ease him into the rotation and see if he fit better at guard or tackle.

The luxury the Packers had in that situation is that the offensive line last year was in pretty damn good shape. Morgan only enhanced it and added depth.

Green Bay’s wide receiver room isn’t exactly in shambles. Nobody would suggest that it is. However, the group isn’t a proven winner either. With that being the case, the Packers should look for someone who can slot in immediately at wide receiver. They don’t have time for developmental projects.

Ayomanor fits that description. He was a model of consistency in his last two years at Stanford. In 2023, Ayomanor had 62 receptions. Last year, he had 63 in what wasn’t a great Stanford offense. In 2023, Ayomanor piled up 1,013 yards and six touchdowns. In 2024, it was 831 yards and six touchdowns.

He also comes with a built-in safety net. You know what you’ll get if you draft him: a solid wide receiver with a high floor. Ayomanor was the clear-cut No. 1 option for Stanford each of the last two years and got the full attention of opposing defenses when prepping for Stanford’s passing game. Even with the added pressure coming his way, Ayomanor still balled out.

His breakout game came in 2023 in a nationally televised bout against Travis Hunter and Colorado. Ayomanor had zero receptions at halftime in Boulder, and the Cardinal trailed 29-0.

However, Ayomanor turned it all around in the second half, like a scene out of a sports movie.

Ayomanor made numerous sensational catches with Hunter in tight coverage — the same Hunter everyone raves about being the best athlete in this draft class, and rightfully so. Ayomanor found success multiple times in that matchup. He finished the game with a Stanford single-game record of 294 receiving yards. The Cardinal won in overtime. That put Ayomanor on the map.

The Packers have traditionally valued two traits above all else when drafting wide receivers: whether or not they can block in the running game and if they have a high Relative Athletic Score.

Ayomanor’s 6’2” frame will help him in the run-blocking game, where he was a more than willing participant at Stanford. Head coach Matt LaFleur has harped on the need for wide receivers in Green Bay’s system to contribute to the ground attack. That’s not a problem for Ayomanor.

Secondly, Ayomanor’s unofficial RAS score was 9.56 out of 10. That score will have Gutekunst smiling from ear to ear.

Ayomanor isn’t projected to go in the first round. He’s hovering around middle-to-late Day 2 territory. With Green Bay’s history of not taking a wide receiver on Day 1, Ayomanor could be a target later on. He’d be a great fit.

Multiple outlets view Ayomanor as a receiver who could ascend into No. 1 territory. NFL Draft Buzz is among those who consider it possible.

Ayomanor projects as a high-end WR2 with legitimate WR1 upside, warranting strong consideration in the second round. His exceptional work in the intermediate range and consistent ability to win vertically, combined with excellent size and good testing numbers, paint the picture of a complete receiver who can threaten all three levels of the defense. While his hands can be inconsistent, his overall profile suggests a prospect with the tools to make an immediate impact.

That’s what Green Bay needs at wide receiver. With Watson out of the picture for now, the Packers need a reliable vertical threat who can also contribute in other ways. Ayomanor won’t step in and immediately be Green Bay’s top target. That’s not the goal. The reality is that because the Packers didn’t bring in a proven No. 1 wide receiver this offseason, they need more options for quarterback Jordan Love going into 2025.

Ayomanor isn’t likely to take the league by storm in Year 1 as a rookie, but he’s also the type that can give you productive reps from the start. Remember that Watson and Romeo Doubs are entering contract years, and there’s no guarantee either will be back after 2025. Getting another top talent on a rookie deal is a priority.

Green Bay must use some resources in the draft at wide receiver. Draft history would suggest that won’t happen in the first round. If it doesn’t, landing Ayomanor in Day 2 would be a hell of an addition to the WR room.