Even though the NFL Draft is months away, analysts are diving into team needs. Many fans were disappointed with Green Bay’s lack of moves at the deadline yesterday. The lack of activity by the front office may force their hand in April. Though the defense hasn’t performed as some fans think they should, Green Bay spent two first round picks on that side of the ball for this season. Outside of Jordan Love, the Packers have used their first round pick on defense since 2012. If Rodgers truly has a seat at the table, he may pound his fists until he gets what he wants.
Pick 13: Jaxon Smith-Njigba
The Packers should finally spend some draft capital on offense. Smith-Njigba is a 6’1″ 200 pound slot receiver out of Ohio State. As a sophomore, Smith-Njigba posted 95 receptions for 1,606 yards and 9 touchdowns. Smith-Njigba has played with top end talent during his college tenure and catching passes from a Hall of Fame quarterback could certainly help his development. This pick was posted by Bleacher Report in their first mock draft post trade deadline.
It was great to sit down this week with @OhioStateFB's “Big 3” WRs- Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Garrett Wilson to talk about the brotherhood they have built and the culture they have established. pic.twitter.com/lL9OoNhEo7
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) November 20, 2021
The receiving core so far this season has been difficult to watch. Injuries have surely played a large part in the struggles. Providing depth to the receiving corps would certainly help this situation. While injuries have ironically derailed what figures to be Smith-Njigba’s final college season, he could fill a void desperately needed for Green Bay. With questions surrounding Randall Cobb’s future after this season, Smith-Njigba could step in Cobb’s shoes immediately if he retires. A reliable chain-moving slot receiver would be a welcome boost to the current offense.
Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson played with Jaxon Smith-Njigba last season and look how well their rookie seasons have started. Olave will likely find himself on many ballots for ROY at the end of the season. Playing at a program like Ohio State prepares these young prospects to produce at the highest level. While the mock draft has two receivers picked ahead of Smith-Njigba, Green Bay should take a flyer on him with their first pick if he’s still available.
Green Bay’s most recent First Round Pass Catcher
With the 20th overall pick in the 2002 NFL draft, Green Bay selects Javon Walker. Walker lasted four seasons with the green and yellow. His most productive season was in 2004. Catching 89 passes for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns garnered a Pro Bowl selection. Walker accumulated the 3rd most receiving yards that season. He was ultimately traded Denver after the 2005 season.
Depending on how the remainder of the 2022-23 season goes, Rodgers may have had enough. If Rodgers calls it quits and management selects a receiver with their first round pick, they may look to get the Jordan Love the help he needs for immediate success.
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