The 2023 NFL Draft is just around the corner and there’s a wide divergence of opinion when it comes to who the Green Bay Packers will pick with their 15th overall pick this year. Media experts and pundits have been offering up their opinions and mock drafts have been plentiful.
Chief among the Packers needs this offseason is an elite-level pass catcher or two to help out new quarterback Jordan Love. As of right now, the team has a handful of decent second year players and, behind them, lots of question marks. The loss of free agents Allen Lazard and Robert Tonyan (to the New York Jets and the Chicago Bears, respectively) is a big blow, especially considering the restructure as the team transitions away from the Aaron Rodgers era.
The upcoming NFL Draft may help fill out that hole. Here are two projected likely first round draft candidates for wide receiver.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
Smith-Njigba would certainly fill a hole in a Packers offense currently light on wide receiver depth. Although he tracks as a low-end speedster and there are some doubts as to his ability to become a long distance weapon in the NFL, he’s proven himself to be a tenacious and accomplished pass receiver. A persistent hamstring injury kept him from competing in all but three games last year and that’s obviously affected his stock as a draft pick. However, scouts are mostly positive on his ability to stay healthy and become a high-end NFL starter.
By the way, Aaron Rodgers’ likely new team, The New York Jets, with their 13th pick, is also reportedly interested in him.
Former Ohio State teammate and current Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson has gushed over Smith-Njigba and hopes to have him as a teammate once again.
“Jaxon is a cold-blooded man, man,” Wilson said. “That boy is, we call him ‘The Natural.’ He’s got hands, he’s got feet that will make you miss. He’ll do the laundry for you. Jaxon’s cold, man. I’m confident that wherever he goes, he’s going to make a big impact early.”
Jordan Addison, USC
Another wide receiver to help fill a Packers weakness, Addison is speedy and agile with the athleticism to work anywhere on the field. His speed and post-catch running ability would be a big help to new quarterback Jordan love. His skinny 173 lb. frame is a concern with scouts, but the consensus is that it shouldn’t limit him too much in his pro efforts.
“Addison’s size and play strength may limit him from being a superstar No. 1 receiver,” writes Bleacher Reports NFL scout Derrik Klassen. “However, his route-running chops, speed and ball-carrying skills will make him an impact player soon. Addison would be the perfect explosive playmaker type to complement a more stable, ball-winning receiver on the outside.”
