The NFL Draft is less than a week away. Soon enough, the Green Bay Packers will be selecting 15th overall in the first round. There has been multiple rumors about who the Packers will be selecting. The 15th spot holds some great names that will be available. Some rumored names for the Packers to select have been:
- Dalton Kincaid Tight End Utah
- Michael Mayer Tight End Notre Dame
- Brian Branch Safety Alabama
- Lukas Van Ness Edge Iowa
Taking Kincaid or Mayer would be a smart move, as the tight end position is definitely a huge need for Green Bay. But, this draft class features a very deep class at the position, meaning we could get a talented commodity still in the second or even third round!
Branch or Van Ness would be productive additions as well at positions of needs but regardless for me, it still is pretty simple who the packers should be taking if he is available at 15.
That is no other than Jaxon Smith-Njigba, wide receiver out of Ohio State! “JSN” has been looked at being the top wide receiver prospect in this draft. The buzz surrounding him creates the possibility he will be selected before the Packers get the opportunity to draft themselves, so I don’t want to get mine or Packer fans’ hopes up too much.
Syndication The Columbus Dispatch
The goal for the Packers should be to surround Jordan Love with as much offensive talent as possible to make his transition to a starter that much easier. JSN dominates in the slot which would be a perfect complement to Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs.
While at Ohio State, JSN’s sophomore year he was able put up monster numbers. Including: 95 receptions, 1606 receiving yards, and 9 touchdowns. JSN was able to produce these insane stats, while playing along side Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, who both look like they are going to be star receivers in the NFL after their productive rookie seasons in 2022.
In the 2022 Rose Bowl the ability of this elite receiver prospect was on full display. JSN torched the Utah defense for 15 receptions, 347 yards, and 3 touchdowns. His performance broke records for the most receiving yards in a Rose Bowl game and the most by an Ohio State player in a game as well, showing he can shine in the brightest moments.
JSN’s sophomore season was magical and provided why he should be selected early come draft time, but like any prospect there are still a lot of questions surrounding JSN. First off, JSN did not play much at all this past season as he battled a lingering hamstring all season which limited him to only three games. He also skipped the College Football Playoff as well this past season. Many believe JSN did not play a lot this season so he could focus on the NFL and not because of his injury, causing some concerns as a “team player”. While regardless what is the truth is, it is ultimately his decision what he wants to do and he addressed multiple times if he could’ve played more this last season, he would’ve.
The other concern was that he would be too slow for the NFL. Many elite NFL receivers today that dominate in the slot were not “speed demons” entering the league either. Including Cooper Kupp (4.62 40) Keenan Allen (4.76 40) and Davante Adams (4.56 40). JSN is not a burner by any means but his elite traits are not about long running speed, it’s about short quickness to get open playing in the slot. The former Buckeye put that on display in the NFL Combine, posting a 3.93 second 20-yard shuttle which was the fourth best by a receiver since 2007. It’s safe to say what JSN does display in his game, is done at an elite level.
JSN has reportedly met with the Packers a long with multiple other teams during the draft process. And not to mention according to ESPN’s Matt Miller, “an anonymous scout believes the Packers are a sneaky team to watch” with selecting the former Buckeye.
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10073233
Green Bay Packers, if you are listening, if Jaxson Smith-Njigba is available at 15 next week please sprint up to podium as quickly as possible and draft this stellar player. This elite receiver prospect will raise everybody’s play around him, and become an elite safety blanket for Jordan Love as he develops into whatever he will become.
The NFL Draft begins on Thursday April 27th.
