Who will the Packers draft in the first round?
Ahead of the final regular season game, the Packers control their own destiny with a win. Football is a sport about team building and developing the best fits for the squad is part of that. The Packers have more than enough to make a Playoff run, but given the upcoming draft class, one player can completely boost the team.
That is not to say that there are specific players the Packers should draft. However, there are key positions that can be improved significantly through the 2023 Draft. Brad Crawford of 24/7 Sports recently published an early 2023 Mock Draft that generously benefited the Packers with a stud at the 16th pick. Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network also gives the Packers a respectable projection.
Crawford: WR, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State University
Despite only recording five receptions in three games in 2022, no one has forgotten about Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The year was spent treating a lingering hamstring injury for Smith-Njigba. As a Junior, it certainly must be hard to opt out of the College Football Playoff and watch from the sidelines.
Smith-Njigba hasn’t let his uncertain 2022 impact his draft potential. The receiver exploded onto the scene in 2021 with nine touchdowns and 1606 yards on 95 receptions. Smith-Njigba also averaged 16.9 yards per reception to cap off his video game statistics. Coming in at 197 pounds, he certainly isn’t the biggest receiver on the field. However, it is his first cut ability and route running physicality that sets him apart.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba jumping into the air then creating 3 yards of separation less than a second after touching the ground 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/bkrvoTOIi8
— Max Loeb (@loebsleads) December 28, 2022
A perfect example above shows the ability that Smith-Njigba possesses. He begins his route and turns in before he cuts sharp to his right. The defender doesn’t have time to reach Smith-Njigba after the cut and separation is gained instantly. Defenders are rarely able to stick to him, which is a major reason why the receiver caught 95 receptions a year ago. The Packers have already welcomed the presence of their rookie receivers. It hasn’t been smooth sailing, yet adding another receiver to complement the offense could be a priority move.
Crabbs: TE, Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
The pride of Notre Dame the last two seasons has been none other than Michael Mayer. The 250 pound tight end is known for being a well-rounded receiver and blocker for his position. Mayer can do it all, which increases his value in a power run offense with aggressive rushers like Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. During their contest against Clemson, Mayer recorded his 18th career touchdown, setting the Notre Dame school record for a tight end.
MICHAEL MAYER. ND’S ALL TIME TOUCHDOWN LEADER BY A TIGHT END pic.twitter.com/f5jtzswfOO
— Barstool Irish (@BarstoolIrish) November 6, 2022
Above is the record setting touchdown that Mayer was able to score. While it may seem like a blown coverage, this touchdown serves as a reference to Mayer’s versatility. Mayer is lined up as the H-back on this play and given a skinny post. He reaches top speed extremely quickly which allows Mayer to blow past the defenders in zone coverage.
The Packers’ playoff push has been a roller coaster of a story to say the least. One aspect of the Packers’ offense that has been hurting is the tight end production. Robert Tonyan was unable to find touchdowns the same way he did in 2020. Tonyan has also struggled the last few weeks to make an impact. Mayer would be a wonderful compliment to the offense, and he could also provide an extra target down field.
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