Green Bay Packers 2015 NFL Draft: Breaking down the wide receiver prospects
By Dan Dahlke
South squad wide receiver Dezmin Lewis of Central Arkansas (15). John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
My Pick for the Packers: Dezmin Lewis (Rounds 4-5)
Despite receiver not being a top priority going into the draft, the Packers could still use another big receiver who can box out defenders and make plays downfield.
Lewis has the combination of size (6-4, 214), speed (4.46), and leaping ability (37-inch. vertical) not seen otherwise on their roster.
Jeff Janis is a bigger receiver with some top-end speed, but he’s also not an overly physical wideout who will make catches over defenders, as you see with Lewis’ game.
More from Lombardi Ave
- Packers: Picks in NFL.com mock draft would be a home run
- Packers salary cap update following second week of free agency
- Packers’ cornerback depth chart after second week of free agency
- Packers’ edge rusher depth chart after second week of free agency
- Packers’ tackle depth chart after second week of free agency
Lewis led Central Arkansas in receptions (64), yards (945), and touchdowns (9) as a senior in 2014. He adjusts to the ball well in the air and is a willing pass catcher over the middle the field. He’s an overall tough competitor and shows good upside going into the NFL.
He does need to develop his route tree more. Going against smaller competition, Lewis only ran a few basic routes and was reliant on his size and athleticism to beat defenders.
That won’t work in the NFL.
Going to the Packers in the draft would allow him to develop his game, while competing with Janis and Jared Abbrederis on the depth chart for one of the final two spots at the receiver position.