Packers 2017 NFL Draft: Top five players at each position of need

Position of Need #5: Wide Receiver

Position Outlook: Wide receiver isn’t necessarily a major need on this roster, per se. Jordy Nelson is still a reliable veteran target. Randall Cobb still plays hard and is capable of making plays with the ball in his hands, and Davante Adams is steadily ascending into becoming the top playmaker at the position.

However, is there a guy currently on the roster that really scares opposing defenses? Rather, the Packers receiving corps is full of good players, but lacking true impact players that can be legitimate big-play threats downfield.

Green Bay has not gotten this with youngsters Jeff Janis and Trevor Davis, despite their blazing speed. The Packers certainly have plenty of solid receiving options on their team, but they could use a top-end player that can gain separation and be a downfield threat even against the elite defensive backs of the NFL.

Top-5 Wide Receiver Prospects

1. Mike Williams, Clemson (6-3, 225)

2. Corey Davis, Western Michigan (6-3, 213)

3. John Ross, Washington (5-11, 190)

4. JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC (6-2, 220)

5. Dede Westbrook, Oklahoma (6-0, 176)

The Packers should go with a receiver early in the draft or just go into next season with what they already have at the position. Green Bay could certainly be in play for at least one of top-five receiver prospects in the draft.

Williams and Davis both meet all of the requirements of a true No. 1 receiver in the NFL. They both have size, speed, athleticism, and an ability to go up and haul in contested catches. Even though he’s a smaller school prospect, Davis is the more polished route runner and probably the safest receiving option in the draft. However,  Williams playmaking ability is exciting and would be a great weapon for the Packers to add to their receiver group.

Smith-Schuster also has good size and strength as a boundary receiver, but he’s not a straight-line burner. He’s more of a possession receiver with decent ability after the catch.

Ross and Westbrook may not boast ideal frames for the position at the next level, but they’re both incredibly electric athletes.

Ross may contend for the fastest prospect in the draft, but his game is more than just blazing downfield position. He’s a true playmaker with the ball in his hands. The dynamic receiver can make defenders miss in the open field and he can be utilized in a variety of ways on offense.

Westbrook is also a better boundary receiver than people give him credit for. He may be a bit wiry, but he hauls in so many tough contested catches. He has excellent concentration and he does a great job high-pointing the ball. He’s an extremely gifted athlete and has a bit of Donald Driver to his game.

Other Notable WR Prospects: Josh Reynolds (Texas A&M), Isaiah Ford (Virginia Tech), Amara Darboh (Michigan), Jehu Chesson (Michigan), Cooper Kupp (Eastern Washington), Courtland Sutton (SMU), Stacy Coley (Miami), Zay Jones (East Carolina), Travin Dural (LSU), Damore’ea Stringfellow (Ole Miss), Taywan Taylor (Western Kentucky)