Packers: Noah Fant makes sense in first round of 2019 NFL Draft

Noah Fant should be a first-round option for the Green Bay Packers in the 2019 NFL Draft.

The Iowa tight end most mock drafts have linked to the Green Bay Packers is T.J. Hockenson, but there’s a good chance he’ll be long gone by the time the Packers hit the clock for the second time in the first round.

But Noah Fant could be a great option for Green Bay with the 30th overall pick if he’s still available. Fant had 11 touchdowns in 2017, and another seven in 2018 for Iowa.

While Hockenson offers more as a blocker than his teammate, Fant would be a great addition to the Packers offense as a receiver. He could immediately become a big-play threat in the middle of the field for Aaron Rodgers.

Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network wrote that Fant “has the physical skills and receiving chops to be the next big thing at the TE position in the NFL”. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com also had high praise, writing that “he’ll be a big-play producer right away for his drafting team”.

Green Bay has been unable to find the long-term answer at tight end through free agency over the past three offseasons, so general manager Brian Gutekunst should now turn his focus to the draft with a high pick.

And there will be a few tight ends to consider on the opening day of the draft. Hockenson is one, but to get him the Packers might have to use the 12th overall pick. Alabama’s Irv Smith Jr. is another talented tight end to consider.

But if the Packers go in another direction with their first pick, there’s a chance Fant will still be there at No. 30. With a top defensive prospect at No. 12 and Fant later in the round, Green Bay could hit a home run on the draft’s opening night.

With an offense featuring Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Jones, Davante Adams and Jimmy Graham already, Fant could be the missing piece the team has needed in the passing game.

Averaging 14.68 yards per reception over the past two seasons, Fant could be a great addition to Green Bay’s offense in the first round.