Packers 2023 Draft: 3 first-round targets at wide receiver

The Green Bay Packers drafted three wide receivers last year, but they may need to keep adding to the position this spring.

Christian Watson could be the Packers’ future WR1, while Romeo Doubs also showed a ton of potential in his rookie season.

But with Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb potentially hitting free agency, using another early draft pick at wide receiver may be the way to go for Green Bay.

If they surprise everyone by using a first-round pick on a wide receiver, which players could be available?

Quentin Johnston, TCU

The Packers have a type at wide receiver, and Quentin Johnston checks all of the boxes.

At 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, Johnston has great size. Michael Renner of Pro Football Focus wrote that Johnston is “one of the more impressive athletes to come out at the receiver position over the past decade”.

With his size, speed, and athleticism, Johnston is an explosive receiver and would be a perfect complement to Christian Watson.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State

Jaxon Smith-Njigba might be the best wide receiver in the class.

The concern is that he missed most of the 2022 season due to injury. But if that injury is behind him, he would be a great addition to the Packers’ offense.

“Smith-Njigba is a blue-chipper with the skills to emerge in the NFL as a big-play specialist from the slot,” wrote NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks.

And his ability to play in the slot would be perfect for the Packers.

With Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs on the outside, Smith-Njigba could start in the slot. With his route-running ability, he could make an immediate impact.

Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee

Jalin Hyatt has game-changing speed. Put him in the same offense as Christian Watson, and defenses won’t know what to do.

Hyatt may need some time to develop his route-running, but with his speed, he would make plays from year one. And the Packers have the right coach in Matt LaFleur to put Hyatt in the best position to make big plays.