Packers 2023 Draft: 3 early-round targets at wide receiver
The Green Bay Packers have plenty of offseason needs, including tight end, safety, defensive tackle, and edge rusher.
But they also need to add more wide receiver depth.
Green Bay’s top receivers are Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Samori Toure, all draft picks a year ago.
Watson showed star potential in year one, Doubs can be a quality WR2 or WR3, while Toure impressed on limited snaps.
However, with Allen Lazard gone and Randall Cobb still a free agent, the Packers need to keep adding talent at the wide receiver position. Let’s look at some potential options in the early rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
Packers fans around the world want to see their team draft Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the first round, and understandably so.
He has everything the Packers need on offense.
Smith-Njigba can play outside or inside, but his ability in the slot would be ideal for the Packers. He would perfectly complement Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs in the passing game.
“Jaxon Smith-Njigba checks so many boxes for the Packers, and his fit would be seamless as a versatile separator and chain-moving best friend for Love in 2023,” wrote Lombardi Ave’s Jacob Schyvinck.
Smith-Njigba missed a lot of time due to injury last season, but when fully healthy, he can be a dominant receiver.
Next to Watson and Doubs, Smith-Njigba would give the Packers one of the best wide receiver trios in the NFL.
Quentin Johnston, TCU
“It’s all there. Johnston has every uncoachable physical tool,” wrote Michael Renner of Pro Football Focus.
And he’s not wrong. Johnston is 6-foot-3, 208 pounds, and is an excellent athlete. His speed makes him a great deep threat.
Much like Christian Watson, Johnston’s combination of size, speed, and athleticism would create major problems for opposing defenses. Together in the same offense? That could be a lot of fun.
Johnston dominated at TCU last season, making 60 catches for 1,069 yards and six touchdowns, and he was named a first-team All-Big 12.
If he’s there at No. 15 overall, the Packers should seriously consider drafting Johnston.
Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee
Another first-round option for the Packers is Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt.
According to Justis Mosqueda of Acme Packing Company, the Packers were interested in Chris Olave last year, adding that “Hyatt is held in the same regard by the Packers’ scouts.”
Hyatt’s biggest strength is his speed.
“When he appears to be at his max speed, Hyatt can reach an otherworldly gear, accelerating with long, efficient strides,” wrote Pro Football Network’s James Fragoza.
Matt LaFleur found ways to get the ball to Christian Watson in his rookie season, and the same would be true for Hyatt.
There are areas for Hyatt to improve, but you can’t teach game-changing speed. He has that, and could instantly become a difference-maker in Green Bay.