Former Packers player slams team for first-round pick

It has become an annual tradition. Everyone expects the Green Bay Packers to build the offense in the first round of the draft, only to be disappointed when they focus on defense.

The Packers passed on Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba with the 13th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, instead choosing to bolster their pass rush with Iowa defender Lukas Van Ness.

While spending yet another first-rounder on defense may not excite fans as much as an offensive playmaker would, the addition of Van Ness absolutely should. He is a powerful player who can line up inside or on the edge, and his arrival is bad news for NFC North quarterbacks.

However, former Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings wasn't too impressed.

Former Packers player slams first-round decision to avoid offense

Former Packers Super Bowl-winning wide receiver Greg Jennings hasn't been afraid to criticize his former team in the past, and he wasn't too impressed with their first-round pick.

In a video for The 33rd Team, Jennings said he believed the focus would be on supporting Jordan Love.

"I was stunned, I was shocked that this draft wasn't to support Jordan Love," Jennings said. "I thought the Green Bay Packers right out of the gate were going to make a statement saying, 'We're going to support Jordan Love.'"

"This is what the Packers do. They stick to their guns. This is their mold, this is their method. We don't all agree with them. I think they have a quality player that fits their scheme, fits what they want to get done, but again, for me, I was expecting this draft to be clearly about supporting Jordan Love," said Jennings.

To be fair to Jennings, he isn't critical of Lukas Van Ness as a player, rather the Packers' decision to avoid offense in the first round.

However, the Packers have two second-round selections. So far, only one tight end is off the board, Utah's Dalton Kincaid. There are also a number of excellent wide receivers available on Day 2.

Green Bay has a chance to improve the offense on Friday and Saturday, but it took advantage of the opportunity to land Van Ness at No. 13.

With a top-15 pick, the Packers made the right call to address a premium position. As much as fans may be disappointed they didn't go offense, at least be pleased we aren't Lions fans.