The Green Bay Packers have a type in the draft, especially when it comes to selecting wide receivers.
Big. Fast. Athletic. Productive.
Matt LaFleur’s offense is predicated on play-action passing. Brian Gutekunst prefers size and speed in prospects. Put the two things together, and the Packers’ type becomes clear: big, tall and fast receivers who can block and create big plays.
Here are the 12 best wide receiver fits for the Packers in the 2023 draft class:
Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
Height: 6-1
Weight: 196
RAS: 8.31
Why he fits: While not ultra fast, Smith-Njigba is an explosive short-area mover who creates instant and easy separation from slot alignments and should be a high-volume, high-percentage pass-catcher at the next level.
Quentin Johnston, TCU
Height: 6-3
Weight: 208
RAS: N/A
Why he fits: His body type is exactly what the Packers look for at wide receiver. Big and explosive. Get him running go routes and deep crossers and he’ll cook in Matt LaFleur’s scheme.
Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee
Height: 6-0
Weight: 176
RAS: 9.48
Why he fits: While undersized, he has a trump card: incredible speed. Pairing Hyatt and Christian Watson together would create a dynamic pair of deep-ball extraordinaires similar to what the Dolphins have built in Miami with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Cedric Tillman, Tennessee
Height: 6-3
Weight: 213
RAS: 9.50
Why he fits: Nearly identical size and movement ability as Jordy Nelson. Dominated against top competition in 2021 (see: vs. Alabama, Georgia). Tillman checks a lot of boxes.
Rashee Rice, SMU
Height: 6-1
Weight: 204
RAS: 9.51
Why he fits: Maybe the best fit in the class. Big, athletic, productive. Blocks in the run game. Tested well at the combine. Do-it-all receiver is a likely Day 2 target.
Trey Palmer, Nebraska
Height: 6-0
Weight: 192
RAS: 7.25
Why he fits: Game-breaking speed (4.33) with big-time upside if the rest of his game catches up. Can also return punts and kicks.
A.T. Perry, Wake Forest
Height: 6-3
Weight: 198
RAS: 9.85
Why he fits: Excellent combo of length, speed (4.47), explosiveness as a jumper and productiveness as a collegiate pass-catcher. Moves a lot like MVS.
Jonathan Mingo, Ole Miss
Height: 6-2
Weight: 220
RAS: 9.97
Why he fits: Produced a 1.54-second 10-yard split and explosive jumps at 220 pounds. Can play the slot and also cares about blocking. Possible Allen Lazard replacement.
Dontayvion Wicks, Virginia
Height: 6-1
Weight: 206
RAS: 9.14
Why he fits: Big-play producer with the required combination of size and explosiveness. Averaged just over 21.0 yards per catch during dynamic 2021 season.
Matt Landers, Arkansas
Height: 6-4
Weight: 200
RAS: 9.96
Why he fits: Ran 4.37 at 6-4 and 200 pounds. Has the body length and long steides. Big-time MVS vibes.
Grant DuBose, Charlotte
Height: 6-2
Weight: 201
RAS: 8.15
Why he fits: Quick (1.52-second 10-yard, 6.69-second three-cone) receiver with length and toughness for catches in the middle of the field.
Xavier Hutchinson, Iowa State
Height: 6-2
Weight: 203
RAS: 7.28
Why he fits: Quick in and out of routes for a player of his size. Blocks in the run game. Caught a ton of passes at Iowa State.
Others
Andre Iosivas, Princeton
Jayden Reed, Michigan State
Bryce Ford-Wheaton, WVU
Elijah Higgins, Stanford
Antonie Green, UNC
Michael Jefferson, Louisiana
Michael Wilson, Stanford
