The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Green Bay Packers wide receiver room is likely going to look a lot different when the 2022 season opens. Will they opt to make Davante Adams the highest-paid wide receiver in the league? Will they bring back Allen Lazard? Will deep threat Marquez Valdes-Scantling get a new deal this offseason?
There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the future outlook of the wide receiver position at 1265 Lombardi Avenue. The only certainty is that Brian Gutekunst will likely use multiple picks on the wide receiver position in the 2022 NFL Draft.
A player that Green Bay’s general manager could target in the upcoming NFL Draft is Erik Ezukanma. The Texas Tech wide receiver checks in at No. 52 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.
Ezukanma arrived at Texas Tech as a four-star recruit. In 2019, the Texas native reeled in 42 receptions for 664 yards and four touchdowns. The following season he caught 46 passes for 748 yards and six touchdowns.
This past season, Ezukanma recorded 48 receptions for 705 yards and four touchdowns. The Red Raiders did all they could to get the ball in his hands at all times. He had 10 rushing attempts for 138 yards and two touchdowns.
Ezukanma has a good blend of size (6-3, 220 pounds), quickness, and strength.
He’s a big-bodied target with a large catch radius and has outstanding body control. Ezukanma has strong hands and looks comfortable making catches in a crowd. He does a good job of shielding off defenders at the catch point. With his leaping ability, size, and strong hands, Ezukanma could be a red zone weapon.
“He’s just a physically dominant receiver,” Michael Macon, the senior writer for Viva The Matadors, said. “With his combination of height, strength, and speed he’s a matchup nightmare. There aren’t many guys in the NFL even who could take him in a jump ball. He’s got outstanding hands, doesn’t have drop problems, and can reel in the tough catches.”
Ezukanma is a terror in space. He looks like a running back in the open field and has great contact balance, bouncing off defensive backs. He’s a catch-and-run weapon. He creates YAC, with his quickness. He doesn’t go down on initial contact. If he makes the first man miss he could be gone. The Red Raiders utilized him in a variety of ways.
Texas Tech used him on jet sweeps, wide receiver screens, and as a wildcat running back. The object, get the ball in his hands and let him create with his quickness and elusiveness.
YAC. It's a beautiful thing. Erik Ezukanma is a weapon. pic.twitter.com/F6zgDzl7nw
— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen_Rupp) February 28, 2022
“He’s both difficult to tackle and open space and very elusive,” Macon said. “That’s why Tech threw screens his way despite him being a true vertical threat. He’s the kind of guy you get him the ball and get out of his way.”
Ezukanma has the long speed to keep defensive backs honest. The Red Raider wide receiver has burst in his downfield routes to create separation. He’s probably going to be best used in the short to intermediate routes.
“He’s a pretty developed route runner,” Macon said. “He’s always been better at stretching the field, but he’s so fast and just overall athletic Tech ran him all over the place. Screens, jet sweeps, short, intermediate didn’t matter. He’s got the full package.”
Matt LaFleur and his coaching staff want wide receivers that are capable and willing blockers out on the perimeter. Ezukanma has the size and strength to be an asset as a run blocker out on the edge.
“He’s just a big dude, he blocks hard and he’s dedicated to whatever is asked to do,” Macon said. “Always been a team player for blocking downfield. But like all receivers, he’s going to get beat at least half the time.”
Fit with the Packers
The Packers may need to reload at wide receiver. Even if Adams is brought back, they could be losing Lazard and Valdes-Scantling.
Ezukanma is a dynamic playmaker with the size and athleticism that NFL teams covet. The Packers haven’t had a real YAC threat in quite some time and Ezukanma could add another dimension to an already dynamic offense.
“In the modern NFL, you want your receivers just to be more athletic than the other guy,” Macon said. “You want them to be a weapon in any route or scenario, and you want your guy to make big plays. Ezukanma checks those boxes. Find a way to get him the ball, and let him eat.”
