The Green Bay Packers are facing a major transition as they prepare to enter a post-Aaron Rodgers era. With the uncertainty surrounding their quarterback position, the Packers are looking for ways to strengthen their offense, particularly at the wide receiver position. Recently, NFL analyst Chad Reuter suggested that drafting Jaxon Smith-Njigba could be a smart move for the Packers to bolster their receiving corps. In this article, we will explore Reuter’s prediction and the potential impact Smith-Njigba could have on the Packers’ offense.
In college football history, Jaxon had one of the most productive seasons of any wide receiver in 2021. With 5,346 career receiving yards and 82 career touchdowns in 44 career games, the wide receiver finished his high school career. Due to a persistent hamstring injury, he only participated in portions of three games during his final campaign.
Why does the NFL analyst assume Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the Green Bay Packers roster?
The Packers already have a great QB in Jordan Love, so if they want to set up Love for success, they must go after one of the top pass catchers in the draft. NFL.com analyst Chad Reuter recently published a mock draft in which the Packers select Jaxon with the 15th overall pick in the first round.
The analyst claims that despite having the ability to execute a wide variety of different plays, JSN is underrated in relation to that ability. Even though he is built like a slot receiver, he makes contested catches like a true X wide receiver and can strengthen post-Aaron Rodgers’ offense effectively. After having a productive first season as a professional, he was selected for the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team.
“Well, I think he may not even be there [at pick 15]. He’s a really talented player and I think that if he is available to them, they jump all over him. He is a super talented… look, he can play in the slot but that may be a little overrated. Guys can line up all over the field and he is certainly one who can do that,” in response to a question about why he believed the Packers would choose JSN instead of sticking to their recent draft trends, Reuter said.
Additionally, The 21-year-old can make a fantastic team with Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs thanks to his exceptional route running, which gives the impression that Jaxon is always open and performs best in the middle of the field.
The analyst added, “He’s the best player on the board at that time and certainly an immediate need for them with their very, very thin receiver group.”
Smith-Njigba informed the media following Ohio State’s pro day in March that his dinner with New York Giants representatives went well.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s change of direction is a thing of BEAUTY 😳
Njigba was taken out to dinner by the Giants the night before his Pro Day.
Njigba also said that he has Top-30 visits scheduled with the Bears, Panthers, and Saints.
The Buckeyes WR’s stock is on the RISE. pic.twitter.com/V3be7pbUGI
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) March 23, 2023
“I would love to be in the Big Apple, in New York,” Smith-Njigba said. “It would be a blessing, a dream come true.”
It will now depend on the situation as to which team Jaxon joins in order to fill the void left by their depth wide receiver position. Let us know your thoughts about Jaxon Smith-Njigba as Packers’ potential WR.
