The Green Bay Packers must use the 2020 NFL Draft to provide the finishing touches on a team that won 13 regular-season games and got within one game of the Super Bowl during Matt LaFleur’s first season as head coach.
Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect fitting the Packers’ roster needs.
Up next is LSU receiver Justin Jefferson:
What he can do
– Red-zone extraordinaire. Understands spacing, leverage. Makes contested catches, wiggles open on extended plays and is fearless in tight quarters
– Quarterbacks will love his ability on 50/50 balls
– Catches everything in sight, hands are quick, strong and consistent
– Provides easy completions from the slot on short-to-intermediate throws
– Nuanced route-runner. Knows how to set up defenders off the line, uses subtle speed changes to create separation
– Looks comfortable adjusting routes against zone, winning option routes against man
– Length creates impressive catching radius
– Natural tracking the ball in the air
– Plus body control on back-shoulder throws and throws away from his body
– Cover-3 destroyer in the middle of the field
– Maintains focus on quick hitters between the hashes with defenders near
– Not super explosive after the catch but certainly slippery
– Favorite target of Joe Burrow’s on third down and in the red zone
How he fits
Justin Jefferson was made for catching touchdown passes from Aaron Rodgers in the red zone. That combination could be deadly productive in the scoring area. The nation’s top pass-catcher would also give Rodgers a reliable route-winner in the slot, where Jefferson dominated throughout the 2019 season. The Packers lacked a real threat there and need an immediate upgrade. Jefferson could be exactly the receiver the Packers need to create easy completions, win on important downs and complement Davante Adams in Matt LaFleur’s offense.
NFL comp
Jefferson’s top pro comparison might be Keenan Allen, another silky smooth athlete who can win any route from the slot. Robert Woods’ reliability and Marvin Jones’ red-zone prowess also come to mind. The guys over at The Draft Network like comparing him to Tyler Boyd, who has 166 catches over the last two seasons.
Where Packers could get him
In a deep class of receivers, Jefferson has a great chance of being available at No. 30. He probably won’t blow up the combine athletically, so there’s a decent chance the Packers could trade back and still get him in the 30-40 range. If he somehow lasts into the second half of the second round, the Packers would be prime candidates to move up and get him.
Previous Prospects for the Pack
WR Tee Higgins
LB Kenneth Murray
LB Patrick Queen
WR Jalen Reagor