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 Florida WR Van Jefferson:
What he can do
– Detailed and deceptive route runner. Mixes up releases at the line of scrimmage to set up route stems and get off press coverage. Efficient release footwork allows him to maintain his timing with the quarterback. Sells routes with his eyes and subtle body movements like head fakes, shoulder fakes and foot fakes. Works to the cornerback’s blind spot once his hips are turned and can rock him to sleep with variations in route pacing. Can break off routes sharply at the top to create comfortable throwing windows
– Good body control and flexibility throughout his frame. Can adjust to low or off-target passes and easily change course for mid-route adjustments
– Reliable hands. Occasionally body/trap catches, but it’s not a frequent issue. Shows good concentration to finish catches in traffic
– Willing blocker. Does his best to seal the edge and spring runners on perimeter runs, screens, swings, etc.
– Has experience as a slot and boundary receiver
– Physical traits are mostly average. He’s got a lean frame at a listed 6-1, 200 lbs. and his play strength is only average, but his length (32 3/4″ arms) and catch radius are above average
– Not much of a deep threat. Lacks the size/leaping ability to be a jump-ball specialist down the field and lacks the speed to consistently create/maintain vertical separation
– Average run-after-catch skills. Not going to make many defenders miss in the open field, shrug off many tackles or win many footraces
– No NFL Scouting Combine or pro day workout numbers to judge him by
– Modest four-year production, but it’s somewhat forgivable when you consider these two factors: he was buried on the depth chart at Ole Miss behind the likes of A.J. Brown and D.K. Metcalf for his first two years, and he was plagued by bad quarterback play at Florida until Kyle Trask took over as the starting quarterback last season
How he fits
The Packers desperately need a complementary receiver to pair with Davante Adams, and they could really use one that knows how to work the middle of the field and separate in the short-to-intermediate areas like Jefferson can. Jefferson would be an instant upgrade over Geronimo Allison in the slot, and he has the ability to play on the perimeter as well. His skill set could be just what the Packers need to solve their third-down conversion woes.
NFL comp
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd is a sensible comparison for Jefferson. They’re nearly identical in size (Boyd measures in at 6-2, 203), both are quicker than fast (Boyd ran a 4.58 40), they’re both average run-after-catch threats, and they’re strong route runners who win primarily in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field.
Where Packers could get him
With the depth of the wide receiver class this year, talented players are bound to drop. Because of this, I think Jefferson could realistically make it to pick No. 94, the Packers’ third-round selection this year.
Previous Prospects for the Pack
WR Tee Higgins
LB Kenneth Murray
LB Patrick Queen
WR Jalen Reagor
WR Justin Jefferson
TE Harrison Bryant
WR Denzel Mims
WR Brandon Aiyuk
WR/TE Chase Claypool
LB Zack Baun
LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
OT Josh Jones
OT Austin Jackson
S Antoine Winfield Jr.
DL Raekwon Davis
DB Xavier McKinney
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
DL A.J. Epenesa
TE Hunter Bryant
RB Jonathan Taylor
RB Zack Moss
WR Michael Pittman
WR K.J. Hamler
WR John Hightower
LB Jordyn Brooks
LB Troy Dye
LB Willie Gay Jr.
OT Jack Driscoll
WR Devin Duvernay
OT Ezra Cleveland