Tag: Josh Norris

Packers get WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba in Josh Norris’ final 2023 mock draft

The Packers got Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba in Josh Norris’ final 2023 mock draft for Underdog Network.

A review and breakdown of predictions for the Green Bay Packers in final 2023 mock drafts from a few of the most prominent analysts in the business:

The mock draft: Josh Norris, Underdog Network

The pick: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State

The reasoning: “The move from 15 to 13 was subtle, but noteworthy as the Packers have identical needs to the Patriots. This could be an offensive lineman if Darnell Wright is available. It could be a pass rusher. Or it could be JSN, who Bill Belichick himself has done extensive homework on.”

Our breakdown: Smith-Njigba is on the smaller side, he missed most of 2022 with a hamstring injury, and the Packers haven’t picked a first-round receiver since 2002, but this would be a slam dunk. The former Buckeye is the top pass-catcher and receiver and arguably a top-10 overall talent in the draft class. He’s entering the NFL with easily translatable skills in terms of creating separation and getting open with explosive and subtle movements, and he catches everything. Put him in the slot in between Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs and the Packers would be cooking. The need at receiver and in the passing game overall is clear. Smith-Njigba is pro-ready and would create easy, high-percentage throws for Jordan Love in Matt LaFleur’s scheme. Similar to Julian Edelman and Amon-Ra St. Brown, JSN is – at his best – going to be a 90-to-100-catch receiver who wins in the middle of the field and gobbles up first downs at the next level. Together, Smith-Njigba and Watson – perfect complements of one another – could create one of the most dynamic receiver combos in football.

The player info

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Height: 6-1
Weight: 196
Age: 21
40-yard dash: 4.52
Vertical leap: 35″
Broad jump: 10-5
Three-cone: 6.57
Short shuttle: 3.93
Bench press: DNP
RAS: 8.34
Pre-draft visit: No

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 91, Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

First-round prospect for the Pack: Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

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Packers get DL Logan Hall, OLB Arnold Ebiketie in Josh Norris’ final 2022 mock draft

The Packers got Houston DL Logan Hall and Penn State edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie in Josh Norris’ final mock draft for 2022.

A review and breakdown of predictions for the Green Bay Packers in final 2022 mock drafts from a few of the most prominent analysts in the business:

The mock draft: Josh Norris, Underdog Network

The picks: DL Logan Hall at 22, OLB Arnold Ebikeite at 28

The reasoning

On Hall: “I know we all want to force receiver, but there is a growing buzz that Hall will be selected by one of these teams at the end of round one. Pass rush juice is needed after the loss of Zadarius Smith even if the two don’t play the same position.”

On Ebikeite: “Yes, even after Logan Hall the Packers add another pass rusher. I would love to give them George Pickens. I do not think Jahan Dotson makes sense in round one.”

Our breakdown: Social media would burn if the Packers take two defensive front players in the first round. But put the pitchforks away; the Packers can get big guys early and still fully address the wide receiver position later. In Hall, the Packers would get a versatile, disruptive and athletic hybrid player who might have the ability to play on the edge and inside at multiple positions. He could be the interior penetrator (6.5 sacks in 2021) the Packers need, while also providing depth on the edge. Getting Ebikeite six picks later would complete the pass-rushing group and give the Packers one of the deepest and most versatile outside linebacker groups in football. After transferring from Temple, Ebikeite immediately became a top edge rusher in the Big Ten in 2021 (18 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks), and he tested really well during the pre-draft process. He’s shorter but has long arms and intriguing movement ability. The Packers defense could go from good to great if both Hall and Ebikeite are hits.

The player info

Hall

Height: 6-6
Weight: 283
40-yard dash: 4.88
Vertical leap: 30.0
Broad jump: DNP
Three-cone: 7.25
Short shuttle: 4.44
Bench press: DNP
RAS: 9.81

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Ebikeite

Height: 6-2
Weight: 250
40-yard dash: 4.66
Vertical leap: 38.0″
Broad jump: 10-8
Three-cone: 6.95
Short shuttle: 4.24
Bench press: 21
RAS: 8.91

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Packers take LB Kenneth Murray in final Josh Norris mock draft

Josh Norris’ final mock draft at Rotoworld sent Oklahoma LB Kenneth Murray to the Packers at No. 30 overall.

A review and breakdown of predictions for the Green Bay Packers in final mock drafts from a few of the most prominent draft analysts in the business:

The mock draft: Josh Norris, Rotoworld

The pick: LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma

The reasoning: “While WR is an obvious need, and Aiyuk and Mims are still on the board, currently the Packers are relying on question marks at inside linebacker.”

Our breakdown: Murray’s freaky athleticism makes him the football equivalent of a heat-seeking missile when playing downhill and sideline to sideline. He has the kind of length and range that most linebackers can only dream of, and there’s little doubt that his elite athleticism will translate to the next level. If he’s able to play free and attack opposing offenses, he’s going to make a lot of big plays and impact the game in a valuable way. The questions arise when projecting him to other areas of playing linebacker. His athletic traits suggest the potential for disruptive ability in the passing game, but he rarely played any kind of man coverage at the college level. There’s some projection to his game that might be concerning to teams. Also, do the Packers value inside linebacker enough to take one in the first round? We’ll see. Brian Gutekunst knows his defense needs to get better and faster in the middle, but whether he’s willing to use a top asset to get it done remains to be seen. It will be hard to pass on Murray – and his unique combination of traits – if he’s still there at 30. Getting an athletic playmaker with Pro Bowl potential at the weakest spot on the roster would have to be appealing in Green Bay.

The player info

Height: 6-2
Weight: 241
40-yard dash: 4.52
Vertical leap: 38″
Broad jump: 129″
Three-cone: N/A
Short shuttle: N/A
Bench press: 21
RAS: 9.89

Our draft profile: Kenneth Murray

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Highlights: 

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