2023 NFL Draft: Top 5 WR prospects Packers should consider to spite Aaron Rodgers
All reports suggest that Aaron Rodgers' run with the Green Bay Packers appears to be over. It's likely only a matter of time at this point before he's eventually traded during the 2023 NFL offseason. He has implied his desire to move on to a new team, such as the New York Jets. Meanwhile, the Packers are reportedly ready to move on to Jordan Love as their new franchise quarterback.
The relationship between Rodgers and the Packers has been a bit messy at times, including each side being frustrated with the other at various points. One of Rodgers' complaints over the years is the Packers' failure to get him enough weapons in the passing game. This apparently got even worse when they traded away superstar Davante Adams during the 2022 NFL offseason last year.
The Packers have lost even more of their offensive weapons this year, including Allen Lazard, Robert Tonyan, and Randall Cobb. They can now turn their focus towards the 2023 NFL Draft and look for more wide receivers, as they did last year with Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs.
Here are five wide receivers they could potentially target in the draft this year to surround Jordan Love with as much talent as possible. This is something Rodgers believes they haven't always done for him, so the organization could spite him a bit as he's on his way to a new team.
#5 - Zay Flowers
Zay Flowers played for a bad Boston College Golden Eagles team during the 2022 college football season, but still found a way to shine. He recorded an impressive 78 receptions for 1,077 yards and 12 touchdowns.
He ran a solid 4.42 in the 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Combine and measured fairly well in every physical category. He has a ton of upside and should be available when the Packers are on the clock in the first round.
#4 - Jaylin Hyatt
Jalin Hyatt demonstrated his speed and explosiveness as a big-play specialist with the Tennessee Volunteers. His elite vertical game is an ideal fit for NFL teams as stretching the opposing defense has become a popular trend. He impressed with 67 receptions for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2022.
He was a breakout star while measuring six feet tall and running a 4.40 in the 40-yard dash at the Combine. he could be a home run threat for Jordan Love with the Packers.
#3 - Jordan Addison
Jordan Addison entered the 2022 college football season as the highest-rated wide receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft class. His production on the field took a bit of a hit in 2022 compared to 2023 in his first year with the USC Trojans after playing for the Pittsburgh Panthers. His receptions, yards, and touchdowns were just about cut in half from 2022 to 2023.
Despite the production drop-off, Addison still finished the year as one of the top prospects in the position. He followed that up with a disappointing performance at the Combine, measuring smaller and running slower than expected.
This leaves his draft stock in question as he could be a top-10 pick, while also possibly falling out of the first round. His overall athleticism and proven production should still keep him on the Packers' radar.
#2 - Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Jaxon Smith-Njigba missed almost the entire 2022 college football season due to injuries but was extremely impressive the year before. Despite being the third wide receiver on the Ohio State Buckeye's depth chart behind Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, he still exploded for 95 receptions for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns.
His recent injury history and decision not to participate in the 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Combine left some scouts concerned about his future. But other scouts are reportedly high on his outlook. His big frame at 6'1 tall and 196 pounds will fit right in with the Packers' other wide receivers.
#1 - Quentin Johnston
Quentin Johnston was a dominant force within the TCU Horned Frogs offense during the 2022 college football season. He exceeded 1,000 yards and helped them make an appearance in the College Football Playoffs National Championship game.
His massive frame at 6'3 tall and 208 pounds is a big reason why. He also possesses enough speed and crisp route-running to make him the top wide receiver prospect ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.