ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. released his second mock draft, and he has the Green Bay Packers selecting LSU standout Justin Jefferson with the 30th overall pick.
The Packers still have Davante Adams and Allen Lazard, but after those two, there are a lot of question marks. Aaron Rodgers is 36 years old, so there is an increased urgency around the team to win at least one more Super Bowl before he retires.
Here's Kiper's rationale for this Packers pick:
Davante Adams was the only Green Bay pass-catcher to have more than 53 targets last season, and he had 127. This team needs a competent No. 2 wideout. Jefferson broke out in a big way last season, catching 111 passes for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns. You might remember him from his four-touchdown performance against Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff semifinal. He led the FBS in total catches and first-down receptions (66). If Green Bay cuts Jimmy Graham, it would become a candidate to take the first tight end off the board in this class.
Jefferson is an elite route runner who specializes in the short and intermediate routes. He isn't as strong with the deep routes, but that is something he can work on coming into the league. The LSU product caught a whopping 111 balls for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns this past season.
This is a loaded draft class at wide receiver, so there are plenty of other options the team could go after, but Green Bay should be going after an offensive playmaker with their first-round pick.
The Packers have high expectations for the 2020 season, and maybe Jefferson could be the missing piece to get them back to the Super Bowl.
Follow Us
Subscribe