Green Bay Packers: Which draft pick could have most impact?
By Joe Kipp
![ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: The Green Bay Packers logo is seen on a video board during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: The Green Bay Packers logo is seen on a video board during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/b3dca6e46494025ad328dc235f3fe99c141dbf4997110316a2d7a7b01167b821.jpg)
J’Mon Moore adds a safety net to the offense
J’Mon Moore will be the most impactful rookie on offense. Granted, gaining trust with Aaron Rodgers takes time. But Moore has the whole package in what the Packers desire in receivers; outstanding footwork, established route running, physicality at the line of scrimmage, ability to block in the run game, and good hands. He didn’t run the fastest at the combine (4.6 40-yard dash), but his play on the field is much faster than how he tested.
The Packers have an opening for their No. 3 receiver spot. Former undrafted free agent Geronimo Allison may be the front-runner as of now, but with the addition of three wide receivers in the draft, one has to think it’ll be an open competition. Allison will have the advantage having played with Rodgers and past familiarity with the playbook.
However, the talented Moore was drafted for a reason. He compares favorably to past Green Bay receivers, even reminding some of former wideout James Jones. His first step off the line of scrimmage is very reminiscent of current receiver Davante Adams. Possibly, his best route is the slant, which is a staple of Green Bay’s fast-paced offense.
This is new #Packers WR J'Mon Moore at 6'3 207 cooking an Auburn corner on a post-corner. Tell me that doesn't look like 17 in Green and Gold. pic.twitter.com/ya6cVnYEA1
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) April 28, 2018
Moore may not earn extensive playing time early on, but as the season wears down expect him to make a sizable impact. As a big body at 6-foot-3, 207 pounds, he’ll add a serious threat as a receiver on the outside. He has the ability to work the sideline with hitch and comeback routes and has a knack for finding the first down.
He’s also a twitchy athlete, especially in his ability to make defenders miss in open space. Even though it’s noticeably apparent on tape, Moore showcased his agility and change of direction in the 3-cone drill at the combine. He posted a time of 6.56 seconds, which ranks in the 96th percentile of all wide receivers – ever.
Mike McCarthy isn’t afraid to throw rookies into the fire. As a rookie in 2014, Adams had 38 receptions, 446 yards and three touchdowns. He played in all 16 games and started in 11. In 2016, Allison played in 10 games, accumulating 12 receptions for 202 yards and two touchdowns. Of course, Allison had Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and Davante Adams ahead of him as well.
If J’Mon Moore can put it all together during the offseason, the Packers will have one of the top receiving corps in the NFL. They also have Deangelo Yancey, Michael Clark, Trevor Davis, Equanimeous St. Brown, and Marquez Valdes Scantling in the works as well. The only problem is not everyone can make the roster. Training camp should be a fierce competition.