Green Bay Packers: 3 Options at WR at Pick No. 30

The Green Bay Packers need more weapons on offense and one of these three receivers available at pick No. 30 could do the trick.

Outside of Davante Adams being the certified No. 1 wide receiver that he is and Allen Lazard emerging over the course of the season, the production from the Green Bay Packers’ receiver position was quite underwhelming in 2019.

Geronimo Allison struggled with the drops and overall he just had issues making plays happen when he did have the ball. Meanwhile, Jake Kumerow didn’t see much of the field and Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s playing time dwindled as the season progressed.

The result was an offense that struggled to move the ball consistently through the air. So now at the top or at least near the top of Brian Gutekunst’s offseason to-do list is finding a wide receiver or perhaps, two that can make an impact in 2020.

The good news for the Green Bay Packers is that this year’s draft class is loaded. And even though some of the top names like Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb, Henry Ruggs, and Tee Higgins could all very well be off the board at pick No. 30, these three options will give the Packers’ passing game the boost is so desperately needs.

Laviska Shenault – Colorado

Laviska Shenault is really a do-it-all type of player and I would love to see what Matt LaFleur could cook up for him in this Green Bay Packers’ offense. 2018 was his most productive season at Colorado where he totaled over 1,000 receiving yards on 86 receptions with six touchdowns.

Although his overall numbers fell off in 2019, he still averaged nearly 14 yards per catch along with 23 rushing attempts and as Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network points out in his scouting report, the lack of production is largely due to the stagnant Colorado offense:

"“Laviska Shenault checks nearly every box you’d want from a high-end wide receiver prospect entering the NFL — minus production. Shenault’s physical ability is jaw dropping and should transcend a dysfunctional offense at Colorado.Shenault possesses the explosiveness, physicality, short area quickness, hands and linear speed to become a high volume alpha receiver at the NFL level. He’s capable of defeating press on the boundary and should produce immediately.”"

https://twitter.com/USNFT/status/1188139628060119042

Jalen Reagor – TCU

After a 1,061 yard 2018 season where Jalen Reagor averaged nearly 15 yards per catch with nine touchdowns, much like Shenault, Reagor saw his numbers drop-off in 2019. But once again, as a receiver there’s only so much you can do and at some point your quarterback has to get you the ball.

Reagor would be an instant deep threat for Green Bay and his ability to pick up yards after the catch is something that this Packer offense desperately needs because outside of Davante Adams, the receiver position is lacking that ability. Here is what Crabbs had to say about Reagor as a player:

"“Jalen Reagor is one of the most dynamic receiving prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft. Reagor’s skill set fits best when projecting forward into a vertical passing offense as a Z-receiver, where he can defeat press coverage, attack down the field and force defenses to respect his speed or pay the consequences.Reagor brings explosive burst and simultaneous control on his stems to carry himself for separation — he’s got upside to work inside as a slot receiver as well. NFL starter.”"

Justin Jefferson – LSU

Unlike the previous two receivers, Justin Jefferson didn’t have quarterback troubles in 2019 and it resulted in a monster season for LSU. In his 15 games he totaled 111 receptions, for over 1,500 yards at 13.9 yards per catch and a whopping 18 touchdowns. And this included a 227 yard, 4 touchdown performance against Oklahoma in the College Football Playoffs.

Jefferson took a majority of his snaps out of the slot and did most of his damage from there as well. If he ends up in Green Bay, he could provide the Packers with a true weapon from the slot, much like they had during Randall Cobb’s prime.

However, as Crabbs points out in his scouting report, he sees Jefferson as much more than just a slot receiver:

"“Justin Jefferson projects as an impact starter at the NFL level. Jefferson brings size, quickness, route running polish, reliable hands to the slot — but don’t mistake him for *just* a slot receiver.Jefferson has the physicality and footwork to win on the boundary against press coverage as well, he’ll be a sufficient weapon for any starting quarterback. Jefferson may not necessarily be best as the focal point of his offensive attack, but he’ll be a deadly #2 threat in an WR room.”"

There is still a long ways to go in the draft process and players will continue to move up and down big boards over the coming months. But as of now, if the Green Bay Packers are going to select a receiver with their 30th pick, these three players look like great options.