Packers may need to move up two draft spots to draft Jaxon Smith-Njigba

After the trading of Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers now hold the 13th overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. That might not be high enough to get the top wide receiver prospect in this class, Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

General manager Brian Gutekunst didn’t go into too many details in a press conference earlier this week, but did note it was important for Green Bay to move from 15th overall to 13th. They presumably have a preferred player in mind, and that could very well be a sure-handed, route-savvy receiver who perfectly complements Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs.

Smith-Njigba is the highest-ranked receiver on most draft analyst’s boards and is a perfect fit in Green Bay.

If the Green Bay Packers want to select the best wide receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, they may need to move up two more spots.

Despite missing most of the 2022 season, he’s a reliable receiver who can specialize in the slot. He understands how to read defenses and is adept at running crisp routes to get open. His hands are also excellent, helping him quickly develop rapport with his starting quarterback.

Smith-Njiba would be a much-needed addition to Green Bay’s receiving corps. They lack depth and talent after Watson and Doubs. The addition of Smith-Njigba would give them a (very young) core they can build around in the future.

The only thing is 13 probably isn’t high enough to select him. He’s been going at 12th overall to the Houston Texans in most drafts. If the Packers want to ensure they can draft him, assuming he’s their target, they’ll have to move up to 11.

That shouldn’t be as big of a deal, considering they now hold the 13th overall pick. According to the draft pick trade value chart, there is just a 100-point difference from the 11th to the 13th pick. The Packers could make up that difference with a fourth-rounder and a Day 3 draft pick or two.

Considering all of their needs, that might be a difficult pill to swallow, but it would be well worth the price. Their current draft position may be too early to select an offensive tackle (who would’ve likely fallen to them at 15). I also hope they don’t use it on a tight end such as Dalton Kincaid or Michael Mayer, who also would’ve been there at 15. Gutekunst likely has a plan and didn’t just want the 13th pick for shits and giggles.

We’ll see how the draft plays out, as Green Bay is one of the most unpredictable teams in the NFL. Anything and everything is on the table.