It’s possible the Green Bay Packers could go into the 2020 NFL draft with a specific type of receiver in mind.
Consider the following:
– Davante Adams is a proven playmaker in the slot. Allen Lazard doesn’t have the traditional profile but he also made plays in the slot in 2019.
– Matt LaFleur and the rest of the Shanahan coaching tree don’t really use a traditional slot receiver.
– Devin Funchess was added in free agency. He’s a big, physical player who could help the Packers replace “big slot” snaps from Jimmy Graham.
– Jace Sternberger confirmed he’ll be playing in the slot more in 2020. The Packers clearly have plans to make him a versatile weapon in his second season.
Add it all up, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Packers target a certain kind of receiver prospect in two weeks.
In theory, Funchess and Sternberger could help the Packers better attack the middle of the field. What does the offense still lack? A true, game-breaking vertical threat on the outside. It’s a staple of offenses run by Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay.
A player like Jalen Reagor could really add a different flavor to the offense. He’s not tall, and his agility numbers weren’t all that impressive, but he’s an explosive vertical weapon who can stretch the field, separate late in the route and create chunk plays.
The same goes for Brandon Aiyuk. He not only brings a vertical threat to the table, but he’s absolutely dynamic at the catch. In many ways, Aiyuk fits exactly what LaFleur’s offense needs to operate his scheme at full capacity.
Denzel Mims presents another option. He has dynamic athleticism and 4.39 speed in a straight line. His tape of full of reps that show him using speed, physicality and subtle movements late in routes to win deep.
Reagor, Aiyuk and Mims could really complete what the Packers are building at receiver and in the passing game. Add the vertical threat, incorporate him into the offense and everything else LaFleur wants to scheme up should work better.
This isn’t to say the Packers should take a narrow focus in the 2020 draft. It’s loaded with good players at receiver, and the Packers shouldn’t sacrifice quality (see: a better player) to fit a singular need. Finding the best player is always the goal.
But more and more, it appears as if finding a talented vertical threat could be a priority for the Packers. There are options and a plan forming in the slot for 2020. An influx of speed on the outside might be the one ingredient necessary for taking the passing game to the next level.
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