Regardless of whether Marquez Valdes-Scantling stays or goes in free agency, the Green Bay Packers likely need to invest in speed during the 2022 NFL draft.
The timing couldn’t be better. This draft class is stocked full with speed at the wide receiver position.
Matt LaFleur’s scheme depends on speed. On at least a half-dozen occasions over the last two years, LaFleur and quarterback Aaron Rodgers highlighted the importance and value of Valdes-Scantling’s vertical ability in the Packers offense. Not only did Valdes-Scantling create big plays down the field, but the threat of his incredible speed dictated coverages, helped spread the field and opened up others on other routes.
If the Packers lose Valdes-Scanting in free agency, receiver becomes a top need. Even if he’s back, the Packers may want to add a secondary deep threat so an injury to Valdes-Scantling doesn’t immediately condense the scheme. This was the case at times last season, including during the playoff game.
The Packers’ need for speed at receiver matches a speedy draft class of incoming pass-catchers.
On Thursday night at the NFL Scouting Combine, 15 different receivers ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds or under, including eight under 4.4 – tied for the most at the combine since 2006, per ESPN.
Valdes-Scantling ran the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds coming out of USF in 2018.
Here are the receivers that ran under 4.4 seconds at the combine on Thursday night, per NFL.com:
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Packers drafted at least one of the players listed above.
Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson could be first-rounders. Christian Watson is screaming up draft boards. All three could be future No. 1 receivers. The others could all be valuable role players, much like Valdes-Scantling.
Keep in mind, Cincinnati’s Alec Pierce initially ran a 4.33 but was pushed back to 4.41. Western Michigan’s Skyy Moore (4.41) and Georgia’s George Pickens (4.47) also produced solid times. Treylon Burks of Arkansas finished in 4.55 seconds at 225 pounds. Drake London of USC didn’t run. This is nothing if not a fast receiver class.
Obviously, speed isn’t everything at the position. But in terms of value, the 40-yard dash is as important to the wide receiver position as any in football. Winning deep as a vertical threat often requires straight-line speed. The best can get to top speed quickly and maintain top speed over many yards.
If the Packers want to add speed, this is the draft class to do it. The demand in Green Bay appears to match up well with the supply in 2022.
