If Packers Get 1 Of These 5 Guys, We're Getting A Good One

With the 2023 draft coming up in just under a week, many people are speculating who will be taken where. For Packers fans everywhere, this period has been exceptionally distressful. We don’t know what to make of the countless Aaron Rodgers trade rumors and the many different trade packages projected in return. With mock drafts flying at us left and right from different media presences, here’s my take on five players the Packers should have on their draft board.

1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Given the uncertainty of what the offensive side of the ball will look like in the 2023-24 season, one thing is certain. The Packers are thin at wide receiver. While the organization is notorious for not taking receivers in the first round, it’s obvious that they need to do something to show Jordan Love that he’s their man by supporting him with young faces on offense. Smith-Njigba is highly regarded as the top wideout in this draft. In 2023 he caught 95 passes for 1,600 yards and 9 touchdowns. His great speed and decisive cuts, paired with the ability to grapple for contested balls make him a well-rounded receiver that can help terrorize defenses alongside the young pair of Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. If he is available at their number fifteen pick, the Packers should absolutely consider him as an ideal addition to this increasingly youthful offense.

2. Felix Anudike-Uzomah

With the Packers’ stud defensive edge rusher Rashan Gary sidelined most of last season due to a torn ACL, the Packers’ pass rush was less than desirable. Although the likes of Kingsley Enagbere and Preston Smith fared well in their elevated positions, the Packers need depth at the edge rusher position. As we don’t have a time window on the return of Rashan Gary, it’s important that the Packers address this need and get someone who can fill in for him and start alongside him upon his return. With a variety of pass rush moves, Anudike-Uzomah utilizes several different methods to get back to the quarterback. In 2022 he recorded 46 tackles (31 solo, 15 ast.), as well as 8.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. He can be a starting edge for the Packers while Gary is still sidelined, and could potentially take over Preston Smith’s role when Gary Returns. I see the Packers using (one of?) their second-round picks on this defensive talent.

3. Tyjae Spears

With it being a near-guarantee that the run game will pick up this season, the Packers must spend a late-round pick on a solid running back like Spears to help distribute the workload. Although Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon are two extremely talented backs, the Packers need another speedy elusive back that can fill in for Jones’ role when needed. Spears as a runner had 229 touches for 1,580 yards and 19 TDs. As a receiver, he caught 22 for 256 yards and 2 TDs. Spears could have a good role in this offense in years to come as a relief to Jones and Dillon.

4. Brian Branch

Now that Adrian Amos is a free agent, it doesn’t seem that he will be on the Packers roster next season. This leaves the safety position pretty thin. A versatile safety, Branch displays all the skills you want in a safety. With superb tackling and pass defense, Branch could easily start for the Packers defense. In 2022 he recorded 90 tackles (58 solo, 32 ast.), 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 7 pass deflections. While I don’t see safety as one of our highest priorities, I think that if the board doesn’t fall as the packers like they could move back later into the first round to draft him and pick up later-round capital.

5 Darnell Washington

Last, and certainly not least, my favorite player in this year’s draft is Darnell Washington. The Packers must draft a tight end this year, as they only have two unproven talents on the roster and this year’s tight end class runs incredibly deep. Washington is an absolute monster on the field. Standing at 6’7”, 269 lbs., he is essentially an extension to the offensive line. His run blocking is spectacular nad his strength was on full display at the combine, where he pushed a blocking sled farther than any other tight end in the class. On top of this he is a great pass-catcher who is faster and more elusive after the catch than meets the eye. In 2022 he caught 28 for 454 yards and 2 TDs. While these numbers don’t seem especially spectacular, I think he can strive in the Packers offense and fill the role left behind by Marcedes Lewis.

In conclusion, no one really knows who the Packers are going to draft. Not even do the Packers know how the draft will play out, so this is all speculation. But these five players are ones I’d be happy to see the Packers leave the draft with. So here I leave you, Packers fans, nervously anticipating and counting down the days until we finally reach draft night.

All stats gathered from espn.com