NFL Draft ‘Packed’ With Prospects

Draft season is officially upon us, and as mock drafts are being posted left and right, fans in Packerland are waiting with baited breath to see what Green Bay does this time around. Will the team finally draft a first-round wide receiver, considering their thin depth? How much compensation will Aaron Rodgers bring? What about the gaping hole at tight end? Consider this your unofficially official guide to the Packers’ 2023 draft class.

Most people around the franchise agree that the biggest holes in the roster are with safety, tight end, edge rushers, wide receivers and defensive tackles. Not to mention the players in a contract year, such as Rashan Gary, Darnell Savage and Keisean Nixon. There are also fifth year options to decide on, like Jordan Love, AJ Dillon and Jon Runyan. Put your seatbelts on, this is going to be a bumpy ride.

Let’s begin on the defensive side of the ball. Safeties, edge rushers, lineman and maybe a corner would be beneficial here. In the first round, a player like Brian Branch would be a dream pickup, but he likely won’t fall to 15. The next best option would be Nolan Smith, who would be the fourth straight first-round pick from Georgia. His explosiveness and high ceiling could boost the pass rush next to Rashan Gary even take over the starting role next year if Gary’s negotiations stall.

With Green Bay’s day two picks, much like last year, expect them to draft offensive weapons here. Although Coach LaFleur was quoted saying he wanted to bring in a veteran, this year’s receiver class is deep, and UNC’s Josh Downs could fall to them in the second, especially if the Packers get a second rounder from the Aaron Rodgers trade. The issue at tight end can be solved by drafting Tucker Kraft in the third, but it wouldn’t be too surprising to see Josiah Deguara begin the season as the starter. His best production was with Jordan Love, and he also has a fifth year option looming. As for the young wide receiver room, someone cheap like Jarvis Landry or T.Y. Hilton could fit the bill, or maybe Green Bay will take a swing and sign Julio Jones to put Christian Watson back as a flanker, granted Jones can stay on the field.

The fourth round absolutely must address the secondary, and Illinois’ Jartavius Martin would be the home run to solve that. A versatile defensive back who can wear many hats, Martin could play nickel corner to put Darnell Savage back at free safety, then move Rudy Ford to the strong safety spot.

Most of the other picks could go pretty much anywhere to bolster the team, but a QB is likely to be drafted with a late day three pick. Somebody like Max Duggan or even Stetson Bennett would be ideal for the Packers to grab with one of their three seventh round picks. Love is still the starter, but Danny Etling isn’t a reliable backup, and Duggan or Bennett would be insurance if Love flops.

So there you have it; congratulations, you’ve been exposed to exclusive information on the Packers’ draft approach. In the case that this ages like milk, I’d like to establish that I am no expert; I’m just a writer, and a part-time armchair GM on the side. Happy draft season!