Green Bay Packers Draft Needs

Alright Packers fans, whether you like it or not, the Aaron Rodgers era is over in Green Bay. Although I hate to see Rodgers leave Green Bay, I do like the compensation package we got in return. Going forward, we can use these picks to not only give Jordan Love weapons to thrive, but we can also solidify holes in the defense. So with that being said, let’s take a look at what the Packers should do in the 2023 NFL Draft (in my opinion).

Give Jordan Love More Weapons

The biggest hole in the Packers’ roster is the wide receiver position. With Allen Lazard and other veteran receivers out the door, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs have been named the top two receivers. Although they both had solid 2022 seasons, they still have room to grow before I am confident they can lead a wide receiver room. There are two approaches that the Packers can take going into the draft. Approach one is keeping Watson and Doubs on the outside and drafting a slot receiver anywhere in the draft. Some potential targets are Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Josh Downs, and Zay Flowers. If they decide to wait until later rounds to draft a slot, Trey Palmer is likely the best bet.

The second approach would be to slide Doubs down to the slot and draft a bigger receiver to act as a vertical threat. A player with this play style would be Quentin Johnston. If they wanted to go for a later-round option, a good player to target would be Xavier Hutchinson.

Draft a Versatile Tight End

Along with adding a receiver or two to the roster, the Packers need to add a tight end. This year’s draft has a lot of talented tight ends toward the top of the draft. It would be best for the Packers to use one of their second-round picks to snag one of these guys. Some second-round tight ends include Darnell Washington, Sam LaPorta, and Luke Musgrave. Personally, if I had to draft one, I would pick Sam LaPorta because he will be able to act as a playmaker and blocker.

Build Up the Secondary

Last season, there started to be a lot of speculation that Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage are not going to return when their contract is up. Although both players have done well on the Packers, I believe this is the right move. There are loads of talented safeties in the first half of the draft that are worth taking a look at. By drafting a rookie safety, they can spend a year behind Amos or Savage and learn the defense. Additionally, they could see the field on special teams and in nickel and dime schemes. Although there is a long list of safeties that would be a good fit, I narrowed down the potential best fits. These players are Antonio Johnson, Ji’Ayir Brown, and Jammie Robinson. Although safety is the bigger concern, they would benefit from adding a few depth pieces at cornerback as well.

Add Depth to the Trenches

If you want to win football games, you must win in the trenches. Although the Packers have a good defensive line, it would be beneficial to add depth at these positions. Additionally, the Packers’ offensive line has a tendency to experience several injuries during the season. So, adding a player or two who can fill in these gaps when called upon could be a game-changer. One offensive lineman that they could get on day three is Jaxson Kirkland. Kirkland has experience at tackle and guard, so he would be the perfect puzzle piece for the offensive line. Also, I am not the biggest fan of Josh Myers as the long-term center. So, adding a late-round center to compete for the role would be beneficial as well.

7 Round Mock Draft

R1: 13 – Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State WR)

R2: 42 – Felix Anudike-Uzomah (Kansas State EDGE)

R2: 45 – Sam LaPorta (Iowa TE)

R3: 78 – Jammie Robinson (Florida State S)

R4: 116 – Moro Ojomo (Texas DT)

R5: 149 – Jaxson Kirkland (Washington OL)

R6: 207 – Stetson Bennett (Georgia QB)

R7: 232 – DeMarcco Hellams (Alabama S)

R7: 235 – Cameron Brown (Ohio State CB)

R7: 242 – Jake Moody (Michigan K)

R7: 256 – Durell Nchami (Maryland EDGE)

Final Thoughts on Packers Draft Needs

Given the Packers are at the beginning of a rebuild, they have a very talented roster. With that being said, there are several positions that need to be addressed in the draft. The two most important positions are wide receiver and tight end. Although it may be a good idea to add another receiver along with Smith-Njigba, in my mock there was not one available that was more valuable than my picks. Obviously, I do not know what the Packers are going to do this week, but their strategy should look something like this.

 

Packers Draft Needs 2023 Analyst – Matthew Lewis