Packers mock draft roundup & takeaways from CFB Rivalry Week
By Paul Bretl
It’s rivalry week in college football, and the Green Bay Packers draft stock is back on the rise following their seventh loss of the season last week to the Tennessee Titans.
In all likelihood, the Packers are once again going to be salary cap strapped this upcoming offseason, which means if there are going to be any significant additions made to this team, they will have to come through the NFL Draft, where GM Brian Gutekunst has a spotty track record.
Of course, at this time of the year, we aren’t looking for accuracy in these mock drafts but rather some players to keep our eyes on as we enjoy another college football Saturday.
Josh Edwards – CBS Sports
Pick 15: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Thoughts: Wide receiver will very much be a need once again for the Green Bay Packers, with current rookies Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Samori Toure the only receivers under contract in 2023. In addition to potentially spending an early-round pick on the position, Green Bay should very much add a veteran to the mix as well.
After catching 100 passes at Pitt in 2021, Addison transferred to USC for his final season. So far, he has caught 76% of his 67 targets at 15 yards per catch with eight touchdowns. Addison has taken the bulk of his snaps on the boundary, according to PFF ($$).
Ian Cummings – Pro Football Network
Pick 12: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
Thoughts: Offensive tackle seemed like a position of strength, but there will be unknowns next offseason. Yosh Nijman will be back, but Elgton Jenkins appears to be staying at guard, and we don’t know what the future holds for David Bakhtiari. While the Packers take on a large dead cap hit in 2023, if they were to cut him, they can still save $5 million. We also don’t know if the Packers prefer Zach Tom at tackle or guard.
Johnson started at right guard in 2021, and he is at left tackle this season. As a tackle, Johnson has allowed no sacks and eight pressures. He’s also been one of the better run-blockers by PFF’s grading system.
Luke Easterling – Draft Wire
Pick 12: Bryan Bresee, IDL, Clemson
Thoughts: Another position that, to some degree, is going to have to get addressed this offseason. Both Dean Lowry and Jarran Reed are free agents, and if I were to guess, won’t be back. However, with that said, will the Packers spend another first-round pick on an interior defensive lineman? Hopefully, Devonte Wyatt sees more snaps over the final six games of this season.
Bresee has spent most of his playing time lined up in either the A or B gaps, is super athletic, and he has totaled 16 pressures this season, along with seven tackles for loss.
Doug Farrar – Touchdown Wire
Pick 13: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Thoughts: With only Josiah Deguara under contract in 2023 at the tight end position, this is a massive need for the Packers entering the upcoming offseason. Mayer is a very experienced pass catcher, hauling in nearly 70% of his 246 career targets at 11.6 yards per catch with 16 touchdowns. He’s played almost half of his career snaps from the slot but has been a sound blocker when tasked with that responsibility. He’s a well-rounded tight end.
Kyle Crabbs – The Draft Network
Pick 12: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Thoughts: As already mentioned, there is once again going to be a need at receiver, and Johnston very much fits the typical Packers’ mold, standing 6’4″ and weighing 215 pounds while having the ability to win downfield. Over his career, Johnston is averaging 17.8 yards per catch and has 13 touchdowns. 2022 has been a career year for him, with 78 targets and 764 receiving yards.
All mock drafts courtesy of the NFL Mock Draft Database