Packers’ 2023 NFL Draft Big Board 1.0: Variety of needs in rankings
The Green Bay Packers have a lot of work to do this offseason with multiple questions at multiple positions. The 2023 NFL Draft can’t solve them all, but it can help.
Green Bay will likely hold ten selections after the NFL adds the compensatory picks for lost free agent production.
They begin with the 15th overall selection, the highest spot they’ve picked since drafting Rashan Gary at 12th overall in 2019. The high draft position gives the Packers a good chance to draft a difference-maker at a position of need.
Not all of these players will be on the board when the Packers make their pick, but it’s a good start to ranking which players they should prioritize. Starting at the top, here’s the first iteration of the Packers’ big board for their first-round pick.
The Green Bay Packers must address various needs in the 2023 NFL Draft, as evidenced by the first iteration of their Big Board.
1. Bryan Bresee, IDL, Clemson
Green Bay is likely losing Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry to free agency this year and could use another playmaker up front. They currently have Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt as their top two defensive linemen, so it might be difficult to justify drafting another player at the position so highly. However, Bresee can play all over the line, disrupt the pass and run, and be a huge body up front.
2. Brian Branch, S, Alabama
Branch is already a fan-favorite to be drafted by the Packers and checks many boxes. Tackling is, perhaps, his best attribute and it’s something Green Bay needs a lot more of. Darnell Savage and Adrian Amos have questionable futures with the team and are in danger of losing their starting positions even if they return.
3. Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
4. Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
General manager Brian Gutekunst loves to take offensive linemen in the draft and has gotten pretty good at it. David Bakhtiari’s long-term future is in question due to his body breaking down. Yosh Nijman is a restricted free agent and Zach Tom and Elgton Jenkins might be best at the guard positions. Skoronoski might end up a guard, but Johnson is all tackle. Drafting either guy gives Green Bay more big, skilled bodies up front.
5. Quienten Johnson, WR, TCU
The Packers took a good first step in addressing their wide receiver issues with Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, but they have more work to do. Johnson would give them another big (he’s 6-foot-4) and fast playmaker who can stretch the field. Defenses would lose sleep trying to figure out how to keep him and Watson in front of him.
6. Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
The last time Green Bay picked this high in the draft they selected Gary despite just signing Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith in free agency. They could draft Van Ness as a long-term plan to replace Smith and continue the cycle. He’s already perfected the bull rush and could continue building his pass-rush repertoire.
7. Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
It’s difficult to justify drafting a tight end in the first round considering how hit or miss they are and how long it takes them to develop. However, there’s no questioning the need in Green Bay, as Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis are free agents this season. Mayer is as ready as they come and can contribute as a blocker and a receiver. That might be enough to sway the front office.
8. Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
9. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Green Bay might have to reach a bit if they want a wide receiver, but either of these guys would be great fits. Flowers has tremendous speed and would be great as a crosser in Matt LaFleur’s offense. Smith-Njigba is already a great route-runner and could slide into the slot with Watson and Doubs on the outside.
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10. Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
Harrison is another true tackle prospect the Packers could consider. He might be better as a late-first-round pick instead of the middle, but he was tremendous at Oklahoma last season.
Just missed: Nolan Smith (Edge, Georgia), Jordan Addison (WR, USC), Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia)