5 contenders for Packers’ first-round pick in 2023 NFL Draft
The Green Bay Packers can go in plenty of directions with their first selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
For now, they hold the 15th overall pick. That could change if they make a franchise-altering move by trading Aaron Rodgers. Some of their biggest needs include wide receiver, tight end, and outside linebacker. However, they shouldn’t pigeonhole themselves into a certain position and should take the best man available approach.
There are plenty of opinions about who Green Bay should or should not take. I scoured the internet to find the latest mock drafts and identify five contenders for the Packers’ first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
These five prospects are contenders for the Green Bay Packers to select with their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Contenders for Packers’ first-round pick: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
Green Bay has a good start with Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and (possibly) Samori Toure. But it’s just that–a start. They need to continue to add talent and Smith-Njigba would complement their current players nicely. He’s not a speed threat, but he runs excellent routes and has good hands. That’s a nice balance considering the current players Green Bay has at wide receiver. The biggest con is that this would be a reach for him, as he likely could be had in the low 20s.
Contenders for Packers’ first-round pick: Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa
Green Bay is set on the edge for 2023–at least when it comes to starters. Preston Smith and Rashan Gary are a nice duo. However, as Smith ages, they could upgrade their depth and Smith’s position. Van Ness would be a rockstar selection at 15. He has tremendous power and has no issue with bull-rushing offensive linemen and going right through them. He’d be a good sub to begin his career, but he needs to develop his repertoire to become a full-time player. The Packers can offer him that time.
Contenders for Packers’ first-round pick: Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson
Murphy is an athletic freak and would give Green Bay one of the twitchiest outside linebacker combinations when paired with Gary. He’ll play hard on every play and goes right through opposing blockers. The concern is that he has peaked already. His play didn’t improve throughout his three years at Clemson and this might be his finished product.
Contenders for Packers’ first-round pick: Brian Branch, Safety, Alabama
The Packers’ safety position is a mess. Adrian Amos is a free agent and Darnell Savage has one more year left on his deal. Neither player played up to their potential in 2022. Branch can play up by the line of scrimmage, providing run support and helping coverage in the slot. He’s a great tackler and is always in the right spot. They just shouldn’t ask him to play as the deep safety.
Next. 4 free agents Packers should aggressively pursue. dark
Contenders for Packers’ first-round pick: Michael Mayer, Tight End, Notre Dame
For the record, I’m completely against drafting a tight end in the first round in the year of 2023. But after watching Green Bay select an interior defensive lineman and an inside linebacker in the first round last year, I completely expect them to pull the trigger. Mayer has a nice combination of run-blocking and pass-catching skills that would fit nicely with the Packers. Unfortunately, he presents no vertical threat and can’t separate from defenses.