3 first-round draft scenarios for Packers in 2023
Options are good! And the Green Bay Packers have plenty of them with their first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
As it currently stands, Green Bay has the 15th overall pick as their first selection. However, they’re actively pursuing a trade with the New York Jets that will involve Aaron Rodgers and further draft compensation. Could they acquire an additional first-rounder?
Even if they don’t, Green Bay has several choices to make at the top of the draft. Let’s review the three primary pathways general manager Brian Gutekunst and the Packers have.
Here are three options the Green Bay Packers have for their first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
3. Acquire additional first-round pick
This would be ideal for Green Bay. Presumably, they are holding out on trading Rodgers until they can get their ideal draft compensation, which includes the Jets’ 13th overall pick in this year’s draft. Giving the Packers a second top-15 selection would be key for a franchise who is in the process of overturning their roster.
The additional first-rounder would, of course, open up even more pathways for Green Bay. One of those options could be to package their picks and move up further in the draft. For now, we’ll stick with the acquisition of the second first-rounder as their first scenario
2. Trade down from 15
The Packers have several needs they have to address, including safety, tight end, wide receiver, edge, and depth at other positions. Unfortunately, they don’t have any money in free agency to spend at those spots. That leaves the draft.
Green Bay could receive an additional top 90 selection if they move back just five spots from 15 to 20. I highlighted a potential deal here. This would give them more ammunition to address the many holes they currently have on their roster.
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1. Stay put and address a need
Of course, the final scenario that could play out is they could stay put and address one of their several weaknesses. It will be interesting to see how the draft plays out, as Green Bay could be caught in a position where the best players available on their board are all cornerbacks. That wouldn’t be ideal and would force the Packers to reach for a player at a higher priority position.