Tracking Packers official top 30 visits prior to 2023 NFL Draft

As part of the pre-draft process, the Green Bay Packers will have 30 prospects in for an official visit.

During these visits, the prospects will have the opportunity to speak more in-depth with the coaching staff and team executives while also getting a look around the facility. For the team, they get one-on-one time with the prospects to better know them – something that can be hard to come by at the NFL Combine and Pro Days – and have the chance to watch film with each player as a way to better understand their decision-making and thought processes. This also allows the organization to address any potential red flags or specific questions that they may have.

A majority of these visits are going to be with Day 3 draft prospects or even potential undrafted rookies–players that the Packers may need more information on. However, Brian Gutekunst has been more willing than his predecessor Ted Thompson to bring in top prospects for visits.

When Thompson was at the helm, the players that the Packers had in for visits didn’t provide us with much insight into who Green Bay might be drafting. But Gutekunst has been more telling with this process, however. Although none of Green Bay’s pre-draft visits in 2021 ended up on the team, in 2018, six of their official top 30 visits became Packers. In 2019, there were three. In 2020, two, and most recently, in 2022, nine pre-draft visits spent time with Green Bay last season, including six draft picks.

So with all of that in mind, here is a rundown and closer look at each of the reported official top 30 visits for the Packers that will be taking place prior to the draft.

Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

At 6’6″ – 264 pounds, Washington is known for his blocking abilities. He finished the 2022 season as PFF’s fifth-best run-blocking tight end. Washington had only 25 receptions last season, but he averaged an impressive 16.1 yards per catch and ranked as one of the better tight ends in YAC per catch. Washington also has experience lining up in the slot. With elite athleticism, he possesses upside as a dynamic pass-catcher, although it will likely take time for that aspect of his game to develop. Right away, he should make an immediate impact as an in-line blocker and as a target in the red zone.

Will McDonald, Edge, Iowa State

The Packers have typically coveted big-bodied edge rushers, with most weighing over 255 pounds, including Preston Smith and Rashan Gary both over 265. McDonald doesn’t fit that mold, however, weighing 239. He would, however, provide a change of pace at the position with his play style, and it’s worth noting that when Joe Barry was with Los Angeles, the Rams utilized smaller edge rushers. McDonald is at his best in the traditional edge rusher role, but Iowa State did line him up inside at times. His best season came in 2021, where he recorded 41 pressures and 13 sacks. McDonald was a much improved run defender in 2022 by PFF’s grading system.

Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State

Robinson has played nearly 2,900 snaps, with the majority coming from the slot. He had another 603 as a box defender and 727 as a free safety. Robinson would provide two aspects that this Packers secondary needs, with his sound tackling ability and willingness as a run defender. It’s worth noting that Robinson did post a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 5.97, below the typical 8.0 threshold that Brian Gutekunst has adhered to. Also, if the Packers view Robinson as more of a slot option than a traditional free safety or box defender, I wouldn’t be surprised if they look elsewhere for more safety help, given that they have a number of nickel options on the roster already.

Jordan Howden, S, Minnesota

Howden and his RAS of 8.80 aligns well with the Packers’ two other safety draft picks under Gutekunst. Another experienced player with five years of playing time at Minnesota, Howden played 1,257 snaps from the slot, 912 as a free safety, and 597 in the box. Over the last two seasons, he has been one of the best-tackling safeties in the country, missing just four tackles out of 104 total attempts. In coverage during his career, he was targeted 160 times and allowed a completion rate of 57% at 12.9 yards per catch, according to PFF. Howden would also tally 14 pass breakups and two interceptions.

Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

Hooker measures in at 6’3” – 217 pounds; he possesses a big arm, he’s athletic, and filled the stat sheet while at Tennessee. In 2022 specifically, Hooker’s season was cut short due to an ACL injury, but prior to that, he completed almost 70% of his 331 pass attempts at 9.5 yards per pass with 27 touchdowns and just two interceptions. He ranked 11th in both completion percentage and completions of 20-plus yards. Hooker did play in a scheme-friendly offense, but without question, he is one of the more talented quarterbacks in this class.

Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Virginia

Wicks was a downfield target during his college career, who lined up on the boundary primarily. His 2021 season was his best, catching 57 passes at 21.1 yards per catch with nine touchdowns. He also had the 11th most receiving yards on passes of 20 or more yards. Wicks’ production was down in 2022, with drops being an issue at times. From a size, athleticism, and upside standpoint, Wicks fits what the Packers typically covet at the position.

Marte Mapu, S/LB, Sacramento State

Mapu stands 6’3” and weighs 216 pounds. He spent most of his career playing either in the slot or in the box, according to PFF. At the NFL level, he may be better suited at linebacker than at safety. As a Day 3 pick or even a potential UDFA, Mapu’s impact early on will likely come on special teams. He was on of PFF’s highest-graded run defenders at safety and a stout tackler as well.

Keaton Mitchell, RB, ECU

Mitchell is a bit undersized at 5’7” – 179 pounds compared to what the Packers have traditionally targeted. Mitchell was a big play threat at ECU, averaging 7.4 yards per rush in 2022, which included ranking 13th overall in missed tackles forced and first in runs of 10-plus yards. Mitchell was also active in the passing game out of the backfield. With the Packers, he could fill that needed gadget/motion-man role and also be another option as a return man.

This article will be updated as more reports come in