Several draft needs for Packers but these 3 positions are a must
By Paul Bretl
There are a number of positions that the Green Bay Packers could address early on in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, there are really just three that must be added to within the first three or four rounds of the draft, that being wide receiver, the interior defensive line, and tight end.
The Packers need a more consistent pass-rush and depth at their edge rusher position–not to mention that this is also a very deep draft class at the position. They could look to add some completion to offensive tackle and general flexibility to the offensive line as a whole by better preparing themselves for 2024 when the position is potentially in flux. Brian Gutekunst could also be tempted by a cornerback position that is loaded with talent and one at the NFL level where there is no such thing as too much depth.
The safety position is very much in need of upgrades, but as I wrote in greater detail here, I wouldn’t put it in the must category. With how Gutey has constructed the roster, the Packers do have options with Darnell Savage, Rudy Ford, Tarvarius Moore, and Dallin Leavitt, among others, including potentially Rasul Douglas once Eric Stokes is healthy. This also isn’t a very strong safety draft class, so the Packers might not be in a position to select one early on, and reaching to simply check a box is never a good idea.
Selecting any one of these aforementioned positions within the first few rounds would be justified, and odds are, at least one of these positions will be selected within the top 100. However, doing so is a luxury. Addressing receiver, the interior defensive line, and tight end rooms are necessities, with all three positions having two things in common–they need depth and consistent playmaking.
The Packers currently have just five receivers on the roster. Romeo Doubs is the most experienced of the bunch with 529 career snaps, while Samori Toure has barely over 100, with Bo Melton and Jeff Cotton not having any. Hopefully, some of that consistent playmaking comes from Doubs and Christian Watson taking a step forward in Year 2, but nonetheless, more is also needed.
Tight end, meanwhile, has only four players rostered at the moment, and of that group, Josiah Deguara – who is actually more of an H-back – has any somewhat significant NFL experience. Green Bay has a few specific needs at the position, including a dynamic option in the passing game, along with versatility, in someone who can impact both the pass and run games. These were both elements that were missing last season.
The interior defensive line is in a similar situation. This is a heavily rotated position with four or even five players seeing snaps each week, so the five players on the roster aren’t going to cut it. Of those five players, only three have experience. The play from this group in 2022 was up and down, but when the defense was playing its best in the latter portion of the season, so was the interior defensive line. When there is a steady push from inside, it’s the best way to quickly disrupt a play, and every member of the defense benefits.
Due to the state of each of these rooms, the Packers don’t only need to prioritize adding to them somewhat early on in the draft but also by ideally spending multiple draft picks on each position as well.
Green Bay currently has four picks within the first four rounds and ten overall, including four in the seventh round. Trying to address all of these needs won’t be easy, but when it comes to receiver, defensive tackle, and tight end, the Packers have to find a way. Accumulating an additional draft pick or two from the New York Jets in an Aaron Rodgers trade will go a long way for the Packers, who are in the midst of a transition.