5 first-round prospects with sky-high potential for Packers in NFL Draft

Dec 2, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Utah Utes tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) before playing against the Southern California Trojans in the PAC-12 Football Championship at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Utah Utes tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) before playing against the Southern California Trojans in the PAC-12 Football Championship at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the Green Bay Packers are rebuilding their roster in a (hopefully) post-Aaron Rodgers world, they have a lot of work to do. There are plenty of positions that need an influx of top-end talent.

The best way for the Packers to acquire that talent is through their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Picking at 15th overall, they’ll have a great chance to acquire someone who can become a core part of their long-term future.

General manager Brian Gutekunst typically drafts for the long term. He likes to select first-rounders who can grow into their role with a high ceiling. If he genuinely wants to hit a home run with his first pick this year, here are five prospects with sky-high ceilings.

If the Green Bay Packers want to swing for the fences with their first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, these five prospects have sky-high potential.

Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech

Tyree Wilson might not make it to the Packers’ pick, but they would be unwise to pass on him if he does. They’re currently set at the position, but Wilson could be the long-term answer opposite Rashan Gary. He has tremendous size and power, which allows him to bully offensive linemen. He also has a quick first step off the line that allows him to quickly gain an advantage. If he continues to develop, he could become a significant problem.

Joey Porter Jr., DB, Penn State

Joey Porter Jr. projects as a cornerback in the NFL, making it unlikely the Packers select him. However, he’s a typical Packers’ cornerback with great size and length for the position. He’s very physical as well. His ball skills separate him, as he has a nose for getting his hands on the rock.

Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

If Green Bay wants to draft for the future, they could go with an offensive tackle. Jones has the highest upside among the batch of potential first-round offensive tackles for Green Bay–Broderick Jones, Paris Johnson Jr., and Darnell Washington. His athleticism and size give him an immediate advantage over his opponents. He’s still raw and needs a year or two to develop.

Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

As much as I hate to admit it, it’s a genuine possibility the Packers draft a tight end in the first round. Darnell Washington, Dalton Kincaid and Michael Mayer are the most likely candidates if they go in this direction.

Washington has massive size and excellent athleticism. He can also get nasty on the line of scrimmage as a blocker while showing off his nimbleness as a pass-catcher. That’s a combination that could be too hard to pass up. He’s only 21 and has a lot of room to grow, especially as a threat through the air.

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Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

Kincaid could be the steal of the draft. He has a great combination of strength, agility, and speed, allowing him to create mismatches all over the field. He can also make contested catches. His play after the catch might be the most impressive part of his game, as he has no issues making defenders miss. He’s a bit older and has work to do with his blocking.