Final Packers 2023 NFL Draft Big Board: Playmaker is essential

It’s clear what the Green Bay Packers must accomplish in the 2023 NFL Draft: Add talent across multiple positions. Specifically, they need more playmakers on both sides of the ball.

Green Bay is presumably entering a new era with Jordan Love at quarterback. Although that isn’t yet official, it should only be a matter of when, not if, Aaron Rodgers is traded and the reigns are handed over.

The Packers could go several ways to help Love in his first year as a starting quarterback. They could shore up the defense to ensure they aren’t in a shootout every single week. They could also add protection help in front of Love or give him more playmakers to throw the rock to.

With all of their needs in mind, here are the 10-best players likely to be available when they are on the clock at 15 (I didn’t include players such as Peter Skoronoski or Jaxon Smith-Njigba, as they are projected to be drafted by the time the Packers are on the clock. However, they would be at the top of the board if they are still available).

The Green Bay Packers must find a playmaker in the 2023 NFL Draft. Here are the top 10 realistic prospects who will be available.

Smith is on the smaller end for an edge player–he’s only 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds. What he lacks in size, he makes up for in athleticism. His 40-yard dash (98th percentile), vertical jump (100th percentile) and broad jump (91st percentile) are all elite. He can use his athletic traits alone to make an impact in the NFL. He’s also proven to be a three-down outside linebacker.

The Packers could look to select David Bakhtiari’s long-term replacement in this draft, and Johnson Jr. is a prime candidate. He’s another elite athlete and has NFL size to complement it. He’s ready to start from Day 1 and could play multiple positions–a trait Green Bay loves in their offensive linemen.

Wright is less versatile than Jonson Jr. and would likely be slated as the starting right tackle. That would allow Zach Tom to compete at right guard in 2023 and give Green Bay several options for left tackle in the future. Wright is a mean blocker with the strength to move defensive linemen around. He relies heavily on that power, as he lacks overall quickness.

Murphy certainly looks the part of a starting outside linebacker in the NFL. He has elite size (6-foot-5 and 268 pounds) and athleticism. He uses his quick first step to set him up for success from the snap. He has the potential to play all three downs in the NFL, but we’ll see if he can add more pass-rushing tools to his belt.

Van Ness is the definition of versatility. He can line up as an outside linebacker or slide inside to the defensive line. That would help Green Bay, as they have needs at both positions. He loves to use his strength to bull-rush pass-blockers and go right through them to the football. However, he has a lot of room to grow as he didn’t put up huge numbers at Iowa.

Jone is another amazing specimen. At 6-foot-5 and 311 pounds, he has excellent speed and quickness for a man his size. Among the three offensive tackles on this list, he’s the least ready to contribute in Year 1, but has the highest upside.

Green Bay has apparently chosen quantity over quality when it comes to addressing their safety position this offseason. If they want to add the latter, Branch is the only prospect worth considering in the first round. He’s undersized, but can line up all over the field.

Smith-Njigba would be the homerun wide receiver to target, but Flowers could be another candidate. At 5-foot-9, he’s short for the position, but has the speed and quickness to make up for it. His route-running is also a plus. Drops have been an issue for him, and Green Bay has to be careful about adding a third pass-catcher who struggles to consistently catch the ball.

Kincaid and Mayer are much higher on draft boards than I have them here, but I do not believe Green Bay should draft a tight end in the first round, so I delayed their appearance as long as possible. Eventually, I need to place them somewhere. Kincaid is a great route-runner who has no issue creating separation from defensive backs and linebackers alike. He’s ready to contribute in the passing game from Day 1.

Mayer is the most well-rounded tight end in this class. He’s an excellent blocker and can also provide some juice in the passing game. His sure hands help him quickly build trust with quarterbacks. He’s also two years younger than Kincaid.