Dairyland Express
Fansided

5 most-likely Packers’ first-round picks in 2023 NFL Draft

By Brian Sampson

Oct 15, 2022; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Michael Mayer (87) runs the ball as Stanford Cardinal safety Kendall Williamson (21) attempts to tackle in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2022; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Michael Mayer (87) runs the ball as Stanford Cardinal safety Kendall Williamson (21) attempts to tackle in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Green Bay Packers are among the most unpredictable teams in the 2023 NFL Draft, especially in the first round.

Just about every position is in play for Green Bay with their 15th overall pick. Depending on whether they complete the Aaron Rodgers deal by then, they could also try to trade up or down. If they stay put, it’s anybody’s guess what they’ll do.

PFF’s mock draft simulator tracks how often a player is picked for each team. Tight end (31.7 percent of the time), wide receiver (22.2 percent) and edge (17.4 percent) were the three positions most often picked. Let’s dive into the prospects most likely selected by the Packers in the first round.

If the Green Bay Packers stay put at 15th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, their selection will most likely come from one of these five players.

Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa

Van Ness was selected 7.4 percent of the time in PFF’s mock drafts, the fourth-highest of any player. His versatility will help Green Bay at outside linebacker and on the defensive line. He might be a bit of a reach at 15th overall, but he would be a prime candidate if they trade down.

Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

Kincaid is the most popular Packers’ first-round pick, gathering 24.9 percent of the selections. He’s risen up draft boards in 2023 and is ranked ahead of Michael Mayer in many places. He’s a playmaking pass-catcher who can do damage after the catch. He’s a bit on the older end for my liking, however.

Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

Wright didn’t appear on PFF’s simulator, but he’s been gathering steam on social media and among Packers’ draft analysts. He’ll most likely play right tackle in the NFL and should be capable of starting from Day 1. That would allow the Packers to move Zach Tom to right guard until they are ready to find a long-term solution at left tackle.

Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

Mayer is a prime first-round candidate for Green Bay, no matter how loudly I protest the Packers drafting any tight end on Day 1. He also gathered 6.3 percent of the simulations, the fifth-highest percentage. He’s an excellent blocker and a solid pass-catcher, giving someone Green Bay can trust as a starter from the jump.

dark. Next. 5 bold predictions for Packers in 2023 NFL Draft

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

The only thing holding Smith-Njigba back from being the fan-favorite in mock drafts is his lack of availability at 15. He’s also a favorite to be drafted by the Houston Texans at 12th overall. If he does fall to the Packers, he would be a superb selection. He’ll fit nicely in the slot and complements the traits Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs bring to the table.

Home/Green Bay Packers