Packers NFL Draft Rumors: 3 reported targets and first-round trade down
It’s anybody’s guess what the Green Bay Packers will do in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. But the rumors are beginning to fly.
Green Bay is one of the most unpredictable teams in the first round. They have holes at a plethora of positions and multiple players they could target at those positions. You’re not being honest if you’re saying you know who the Packers will take.
A few rumors are beginning to fly about who Green Bay will select with their first-round pick (or what they’ll do with it). Let’s check in on their reported targets.
The Green Bay Packers are reportedly connected with several prospects who they could select in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft and a trade down.
Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia
In this post, we cover all three first-round scenarios–trading up, staying put, and trading down. Beginning with trading up, ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports Green Bay has often been connected with an offensive lineman or a tight end. However, he also mentions the possibility of trading up for Georgia outside linebacker Nolan Smith.
I’ll admit, this one sounds more like conjecture than an actual report. He mentions the two Georgia defenders the Packers selected in the first round last year as supporting evidence. The Packers will likely have to jump to nine if they want Smith. He’s a bit undersized, but is an elite athlete with a sky-high ceiling.
Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
I really hope the Packers didn’t swap first-round picks with the New York Jets to select a tight end–and that goes for both Michael Mayer or Dalton Kincaid. They easily could’ve accomplished that feat lower in the draft.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer feels this is where Mayer comes off the board. Mayer can do it all on the football field, including blocking and catching passes. However, even Breer mentions this would be a reach for his services.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
This is more like it. Green Bay would love to add Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a wide receiver with sure hands and excellent route-running. He’d be a great fit alongside Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. The good news is Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline reports that’s exactly who they’re targeting at 13.
Next. Packers four-round mock draft to get Love help. dark
Trade down
This would make sense if Smith-Njigba isn’t available. The Packers can still get a good tight end or offensive lineman in the late teens or early 20s. Beer also reports this is a possibility, along with the Houston Texans at 12. Green Bay has work to do with their roster, so I’d be a fan of this maneuver if the right prospects are off the board.