Packers’ most-improved, least-improved positions after 2023 NFL Draft
The Green Bay Packers are moving forward with their 2023 NFL Draft class with a smile on their face. They drafted a lot of versatile athletes and improved several key positions.
Green Bay drafted three pass-catchers on Day 2 and added two more on Day 3. They also added several players who can take snaps at multiple positions along the defensive line. In all, the front office did a nice job balancing the best player available with the team’s needs.
However, they weren’t able to address every position. The Packers had too many holes to plug them all, leaving work to be done in the future. Let’s take a look at their most-improved and least-improved positions following the Draft.
These are the most-improved and least-improved position groups for the Green Bay Packers following the conclusion of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Most Improved
Tight Ends
Green Bay used a second- and third-round draft pick to select Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft. Both players have the skill set to contribute immediately and the athletic ability to turn into big-time contributors. There’s no question the tight end position is much improved following the annual event.
Wide Receiver
Green Bay used a second-round selection on Jayden Reed, then added fifth-rounder Dontayvion Wicks and seventh-rounder Grant DuBose on Day 3. The trio provides some much-needed depth behind Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. Reed is another versatile playmaker who can impact the game in several ways. We’ll see if Wicks and DuBose can push Samori Toure for wide receiver 4.
Defensive Line
The Packers didn’t use an early pick on a defensive lineman, but drafted several players who can line up there. Lukas Van Ness is primarily an outside linebacker, but has the flexibility to slide to defensive end and play some snaps there. Fourth-rounder Colby Wooden and sixth-rounder Karl Brooks will add some depth at the bottom of the position.
Least Improved
Safety
They had their opportunities to select Brian Branch, the best safety in this class. However, they passed and went with pass-catchers. Branch isn’t a true safety anyway, with his best position being nickel corner. They didn’t use a draft pick on the position until pick 242 when they drafted Anthony Johnson Jr. They probably went with other positions in a class that was very weak at safety.
Kicker
The Packers used a sixth-round pick on kicker Anders Carlson. However, Carlson was underwhelming in college and still doesn’t address the need. Barring a surprise free agent signing, he’ll compete with Parker White for kicking duties, an underwhelming duo, to be sure.
Packers 2023 NFL Draft Class: The good, bad and grade. dark. Next
Offensive Line
Surprisingly, Green Bay didn’t use a single draft pick on an offensive lineman. They have a lot of youth and potential along the line, which could’ve influenced that decision. Although offensive line wasn’t a huge need entering the draft, many analysts thought they could use their first-round pick on an offensive tackle. Nonetheless, they’ll enter 2023 with the same group they concluded 2022 with.