Way-too-early Green Bay Packers 2023 NFL Draft preview

The 2023 NFL Draft is April 27-29 in Kansas City. Here is the projected first-round order, per Tankathon.

2022 record: 8-9 | First-round pick: No. 15 | Team needs: WR, TE, S, Guard

Snapshot: Whether it’s Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love at QB in 2023, it’s clear Green Bay must give its quarterback all the help it can. A top-tier receiver or tight end, or a big-bodied guard, could go a long way toward improving the offense. The Packers could also use help in the secondary, particularly at safety.

Potential first-round picks: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame; Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State; Jordan Addison, WR, USC; Brian Branch, S, Alabama; Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M; O’Cyrus Torrence, Guard, Florida

Packers receivers had 38 fewer catches, 636 fewer yards and 12 fewer touchdown receptions than they did in 2021. Christian Watson (41 catches, 611 yards) had a fine rookie season, but leading receiver Allen Lazard told reporters after a Week 18 loss to Detroit that he may be done in Green Bay. 

Best-case scenario for the Packers would be TCU wideout Quentin Johnston falling out of the top 10, but that seems unlikely. Addison and Smith-Njigba are strong options, but Green Bay also has just one tight end under contract in 2023, making Mayer a possibility at 15.

Among tight ends, he led the NCAA with 17 contested catches and nine touchdowns. His size (6-foot-5, 250 pounds) and route-running ability could make him a Day 1 starter for Green Bay.

Green Bay’s secondary also needs addressing. Two of the team’s three safeties who played 250 or more coverage snaps — Rudy Ford and Darnell Savage — allowed 14 yards per reception or more and a passer rating of 100 or better this season.

Adding Branch, who can play safety or nickel, cover well in zone or man and put pressure on the QB, would give the secondary credibility. In 2022, Branch allowed the third-fewest yards per reception (6.7) among DBs with 400 or more coverage snaps.