Category: Packers Mock Drafts

Packers mock draft 1.0: Adding another first-round Hawkeye to the defense

The Packers are 2-5 and have lost four straight games. Welcome to the first mock draft of the 2024 cycle.

The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft is 178 days away. That day can’t come soon enough for Green Bay Packers fans. Through eight weeks, the Packers are on a four-game losing streak and sitting at 2-5 overall. 

If the draft were to kick off today, the Packers would own the sixth overall pick. Let’s take a look at the prospects they landed in my first mock draft of the 2024 NFL Draft cycle.

TRADE: The Packers trade the 6th overall pick to the Los Angeles Chargers for the 7th overall pick, a fourth-round pick, and a fifth-round pick.

7th overall pick: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

How would Cooper DeJean describe himself? Three words, electric, x-factor, game-changer. In a word, DeJean is a playmaker. Like Lukas Van Ness, DeJean checks a lot of the boxes for the Packers. He’s a dynamic athlete, who competed in four sports during his prep playing career. He was a state champion in the long jump and 100-meter dash. 

After picking off five passes with eight pass deflections last season, DeJean has two interceptions in eight games this season. DeJean could wear multiple hats in the secondary, with the versatility to play on the boundary, in the slot, or deep. 

DeJean is a standout on special teams. Thus far this season, DeJean has logged 136 snaps on special teams and recorded three tackles. As a returner, DeJean has returned one punt for a touchdown and averages 12.3 yards per punt return. 

On top of everything he brings to the football field, DeJean will only be 21 years old when the 2024 NFL Draft rolls around. It all sure smells like a future Green Bay Packers first-round pick.

With Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Olu Fashanu, Joe Alt, and Marvin Harrison Jr all off the board, the Packers add to a secondary that’s desperate for a player with DeJean’s playmaking ability.

38th overall pick: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

It’s easy to spot Fuaga on the gridiron. At 6-6, 333 pounds, Fuaga is a mountain of a man and loves to punish anything that gets in his way. Oregon State’s right tackle has a powerful upper half and overwhelms defenders at the point of contact. Fuaga has started 22 straight games and has given up zero sacks and 16 pressures during that span. 

A year after selecting no offensive lineman, Brian Gutekunst could invest heavily in the offensive line if the current group continues to underwhelm. Even if that group starts progressing, Gutekunst will likely look to upgrade the tackle depth chart.

50th overall pick: Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas

As you are reading this Jonathon Brooks just forced another missed tackle, leaving a defender grasping at air. The Texas Longhorns had to replace running backs Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson this fall. Brooks has made the state of Texas forget about that duo.

In eight games, Brooks has rushed for 923 yards and seven touchdowns, including 814 yards and six touchdowns in the last six games. According to Pro Football Focus, Brooks has picked up 605 yards after contact and forced 58 missed tackles.

The Packers could potentially be looking to replace both Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon this offseason and Brooks could step in from day one and provide the Packers with a dynamic playmaker.

Breaking down Packers’ All-Michigan haul from Draft Wire’s two-round mock draft

It’s Packers-Lions week…and Draft Wire’s latest 2024 mock draft sent three Michigan Wolverines to Green Bay.

The date is April 26, 2024. Brian Gutekunst steps to the podium to recap the first two days of the 2024 NFL draft. 

“Obviously really excited to add three players from such a well-coached program. They do things right over at Ann Arbor. They do a great job of getting them ready for the next level.”

That would be the monologue from Green Bay’s general manager if the opening two rounds went anything like the two-round mock draft that Curt Popejoy put together recently over at Draft Wire.

In his latest two-round mock draft, Popejoy has the Packers selecting three Michigan Wolverines. Popejoy has the Packers selecting defensive lineman Kris Jenkins in the first round (No. 19) and following that up with running back Blake Corum (No. 43) and safety Rod Moore (No. 51) in the second round. 

Jenkins, the nephew of Cullen Jenkins, is a powerful defensive lineman that would pair nicely with Kenny Clark and the athletic duo of Devonte Wyatt and Colby Wooden. To go along with all that raw power, Jenkins is quick out of his stance, showcasing explosive movements to get upfield quickly. Even with Wyatt on the books and Wooden and Karl Brooks showcasing promise, the Packers need to continue to beef up the front seven. With his athletic skill set, Jenkins could develop into a difference-maker up front in Green Bay, just like his uncle.

Corum has outstanding vision. While he may not possess track-like speed, he’s sudden, sharp cuts, with live feet. In four games this season, Corum has forced eight missed tackles and racked up 168 yards after contact, showcasing his contact balance and elusiveness when he gets out in space.

Moore, a former track athlete, has the quickness to cover a lot of ground. He has disciplined eyes and shows good route anticipation. Moore made his season debut this past Saturday against Rutgers after an injury forced him to miss the first three games of the season.

It’s never a bad thing to invest in the defensive line, just ask the Philadelphia Eagles. If Wooden and Brooks continue to develop, along with Wyatt, the defensive line at 1265 Lombardi Avenue would be in good shape. Adding a player like Jenkins and his skillset would help take that group to the next level.

AJ Dillon is off to a rocky start and is in the final year of his rookie deal. On top of that Aaron Jones is pushing 30. Corum is a slam-dunk pick in the second round.

The Moore selection would address arguably the weakest position on Green Bay’s roster right now. 

It would have been nice to see the Packers address offensive tackle in the first two rounds. Having said that, Green Bay has a rich history of selecting offensive linemen on day three and turning them into quality starters. David Bakhtiari, Josh Sitton, TJ Lang, Corey Linsley, JC Tretter and Tom. You get the point.

The Packers also haven’t selected an offensive lineman in the first round since 2011. On top of that, Rasheed Walker has more than held his own during his first two career starts at left tackle. While Tom has proven to be a solid right tackle. It’s very plausible that Green Bay is set at the tackle position, both in the short and the long term. 

Packers mock draft 10.0: Packers loaded with premium picks following Aaron Rodgers trade

A three-round mock draft for the Packers following the Aaron Rodgers trade and featuring four top-100 picks.

Following the Aaron Rodgers trade, the Green Bay Packers now own three picks in the Top 50 of the 2023 NFL draft. As long as Aaron Rodgers doesn’t get hurt they’ll also own two first-round picks in the 2024 NFL draft.

Brian Gutekunst has set himself up to add premium talent over the next two seasons as the Packers are set to embark on the Jordan Love era at 1265 Lombardi Avenue.

Now that the trade is official, it’s time for one last mock draft before the fun begins on Thursday. 

13th overall pick: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Jaxon Smith-Njigba no matter what.  It would be ironic if the Packers used the pick they got in exchange for Rodgers to select a wide receiver in the first round for the first time since 2002.

He’s a detailed route runner with crafty footwork that does a good job of varying his route tempo. He breaks in and out of his cuts with no wasted motion. While he’s not overly explosive or twitchy, he does have good short-area quickness that helps him create separation out of the slot.

Smith-Njigba played primarily in the slot during his record-setting season at Ohio State. That’s where he’ll find success at the next level. With Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs outside, Smith-Njigba in the slot could be the perfect complement and gobble up targets from Love.

42nd overall pick: Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State

Musgrave looked primed for a monster season before suffering a season-ending injury this fall. In two games, Musgrave caught 11 passes for 169 yards and one touchdown. 

The Oregon State tight end is an outstanding athlete and dripping with tools. He has a good blend of size (6-5) and speed.

On top of his ability as a pass catcher, Musgrave is wired right as a blocker. He also logged 328 snaps on special teams and blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown. 

45th overall pick: Isaiah Foskey, Edge, Notre Dame

The Notre Dame edge rusher looks every bit the part. Foskey checks in at 6-5, 264 pounds with 34” arms. He uses his length to his advantage to win with long-arm moves. Over the past two seasons, Foskey has recorded 22 sacks. He sets the edge and could help shore up Green Bay’s run defense while giving their pass rush a much-needed shot in the arm.

78th overall pick: Quan Martin, DB, Illinois

Martin lined up all over the secondary during his five-year career at Illinois. He played on the boundary, played safety, and logged 924 snaps in the slot over the past two seasons. 

Martin is a fluid athlete. The versatile defensive back has the short-area quickness, quick feet, and swivel hips to man the slot position at the next level. As a single-high safety, Martin covers a lot of real estate.

Aside from tight end, safety is the biggest need for the Packers heading into the 2023 NFL draft. With his versatility and athleticism, Martin could carve out a role early in Green Bay’s secondary. 

Packers Mock Draft 9.0: Packers turn to Iowa for help in 7-Round mock draft

The Packers took players from Iowa with their first two picks in this seven-round mock draft.

Welcome to the final Mock Draft Monday of the 2023 NFL Draft cycle. In this seven-round mock, we have a “mock” Aaron Rodgers trade to the New York Jets for the 42nd overall pick. Let’s take a look at the players the Green Bay Packers selected in my seven-round mock draft.

15th overall pick: Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa

With the nickname Hercules, one better be a powerful specimen. Lukas Van Ness lives up to the nickname and then some. He’s a powerful edge rusher with a devastating bull rush to blast through blockers.

Van Ness never started a game for the Hawkeyes. That didn’t stop him from leading the team with 46 pressures this past season. Over the past two seasons, Van Ness recorded 74 pressures (PFF) to go along with 13 sacks.

Green Bay’s pass rush needs juice. With Rashan Gary coming off a torn ACL and Preston Smith turning 31 this season, the Packers need to add another difference-maker at the position. 

With his length (6-5), power, and age (he’ll turn 22 in July), Van Ness fits the bill of what Gutekunst is looking for in the first round. 

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42nd overall pick: Sam Laporta, TE, Iowa

If it wasn’t for Iowa’s putrid offense, LaPorta may have posted a 1,000-yard receiving for the Hawkeyes. The Iowa tight end is a difference-maker as a pass catcher. LaPorta is one of the best YAC threat tight ends in this class. Over the past two seasons, LaPorta racked up 667 yards after the catch (PFF). As a blocker, LaPorta is wired right as a blocker and more than willing to do the dirty work. 

The Packers desperately need an infusion of talent at the tight end position. LaPorta is a well-rounded tight end. He’s a moveable tight end that could line up in the slot, in-line, or even out wide. He could step in immediately and provide an impact as a security blanket for Jordan Love. 

45th overall pick:  Gervon Dexter, DL, Florida

Dexter has a quick first step off the snap and has a lot of power flowing through his upper body. Just turn on Dexter’s game against Alabama during the 2021 season and it’s easy to see Dexter’s disruptive potential. He finished that game with eight tackles, one sack and was consistently disrupting the action.

The Packers lost Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry in free agency. They need to add talent around Kenny Clark. Devonte Wyatt is a candidate to break out during his second year in the league.

Dexter has all the tools in the shed to develop into a disruptive force. With his traits and age (22 in October), it’s a safe bet that the Florida defensive tackle could be high on Green Bay’s board to start day two of the draft.

78th overall pick: Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State

The Michigan State wide receiver has an instant accelerator and the long speed to win vertically. Reed is a shifty athlete in space. If he makes the first defender miss he has the quickness to make a house call. According to PFF, Reed picked 581 yards after the catch over the past two seasons. 

On top of all that, Reed’s a willing blocker on the perimeter. He’d also bring special teams value as a return man.

The Packers need more speed.  His calling card is his ability to win vertically. He’s more than just a vertical threat though. He’s a three-level threat that would give the Packers an electric playmaker to pair with Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Samori Toure. 

116th overall pick: Braeden Daniels, OL, Utah

Daniels finished his career at Utah with 43 career starts. Daniels started 18 games at left guard and 11 games at right tackle. This past season he started all 14 games at left tackle.

Daniels has quick feet and plays and he has the lateral quickness to match rushers wide of the pocket. This past season, Daniels made the move from right tackle to left tackle and gave up zero sacks. 

Daniels is an athletic offensive tackle that doesn’t labor reaching the second level. He sustains his block to create movement in the run game.

With his tackle-guard versatility and experience, Daniels could be an attractive day-three target for the Packers as they look to add more depth to the offensive line. 

149th overall pick: Rejzohn Wright, CB, Oregon State

The Oregon State cornerback looks the part at 6-1, 193 pounds, with long arms. With his size and length, he gives the quarterback a very small window. He’s not shy about using his length at the line of scrimmage. With his length, he suffocates passing lanes.

The Packers currently have a logjam of cornerbacks that play on the boundary and adding a player like Wright would only add to the clutter. All it takes is one injury to create a massive need and a team can never have enough talented cornerbacks. In 2021, the Packers lost Alexander for most of the season. This past season, it was Eric Stokes missing the majority of the season due to injury. 

Adding a player with Wright’s length and athleticism would be appealing on day three of the draft. 

170th overall pick: Jalen Redmond, DL, Oklahoma

Redmond explodes out of his stance. He’s twitched up. That short-area explosiveness was on full display at the combine when he clocked a 1.71 10-yard split. That time was tied for the second fastest among interior defensive linemen.

With his initial quickness, he consistently disrupts the action in the backfield. Redmond played in 32 games during his time as a Sooner and finished with 31.5 tackles for loss.  

As mentioned earlier, the Packers need bodies up front and they need to bolster their interior pass rush. Redmond has the athleticism to develop into a disruptive force up front.

232nd overall pick: Noah Gindorff, TE, NDSU

The NDSU tight end has missed 15 games over the past two seasons due to ankle injuries. If it weren’t for injuries, Gindorff likely would have been an early day-three selection. 

Gindorff gets after it as a blocker and does a good job of sealing outside running lanes. He’s a big target with a large catch radius.

235th overall pick: Max Duggan, QB, TCU

The TCU quarterback is tough as nails and put together many highlight-reel-worthy runs during his time at TCU. Duggan gets the ball out with urgency and throws with nice touch. With his competitive toughness, Duggan could be a solid backup for Jordan Love. 

242nd overall pick: Ty Okada, S, Montana State

The Minnesota native is a versatile defensive back that would be an attractive target for the Packers as they look for upgrades at safety. Okada could play in the slot, on the boundary, or in the deep third. He has 4.44 speed and experience playing on special teams. Given the state of Green Bay’s safety room, it wouldn’t be out of the question to see Okada battle for playing time. 

256th overall pick:  Anders Carlson, K, Auburn

Have to get a kicker in on this mock draft. With Jake Moody and Chad Ryland off the board, let’s go with the Classical Academy graduate (Colorado Springs) and brother of Daniel Carlson. Anders has a strong leg, with a career-long of 53 yards. With Mason Crosby’s career in Green Bay likely done, Carlson could be his replacement. 

Packers make trade with division foe in Dane Brugler’s latest mock draft

The Packers trade down with the rival Lions in the first round and get a WR in the second round of this new mock from Dane Brugler.

The 2023 NFL Draft is officially 100 days away and The Athletic’s Dane Brugler released his second mock draft of the season. 

In Brugler’s latest mock draft, he has the Green Bay Packers trading the 15th overall pick to the Detroit Lions for the 18th and 48th overall picks. The Lions drafted Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson with the 15th overall pick.

With the 18th overall pick, Brugler has the Packers taking Iowa defensive lineman, Lukas Van Ness. The man nicknamed Hercules lives up to that tag. Van Ness is chiseled and owns a devastating bull rush to go through blockers. 

From Brugler:

With his explosive power and upside, though, the Iowa product has the toolsy profile that Green Bay covets on the defensive line.

Van Ness was never a starter for the Hawkeyes, but that didn’t stop him from recording 19 tackles for loss and 13 sacks over the past two seasons. According to Pro Football Focus, Van Ness led the Hawkeyes with 46 pressures this past season.

“I see a high ceiling with Van Ness,’ Jacob Keppen, a contributor for Hawkeyeswire.com said. “He has the potential to be a complete defensive end and someone that you can move around the line…He’s a ball of clay and he has the potential to be a seven to 10 sack guy a year.”

With his length (6-5), power, and age (he’ll turn 22 in July), Van Ness fits the bill of what Brian Gutekunst is looking for in the first round.

With the 45th overall pick, Brugler has the Packers selecting Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid. In my most recent mock draft, I also had the Packers selecting Kincaid with the 45th overall pick.

Kincaid is a dynamic weapon in the passing game. He’s able to create explosive plays with the ball in his hands. According to PFF, Kincaid racked up 397 yards after the catch this past season. The Utah tight end is a gifted athlete with the quickness to threaten the seam and make plays vertically.

With the extra pick the Packers got in the trade with the Lions, Brugler has the Packers taking Wake Forest wide receiver, A.T. Perry with the 48th overall pick.

At 6-5, with long arms, Perry has a go-go-gadget catch radius. With his long strides, he chews up grass to quickly get on top of cornerbacks. 

Over the past two seasons, Perry has recorded 152 receptions for 2,389 yards and 26 touchdowns. The Packers may have hit on three wide receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft, now Gutekunst needs to add another piece to that mix. 

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Packers Mock Draft 4.0: Green Bay addresses needs in first offseason mock

Brennen Rupp’s first mock draft of the offseason, which began Monday for the Packers.

It’s officially draft season for the Green Bay Packers. With their 20-16 loss to the Detroit Lions, the Packers finished the season with a disappointing 8-9 record and will own the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

It’s Mock Draft Monday, so let’s take a look at the results from my latest mock draft.

15th overall pick: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama

Tyree Wilson, Paris Johnson, Quentin Johnston, Peter Skoronski, and Michael Mayer all went off the board 10-14 prior to Green Bay’s pick. This leaves the Packers with the best safety prospect in the draft.

Plug him in the slot and prosper. Branch plays the Star position for Nick Saban and is one of the most versatile defensive backs in the draft. He can play in the slot, on the boundary or safety. 

Branch is a highly instinctive player and a fluid athlete. He has the footwork and loose hips to man the slot position at the next level. According to Pro Football Focus, Branch allowed just two touchdowns in coverage this season and never gave up a play longer than 20 yards. 

On top of his ability in coverage, Branch is an excellent open-field tackler and thrives playing close to the line of scrimmage. He finished the season with 14 tackles for loss and was credited with just three missed tackles.

Branch is versatile, athletic, a reliable tackler, and a playmaker. Add all those up and you get Green Bay’s first-round pick that could be a plug-and-play starter. 

46th overall pick: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

Kincaid’s trump card is his ability as a pass-catcher. He’s able to create explosive plays with the ball in his hands. 

The Utah tight end is a gifted athlete with the quickness to threaten the seam and make plays vertically. That quickness and athleticism show up after the catch as well. According to PFF, Kincaid finished the season with 397 yards after the catch this season.

“Kincaid is a well-rounded tight end that continues to improve in all areas,” Alex Markham, the publisher for UteNation.com said. “When he came to Utah, he was a pass-catcher. Now with three years in the system, he’s grown to be an effective run-blocker. He’s an every-down versatile tight end, you don’t need to take him off the field.”

Kincaid is a complete tight end that could step in from day one and give the Packers a dynamic playmaker at a position of need. 

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Packers add impressive edge rusher in Todd McShay’s first mock draft of 2023

The Packers got a stud edge rusher at No. 14 in Todd McShay’s first mock draft of the 2023 draft season.

ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay recently released his first mock draft of the 2023 NFL Draft cycle, and he had the Green Bay Packers selecting Clemson edge rusher Myles Murphy with the 14th overall pick.

From McShay:

“The Packers took a step backward this season and have a bunch of needs, including safety, receiver, offensive line, tight end, and edge rusher. I’m going best available in Murphy, my No. 8 prospect. He brings burst, power, and bend off the edge, and he’d prove versatile in Green Bay’s scheme. Rashan Gary will be coming off a torn ACL next season, and the Packers have managed only 24 sacks this season (tied for 26th). Murphy has the tools to be a force in the NFL.”

Murphy at No. 14 would be highway robbery for Brian Gutekunst and the Packers. The Clemson edge rusher is the third-best player (non-quarterback) in the 2023 NFL Draft. Murphy is behind only Alabama’s Will Anderson and Georgia’s Jalen Carter on my board. 

Over the past three seasons, Murphy has recorded 36 tackles for loss and 18.5 sacks, including 11 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks this past season. 

At 6-5, 275 pounds with long arms, Murphy certainly looks the part. He’s a strong run defender and has proven to be a disruptive force, consistently making plays behind the line of scrimmage. Murphy plays with a lot of power and is strong at the point of attack. The Clemson prospect has good range to chase down ball carriers from behind and plays like his hair is on fire. 

As a pass rusher, Murphy has a quick first step and converts speed to power. The Clemson edge rusher has a devastating bullrush where his power overwhelms offensive linemen and he’s able to walk them back into the quarterback’s lap. 

A team can never have enough quality pass rushers and the Packers need to draft one or two in the upcoming draft. 

Rashan Gary may or may not be ready for the 2023 season opener after suffering a torn ACL on Nov. 6. Preston Smith isn’t getting any younger. Kingsley Enagbare has proven to be a quality addition to the rotation, but is he a long-term starter? 

By adding Murphy the Packers would be getting an edge rusher that could help shore up Green Bay’s run defense, while also providing a Nick Perry-Esque impact as a pass rusher during his rookie season. 

A future pass-rushing duo of Gary and Murphy at 1265 Lombardi Avenue could prove to be problematic for the offensive tackles of the NFC North. 

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Packers Mock Draft 3.0: Talent added to offensive side of the ball

Happy Thanksgiving! Aaron Rodgers would be thankful for this Packers mock draft, right?

With the Green Bay Packers sitting at 4-7 and their playoff hopes on life support, there hasn’t been a lot to be thankful for this season in Titletown. 

The 2023 NFL Draft is 155 days away and it’s a perfect time for my latest mock draft, one in which Aaron Rodgers would be thankful for this holiday season. 

12th overall pick: Paris Johnson Jr, OL, Ohio State

David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, and Yosh Nijman may all be playing for other teams next season. It’s unlikely that Brian Gutekunst would move on from all three of these players this offseason, but crazier things have happened. 

Even if the Packers opt to bring back one or two of them, the Packers need to address offensive tackle this offseason. Enter Paris Johnson.

The Ohio State starting left tackle has protected the blindside of C.J. Stroud this season. According to Pro Football Focus has only allowed eight pressures and zero sacks thus far this season. 

Johnson has good size and length (6-6, 315 pounds). The starting left tackle has quick feet and the lower body flexibility to redirect edge rushers. 

Prior to moving to left tackle this season, Johnson started 13 games at right guard last season for the Buckeyes.

“Johnson Jr. was an elite guard in 2021 and as expected has been an elite left tackle this season with the unique athleticism to shine in any situation,” Joshua Keatley, a contributor for BuckeyesWire.com said. “Johnson is arguably the best pass blocker in the country and has the ideal size with incredible length making him arguably the best offensive line prospect in the class. His versatility provides him an extremely high floor, but his ceiling is still an All-Pro level left tackle.”

The Packers haven’t drafted an offensive tackle in the first round since 2011. With the question marks surrounding the future of Bakhtiari, Nijman, and Jenkins, that streak could come to an end on April 27. 

43rd overall pick: Tucker Kraft, TE, SDSU

As it stands right now the Packers only have one tight end under contract (Josiah Deguara) for the 2023 season. Gutekunst will need to address the position early in the 2023 draft.

Tucker Kraft is a Top Five tight end in this class and could provide a shot in the arm for Green Bay’s offense. 

At 6-5-, 255 pounds, Kraft has a nice blend of size and athleticism to go with his natural pass-catching ability. Kraft has reliable hands and once he brings it in he’s a threat to make plays after the catch with his quickness and strength. 

Kraft is a complete tight end. He’s a weapon in the passing game and he is a sound run blocker. The Packers need a playmaker at tight end and the former high school running back could be an immediate contributor for Green Bay. 

75th overall pick: Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee

The Tennessee wide receiver would give the Packers a big, physical wide receiver to pair with Watson.

Tillman is a long (6-3), physical wide receiver that outmuscles defensive backs at the catch point. With his frame, he has a large catch radius and has the body control to adjust to the ball while it’s in the air. 

“His greatest strength is his physicality,” Ryan Schumpert, a contributor for Rocky Top Insider said. “That physicality helps him make contested catches.”

The Packers need to continue to add talent to the wide receiver room. They appear to have building blocks in place with Watson, Romeo Doubs, and possibly even Samori Toure. It would be somewhat shocking if Gutekunst doesn’t add another wide receiver in the first three rounds of the 2023 draft.

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Packers Mock Draft 2.0: Green Bay addresses two needs in midseason mock draft

A midseason mock draft highlighting potential help on offense and defense for the Packers in the 2023 draft.

If the 2023 NFL Draft were to take place today, the Green Bay Packers would own the 13th overall pick, putting them in range for a playmaker like Notre Dame’s tight end Michael Mayer. Luckily for the Packers, the 2023 NFL Draft is 175 days away and they still have time to right the ship and get themselves back in the NFC playoff picture. 

Sitting at 3-5, the Packers will likely need six more wins to have a shot at making the playoffs as the No. 7 seed in the wide-open NFC. That’s exactly how I have the rest of the season playing out with the Packers losing in the Wild Card round against the Minnesota Vikings and ending up with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2023 draft. Let’s take a look at what prospects ended up with the Packers in my midseason two-round mock draft.

22nd pick: Antonio Johnson, DB, Texas A&M

Sunday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills highlighted the glaring weakness the Packers have at the safety position. Darnell Savage just missed another tackle while you were reading that last sentence. Enter Antonio Johnson.

The Texas A&M defensive back checks all the boxes. Size (6-3, 195 pounds), versatility (he lived in the slot in 2021), and athleticism. 

Johnson can line up on the boundary, in the slot, and covers a lot of real estate with his fluid athleticism. On top of that, Johnson is a physical, downhill run defender that’s a reliable open-field tackler. 

Johnson has missed the last two games for the Aggies, but the versatile defensive back has recorded 48 tackles and one sack through six games. He would provide the Packers with a much-needed enforcer from the secondary.

54th pick: Rome Odunze, WR, University of Washington

Kalen DeBoer’s offense and Rome Odunze were a match made in heaven. The redshirt sophomore has recorded 50 receptions for 756 yards and six touchdowns through seven games for the Huskies. 

“Rome’s an outstanding athlete,” Roman Tomashoff, the senior editor at Realdawg.com said. “He’s been clocked at 4.4 and he’s also become an incredible route runner this year. He runs a complete route tree and is the definition of a matchup nightmare on the outside.”

Odunze passes the eye test with his size (6-3, 201 pounds), athleticism, and play strength. The Washington wide receiver is a vertical threat with his long strides and straight-line quickness. He’s able to vary his route speed to keep defensive backs off balance and has a lot of branches on his route tree. He’s a dynamic athlete in space, with the ability to create after the catch thanks to his fancy footwork to set up defenders and twitchy athleticism. 

The Packers started the rebuilding of their wide receiver room in the 2022 NFL Draft when they traded up for Christian Watson and drafted Romeo Doubs and Samori Toure. Gutekunst will likely be looking to add another playmaker early in the 2023 NFL Draft and Odunze fits the bill. 

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Breaking down picks for Packers in Todd McShay’s two-round mock draft

Who did the Packers get in Todd McShay’s two-round mock draft? We break down the four selections.

The start of the 2022 NFL draft is 23 days away. ESPN’s Todd McShay released an updated two-round mock draft on Tuesday, so let’s take a look at who McShay had the Green Bay Packers pick with their four selections in the first two rounds. 

22nd overall pick: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

It’s been 20 years since the Packers selected a wide receiver in the first round. With the Packers having a major need at wide receiver and two first-round picks at their disposal, that streak seems likely to end on April 28.

This past season, Dotson hauled in 91 receptions for 1,182 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Penn State wide receiver may be on the lighter side (178) pounds, but he’s an eclectic playmaker. In his final 21 games, Dotson accounted for 21 touchdowns. For his career he had six touchdowns that went for 60 yards or more.

Dotson has strong, reliable hands and plays bigger than his frame. According to Pro Football Focus, Dotson was targeted 138 times this past season and only had two drops. 

With his big-play ability and reliable hands, Dotson could quickly earn the trust of Aaron Rodgers leading to many big plays at 1265 Lombardi Avenue.

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28th overall pick: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M

Green is one of the most versatile offensive lineman in the 2022 NFL Draft. This past season Green started games at left tackle, right tackle, left guard and right guard. While he’s never taken snaps at center, Green has Elgton Jenkins-like versatility.

Green is a quick and powerful run blocker. He’s got a powerful lower half and is able to drive defenders in any direction he chooses. 

In pass protection, Green has a strong base. He’s rarely knocked off balance and is able to anchor down against bull rushers. The former five-star recruit has the foot quickness and lateral agility to protect the corner at tackle.

With his versatility Green could be a plug-and-play starter at right tackle or right guard for the Packers.

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53rd overall pick: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

McBride is viewed by many as the top tight end in the 2022 NFL draft and for good reason. This past season the Colorado State product led all FBS tight ends in receptions (90) and yards (1,121). The yardage total was the most in a single season by a tight end in Mountain West history. 

McBride is a big target (6-4), who isn’t afraid to work the middle of the field. He thrives on making catches in a crowd. He has the quickness (4.53) to threaten the seam. 

McBride is a natural in-line tight end. With his size and strength, he’s one of the best run blockers among the top-tiered tight ends in this class.

The Packers need an infusion of talent at the tight end position. McBride could provide an immediate impact as a run blocker, as well as being a big-bodied target over the middle for Rodgers.

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59th overall pick: Drake Jackson, Edge, USC

Jackson has all the talent in the world, but for whatever reason was never able to fully unlock it at the college level. The USC edge rusher will turn 21 on April 12, and with his upside it would not be shocking to see Brian Gutekunst select him in the first round.

He’s a toolsy edge rusher with his length, athleticism and explosiveness. This past season Jackson recorded eight tackles for loss and five sacks. Jackson has the lower body flexibility to bend and dip around the edge. 

The Packers have their starters in place with Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, but they need to restock the talent behind that duo. Jackson has all the tools to be a difference-maker. Getting him this late in the second round could prove to be the heist of the 2022 NFL draft a few years down the road. 

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