Brian Gutekunst and the Green Bay Packers have their work cut out for them this offseason. Everything will start with the future of superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Many believe he will end up being traded, but that decision still has to be made by both parties involved.
Following that decision, the Packers will know exactly which direction they are heading. Do they go all-in for another run with Rodgers leading the way? Or, are they preparing for the long-term future with Jordan Love under center?
Next up after that decision, the Packers will have to focus on putting together a roster. The 2023 NFL Draft is going to be extremely important and Green Bay simply cannot afford to miss with their first three or four picks.
All of that being said, let’s dive in and take a look at three players the Packers should already be targeting in the second round of the draft with the No. 45 overall pick.
Who Should The Packers Target In The Second Round?
3. Rashad Torrence II, Safety, Florida
One direction the Packers could choose to go in the second round would be adding a safety. Heading into the offseason, there are questions about whether or not Adrian Amos will be back. It was also clear during the 2022 season that Darnell Savage Jr. is not going to develop into the playmaking safety that Green Bay was hoping he would become.
Rashad Torrence II is a solid safety and would be well worth the No. 45 overall pick.
During the 2022 season with the Gators, Torrence ended up recording 84 total tackles to go along with a forced fumble and a defended pass. There is a lot of room for him to grow in the coverage game, but he is a sure tackler that can help and develop in other areas as well. He would be worth a shot in the second round.
READ MORE: 3 Sleeper First-Round Targets The Packers Should Consider
2. Rashee Rice, Wide Receiver, SMU
Green Bay could also choose to beef up their wide receiver room even more. Rashee Rice could be available with this pick and might be the way the Packers choose to go.
Rice is coming off of a massive season for SMU in 2022. He caught 96 passes for 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns on the year. If the Packers added him, he would form a great three-headed young wide receiver trio with Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs.
Standing in at 6-foot-2 and a shade over 200 pounds, Rice is athletic and capable of making big plays. The one knock on him would be his tendency to drop the football. If he can work on that and become a more sure-handed target, the Packers could strike gold with this selection.
1. Siaki Ika, Defensive Line, Baylor
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of the Green Bay defense this season was their inability to shut down the run. Kenny Clark is still one of the best defensive tackles in the game, but he could use more consistent help. Jarran Reed wasn’t bad and Devonte Wyatt is developing as a first-round pick from last year, but the Packers could still look to add one.
If they choose to go with a defensive lineman, Siaki Ika could be the best player available. He’s a massive piece in the middle of the line at 6-foot-3 and 350 pounds and could be a big help to Clark.
Some fans would hate to see the Packers take another defensive tackle, but you can never have too much depth. Injuries are a big thing in the trenches and Ika could come in immediately and both play a role and provide depth. Ika could be a perfect fit for Green Bay if they want to go defensive line.
