The Green Bay Packers had a board with plenty of options for the number 13 overall pick. General manager Brian Gutekunst traded up for the pick for a reason. He made a shocking choice to many fans who wanted a pass catcher when he chose a defensive end who never started in college. Gutekunst explained that decision later Friday night during his post-conference.
Brian Gutekunst had options for the Green Bay Packers at 13
The Packers had wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Michael Mayer available when the Packers were on the clock. Gutekunst decided to take defensive end Lukas Van Ness from Iowa. Van Ness never started for Iowa, but he logged a starter’s number of snaps during his time for the Big Ten school.
According to Rob Demovsky with ESPN, Gutekunst said the team had plenty of great options at 13, but the Packers rated Van Ness over JSN or another pass catcher on their draft board. Gutekunst said the Packers still have options at pass catcher on Friday.
“We had really good choices. I thnk it was just how we had them rated. We believe rushing the passer is a premium position for us. The board held up strong. I feel good about (addressing those spots) tomorrow.”
Gutekunst on taking Van Ness over an offensive skill player: "We had really good choices. I thnk it was just how we had them rated. We believe rushing the passser is a premium position for us. The board held up strong. I feel good about (addressing those spots) tomrrow."
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) April 28, 2023
The Packers needed to add to their defensive line in the draft. The Packers still need help with the interior defensive line. However, it’s a plus for the defense that Van Ness has the ability to go inside. Gutekunst is hinting the Packers will look for pass-catching on Friday. There are still several intriguing options at tight end before the second round of the draft, including Mayer.
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