The Green Bay Packers are now looking toward the 2023 NFL draft in the next coming months. They will look to add and improve the roster going into this year. Last year the Packers pretty much nailed the NFL draft and most of the rookies contributed to the team and helped them almost make the playoffs. Now it is a new year, and the Packers will use the draft to keep stacking young talent on the team. Packers hold the 15th selection in the draft and have a chance to get a really good prospect. Here are some players the Packers can target in the first round this year.
Will Anderson- The Best Edge Player In The Draft This Year
The Packers could use some edge help with Rashan Gary most likely missing time recovering from a torn ACL. The current edge rushers the Packers have right now are Preston Smith, Kingsley Egnabare, and Johnathan Garvin. That group could use more talent and that is where Will Anderson comes in. Anderson is considered the best edge rusher in this draft. In his last two seasons at the University of Alabama, he was dominant as in 2021 he led the nation with 17.5 sacks and last year had ten sacks.
Anderson is considered to be a top-ten pick in this year’s draft. He would make the Packer’s pass rush scary by pairing him with players like Gary. Now, will he fall to the 15th selection in the draft this year? Most likely Anderson would be gone before the Packers are on the board. However, if he is available the Packers should pull the trigger and draft him. The saying is you can never have enough pass rushers to get after the quarterback. With Rashan Gary being sidelined this coming season, do not be surprised if Will Anderson is the Packer’s first pick if he is available.
Quentin Johnson- Arguably The Best Wide Receiver In The Draft
One wide receiver prospect to look at this year is Quentin Johnson who is regarded as the best receiver in the draft this year. He is a freak athlete that has shown with the ball in his hands he can be a very dynamic player. The Packers have a promising young receiver core of Christain Watson, Romeo Doubs, and possibly Samori Toure.
Quentin Johnson would provide the Packers with another deep threat that can make the passing attack for the offense dangerous. Not to mention for his size he can win the 50/50 balls and is an effective run blocker which you need to be as a wide receiver in Matt Lafleur’s offense. It is a very good chance he will be there when the Packers are on the board at fifteen and it would be the first time in decades the Packers took a wide receiver in the first round. If Quentin Johnson gets drafted by the Packers watch out as the offense could be very good this coming season.
Jalen Carter- A Standout From The Georgia Dominant Defense
The best defensive line prospect in the draft this year is Jalen Carter who was a huge standout on the Georgia Bulldogs’ dominant defense. He was a force on the defensive line for Georgia and is probably the best prospect since Quinnen Williams. Carter is very mobile for his size and is very powerful almost making him almost impossible to block.
Now the Packers have Kenny Clark who will be paired with Devonte Wyatt and T.J. Slaton both of whom showed flashes when given playing time last year. Still, Jalen Carter could give the Packers the best defensive front in the NFL. He is projected to go top ten or even in the top five showing how good of a player he is. The Packers could be aggressive and trade up for him, but that is highly unlikely. It is a small chance but if Jalen Carter is available for the Packers at fifteen then they should not hesitate to draft him.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba- A Talented Player That Can Solve The Packers Problem At Slot Receiver
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a prospect that put his name on the map with his record-breaking performance at the Rose Bowl last year. He had fifteen receptions for 347 yards and three touchdowns in a monster showing from him. Now unfortunately he had a hamstring injury that held him out for most of the 2022 college football season. However, he has shown when healthy he can be a very effective slot receiver in the NFL. He runs crisp routes and knows how to get open against certain coverages.
The Packers are in need of a slot receiver, especially with Randall Cobb up there in age and an impending free agent. With receivers like Christain Watson and Romeo Dubs on the outside the Packers could use someone like Jaxon to complement them in the slot. Now picking him at fifteen could be a reach, but it would fill a need for them, and he will definitely be available when the Packers pick at that spot. Look for the Packers to pay attention close to him as the draft approaches.
Brian Branch- A Player That Can Help The Packers Defense Improve At The Safety Position
Safety is a big need right now for the Packers as that was a huge problem on defense. Darnell Savage, Adrian Amos, and Rudy Ford for most of the season last year did not play well enough. Now Savage will be back, but Ford and Amos are impending free agents. Packers could easily bring both back this year, but still, need to add competition to that position group.
Drafting safety Brian Branch could be the answer as he is the best safety in this draft class. He is a smart player and plays very fast on the field. Could play in the box but is suspect at times in coverage. Yet, he is a player that can help the Packers in a big position of need on defense. Not to mention at pick number fifteen when the Packers select, he will most likely be on the board. Packers could look at Branch in the first round to help them fix the safety position on defense.
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