The 2023 NFL Draft is 15 days away. The Packers have a lot of needs to address, and it begins at the 15th pick. There are a lot of different ways the Packers could go with this pick. Here are three players I am keeping an eye on at pick 15 of the 2023 NFL Draft.
2023 NFL Draft Prospect: Darnell Wright – Tennessee OT
Darnell Wright has been making some noise lately, and his Draft stock continues to rise because of it. Some mock drafts have seen Wright going as high as the top 10 to the Chicago Bears.
Wright can play both tackle positions, but right tackle is where Wright can play his best, according to Lance Zierlen. The Packers like tackles who can play both spots. Both Yosh Nijman and Zach Tom can do that currently. Wright also recorded a 5.01 40-yard dash, which was third among all offensive tackles. His NFL Combine numbers have helped his case. To me, he is exactly who Green Bay could target in the 2023 NFL Draft. I wouldn’t be discouraged if the Packers pass on him, as they are very good at drafting linemen late and developing them.
2023 NFL Draft Prospect: Lukas Van Ness – Iowa Edge
Just like Wright, Lukas Van Ness screams Green Bay Packers. He is a project as he did not start at Iowa and is only a redshirt sophomore. However, Van Ness has lines up both as an edge rusher and a defensive lineman. Edge is where he lines up best.
He would be a project pick and wouldn’t be asked to contribute much immediately. Neither was Rashan Gary, and that turned out pretty well. I am not saying Van Ness will be as good as Gary, but with the uncertainty of Preston Smith and this potentially being his last season, Van Ness would be a good option to grab in the 2023 NFL Draft and learn for a year before making big contributions.
2023 NFL Draft Prospect: Quentin Johnston – TCU Wide Receiver
I expect Quentin Johnston to be there at 15 for the Packers. If he was, this would be an intriguing pick. In case you didn’t know, Green Bay doesn’t tend to pick receivers in the first round. However, they need to address the wide receiver position early again in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Johnston is 6’3 and a physical receiver who can make contested catches. I think he would greatly compliment Christian Watson on the other side of the field. If you can have Johnston and Watson on the end and Romeo Doubs in the slot, the Packers have three good options and young options too.
If Johnston is there at 15 and the Packers like him, I would not be shocked if they would trade back a few spots and take him then. This would be a move I would prefer as they would have more power to move up in the second round and potentially grab a tight end they need badly as well.
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