The Green Bay Packers have been searching high and low for the right players in the upcoming NFL draft. With ten draft picks currently to their name the Packers are bound to acquire a handful of talent. One particular insider believes the Packers will land this talent in two surprising rounds.
Green Bay Packers Might Select Jordan Battle, Kobie Turner
The upcoming NFL draft will be star-studded as usual, with the elusive first overall pick still a mystery. Most of the football world will be focused on the battle between Bryce Young and CJ Stroud. As entertaining as it is, the glitz and glamour of draft night will have little impact on the Packers draft plans.
Green Bay had a rather successful draft a year ago after the rookies provided a pleasant boost. For the upcoming 2023 NFL draft the Packers hope to replicate the same success they had last year. While the main focus is clearly on the first and second round picks, the real gems for the Packers rest beyond those rounds.
In his most recent mock draft, Garrett Podell of CBS Sports predicts that the Green Bay Packers will select three defensive players in a row. The trio starts with Kansas State defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah with the 45th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. The next two picks however are more intriguing, as safety Jordan Battle and defensive tackle Kobie Turner are selected in the third and fourth rounds respectively.
2023 NFL Draft Prospects: Green Bay Packers Find Two Gems
With the 78th overall selection, Podell suggests the Packers will take the Alabama safety Jordan Battle. Battle, a former four-star recruit in the 2019 class, is a four-year starter for the Crimson Tide. Battle has recorded 252 tackles, six interceptions, and three touchdowns during his collegiate career. At the safety position, Battle has the ability to drop in coverage and make a play on the ball.
At 6-foot-1-inch, 206 pounds, Battle has the size to play at the next level with ease. The defensive back can comfortably cover the slot while also coming down to the box to support against the run. His instincts and play processing results in swift action and sure tackling. Battle is a great prospect, but struggles at times to respond to cuts and secure open field tackles. However, when Battle goes through the proper reads he is a next-level defensive back.
With the 116th overall selection, Podell suggests the Packers will select Wake Forest defensive tackle Kobie Turner. Turner is a former zero star recruit, with no recorded offers according to 247 Sports. Turner enrolled at the University of Richmond, where he played four seasons recording 158 total tackles, 15 sacks, and three forced fumbles. After four years, Turner chose to enter the NCAA transfer portal and decided to transfer to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.
In his final collegiate season, Turner recorded 38 total tackles, two sacks, and three forced fumbles. Coming in at 6-foot-3-inches and 290 pounds, Turner is an absolute physical presence and carries serious power in his hits. The biggest knock on Turner is his inconsistent effort on plays, as he can make a splash play and then struggle to get past his man on the next.
Both Turner and Battle could represent potentially great value picks for the Green Bay Packers if they were to land to them. Either player would be a boost for the Packers squad if taken in the upcoming NFL draft.
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