With the 2023 NFL Combine currently going on, the Green Bay Packers are looking for a young player to make an impact after missing the playoffs in 2022. The most significant needs are Safety, Edge, Wide Receiver, Tackle, and Tight End. With eleven picks in this draft and offseason rumors of the them trading franchise Quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Here are potential options for the 1st round of the 2023 NFL draft.
Packers moving on?
Unmistakably, the biggest story in sports in 2023 so far has been the decision of Aaron Rodgers. The salary cap hit that Rodgers takes the next two years handcuffs the Packers on what they can do. Rebuilding is a severe option, with Jordan Love waiting. Brian Gutekunst has said in multiple interviews that Love is ready to be a starter in the NFL so rumors started spreading about the Packers wanting to trade Rodgers if he wants to play football in 2023. The closer the draft comes, the more it is a realistic option to move on from Rodgers. Whether they trade him for draft picks this year and/or a game-changing player, this is something to watch while the draft continues. They could see a trade package with all draft picks to build the future around Jordan Love.
Keeping Rodgers and drafting at #15
The Packers currently hold the #15 overall pick. Let’s say Rodgers doesn’t retire, wants to stay with the team, and they are all in on Rodgers; you could see the them take offense with their pick. Depending on how the draft would shake out, but Packers could take Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver from Ohio State. The Packers haven’t drafted a Wide Receiver since Javon Walker in the 1st round in 2002, and they might stick with that streak. Another offensive need is Tackle. Two options in the mid 1st round could be Peter Skoronski from North Western and Paris Johnson from Ohio State. Finally, many would say that the Packers need a Tight End , but if Rodgers is back, I don’t see the Packers letting Robert Tonyan walk in free agency and using a 1st round pick on a Tight End.
What’s the right option?
These are hypothetical options, but being in the General Manager’s shoes as a fan is fun. The NFL Draft is a crazy time not only for the teams and players but for the fans that make a mock draft and get involved. The Green Bay Packers have tons of decisions to make and tons of options in this upcoming draft. Whatever the Packers decide will make big headlines for the rest of the offseason.
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