The Green Bay Packers season ended in Week 18, but now that the Super Bowl is over everyone is turning their eyes to the 2023 NFL Draft. As it stands currently, the Packers have the 15th overall pick. Many presume that they may pick earlier if Aaron Rodgers is traded, but that is all conjecture at this point. There are several positions of need on the current roster including safety, tight end, and pass rusher.
As noted in the podcast linked below, whenever the Packers have had a mid-first round pick, they have typically taken either an edge rusher or left tackle. According to the latest mock draft from Pro Football Focus (PFF), Green Bay will take the former: Clemson edge rusher Myles Murphy.
Myles Murphy Draws Comparisons to Green Bay Packers Edge Rusher Rashan Gary
When the Green Bay Packers drafted Rashan Gary in the 2019 NFL Draft, the pick was criticized by many. Gary, a phenomenal athlete, was a relatively average college player who had flashes of absolute brilliance. According to PFF, Myles Murphy fits that description to a T:
“The Packers love athletes along the defensive line, and if one of Murphy’s caliber is staring them in the face, general manager Brian Gutekunst is going to pull the trigger. Murphy is very reminiscent of Rashan Gary as a prospect, with high-end flashes but average production (79.0 grade in 2022).”
This past season, Murphy had 40 tackles, 11.0 for loss, and 6.5 sacks for Clemson. In 2021, as a sophomore, Murphy had 39 tackles, 14.5 for a loss, and 8.0 sacks.
Myles Murphy Scouting Report
To hear Pro Football Network tell it, Murphy sounds like the kind of edge rusher that the Packers would definitely look to draft:”
“If you want an edge rusher with tools, Murphy has them. At 6’5″, 275 pounds, Murphy has an extremely strong, well-proportioned, compact frame with great length. And with that size, he’s an explosive athlete with a torrid first step. The Clemson EDGE can accelerate quickly into the backfield with powerful strides. At times, he shows off near-elite acceleration capacity for his size, particularly when he has a runway to quicken his feet.
Going further, Murphy can hit an intense second gear when he has an open lane to close on his target. He also has high-end lateral burst, which he can use to pressure angles off the snap. The Clemson EDGE can cover eye-catching amounts of ground with his lateral explosions. With his brand of athleticism, he’s extremely dangerous on stunts. He can use lateral twitch and burst to explode into gaps and exploit angles.”
The Packers, of course, will likely be without the services of Gary for the first part of the season. That is, if all goes well. Gary was on his way to a career year before tearing his ACL in Week Nine. At that point, he had 6.0 sacks and was on pace to destroy his career-high of 9.5 in 2021.
Like Gary, Murphy likely will be used sparingly as a rookie. The Packers have Preston Smith under contract and Kingsley Enagbare played very well filling in for the injured Gary. However, long-term depth was a huge issue at edge rusher last season. Without a doubt, Green Bay will be looking to take an edge rusher early.
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FAQs
Will the Green Bay Packers Make the 2023 NFL Playoffs?
According to sportsbooks, the Green Bay Packers are currently ninth overall (+3000) to win the 2024 Super Bowl. This is the highest among 2022 non-playoff teams, signaling they’ll be playoff-bound.
Who Do the Green Bay Packers Play in 2023?
Aside from their divisional opponents (Vikings, Lions, and Bears), whom they place twice, the Packers play the Saints, Buccaneers, Chiefs, Chargers, and Rams at home in 2023. They’ll travel on the road to face the Falcons, Panthers, Broncos, Raiders, Giants, and Steelers.
Who Owns the Green Bay Packers?
The team is owned by Green Bay Packers, Inc., a publicly owned and traded non-profit. There are currently over 360,000 stockholders. Mark Murphy currently holds the role of Packers president and CEO, with plans to retire in 2025.
How Many Super Bowls Have the Packers Won?
The Packers have won four Super Bowls. These victories include Super Bowl 1 and Super Bowl 2 after the 1966 and 1967 seasons. Their next title came in Super Bowl 31, following the 1996 season. Their most recent championship was Super Bowl 45, crowning them the winners of the 201o season.
