Mel Kiper predicts the Packers first round
Mel Kiper released his first-round mock draft Wednesday morning. The Green Bay Packers hold the 15th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. In an offseason with little cap space for free agency and a roster Aaron Rodgers deems a few players short from competing, the Packers must hit on a day-one starter with their first choice.
The Packers have a few positions of need this offseason. The defense needs several upgraded positions; the offense could use help at pass-catching positions. Depending on if general manager Brian Gutekunst can save enough to justify Aaron Jones’ salary, the Packers could need a running back.
Mel Kiper thinks the Packers go with a pass catcher with the 15h pick. He predicted Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer would be a player that could fill a massive gap in the offense:
“Why not a tight end here — regardless of whether Aaron Rodgers is back as the quarterback? Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis are free agents, and this is a major hole on the roster. The tight end class is really good this year, with Mayer atop my board. He is a complete player who put up 809 yards and 67 catches with nine touchdowns in 2022. He can stretch the middle of the field and run past linebackers on seam routes. The only downside is that he doesn’t have super-long arms, but he’s ahead of the game as a pass-catcher. Green Bay could also use younger talent in the front seven.”
The Packers could use Mayer
Mayer would be a great addition to the Packers’ offense. Hopefully, he’d be able to learn the offense quickly, should Aaron Rodgers come back next season. The Packers could use help at other positions, but Mayer was an elite tight end in college, and he could wind up being a steal as the 15th overall pick.