While the final draft positions are still being finalized, we have a general idea of where teams will land. The Packers 2023 NFL draft is an important one as they look to continue to build a good young roster. Here are 4 prospects that make sense for the Packers.
Michael Mayer TE Notre Dame
Tight end needs to be a priority for the Packers 2023 NFL draft. Robert Tonyan has looked like a shell of himself and I doubt the Packers look to resign him. Marcedes Lewis most likely retires and the rest of the squad is nothing to write home about. Fortunately, there are a couple of elite tight end prospects in the draft. Michael Mayer is one of them that fits the Packers profile for a tight end. Over his college career, he has caught 180 balls for over 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns. While his pass-catching ability is tantalizing, his run-blocking is just as good. This would be a great pick for the Packers.
Isaiah Foskey Edge Notre Dame
Notre Dame has a couple of prospects for the Packers 2023 NFL draft. The edge position looked dire after Rashan Gary went down with an ACL injury. However, the emergence of Kingsley Enagbare has made the loss easier to deal with. Still, the Packers will have to make a decision about Preston Smith who has had a great year but his contract is tricky. Whether they keep Smith or not, they need more depth at the edge position. Foskey has a rare combination of size and athleticism. His 6’5″ 265-pound frame is massive but he can still top speeds of 21 miles per hour.
Brian Branch S Alabama
Anyone who has watched the Packers this season knows that safety is a need for the Packers 2023 NFL draft. Adrian Amos looks past his prime and former first-round pick Darnell Savage has not developed. Enter Brian Branch out of Alabama. In his first two seasons, he has recorded 82 tackles while only missing one tackle. He plays bigger than his 6-foot frame and is not afraid to drop down in the box and make a tackle. The Packers would be very happy to bring this type of safety talent into the building.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR Ohio State
Did you think we would talk about the Packers 2023 NFL draft and not talk about a wide receiver? Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson are great but another wideout would really solidify this group as Randall Cobb is probably done after the season. Smith-Njigba went down with a hamstring injury this year which has kept him out all season. He decided to skip Ohio State’s postseason games to prepare for the draft. In his sophomore season, he had over 1,600 receiving yards which is impressive as he shared the field with first-round picks Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. If the Packers are going to pick a wide receiver in the first round, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a great target.
Even if the Packers draft position changes some, this will likely be the pool of players the Packers will have to choose from. The only way this changes drastically is if the Packers make a deep postseason run.
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