Now that the Aaron Rodgers trade is done, the Packers got quite the haul from the New York Jets. Green Bay received picks 13, 42, 207, and a conditional second round pick in 2024 that turns into a first round pick if Rodgers plays 65% of the snaps. The Packer gave the Jets picks 15 and 170 in addition. With the NFL Draft beginning tomorrow night, the popular talk now is will Green Bay trade up again and or could they trade back? I think staying at pick 13 makes the most sense right now for the Green Bay Packers.
They Have Draft Capital To Help Them This Year And Next Year
Between the 2023 and 2024 drafts, the Packers will have eight picks in the top 100. Two of those will be coming from the Aaron Rodgers deal. That’s a big deal as top 100 picks will almost always make the 53 man roster throughout their entire rookie contract. It’s often how general managers are evaluated by fans as well.
Green Bay has a ton of positions they need to address. In particular, they need multiple offensive weapons to help Jordan Love. They also have to build up position rooms that lack either depth and/or talent. Assuming they can nail a majority of these picks, Green Bay should set themselves up nicely over the next two seasons.
They Have A Ton Of Needs
As mentioned above, there is a ton of needs on this roster. They need receivers, tight ends, a safety, and help on the offensive and defensive line. With the additional picks from the Jets, the Packers could be bold and move up in the first round for a player they really want.
I don’t see that happening this year. With the amount of positions they need to address in 2023 and 2024, this is a good time to utilize your draft capital and start re-building position rooms and overall talent. I like the picks the Packers have on day two as this seems to be a day two heavy draft. There are a lot of talented players that will be available Friday night.
They Could Move Up Into The Late First Round Or Early Second Round
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I don’t see Green Bay moving up tomorrow, but I could see a situation where they move back into the late first or move up into the early second round Friday.
As an example, when the Packers traded for Christian Watson last season, they gave Minnesota the 53rd and 59th picks. Both were second rounds picks and Green Bay got Watson at pick 34. With picks 42 and 45 this year, there is a legitimate possibility they could sneak their way into the later part of the first round. They could use a 2024 pick to keep one of the 2023 seconds if they want. I see this as an option.
I know the popular talk is the Packers don’t do well with their third round picks. While that is true, you don’t just want to give it up every year. It’s a top 100 pick and it’s a valuable pick. While I think the Packers are in a good spot now, they do have the capital to make a move like this. Of course it has to be a player they want bad.
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