Kansas City hosts the 2023 NFL draft, which begins Thursday, April 27 and runs through Saturday, April 29. The Green Bay Packers currently hold 10 picks in the draft, including two compensatory picks, and fans desperate for some good news after a disappointing end to last season can check out the latest NFL odds if they want to test their draft picking skills.

Packers draft picks 2023:

  • Round 1 – No. 15 overall
  • Round 2 – No. 45 overall
  • Round 3 – No. 78 overall
  • Round 4 – No. 116 overall
  • Round 5 – No. 149 overall
  • Round 5 – No. 170 overall (compensatory)
  • Round 7 – No. 232 overall
  • Round 7 – No. 235 overall (from LAR)
  • Round 7 – No. 242 overall (from JAX)
  • Round 7 – No. 256 overall (compensatory)

Defeat to Detroit

A shocking 20-16 defeat to Detroit in the final game of the season saw the Packers miss out on the postseason for the first time since 2018. It ended their four-game winning streak and left them 8-9, giving Seattle the NFC’s seventh and final playoff spot. While you could argue that game was lost on fine margins, the reality is the Packers didn’t deserve to progress and looked off the pace all season.

Aaron Rodgers may have signed a three-year, $150.8 million contract extension last offseason, to become the highest-paid player in NFL history, but he isn’t producing consistently in the big games. For three straight years, Green Bay’s season has ended following home losses to Tampa Bay, San Francisco and now the Lions. The team is badly in need of some quality reinforcements.

Previous Drafts

General manager Brian Gutekunst continues to frustrate fans with his reluctance to add offensive picks in the early rounds. The last four drafts under his control (with the exception of Love in 2020), have seen him pick only defensive players, a philosophy that admittedly buys into Matt LaFleur’s offensive philosophy of a dominant run game.

Gutekunst can also point to a successful track record, with many of his first-round defensive selections proving successful, including Rashan Gary, Jaire Alexander, Quay Walker, and Devonte Wyatt. While several of last year’s draft picks offered glimpses of their potential too, including Christian Watson, Zach Tom, Romeo Doubs, and Kingsley Enagbare.

What do Green Bay need from the draft

Fans will be screaming for a wide receiver to help out the Quarter Back, but experience will tell them that they’re wasting their time with that one. There are understandable question marks around many of the top receivers in this year’s draft, which would make it an even bigger gamble this year. Plus, the Packers look to have found some exciting potential with last year’s second-round pick Christian Watson and fourth-rounder Romeo Doubs.

Rumors continue about a potential Aaron Rodgers trade with the New York Jets, which could drastically change the Packers plans, and a return for kicker Mason Crosby looks more unlikely with his salary unaffordable. Even with a Rodgers trade, the salary cap would still be an issue, so it’s possible they will have to use a draft pick to add competition at kicker.

Potential Targets

Michael Mayer (TE)

College: Notre Dame

Production Score: 85

Athleticism Score: 71

2023 Combine TE Rank: 4th

Mayer was an elite receiver with 2.44 yards/route run and a 95th percentile dominator rating. He has good receiving skills and strong blocking skills and although he won’t get Packers fans dancing in the streets, he could prove to be a reliable target and a sound pick.

Brian Branch (CB)

College: Alabama

Production Score: 96

Athleticism Score: 67

2023 Combine CB Rank: 3rd

A disappointing 4.58 second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine saw Branch’s draft status drop, with cornerbacks that can’t break 4.5 traditionally tending to struggle at the top level.  However, Branch can play up by the line of scrimmage, provide run support and help coverage in the slot, plus he’s a great tackler. With the Packers current roster issues, he’s a potential starter.

Lukas Van Ness (Edge)

College: Iowa

Production Score: 73

Athleticism Score: 78

2023 Combine EDGE Rank: 7th

Van Ness has incredible power and shown glimpses of his quality, but he’s not close to being a starter just yet. Definitely a potential star of the future.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR)

College: Ohio

Production Score: 68

Athleticism Score: 89

2023 Combine WR Rank: 5th

Although Smith-Njigba struggled with injuries last season, his performance at the combine have seen his draft stock rise considerably, despite not running the 40-yard dash. The potential pairing of Smith-Njigba with Christian Watson would excite Packers fans and give the roster two exciting young wide receiver talents.

Rashee Rice (WR)

College: SMU

Production Score: 79

Athleticism Score: 86

2023 Combine WR Rank: 3rd

Started all 12 games played and his 1,355 receiving yards (3rd) and 8.0 receptions per game (5th) were top five in the nation. Rice was 13th nationally with 10 receiving TDs and registered a career-high 193 receiving yards at Maryland and 13 receptions at Memphis. The wide receiver also posted six 100-yard games and three multi-TD games.