It is fair to assume that the 2023 draft class for the Green Bay Packers has yet to reach its ceiling, but one thing is for certain – it looks like one of the better classes in Brian Gutekunst’s regime.

Having had 13 selections at their disposal, the Packers added five defensive players, seven offensive players, and a kicker. Coming into the draft, this team was lacking wide receiver depth as well as pieces in their tight end room, and both positions were addressed, with positive results so far.

Offense

Luke Musgrave, Jayden Reed, Tucker Kraft, Sean Clifford, Dontayvion Wicks, Lew Nichols, Grant Dubose, Anders Carlson

There are quite a few standouts from this group, most notably Luke Musgrave and Jayden Reed. Both of these players were second-round selections in April, and both have returned on their investments.

Before his injury, Musgrave showed that he was the future TE1 for Green Bay, as his receiving skills were well developed for a rookie. While his blocking may have a ways to go, he showed major strides here as well.

For Reed, his 513 receiving yards and five touchdowns shows that he established a relationship with Jordan Love early on, looking like his favorite target so far. Slot work for Reed has helped unlock his playmaking abilities, something that this offense was lacking.

Tucker Kraft has looked solid standing in for Musgrave, Dontayvion Wicks has carved out a solid secondary role in the offense (374 yards, 1 TD), and Anders Carlson has only missed four field goals so far this season, helping take on the torch from Mason Crosby.

Defense

Lukas Van Ness, Colby Wooden, Karl Brooks, Carrington Valentine, Anthony Johnson

Lukas Van Ness is the biggest name in this grouping, as three of the first five defensive players selected by Green Bay were all on their defensive line. And while Van Ness has had a quiet start to his NFL career, this class of five has shown some real promise.

Two sacks and 17 tackles for Van Ness, who was drafted as the complement to Rashan Gary as a pass rusher. While some of his techniques still need work, his motor has given the coaching staff a reason to keep him out on the field.

11 total tackles for Colby Wooden doesn’t sound like a big impact on paper, but the Auburn rookie has made his presence felt in the interior of the defensive line. Taking pressure off Kenny Clark has freed up the star tackle, something that both Wooden and Karl Brooks (three sacks, one forced fumble) have combined to do this season.

But the real gem of this entire draft class is seventh-round cornerback Carrington Valentine, who turned a successful college career at Kentucky into a great first-year showing in the NFL.

With injuries knocking out their top cornerback options in Green Bay, Valentine has stepped up and delivered, putting up some of the best coverage grades across all rookie cornerbacks. Finding this level of value this late in the NFL Draft doesn’t happen often, but it seems to happen in Green Bay with unheralded CBs (don’t forget about Sam Shields).

While it is far too early to hand out official grades for this draft class, it is safe to say that in their first year in the league, the rookies have looked solid for Green Bay. With a playoff berth still in their grasp, the rookie will need to step up even more if they want to exceed the expectations for 2023.

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Mike Johrendt has been an avid fan of the Packers ever since he can remember. He is now a writer at PackersTalk and you can follow him on Twitter at @MJohrendt23

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