NFL mock draft 2023: Packers 7-round post-Combine projection with an Aaron Rodgers trade

Anthony Johnson Jr. could be a diamond in the rough for the Packers

Some might consider safety a more immediate need with Adrian Amos hitting free agency and unlikely to return, but I think the Packers most likely fill that in free agency. Still, depth is needed and, since the team doesn’t have a sixth-rounder, they use the first of several selections in the seventh round on Anthony Johnson Jr., a player who has been good at coverage but poor against the run overall in college but still has value as a coverage player in the NFL as a prospect.

More TE depth is needed and Noah Gindorff has loads of upside in Green Bay

After taking the ultra-athletic Kuntz in the fourth round, we’re loading up another tight end with Noah Gindorff here to really turn things over for this position room. Gindorff is unpolished but did a great job at NDSU as a pass-catcher who can also block well against the run. As a more in-line option, he’s intriguing.

Can never have too much OL depth, especially with potential Packers changes

Look, there’s no other way to say this other than I think teams should always be taking fliers on the offensive line late in the draft, particularly with interior guys. Caleb Chandler performed really well early in his career at Louisville but saw his stock decline with a down year in 2022. The potential is still there, though, and I love beefing up the depth on the interior here.

Jordan Love will need a backup with Aaron Rodgers traded and Clayton Tune can step in

There’s a good chance that, if the Jets do indeed land Rodgers, that the Packers will sign a veteran. But the quarterback room should be a living and ever-changing organism, meaning taking a guy like Clayton Tune late in the draft is worthwhile. Tune isn’t going to wow anyone with his arm or physical traits, but he’s a solid, smart and accurate passer that could make sense as a backup to Love on the depth chart.

Packers love a deep RB room and they need Travis Dye to keep it up

Obviously the two-headed monster of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon isn’t going anywhere, but the Packers have long been proponents of keeping three running backs around. I’m not high on Patrick Taylor but Travis Dye’s only concerns are injuries. In terms of the player, he’s smart, a bit explosive and a solid overall threat. If he’s healthy, this could be a sneaky great value with the Packers’ last pick in the draft.

Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Rounds 4-5