Packers Draft Grades for every 2023 draft pick: Jayden Reed a perfect fit, Sean Clifford a dud
Scouting Report. DL. Bowling Green. 6. Pick Analysis. Karl Brooks. player. 49
Packers Draft Grades for Karl Brooks: A
Perhaps I’m a bit biased becuase I was high on Karl Brooks in this year’s draft class as a late-round sleeper but this is a great pick for Green Bay. The Bowling Green product has the body type of a 3-tech defensive tackle at 300 pounds but moves extremely well at his size, giving him versatility along the defensive front. The Packers needed more quality depth in the trenches on defense, so adding a high-upside player with the ability to move around in the sixth round is a steal.
Anders Carlson. 49. Scouting Report. K. Pick Analysis. Auburn. 6. player
Packers Draft Grades for Anders Carlson: C-
It’s a good thing that the Packers were wise enough to wait until late on Day 3 to take a kicker that they needed to add to the roster given that Mason Crosby is gone. Having said that, I’m not quite sure Anders Carlson was the move.
The Auburn kicker over two seasons with the Tigers converted on just a hair over 71% of his field goal attempts. That will get him cut at the NFL level, so it feels like this might’ve been a blind swing at a position of need, which is hard to grade favorably.
7. player. 49. CB. Kentucky. Carrington Valentine. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
Packers Draft Grades for Carrington Valentine: A
Green Bay certainly didn’t need to take a cornerback in this class but it’s one of my favorite spots to take late-round fliers given that we’ve seen so many at the volatile position stand out after being dart throws.
Carrington Valentine is an educated dart throw, however. All of the tools for the 6-foot-1 corner needed to suceed athletically are there with his quickness, fluidity, and even hand-pop in press coverage. With coaching on his footwork and technique, he could be an absolut egem for the Pack.
RB. player. 49. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Central Michigan. Lew Nichols III. 7
Packers Draft Grades for Lew Nichols III: B
Another position that the Packers didn’t need but where depth is healthy was running back, so they take another flier with Lew Nichols III. The Central Michigan star was phenomenal in 2021 but, as the team around him got notably worse, he declined in 2022. He’s still a big, powerful back who shows good vision and patience and should be a nice depth asset to have behind Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon.
Pick Analysis. Anthony Johnson Jr.. 49. Scouting Report. S. Iowa State. 7. player
Packers Draft Grades for Anthony Johnson Jr.: B+
With the depature of Adrian Amos this offseason, Green Bay did need to add some safety help and, while this is a bit late, landing Anthony Johnson Jr. in the seventh round is phenomenal value.
The Iowa State product converted from corner to safety and is a great matchup for tight ends and, as long as it’s not a pure speed matchup, in the slot. He’s a sure tackle who can make plays in space and can also contribute on special teams. Johnson’s probably not a star, but it’s a player who can help the Pack in year one with the 242nd overall pick.
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Charlotte. player. 49. WR. Grant DuBose. 7
Packers Draft Grades for Grant DuBose: C+
Fittingly after using so many picks to help replenish the offensive weaponry, the Packers used their final selection on Charlotte wideout Grant DuBose. Another player who fits Green Bay’s prototype at the position (6-foot-2, 201 pounds), he’s a strong, physical player who has great body control and is hard to bring down in the open field. His speed and quickness are limited but he can still compete for a roster spot given the shallow depth chart at receiver.