Following the Aaron Rodgers trade, the Green Bay Packers now own three picks in the Top 50 of the 2023 NFL draft. As long as Aaron Rodgers doesn’t get hurt they’ll also own two first-round picks in the 2024 NFL draft.
Brian Gutekunst has set himself up to add premium talent over the next two seasons as the Packers are set to embark on the Jordan Love era at 1265 Lombardi Avenue.
Now that the trade is official, it’s time for one last mock draft before the fun begins on Thursday.
13th overall pick: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Jaxon Smith-Njigba no matter what. It would be ironic if the Packers used the pick they got in exchange for Rodgers to select a wide receiver in the first round for the first time since 2002.
He’s a detailed route runner with crafty footwork that does a good job of varying his route tempo. He breaks in and out of his cuts with no wasted motion. While he’s not overly explosive or twitchy, he does have good short-area quickness that helps him create separation out of the slot.
Slippery After the Catch would be the name of Jaxon Smith-Njigba's debut album.#YAC pic.twitter.com/OU1W1jvS81
— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen_Rupp) January 23, 2023
Smith-Njigba played primarily in the slot during his record-setting season at Ohio State. That’s where he’ll find success at the next level. With Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs outside, Smith-Njigba in the slot could be the perfect complement and gobble up targets from Love.
42nd overall pick: Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
Musgrave looked primed for a monster season before suffering a season-ending injury this fall. In two games, Musgrave caught 11 passes for 169 yards and one touchdown.
Luke Musgrave would have likely had a monster season if he had stayed healthy.
I'd be all for adding the Oregon State TE to Green Bay's offense. https://t.co/8aeIblKQnQ pic.twitter.com/szsASlFl9o
— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen_Rupp) February 7, 2023
The Oregon State tight end is an outstanding athlete and dripping with tools. He has a good blend of size (6-5) and speed.
On top of his ability as a pass catcher, Musgrave is wired right as a blocker. He also logged 328 snaps on special teams and blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown.
45th overall pick: Isaiah Foskey, Edge, Notre Dame
The Notre Dame edge rusher looks every bit the part. Foskey checks in at 6-5, 264 pounds with 34” arms. He uses his length to his advantage to win with long-arm moves. Over the past two seasons, Foskey has recorded 22 sacks. He sets the edge and could help shore up Green Bay’s run defense while giving their pass rush a much-needed shot in the arm.
Great up-close look at latest @seniorbowl commit, Notre Dame EDGE Isaiah Foskey. @IFoskey had back-to-back years w/ 11.0 sacks, broke ND career sack record with 26.5, & was named 1st team Walter Camp All-American. Another great add to OL/DL 1-on-1’s!#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/gogfidTMmo
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) December 9, 2022
78th overall pick: Quan Martin, DB, Illinois
Martin lined up all over the secondary during his five-year career at Illinois. He played on the boundary, played safety, and logged 924 snaps in the slot over the past two seasons.
Fact: Quan Martin's @IlliniFootball reel is amazing stuff. 🔥@JartaviusM_ x #NFLDraft2023 pic.twitter.com/gXRnGgf6v6
— Illinois on BTN (@IllinoisOnBTN) April 19, 2023
Martin is a fluid athlete. The versatile defensive back has the short-area quickness, quick feet, and swivel hips to man the slot position at the next level. As a single-high safety, Martin covers a lot of real estate.
Aside from tight end, safety is the biggest need for the Packers heading into the 2023 NFL draft. With his versatility and athleticism, Martin could carve out a role early in Green Bay’s secondary.
