Packers 2023 mock draft: Tight end in the first round?

Tight end could be a position of need for the Green Bay Packers next offseason, and a recent 2023 mock draft has the team fixing that in the first round.

Wide receiver and the offensive line may get most of the attention, and understandably so, but tight end could be a major need for the Green Bay Packers next offseason.

Current starters Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis have expiring contracts next spring, so Green Bay may need to address the tight end position in next April’s draft.

Could general manager Brian Gutekunst add a tight end in the first round?

Could the Packers add a tight end in first round of 2023 NFL Draft?

A recent 2023 mock draft by Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports has the Packers going tight end in the first round.

Green Bay picks 25th overall in the mock draft, selecting Georgia’s Darnell Washington. Trapasso wrote:

"“Washington is too talented to be passed on completely in Round 1. Fun new seam-stretching option for Aaron Rodgers.”"

Washington is 6-foot-7, 270 pounds, and could be a long-term starter in Green Bay’s offense.

A lot will depend on the Packers’ direction next offseason. If Aaron Rodgers decides to play for another year, we’ll be talking about restructuring contracts and trying to maintain a competitive roster to go all-in for 2023.

If Rodgers retires, it could be rebuild time in Green Bay. A chance to start over.

Assuming Jordan Love would take over as the starting quarterback, adding a tight end may be a smart option. A player who can help protect the young quarterback, while also giving him a reliable pass catcher.

If Tonyan and Lewis aren’t back next season, tight end will be one of the team’s biggest needs. That could mean drafting their new TE1 in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.