Packers 2023 three-round mock draft featuring Aaron Rodgers trade

Round 1 (13): Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

If the Packers were to trade Aaron Rodgers pre-June 1, they would be left with a dead cap hit of $40.31 million, according to Over The Cap.

It would make things challenging in the short term, possibly requiring some other cap-saving moves. One could be to move on from All-Pro David Bakhtiari.

Releasing Bakhtiari before June 1 would create a cap saving of $5.72 million, and $17.28 million if after that date.

In any case, the Packers would be smart to think about their long-term options at left tackle. With the first-rounder received from the New York Jets, they could find their answer.

Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. is arguably the best tackle in the draft class, and he can become a dominant starter for years to come.

According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson didn’t allow a sack on the 449 pass-blocking snaps he played this season. What makes it so impressive is this was Johnson’s first year at left tackle.

With the opportunity to develop his game in Green Bay, Johnson could become a future Pro Bowler at left tackle for the Packers.

Jordan Love takes over as the new QB1, and he gets a first-round left tackle to protect him for years to come.