Packers seven-round 2023 mock draft: Trading back edition

Round 2, (45): Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn

The Packers looked pretty good along the defensive line on paper to start the season. The draft picks were exciting, and the Rashan Gary/Preston Smith duo looked like a force with which to be reckoned.

After a Gary ACL tear, the pass rush unit struggled, and that can’t happen. A deep defensive line is key to keeping quarterbacks uncomfortable throughout a game in January and February.

Gary, Smith, and Kingsley Enagbare is a solid trio, but grabbing another pass rusher in the first two rounds would supplant that unit with more juice.

Derick Hall is an intriguing rusher with impressive length and a variety of ways to get to the quarterback. He’s had 18 sacks the last two seasons at Auburn. Get him in the rotation and let the pass rush unit flourish.

Round 2 (57): Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

The remaining four teams in the playoffs all have something the Packers desperately need: a tight end that positively affects the passing game. Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Dallas Goedert are in the elite tier, and Hayden Hurst has been huge for the Bengals. Now, it’s the Packers’ turn in this 2023 NFL mock draft.

Dalton Kincaid might be the best receiving tight end in the class. He has impressive change-of-direction skills in the short area that translate to smooth route breaks.

Kincaid is a great hands-catcher, keeping the ball away from his frame. He expands the target zone for quarterbacks, and has good straight line speed to work up the seam. Kincaid could make an instant impact in Green Bay.

Round 3 (78): Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse

There are still questions about whether David Bakhtiari will return to the Packers in 2023. Even if he does, that doesn’t necessarily mean Yosh Nijman will as well. If both do, the tackle need lessens. However, Zach Tom could end up the only guy that Green Bay believes is a starter in 2024, as Bakhtiari’s cap hit is lessened then.

Matthew Bergeron packs impressive power in his hands, and can affect both the run game and keep the pocket clean. He has good foot speed, and the ability to drop anchor against power rushers. Keep developing him and get him ready to take over as a starter in 2024.