Packers dream three-round 2023 mock draft with multiple trades
What if the Green Bay Packers trade Aaron Rodgers and lose Allen Lazard, Robert Tonyan, Randall Cobb, and Marcedes Lewis in free agency?
It’s a possible scenario this offseason.
The Packers would have needs at wide receiver and tight end to help new starting quarterback Jordan Love.
That’s the focus of this mock draft, featuring some fun trades.
This mock was put together using Pro Football Focus’ mock draft simulator.
Aaron Rodgers trade
It’s not easy to predict what the Packers could get back in an Aaron Rodgers trade, but this simple deal seems fair.
The New York Jets get Rodgers in the hope of entering the Super Bowl conversation. Green Bay gets a couple of premium draft picks. Everyone wins.
Packers trade down
And how about we immediately trade that first-rounder from the New York Jets? With a lot of talent still on the board, it’s possible to move down and get some value.
Using Drafttek’s trade value chart, this works out as a fair trade for the Los Angeles Chargers to move up to No. 13.
Round 1 (15): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Wouldn’t it be ironic if Green Bay finally drafts a first-round wide receiver after trading Aaron Rodgers? But if Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb are gone, the Packers will need to add more depth.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba would be the perfect complement to Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. He is an excellent route-runner and could line up in the slot for the Packers.
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah wrote that he has a “similar skill set to Amon-Ra St. Brown”, and that’s exactly what this offense needs.
Round 1 (21): Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Death, taxes, and Brian Gutekunst drafting Georgia players in the first round. Here, he finds Green Bay’s future starting left tackle in Broderick Jones.
Pro Football Focus’ Michael Renner wrote that “Jones is a bully of an offensive tackle.”
He could be Green Bay’s long-term starter at left tackle.
Packers trade up
Just like last year when the Packers moved up for Christian Watson early in the second round, they do the same for another pass catcher.
Round 2 (36): Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
If Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis are gone, the Packers would desperately need a new tight end. Dalton Kincaid could become a reliable target for Jordan Love immediately.
Kincaid is an excellent pass-catching tight end. He caught 70 passes for 890 yards and eight touchdowns in 12 games this season.
Round 2 (45): Mike Morris, EDGE, Michigan
Finally, some defensive help.
Green Bay needs to add pass-rush depth early on, and Michigan’s Mike Morris would provide that. Morris was named a first-team All-Big Ten, a second-team All-American, and the Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2022.
Damian Parson of The Draft Network believes “Morris has the makings of a three-down defender.”
He would provide depth behind starters Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, but could eventually start for the Packers.
Round 2 (53): Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
The Packers add another explosive wide receiver in the second round. Jalin Hyatt has lightning speed and can dominate defenses vertically. He caught 15 touchdowns and averaged 18.9 yards per reception last season, winning the Fred Biletnikoff Award.
Can you imagine defenses having to deal with the speed of Jalin Hyatt and Christian Watson?
Think of the opportunities that would create underneath for Romeo Doubs, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Dalton Kincaid.
Round 3 (78): Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
Ah, the Packers picking in the third round. It hasn’t gone well for Green Bay in recent years, but Alabama’s Jordan Battle could change that. Battle could immediately start, which the Packers will need if Adrian Amos doesn’t re-sign.