Packers 3-round 2023 mock draft: Building for future with Jordan Love
This mock draft is all about the Green Bay Packers looking long-term.
If Jordan Love takes over as QB1 in 2023, the Packers can change their approach from going all-in for the current season and take a long-term view.
What about Aaron Rodgers? If he decides to keep playing, a trade is possible.
Aaron Rodgers trade
While much of the talk has been about an Aaron Rodgers trade to the New York Jets, another team to consider is the Las Vegas Raiders.
With the Raiders expected to move on from Derek Carr, they will need a new quarterback. How about they reunite Rodgers with Davante Adams to help the Raiders become contenders in the AFC?
After trading Adams to the Raiders for picks in the first and second rounds last year, the Packers could pull off a similar deal for Rodgers. Green Bay lands two premium picks to help build around Jordan Love.
Round 1 (7): Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Given a rare opportunity to pick seventh in the first round, the Packers make the most of it. With the focus now shifted from all-in to building long-term, the Packers can focus on drafting the best players at premium positions.
Edge rusher happens to be a need, and Myles Murphy would be a dream addition to the defense.
“The 6-foot-5, 275-pounder is this year’s version of Travon Walker,” wrote Michael Renner of Pro Football Focus.
Oliver Hodgkinson of Pro Football Network wrote that Murphy has a “practically unstoppable combination of size and strength”.
With Murphy and Rashan Gary, the Packers would have two superstar pass rushers 25 years old or under.
Round 1 (15): Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
The Packers continue to build in the trenches. Peter Skoronski’s future in the NFL could be at guard. Either way, he can be a dominant starter in Green Bay for years to come.
“Skoronski is the best offensive lineman in this draft class,” wrote NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah.
Whether he continues to play at tackle or shifts inside to guard, it doesn’t matter. Skoronski would be one of the Packers’ best five linemen and could have a long career at just about any position.
Skoronski’s grandfather, Bob Skoronski, won five NFL championships with the Packers.
Round 2 (38): Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
The Packers get Jordan Love some pass-catching help with Utah’s Dalton Kincaid.
Kincaid is arguably the best pass-catching tight end in the class. Since the start of the 2021 season, Kincaid has caught 106 passes for 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns in 25 games.
He has Pro Bowl potential.
Round 2 (45): Mazi Smith, DL, Michigan
The Packers need to improve their defensive line and get stronger against the run. Myles Murphy is an excellent run defender, and Green Bay gets more help with Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith in the second round.
“Smith is a tremendous run-stuffer in the middle of Michigan’s defense,” wrote The Draft Network’s Damian Parson.
Round 3 (78): Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
Some more help for Jordan Love in the third round. SMU wide receiver Rashee Rice would be the perfect complement to Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs.
Rice is a tough receiver who could line up in the slot for the Packers, and he would quickly become a reliable target for Love. Rice caught 96 passes for 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.