NFL.com 2023 mock draft has Packers fixing major need

It’s a good year to need a tight end. The Green Bay Packers may need multiple.

With Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis hitting free agency next month, the Packers could enter April’s 2023 NFL Draft in need of a new starting tight end.

It’s no surprise to see many mock drafts predicting the Packers to select a tight end with their first pick. And there are multiple directions they could go in.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein has Green Bay selecting Oregon State tight end Luke Musgrave with the 15th overall pick.

“Musgrave is experienced blocking in a zone scheme and has dynamic pass-catching talent,” writes Zierlein.

He sure does.

The concern for Musgrave is that he only featured in two games last season due to injury. However, his potential as an excellent tight end in the NFL is clear.

ESPN’s Matt Miller wrote that Musgrave “looks like a faster Mark Andrews”.

It has been a long time since the Packers had a dominant receiving tight end. Musgrave has the potential to become that player.

Green Bay has been searching for a top tight end for many years. They haven’t had one since Jermichael Finley.

Jared Cook made some memorable plays during his only season in Green Bay, while Robert Tonyan caught 11 touchdowns in 2020.

But the Packers signed Jimmy Graham, Martellus Bennett, and Lance Kendricks in free agency. None of them were the answer.

They drafted Jace Sternberger in the third round. He was released midway through his rookie contract.

Marcedes Lewis was a great addition in free agency. He is an outstanding blocker. But what the Packers still need is a top pass-catching option at tight end.

This is a good draft to find one.

Michael Mayer and Dalton Kincaid are possible first-round targets. We can add Luke Musgrave’s name to the conversation.