Packers 2023 Draft: 3 first-round targets at tight end

Even if the Green Bay Packers bring back their entire tight end room from last season, they need to add talent in the draft.

But Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis are free agents, increasing the urgency to draft a tight end.

It’s rarely a smart move to draft a tight end in the first round, but this year may be the exception, as there are a few potential game-changing tight ends who could be picked on Day 1.

Could Green Bay consider one of these three tight ends in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft?

Dalton Kincaid, Utah

Dalton Kincaid would be an exciting addition to the Packers’ offense.

Kincaid is ninth in Daniel Jeremiah’s top 50 prospect rankings for NFL.com, with Jeremiah writing that he is a “highly productive tight end with exceptional quickness, route polish and run-after-catch ability.”

And that’s exactly what this Packers offense has lacked for years, a tight end who can make explosive plays in the passing game.

Christian Watson’s speed stretches defenses vertically, creating opportunities in the middle of the field. That’s where Kincaid could dominate in Green Bay’s offense.

Michael Mayer, Notre Dame

Michael Mayer is arguably the best all-around tight end in the class. He can do everything well, which is why he has been a popular choice for Green Bay in various mock drafts this offseason.

Mayer would be an instant starter in Green Bay. When he’s on the field, there would be no predictability with the play call. It could be a run or pass.

He is an excellent blocker but also offers a lot as a receiver. Mayer would quickly become a reliable target for either Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love, having caught 138 passes for 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns over the past two seasons.

Luke Musgrave, Oregon State

Luke Musgrave might be the biggest risk of the three, but he has huge upside.

Musgrave only played in two games last season due to injury, but he has the combination of athleticism, speed, and receiving ability that could make him a star in Matt LaFleur’s offense.

While he might not have the same college production as Kincaid and Mayer, Musgrave can become a Pro Bowl tight end, but it would be a riskier pick for the Packers.