7 burning questions for Packers entering 2023 NFL Draft

Draft for need or best player available?

Looking back over Brian Gutekunst's five draft classes, he has often addressed positions of need. That's not to say he reaches or doesn't take the best player available, but they have clearly selected players at positions of need.

Cornerback was considered the Packers' No. 1 need in 2018. Gutekunst drafted Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson with the top two picks. Edge rusher and safety were the Packers' top needs in 2019, and they drafted Rashan Gary and Darnell Savage in the first round.

In 2021, cornerback was again a need, and the Packers drafted Eric Stokes.

There have been exceptions. Gutekunst drafted Jordan Love, Josiah Deguara, and AJ Dillon in 2020 when none of those positions were considered major needs.

All of these draft classes were put together in the Aaron Rodgers era. Outside of the Love pick, the Packers often targeted positions of need. That approach makes sense for a win-now team.

But will Gutekunst take the same approach this year, or will he add the best player, regardless of position? Could he select a cornerback in the first round if they were top of his board? For example, what if Christian Gonzalez is there at No. 13?

Will we see a similar draft strategy from the Packers in 2023, or will things change now that they are no longer in win-now mode?