NFL.com predicts nightmare scenario for Packers in 2023 NFL Draft

Having acquired the No. 13 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft in the Aaron Rodgers trade, the Green Bay Packers have a tremendous opportunity.

If Green Bay decides to stick at that pick, it can land a potential star player. Not often in recent years have the Packers owned a selection in the top half of the first round.

General manager Brian Gutekunst could address a position of need like wide receiver or edge rusher, or focus on selecting the best player available. Who knows? Maybe it could be a cornerback or offensive tackle.

However, draft night isn't guaranteed to go well. In fact, there is a potential nightmare scenario.

NFL.com predicts nightmare scenario for Packers in first round

Bucky Brooks of NFL.com has put together his latest mock draft, and it starts perfectly for the Packers. When Green Bay hits the clock, Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njiga is still on the board.

What an opportunity for the Packers to land a difference-maker on offense. However, Brooks has Green Bay passing on the 2022 Rose Bowl MVP, and he ends up going to the Minnesota Vikings at No. 21.

That cannot happen. It was heartbreaking enough to watch Justin Jefferson get picked by the Vikings three years ago. The Packers can't allow Minnesota to form arguably the league's scariest wide receiver duo by pairing Jefferson with Smith-Njigba.

Brooks has the Packers selecting Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid, which itself isn't a bad pick, although No. 13 is a little early. Kincaid turns 24 in October and has been dealing with a back injury that prevented him from doing drills at the combine.

Smith-Njigba has star potential, and he only recently turned 21. He can be an outstanding NFL wide receiver for many years to come.

If he's there at No. 13, it would be tough watching the Packers pass on him. An absolute nightmare scenario would be watching him fall to the Vikings later in the first round.