Packers: 8 players worth trading up for in 2023 NFL Draft

Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Projection

Top 10

Overview

Wait, the Packers should trade up for a cornerback?

Maybe.

Cornerback is an under-the-radar need for the Packers this offseason. Eric Stokes is returning from a significant injury, Rasul Douglas could switch to safety, and Green Bay lacks depth at one of the most important positions on the roster.

With a top 15 pick, the Packers have a rare opportunity to land a game-changer on defense. That's exactly what they did the last two times they owned picks this high.

In 2018, Green Bay traded down from No. 14, then back up to No. 18, selecting Jaire Alexander. In 2019, they picked Rashan Gary at No. 12 overall.

Oregon's Christian Gonzalez dominated at the NFL Scouting Combine, earning a Relative Athletic Score of 9.95 out of 10.

Brentley Weissman of The Draft Network compared him to Patrick Surtain II, writing that Gonzalez "has the potential to be a lockdown corner at the next level and could develop into a Pro Bowl player early in his career."

Gonzalez defended seven passes and intercepted four at Oregon last season. With his size, athleticism, and potential, Gonzalez could be a home-run pick for the Packers.

It would allow Douglas to help out at safety, giving Green Bay a cornerback trio of Jaire Alexander, Christian Gonzalez, and Eric Stokes.