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

Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan

Projection

Late first, early second round

Overview

Free agency has made defensive tackle a higher priority for the Packers in the draft. Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry, two starters from last season, now play elsewhere.

Devonte Wyatt, a first-round pick a year ago, will be expected to step into a greater role this season.

Even with Wyatt ready to make a bigger impact, the Packers must continue to add talent to the position.

Michigan's Mazi Smith is a player to watch. A dominant run defender, Smith may be selected either late in the first round or early in the second. Similar to Michael Mayer, if Smith falls to around the range of No. 28 or later, the Packers should consider moving up.

"Smith is a special athlete for a 337-pound nose tackle and could very well see a Dontari Poe-esque rise up draft boards after the combine," wrote Michael Renner of Pro Football Focus.

Drafting a player as talented as Smith could dramatically improve Green Bay's defensive line. They would now have a talented young starting trio of two-time Pro Bowler Kenny Clark, 2022 first-rounder Devonte Wyatt, and another early draft choice with Mazi Smith.

The Packers may wait until Day 3 to address the defensive line, but a potential trade-up target in the earlier rounds is Mazi Smith.