Packers blockbuster trade shakes up 2023 7-round mock draft

Entering a new era, the Green Bay Packers shouldn't draft for need. They need to lay the foundations for a strong roster built around Jordan Love.

It's important for the Packers to target premium positions, especially in the early rounds.

In this mock draft, we assume the Aaron Rodgers trade has already gone through. It sees the Packers land both of the New York Jets' second-round selections, equalling the value of a first-rounder.

Entering the draft with three second-rounders, the Packers are in position to make a blockbuster trade. Let's go.

Packers 7-round mock draft: Blockbuster trade to move up

Round 1 (8): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Cornerback isn't a major need for the Packers, but it's a premium position and they could have the opportunity to land a future star by moving up.

Oregon's Christian Gonzalez is one of the best prospects in the class. Drafting him would give the Packers a dream cornerback combination of Gonzalez and All-Pro Jaire Alexander. They would also have 2021 first-rounder Eric Stokes and Rasul Douglas, although this draft pick allows Green Bay to experiment with Douglas at safety.

Gonzalez is 6-foot-1, 197 pounds, and dominated the combine. He is a phenomenal athlete, earning an insane 9.95 out of 10 in his Relative Athletic Score.

"Gonzalez offers prototypical physical attributes with his size, length, and athleticism and he pairs his elite traits with outstanding instincts and refined technique," wrote The Draft Network's Brentley Weissman.

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com believes Gonzalez can "become a feared CB1".

Just like that, the Packers have an elite cornerback duo, making life a misery for opposing quarterbacks. And the best part? Green Bay still has two second-round choices.