Three stunning draft-day trades the Green Bay Packers could make to address positions of need.
After a quiet free agency, it has become an exciting week for the Green Bay Packers. They officially traded Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets and now enter the 2023 NFL Draft with three picks inside the top 50.
ESPN's Dan Graziano believes the Packers could trade up, and it makes sense. Green Bay added the No. 13 and No. 42 picks this week, allowing for additional flexibility in trade negotiations.
So, what if GM Brian Gutekunst decides to make a blockbuster trade in Round 1? Who could the Packers target?
Packers could trade up for Tyree Wilson in Round 1 of 2023 NFL Draft
In his final mock draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper has Tyree Wilson falling to the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8 overall. If Wilson falls far enough, how tempted could the Packers be to pick up the phone?
Moving ahead of the Falcons isn't impossible for the Packers. They would only need to trade up seven spots with the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 7. Green Bay could potentially make that deal by giving up one of its two second-rounders. That's not an expensive deal for a potential superstar at a premium position.
"He can be a multi-phase destroyer at defensive end with vast alignment versatility, and his physical build grants him a blue-chip ceiling," wrote Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network.
Some mock drafts have Wilson going as high as No. 2 or No. 3 overall. If he falls far enough, the Packers should pick up the phone.
Packers could trade up for Paris Johnson Jr. in Round 1 of 2023 NFL Draft
One way to support Jordan Love is to draft multiple pass-catchers. The Packers need to do that. However, they could make that happen on the second and third days of the draft. Another great option is to go after one of the best pass-protectors in the class.
Enter Ohio State's Paris Johnson, who could be a top-10 pick.
If Johnson falls far enough, it could be key for Green Bay to get ahead of the Chicago Bears at No. 9, another team potentially in the market for a tackle. That would require a deal with the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8. Using DraftTek's trade value chart, sending a third and fourth to Atlanta would provide fair value.
Even if the Falcons demanded one of the Packers' second-rounders, it would be worth it for Johnson.
According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson gave up only 14 pressures last season. With David Bakhtiari potentially entering his final season with the Packers, Johnson can be the future starter at left tackle. A player to build around on offense for several years.
The Packers could have a rare opportunity to land a top tackle prospect, and moving up for Johnson would be a smart choice.
Packers could trade for star pass rusher Chase Young in Round 1 of 2023 NFL Draft
Now, this would be a blockbuster trade.
ESPN's Dan Graziano named the Washington Commanders a "team to watch for potential trades". This comes after the Commanders surprisingly didn't pick up the fifth-year option for star pass rusher Chase Young. Could Washington put Young on the trade block?
The Packers need a pass rusher. Yes, there would be some risks to trading for Young. He has only played 12 games over the past two seasons due to a significant knee injury. Green Bay would also need to figure out a long-term contract, with Young entering the final year of his rookie deal.
However, he was dominant in his first year in the NFL, making 7.5 sacks and 12 quarterback hits. He was named the 2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and went to the Pro Bowl.
Would the Packers be willing to trade the No. 13 pick for Chase Young? It would be a risk, but at his best, Young can become one of the best pass rushers in the league. There's a reason he went second overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Will Green Bay make a deal? It's unlikely, but it's fun to imagine the possibility of Chase Young and Rashan Gary playing together in the Packers' defense.