Packers mock draft: Rounding up expert picks with one week to go

The 2023 NFL Draft is almost here, which means we are less than a week away from the Green Bay Packers crushing fans' dreams of a first-round offensive playmaker.

It's almost a running joke from the Packers' front office at this point. When in doubt, draft defense in the first round. And even when you think you should take an offensive player, draft defense in the first round.

It could be different this year, however. With paper-thin depth at wide receiver and tight end, there's no doubt the Packers need to be active in their search for more offensive talent, and that could include the draft's opening night.

Many draft experts certainly believe this could be the year for Green Bay to finally add a pass-catcher in the first round.

Packers mock draft roundup

Peter Schrager, NFL Network: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Yes! Now we're talking. NFL Network's Peter Schrager has the Packers landing Jaxon Smith-Njigba without needing to trade up. Consider it a home run, and incredible news for Jordan Love.

Smith-Njigba could be the top receiver off the board, the Packers just have to hope it's not before No. 15 overall. In need of an instant contributor on offense, Smith-Njigba is the perfect choice for Green Bay.

Will Brinson, CBS Sports: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

It would also be somewhat surprising if Iowa pass rusher Lukas Van Ness is still on the board when the Packers hit the clock, but hey, we'll take it.

Van Ness has the talent to become a dominant edge defender in the NFL. His arrival would solve the Packers' need for more pass-rush depth, and he would be a long-term partner for Rashan Gary.

Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

It's fair to say this pick would split opinions in the fanbase. Some draft analysts view Quentin Johnston as a top-15 pick, others a second-rounder. No matter where you land, there's no denying Johnston's rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism.

A trio of Johnston, Christian Watson, and Romeo Doubs would be a great way to build for the long term with Jordan Love.

Michael Renner, Pro Football Focus: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

Drafting a tight end in the first round isn't always a smart choice, but Utah's Dalton Kincaid can be the exception. As Michael Renner points out in the mock draft, the Packers need quality receiving options in the middle of the field. They have Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs on the outside.

Kincaid can be that dominant receiving tight end the Packers have been looking for.