NFL Draft: Green Bay Packers Picks

Embed from Getty Images

Recapping the 2023 NFL Draft by going through all of the players selected with the Green Bay Packers Picks.

Here are the results from the NFL Draft, specifically covering the Green Bay Packers Picks. In total, the Packers selected 13 players in the draft. Below are brief descriptions of each, what rounds they were drafted in, as well as potential fits in Green Bay.

Lukas Van Ness – LB – Iowa

Round 1 – 13th Overall

One of the benefits of trading away Aaron Rodgers was that the Packers picked from the New York Jets original slot in the 1st round. With the 13th overall selection, Green Bay added to the pass rush with Lukas Van Ness. Officially listed as a linebacker, Van Ness is very athletic and provides some positional versatility. He’s fast enough to play as an outside linebacker, but strong enough where he could line up as a defensive end. If there is any weakness to Van Ness’ game, it’s that he need to develop his pass-rushing techniques instead of simply relying on his athleticism.

Luke Musgrave – TE – Oregon State

Round 2 – 42nd Overall

The Packers continued the tradition of avoiding pass-catching weapons in the 1st round, only to take that same type of player on day 2 of the NFL Draft. Furthermore, Green Bay stuck to their philosophy of drafting players with high Relative Athletic Scores. Luke Musgrave is no exception and with an RAS of 9.78, he is 4th highest ranked tight end in this class. In addition to his potential receiving work, Musgrave is also a capable blocker. He may need to gain more strength in the NFL but at least he could learn to fill the tight end void currently on the roster.

Jayden Reed – WR – Michigan State

Round 2 – 50th Overall

Only eight picks after Musgrave went, the Packers grabbed yet another round 2 receiving option. Considering the youth movement inside the Green bay wide receiver room, I would not be surprised to see Jayden Reed earn immediate playing time. Much like a 2nd round wide receiver from last year, expect Reed to be trust in to a big role on the offense. Perhaps even the 2nd primary target on this 2023 Packers team.

Tucker Kraft – TE – South Dakota State

Round 3 – 78th Overall

Green Bay certainly has a type. Like the tight end they took in the 2nd round, Tucker Kraft has a top 5 RAS score at his position in his class. Kraft projects more as a “move” tight end that can win in space. This is opposed to Luke Musgrave who would likely play almost exclusively in-line. The Packers have typically employ multiple tight ends, with each having their own distinct role. How will they deploy the position this year?

Colby Wooden – LB – Auburn

Round 4 – 116th Overall

Much like the linebacker that Green Bay selected in the 1st, round, Colby Wooden has some positional versatility. He played primarily on the defensive line at Auburn, yet the Packers tabbed him as a linebacker in the draft. Knowing how often Green Bay overloads the defensive front this makes sense. At times, the Packers have as many as 5 players lineup up right ion the line of scrimmage. That includes having linebackers start right up against opposing linemen. In that sense, Wooden does fit the Green Bay scheme.

Sean Clifford – QB – Penn Sate

Round 5 – 149th Overall

Certain NFL teams will say that you should draft a quarterback every year. From time to time, the Packers have been known to take day 3 shots at the position, and that’s exactly what they did here in 2023. Sean Clifford could have a chance to compete for the backup job. At the very least, Green Bay could potentially have a cost controlled quarterback on roster for the next 4 years.

Dontayvion Wicks – WR – Virginia

Round 5 – 159th Overall

Dontayvion Wicks marks the 4th pass-catcher that the Packers picked in the this draft. While he has the ability to get open, he usually does that with his athleticism and not with great route running. The other big issue is his hands. Wicks had a lot of drops in college. Can he develop his technique both for running routes and for hands catching?

Karl Brooks – LB – Bowling Green

Round 6 – 179th Overall

The 3rd Packers player selected with a linebacking designation. And like the other two, Karl Brooks may be more of an edge rusher / defensive lineman and true off-ball linebacker. He brings some positional versatility to the NFL. I guess with all three of these “linebackers”, Green Bay is going for excellent athletes with some versatility. So the specific plan for all three players may not be set in stone until the coaching staff can see them all on the practice field.

Anders Carlson – K – Auburn

Round 6 – 207th Overall

Looking at team needs, the Packers do have a potential hole at the kicker spot. Now, should they have address the position in the draft? That remains to be seen as Green Bay could still go and sign a veteran free-agent. However, if Anders Carlson can turn out to be a franchise kicker, then it would be worth spending a draft pick on him.

Carrington Valentine – CB – Kentucky

Round 7 – 232nd Overall

Another athlete-first selection for the Packers. However, unlike with some other players Green Bay drafted, Carrington Valentine does not possess much positional versatility. Valentine projects best as an outside cornerback who is probably best at press coverage. While the Packers secondary definitely needed more depth, the biggest needs are for interior defensive backs.

Lew Nichols – RB – Central Michigan

Round 7 – 235th Overall

Looking at my Fantasy Football: Post-Draft RB Ranks, Lew Nichols was not among the 28 running backs that I had scouted pre-draft. So while we do have access to elements like college production, Nichols does not have an RAS score nor do I have a full film breakdown on him. However, from the limited tape that I saw, he seems to have good footwork both in terms of churning his feet through contact, and with changing direction efficiently. My main concern for Nichols is that he seems to get easily overpowered, especially in pass-protection.

Anthony Johnson – S – Iowa State

Round 7 – 242nd Overall

This may be the best value pick of the entire draft for the Packers. The secondary, specifically safety, was arguably the biggest need for this Green Bay team. Anthony Johnson might actually start for the Packers as a rookie. That could be at one of the safety spots, or perhaps even as the nickel cornerback. Once again, versatility is a key trait for the Green Bay front office.

Grant Dubose – WR – Charlotte

Round 7 – 256th Overall

With a total of 13 selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Packers picked 5 pass-catchers (6 if you count running back Lew Nichols). Rounding out that group, and the Green Bay draft overall, is wide receiver Grant Dubose. In what is considered a smaller wide receiver class, DuBose is certainly not lacking size. However, what’s missing is a consistent ability to get open. He will need to improve both his route running and separation in order to create an impact on the Packers offense.

Thank you for reading about the Green Bay Packers Picks. Be sure to check out all of the great NFL Draft content on Full Press Coverage.