Packers 2023 Mock Draft 2 – Offensive Reinforcements

For the first time in a long time, it seems like the Packers offense needs more help in the draft than the defense.

In this two round-mock, the offense found some help.

This wasn’t a need-based draft, but the Packers came away with a couple guys who can immediately upgrade the offense.

Here are the results:

.

Round 1

Paris Johnson Jr – Offensive Tackle

Profile: At 6’6, 315, Johnson is huge. Despite his size, he’s still building strength, but he has the attitude to finish strong. Great feet to move horizontally or get to the second level in zone blocking, he has long arms and high-end hand strength that make it hard for defenders to disengage. Started his college career as a guard before moving to left tackle as a senior. Big, athletic, high-ceiling, and high character (he’s done lots of volunteer work for underprivileged kids), Johnson brings a lot to the table as an early pick.

Analysis: The Packers could be set at tackle with David Bakhtiari, Yosh Nijman, and Zach Tom… but Bakhtiari’s injuries could still flare up, Nijman may not be affordable to a long-term extension, and Zach Tom could slump after a promising rookie season. Even if all three play great this year, Johnson would be a great guy to have long term. As a bonus, he can be a dominant guard in the meantime (a position that the other tackles on the team had not found success at).  

.

Round 2

Dalton Kincaid – Tight End

Profile: After playing only 1 seasons of high school football, the 6’4 240 former basketball player showed the ability to run great routes and lose defenders on his breaks in college. With strong hands at the catch point, he’s the type of receiving tight end that has elevated NFL offenses. Though he tries hard in blocking assignments, he needs to gain strength and finish ability.

Analysis: The Packers haven’t had a consistent, long-term receiving tight end in ages. Robert Tonyan’s breakout season was followed with injuries, Jared Cook’s impressive solo season somehow didn’t earn him a long-term contract, Jermichael Finley’s career was ended with injuries, Martellus Bennett, Jimmy Graham, Jace Sternberger, and pretty much every one else who came revolving door at tight end has ranged from ineffective to maddening disappointment. A player like Kincaid could turn things around and provide the Packers passing attack with a receiving tight end that can add a missing element.

.

Analysis Offensive tackle may not be high on the Packers list of needs, but they may need a new long-term prospect and a guy like Johnson, who could play guard until he’s needed at tackle, would be a perfect fit. Tight end is a much more glaring need for the Packers and Kincaid fits what they need – a big bodied receiving tight end.

.

Of Note

This board had Bijan Robinson as the top player overall, but he didn’t get picked until 10.

Two quarterbacks went in the top 4, despite this being a weak class. The Patriots, at 14 (one pick before the Packers), were the first team to take a wide receiver (again). For this mock, I drafted against the board from Fanspeak – Jake Rigdon.

.

Want to learn more!?

Don’t just watch the draft – understand it and learn why GMs make the moves they do. Get more insight into how winning teams build through the draft (and how losing teams fail)!

Start with a introduction to how the draft works then get deep into understanding draft strategy with our draft book (rated a #1 New Release): A Fan’s Guide To Understanding The NFL Draft: Strategies, Tactics, And Case Studies For Building A Professional Football Team.

Then jump into free agency with another #1 New Release: A Fan’s Guide To NFL Free Agency Hits and Misses to better understand this critical part of the NFL offseason and see where teams have found (or missed) success in this critical component of team-building.

Finally, get to the game behind the game with our latest must-have book: A Fan’s Guide To Understanding The NFL Salary Cap – which lays out detailed, easy-to-follow scenarios to explain exactly how contract structures and salary cap rules impact teams. This book explains why teams do what they do in the offseason!

All these great books are available in ebook and paperback – and free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers! If you don’t have Kindle Unlimited, you can get a free trial of Kindle Unlimited here!  

.

Check out our PFTW 2023 Mock Draft Archive to see how other scenarios played out!

Check out Packers Draft Central for all our latest NFL Draft coverage!

.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *