The Green Bay Packers selected 13 players in the 2023 draft class, starting with Iowa’s Lukas Van Ness and ending with Charlotte’s Grant DuBose. Along the way, the Packers picked six skill position players, including three receivers, plus three defensive front players, including Van Ness and two other defensive linemen.
So, who was your favorite pick from the 13-player class?
The staff at Packers Wire made their picks:
Zach Kruse: TE Luke Musgrave, S Anthony Johnson Jr.
Picks: Luke Musgrave, Anthony Johnson Jr.
You didn’t really think I was only going to pick one, right? Musgrave and Johnson were both personal favorites, and I have the pre-draft receipts to prove it. Musgrave is a long, fast tight end with the elite athleticism necessary to become a legitimate game-breaking weapon in the passing game. Johnson, even as a seventh-round pick, could be a rookie starter at safety because of his coverage prowess, versatility and experience. The Packers desperately needed help at tight end safety, and they drafted my two favorite fits at both positions.
Brandon Carwile: WR Jayden Reed
Pick: Jayden Reed
With 13 picks to consider, it was hard narrow it down to just one. However, I eventually landed on second-round wide receiver Jayden Reed. At 5-11, 187 pounds, Reed would appear to be the answer for the Packers’ slot vacancy, but he has the tracking ability and ball skills to be line up on the perimeter like he did at Michigan State. This will be great for the flexibility of Green Bay’s offense, as they will have three wide receivers who are interchangeable. Reed was an explosive playmaker in college, with 46 20-plus yard plays over the past two seasons. That sort of big play potential will be a welcomed addition to the offense and on special teams, where he was a productive punt returner. Reed’s wiggle and ability to break tackles could also make him a candidate for Matt LaFleur’s gadget role while serving as a viable RAC option for Jordan Love. In what appears to be a seamless fit, the Packers were much higher on Reed than the NFL Consensus Big Board, who had him as the 89th-ranked player. I’m interested to see what Green Bay has in store for him to justify taking him at pick 50.
Brennen Rupp: TE Tucker Kraft
Pick: Tucker Kraft
With all those pass catchers and an edge rusher nicknamed Hercules, it’s difficult to pick just one prospect as my favorite. Let’s go with Tucker Kraft. A high school running back out of Timber Lake, South Dakota, Kraft is a YAC threat. According to Pro Football Focus, Kraft racked up 614 yards after the catch, including 406 in 2021. Kraft is a complete tight end. He’s a natural pass catcher and in SDSU’s run-first offense, Kraft showcased his blocking ability. He lined up in-line and in the slot while he was in Brookings. The Packers needed an infusion of talent at tight end and they got it with Luke Musgrave and Kraft. Kraft is a well-rounded tight end that could step in and make an immediate impact catching passes for Jordan Love and opening up running lanes for Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Last year, the Packers got instant production from former FCS standout Christian Watson when he was healthy. Fast forward a year and the Packers could get instant production from another FCS pass catcher.
Paul Bretl: DL Karl Brooks
Pick: Karl Brooks
A disrupter who can wreak havoc from a number of spots on the field. I thought this was a great value pick for the Packers. During his career at Bowling Green, Brooks lined up every where from edge rusher to the B-gap and made an impact against both the run and the pass. He was PFF’s top graded run defender in 2022 while ranking sixth in pass rush win rate. As Director of Football Operations Milt Hendrickson told reporters, Brooks “looked like a man amongst boys” playing in the MAC. Green Bay needs to depend their defensive line rotation and Brooks can make an impact right away. The quickest way for the Packers overall defensive performance to improve is with a greater and more consistent push up front.
Make your pick, vote on Twitter
Who was your favorite pick from the Packers 2023 draft class? pic.twitter.com/PiHD2iyvSX
— The Packers Wire (@ThePackersWire) May 1, 2023
