The Green Bay Packers have had an eventful offseason. They are ready to move forward with Jordan Love as their quarterback, with an Aaron Rodgers trade to the New York Jets looming. Green Bay and New York are still sorting out the compensation, but the trade is expected to be completed.
While Love hasn't had much playing time in the NFL, he was the Packers' first-round pick in 2020. They believed in him enough to select him early in the draft, even trading up to select him. The Packers now need to work on surrounding him with talent around him so he has the best chance to succeed.
Green Bay has a quality defense, with only a few holes on that side of the ball. On offense, they have a good offensive line but could upgrade their right tackle spot. They also need to add more pass-catchers. This has been a theme over the past few years, as the Packers always seem to need another receiver or two and a tight end. Rookies Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Samori Toure are a solid start to the wide receiver room, but they could use a veteran presence. They could also draft another receiver, as there are some good ones available in the draft.
Tight end also needs to be addressed, as Robert Tonyan signed with the Chicago Bears. Mercedes Lewis could also leave, which would give Green Bay not a lot of depth at the position.
The Packers hold the 15th pick in the draft, which will be an important pick for the franchise.
With that said, here are the three best players the Packers can target with their 2023 NFL Draft first-round pick.
TE Dalton Kincaid
This is a deep tight-end class, and Dalton Kincaid is one of the best available. Kincaid is an elite route runner and has a big catch radius. He is able to create a ton of separation from defenders because of his great route-running ability.
Kincaid also has the versatility to line up in different spots, as he can play in-line, as well as in the slot and out wide. He is also a solid blocker, which can separate a good tight end from a great one. Drafting Kincaid would give Love another target in the Packers offense, allowing for a smoother transition into the starting role.
OT Paris Johnson Jr.
Another way the Packers could look to help Love in the first round is by adding more protection to the offensive line. Paris Johnson Jr is among the best tackles in the class and would be a great fit in Green Bay.
Johnson Jr could slot in as the starting right tackle for them this season, as David Bakhtiari is at left tackle. Johnson Jr spent time at both left and right tackle during his tenure at Ohio State. Once Bakhtiari is gone, Johnson Jr could slide over to left tackle and be his replacement.
Green Bay loves to draft versatile offensive linemen, and Johnson Jr fits that role. If Johnson Jr is still on the board, the Packers should highly consider him.
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
One of the best receivers and weapons in the class is Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith-Njigba would give Love another target to create a more dynamic offense. He's a slot receiver, which is a position of need for the Packers, as Watson and Doubs are primarily on the outside.
In 2021 at Ohio State, he hauled in 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns. Adding him to the offense would be a good move for the Pack.
Brian Gutekunst and Green Bay's front office have some decisions to make with the draft approaching. With the Rodgers trade looming, they could add more draft capital. In the first round, Gutekunst should look at these three players to surround Love with the most talent possible.
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