NFL Draft Grades - Green Bay Packers
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Green Bay Packers Upcoming 2023 Draft Picks (11)
2023
Pick 13. (R:1 P:13) -
Lukas Van Ness, DE, Iowa
Grade: B+
Lukas Van Ness was all over the place. Some considered him a possibility at No. 10, while the Bengals thought he would fall to them at No. 28. This is probably the right range. Van Ness is very athletic, so he fits what Green Bay looks for in its prospects. The Packers had to blitz very frequently last year in order to get to the quarterback, so taking Van Ness makes sense.
Grade: B+
Lukas Van Ness was all over the place. Some considered him a possibility at No. 10, while the Bengals thought he would fall to them at No. 28. This is probably the right range. Van Ness is very athletic, so he fits what Green Bay looks for in its prospects. The Packers had to blitz very frequently last year in order to get to the quarterback, so taking Van Ness makes sense.
2023
Pick 42. (R:2 P:11) -
Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
Grade: A-
The run on tight ends continue! Luke Musgrave is a prospect who drew lots of acclaim from scouts even though he wasn't as productive as expected at Oregon State. He makes sense as a high-upside player for the Packers, and No Cookie Jordan Love should make good use of him. The Packers really needed a play-maker, and Musgrave as one of the best of those still on the board.
Grade: A-
The run on tight ends continue! Luke Musgrave is a prospect who drew lots of acclaim from scouts even though he wasn't as productive as expected at Oregon State. He makes sense as a high-upside player for the Packers, and No Cookie Jordan Love should make good use of him. The Packers really needed a play-maker, and Musgrave as one of the best of those still on the board.
2023
Pick 45. (R:2 P:14) -
Brian Branch, S, Alabama
Grade: A+
Brian Branch's fall finally ends. He should have been taken off the board 20 picks ago, so I can't blame the Lions for leaping up 10 spots to select him. Branch is a very versatile defensive back who can play anywhere in the secondary, so he'll be a great fit for a secondary that needed one more piece. This is a great value selection, so I'm willing to give it an A+.
Grade: A+
Brian Branch's fall finally ends. He should have been taken off the board 20 picks ago, so I can't blame the Lions for leaping up 10 spots to select him. Branch is a very versatile defensive back who can play anywhere in the secondary, so he'll be a great fit for a secondary that needed one more piece. This is a great value selection, so I'm willing to give it an A+.
2023
Pick 78. (R:3 P:15) - Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
Grade: B
Another tight end is odd, especially with all the issues at receiver, but the Packers can run multi-tight end formations. Tucker Kraft is pretty raw, but he has major upside, so I'm fine with this pick. It could have been better though.
Grade: B
Another tight end is odd, especially with all the issues at receiver, but the Packers can run multi-tight end formations. Tucker Kraft is pretty raw, but he has major upside, so I'm fine with this pick. It could have been better though.
2023
Pick 116. (R:4 P:14) - Colby Wooden, DE, Auburn
Grade: B+
The Packers needed to continue to address their pass rush, which was very weak last year when they didn't blitz. Colby Wooden will help generate pressure on the quarterback as a 3-4 defensive lineman. I had him in this range in my mock, so I like the pick.
Grade: B+
The Packers needed to continue to address their pass rush, which was very weak last year when they didn't blitz. Colby Wooden will help generate pressure on the quarterback as a 3-4 defensive lineman. I had him in this range in my mock, so I like the pick.
2023
Pick 149. (R:5 P:14) - Sean Clifford, QB, Penn State
Grade: D
It's the quarterback who beat out Will Levis in college. That said, Sean Clifford seemed like a seventh-round prospect at best, so I don't know why the Packers drafted him this early.
Grade: D
It's the quarterback who beat out Will Levis in college. That said, Sean Clifford seemed like a seventh-round prospect at best, so I don't know why the Packers drafted him this early.
2023
Pick 207. (R:6 P:30) - Anders Carlson, K, Auburn
Grade: B
Again, I have no problem with a kicker or a punter in the sixth round. The Packers needed to replace Mason Crosby, so they have my full support.
Grade: B
Again, I have no problem with a kicker or a punter in the sixth round. The Packers needed to replace Mason Crosby, so they have my full support.
2023
Pick 232. (R:7 P:15) - Carrington Valentine, CB, Kentucky
Grade: B
Carrington Valentine is a cornerback with some upside, but he was very inconsistent during his time at Kentucky. I'm fine with this pick, given the potential.
Grade: B
Carrington Valentine is a cornerback with some upside, but he was very inconsistent during his time at Kentucky. I'm fine with this pick, given the potential.
2023
Pick 235. (R:7 P:18) - Lew Nichols, RB, Central Michigan
Grade: C+
Lew Nichols runs with good power and vision, but he lacks upside as someone with very limited speed. He also doesn't have much receiving ability. I would have liked to have seen a player with more upside with this pick.
Grade: C+
Lew Nichols runs with good power and vision, but he lacks upside as someone with very limited speed. He also doesn't have much receiving ability. I would have liked to have seen a player with more upside with this pick.
2023
Pick 242. (R:7 P:25) - Anthony Johnson Jr., S,
Grade: B+
Anthony Johnson is a big cornerback who may not be agile enough to run with speed receivers. I thought he could go earlier than this, however, so I like this value for Green Bay.
Grade: B+
Anthony Johnson is a big cornerback who may not be agile enough to run with speed receivers. I thought he could go earlier than this, however, so I like this value for Green Bay.
2023
Pick 256. (R:7 P:39) - Grant DuBose, WR, Charlotte
Grade: B
Grant DuBose has nice size at 6-2, 200, but he lacks speed and separation ability. This pick doesn't have much upside.
Grade: B
Grant DuBose has nice size at 6-2, 200, but he lacks speed and separation ability. This pick doesn't have much upside.
Walt's Mock Selections as of 6/6/2023 -View Current Mock Draft
Round: 1
Green Bay Packers: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
The Seahawks waited until Russell Wilson was gone to improve their offensive line, and so the Packers could finally select a first-round wide receiver or tight end after Aaron Rodgers leaves. This is no accident. Seattle's front office knew that Wilson could bail out the poor blocking with his legs, much like Rodgers could get the most out of mediocre receivers and tight ends.
Dalton Kincaid is an athletic receiver who runs good routes.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba/Quentin Johnson/Jordan Addison, WRs - Wide receiver will finally be a first-round option for the Packers because Rodgers is gone.
2. Lukas Van Ness/Nolan Smith, DE/OLBs - The Packers really need to improve their pass rush, and these two edge rushers are very athletic.
Round: 2
Green Bay Packers: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
Josh Myers has been one of the worst starting centers in the NFL in the past couple of years, so it would be no surprise if Green Bay addressed the position to help No Cookie Jordan Love.
John Michael Schmitz is a big, strong interior lineman, but has some athleticism concerns.
Round: 2
Green Bay Packers: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE/OLB, Kansas State
Green Bay had to blitz frequently last year as a result of four players not being able to get to the quarterback consistently.
Round: 3
Green Bay Packers: Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
The Packers could stand to add another weapon, this time at wide receiver.
Rashee Rice projects as a solid No. 2 receiver in the NFL.
Round: 4
Green Bay Packers: Micah Baskerville, OLB, LSU
The Packers could stand to bolster the middle of the defense to help improve against the run.
Micah Baskerville is a fast linebacker who hounded opposing running backs well at LSU.
Round: 5
Green Bay Packers: Jordan Howden, S, Minnesota
Darnell Savage has struggled, so the Packers figure to bring in someone to challenge him.
NFL evaluators have been impressed with Jordan Howden, though he hasn't been overly productive at Minnesota.
Round: 6
Green Bay Packers: Ryan Miller, WR, Furman
Here's another receiver for a team that is desperate for help at the position.
Round: 7
Green Bay Packers: Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern
The Packers met with several running backs ahead of the draft, so they could spend a late pick on one.
Round: 7
Green Bay Packers: Jaquelin Roy, DT, LSU
The Packers should be looking for players who can help stop the run.
Round: 7
Green Bay Packers: Ben Sims, TE, Baylor
Given how many tight ends the Packers brought in for visits, it wouldn't surprise me if they drafted a couple of them.
Ben Sims was a solid receiver at Baylor. He should continue to develop as a blocker.
Round: 7
Green Bay Packers: Sean Clifford, QB, Penn State
The Packers seemingly are looking for a developmental quarterback to add in the final rounds.
Past Grades and Selections
2023 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2023
Pick 13. (R:1 P:13) -
Lukas Van Ness, DE, Iowa
B+ Lukas Van Ness was all over the place. Some considered him a possibility at No. 10, while the Bengals thought he would fall to them at No. 28. This is probably the right range. Van Ness is very athletic, so he fits what Green Bay looks for in its prospects. The Packers had to blitz very frequently last year in order to get to the quarterback, so taking Van Ness makes sense.
B+ Lukas Van Ness was all over the place. Some considered him a possibility at No. 10, while the Bengals thought he would fall to them at No. 28. This is probably the right range. Van Ness is very athletic, so he fits what Green Bay looks for in its prospects. The Packers had to blitz very frequently last year in order to get to the quarterback, so taking Van Ness makes sense.
2023
Pick 42. (R:2 P:11) -
Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
A- The run on tight ends continue! Luke Musgrave is a prospect who drew lots of acclaim from scouts even though he wasn't as productive as expected at Oregon State. He makes sense as a high-upside player for the Packers, and No Cookie Jordan Love should make good use of him. The Packers really needed a play-maker, and Musgrave as one of the best of those still on the board.
A- The run on tight ends continue! Luke Musgrave is a prospect who drew lots of acclaim from scouts even though he wasn't as productive as expected at Oregon State. He makes sense as a high-upside player for the Packers, and No Cookie Jordan Love should make good use of him. The Packers really needed a play-maker, and Musgrave as one of the best of those still on the board.
2023
Pick 45. (R:2 P:14) -
Brian Branch, S, Alabama
A+ Brian Branch's fall finally ends. He should have been taken off the board 20 picks ago, so I can't blame the Lions for leaping up 10 spots to select him. Branch is a very versatile defensive back who can play anywhere in the secondary, so he'll be a great fit for a secondary that needed one more piece. This is a great value selection, so I'm willing to give it an A+.
A+ Brian Branch's fall finally ends. He should have been taken off the board 20 picks ago, so I can't blame the Lions for leaping up 10 spots to select him. Branch is a very versatile defensive back who can play anywhere in the secondary, so he'll be a great fit for a secondary that needed one more piece. This is a great value selection, so I'm willing to give it an A+.
2023
Pick 78. (R:3 P:15) - Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
B Another tight end is odd, especially with all the issues at receiver, but the Packers can run multi-tight end formations. Tucker Kraft is pretty raw, but he has major upside, so I'm fine with this pick. It could have been better though.
B Another tight end is odd, especially with all the issues at receiver, but the Packers can run multi-tight end formations. Tucker Kraft is pretty raw, but he has major upside, so I'm fine with this pick. It could have been better though.
2023
Pick 116. (R:4 P:14) - Colby Wooden, DE, Auburn
B+ The Packers needed to continue to address their pass rush, which was very weak last year when they didn't blitz. Colby Wooden will help generate pressure on the quarterback as a 3-4 defensive lineman. I had him in this range in my mock, so I like the pick.
B+ The Packers needed to continue to address their pass rush, which was very weak last year when they didn't blitz. Colby Wooden will help generate pressure on the quarterback as a 3-4 defensive lineman. I had him in this range in my mock, so I like the pick.
2023
Pick 149. (R:5 P:14) - Sean Clifford, QB, Penn State
D It's the quarterback who beat out Will Levis in college. That said, Sean Clifford seemed like a seventh-round prospect at best, so I don't know why the Packers drafted him this early.
D It's the quarterback who beat out Will Levis in college. That said, Sean Clifford seemed like a seventh-round prospect at best, so I don't know why the Packers drafted him this early.
2023
Pick 207. (R:6 P:30) - Anders Carlson, K, Auburn
B Again, I have no problem with a kicker or a punter in the sixth round. The Packers needed to replace Mason Crosby, so they have my full support.
B Again, I have no problem with a kicker or a punter in the sixth round. The Packers needed to replace Mason Crosby, so they have my full support.
2023
Pick 232. (R:7 P:15) - Carrington Valentine, CB, Kentucky
B Carrington Valentine is a cornerback with some upside, but he was very inconsistent during his time at Kentucky. I'm fine with this pick, given the potential.
B Carrington Valentine is a cornerback with some upside, but he was very inconsistent during his time at Kentucky. I'm fine with this pick, given the potential.
2023
Pick 235. (R:7 P:18) - Lew Nichols, RB, Central Michigan
C+ Lew Nichols runs with good power and vision, but he lacks upside as someone with very limited speed. He also doesn't have much receiving ability. I would have liked to have seen a player with more upside with this pick.
C+ Lew Nichols runs with good power and vision, but he lacks upside as someone with very limited speed. He also doesn't have much receiving ability. I would have liked to have seen a player with more upside with this pick.
2023
Pick 242. (R:7 P:25) - Anthony Johnson Jr., S,
B+ Anthony Johnson is a big cornerback who may not be agile enough to run with speed receivers. I thought he could go earlier than this, however, so I like this value for Green Bay.
B+ Anthony Johnson is a big cornerback who may not be agile enough to run with speed receivers. I thought he could go earlier than this, however, so I like this value for Green Bay.
2023
Pick 256. (R:7 P:39) - Grant DuBose, WR, Charlotte
B Grant DuBose has nice size at 6-2, 200, but he lacks speed and separation ability. This pick doesn't have much upside.
B Grant DuBose has nice size at 6-2, 200, but he lacks speed and separation ability. This pick doesn't have much upside.
2022 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2022
Pick 22. (R:1 P:22) -
Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
B+ Grade
I had Quay Walker going to the Packers in my mock draft, but I'm shocked they selected him over Jermaine Johnson. Still, Walker is a solid pick. He's a very athletic linebacker who will fit extremely well right next to De'Vondre Campbell. The Packers value linebacker very highly in their scheme, so I like this selection.
B+ Grade
I had Quay Walker going to the Packers in my mock draft, but I'm shocked they selected him over Jermaine Johnson. Still, Walker is a solid pick. He's a very athletic linebacker who will fit extremely well right next to De'Vondre Campbell. The Packers value linebacker very highly in their scheme, so I like this selection.
2022
Pick 28. (R:1 P:28) -
Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
C Grade
If you want to talk character concerns, DeVonte Wyatt certainly has a worse problem with it than Jermaine Johnson. Wyatt has been removed from numerous boards for repeated domestic violence. I don't know how the Packers could spend a first-round pick on someone who could easily be suspended repeatedly throughout his career. The talent is obviously there, but this is so risky.
C Grade
If you want to talk character concerns, DeVonte Wyatt certainly has a worse problem with it than Jermaine Johnson. Wyatt has been removed from numerous boards for repeated domestic violence. I don't know how the Packers could spend a first-round pick on someone who could easily be suspended repeatedly throughout his career. The talent is obviously there, but this is so risky.
2022
Pick 34. (R:2 P:2) -
Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
A Grade
Why are the Vikings giving talented receivers to other teams in their division? Christian Watson is a nice bargain at No. 34, as I expected him to go in the first round, potentially as high as No. 22. Aaron Rodgers has to be thrilled with his new, extremely talented wideout.
A Grade
Why are the Vikings giving talented receivers to other teams in their division? Christian Watson is a nice bargain at No. 34, as I expected him to go in the first round, potentially as high as No. 22. Aaron Rodgers has to be thrilled with his new, extremely talented wideout.
2022
Pick 92. (R:3 P:28) - Sean Rhyan, OT, UCLA
B+ Grade
Aaron Rodgers may have been frustrated heading into Friday night, but he must be much happier now. After the Packers finally obtained a receiver, they managed to acquire a much-needed upgrade on the offensive line in Sean Rhyan. I had Rhyan slotted at No. 89 in my mock, so I like the range.
B+ Grade
Aaron Rodgers may have been frustrated heading into Friday night, but he must be much happier now. After the Packers finally obtained a receiver, they managed to acquire a much-needed upgrade on the offensive line in Sean Rhyan. I had Rhyan slotted at No. 89 in my mock, so I like the range.
2022
Pick 132. (R:4 P:27) - Romeo Doubs, WR, Nevada
A- Grade
Aaron Rodgers has to be thrilled that his team is picking another receiver. Romeo Doubs had some great pre-draft workouts at the Senior Bowl to put himself on the map, and I liked him in this range. He obviously potentially fills a huge need.
A- Grade
Aaron Rodgers has to be thrilled that his team is picking another receiver. Romeo Doubs had some great pre-draft workouts at the Senior Bowl to put himself on the map, and I liked him in this range. He obviously potentially fills a huge need.
2022 Green Bay Packers - Prospect:TBD
2022
Pick 171. (R:5 P:28) - Luke Wattenberg, G, Washington
C Grade
Luke Wattenberg is another player I didn't consider in my mock drafts, but at least he fills a need. The Broncos need to protect Russell Wilson as well as possible, and they were looking for some center competition.
C Grade
Luke Wattenberg is another player I didn't consider in my mock drafts, but at least he fills a need. The Broncos need to protect Russell Wilson as well as possible, and they were looking for some center competition.
2022
Pick 229. (R:7 P:8) - Bo Melton, WR, Rutgers
A Grade
Bo Melton is an explosive receiver. Just watch some videos of him. He should have been drafted earlier than this. He'll fill a need if/when the Seahawks trade one of their top two receivers.
A Grade
Bo Melton is an explosive receiver. Just watch some videos of him. He should have been drafted earlier than this. He'll fill a need if/when the Seahawks trade one of their top two receivers.
2022 Green Bay Packers - Prospect:TBD
2022
Pick 258. (R:7 P:37) - Samori Toure, WR, Nebraska
A- Grade
I like this as a value pick as well, though a bit less so. Samori Toure became a known name in March when he thrived in his pro day. He has nice upside, so perhaps Aaron Rodgers will be able to turn him into a viable NFL receiver.
A- Grade
I like this as a value pick as well, though a bit less so. Samori Toure became a known name in March when he thrived in his pro day. He has nice upside, so perhaps Aaron Rodgers will be able to turn him into a viable NFL receiver.
2021 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2021
Pick 29. (R:1 P:29) -
Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
C Grade
I don't think the Packers needed to force a receiver with this pick because there aren't any great options available. However, I think the Packers needed to do something to make Aaron Rodgers happy, and that would entail selecting a blocker to help an offensive line that lost three starters in the offseason. Furthermore, if Rodgers is traded to the Broncos, as rumored, Patrick Surtain could've been included in the deal. That's obviously speculative, but it's still something that should be considered.
C Grade
I don't think the Packers needed to force a receiver with this pick because there aren't any great options available. However, I think the Packers needed to do something to make Aaron Rodgers happy, and that would entail selecting a blocker to help an offensive line that lost three starters in the offseason. Furthermore, if Rodgers is traded to the Broncos, as rumored, Patrick Surtain could've been included in the deal. That's obviously speculative, but it's still something that should be considered.
2021
Pick 62. (R:2 P:30) - Josh Myers, C, Ohio State
A Grade
Finally, a pick Jordan Love can like. The Packers lost three offensive linemen this offseason, which doesn't even count David Bakhtiari coming off an injury. One of those free-agent departures is Corey Linsley, so Green Bay had to replace him. I thought there was a chance Josh Myers could go earlier, so I'm a big fan of this pick.
A Grade
Finally, a pick Jordan Love can like. The Packers lost three offensive linemen this offseason, which doesn't even count David Bakhtiari coming off an injury. One of those free-agent departures is Corey Linsley, so Green Bay had to replace him. I thought there was a chance Josh Myers could go earlier, so I'm a big fan of this pick.
2021
Pick 92. (R:3 P:28) - Monty Rice, ILB, Georgia
B Grade
The Titans needed a linebacker. Then again, they needed to address every single position on defense. Monty Rice is a solid linebacker prospect I've been mocking around the middle of the third round, so I like this value for Tennessee.
B Grade
The Titans needed a linebacker. Then again, they needed to address every single position on defense. Monty Rice is a solid linebacker prospect I've been mocking around the middle of the third round, so I like this value for Tennessee.
2021
Pick 135. (R:4 P:30) -
Rashad Weaver, 3-4OLB, Pittsburgh
A+ Grade
The Titans signed Bud Dupree, but still needed to find an edge rusher because they couldn't apply any pressure on the quarterback last year. Rashad Weaver is a second-round talent who fell because of his injury history. He's very athletic and possesses high upside, so I love this selection.
A+ Grade
The Titans signed Bud Dupree, but still needed to find an edge rusher because they couldn't apply any pressure on the quarterback last year. Rashad Weaver is a second-round talent who fell because of his injury history. He's very athletic and possesses high upside, so I love this selection.
2021
Pick 142. (R:4 P:37) - Royce Newman, G, Ole Miss
B Grade
Aaron Rodgers has to be loving all the help the Packers are getting for Jordan Love. Royce Newman played tackle at Ole Miss, but some in the NFL believe that he'll have to move to guard in the pros. Either way, the Packers need help at both positions. I had Newman in the fifth round, so the range makes sense.
B Grade
Aaron Rodgers has to be loving all the help the Packers are getting for Jordan Love. Royce Newman played tackle at Ole Miss, but some in the NFL believe that he'll have to move to guard in the pros. Either way, the Packers need help at both positions. I had Newman in the fifth round, so the range makes sense.
2021
Pick 173. (R:5 P:29) - Tedarrell Slaton, DT, Florida
A+ Grade
I love this value. Tedarrell Slaton has some concerns with possible weight issues, but he's drawn some comparisons to D.J. Reader. He'll be a monstrous run stuffer, and he provides a bit of pass-rushing upside at his massive size. Slaton could have gone in the third round without complaints from me.
A+ Grade
I love this value. Tedarrell Slaton has some concerns with possible weight issues, but he's drawn some comparisons to D.J. Reader. He'll be a monstrous run stuffer, and he provides a bit of pass-rushing upside at his massive size. Slaton could have gone in the third round without complaints from me.
2021 Green Bay Packers - Prospect:TBD
2021 Green Bay Packers - Prospect:TBD
2021 Green Bay Packers - Prospect:TBD
2021
Pick 256. (R:7 P:28) -
Kylin Hill, RB, Mississippi State
A Grade
I'm shocked Kylin Hill lasted so long. I had him mocked in the third round! Even though the Packers didn't need a running back with Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon signed on for so long, they were right to obtain this incredible value late in the draft.
A Grade
I'm shocked Kylin Hill lasted so long. I had him mocked in the third round! Even though the Packers didn't need a running back with Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon signed on for so long, they were right to obtain this incredible value late in the draft.