Early Packers 2023 Mock Draft

Unfortunately, the Green Bay Packers season ended in disappointment, and there are many changes that are needed in order for this team to compete for the Super Bowl next season. While I don't think these changes will take place, it is clear that the team from a personnel standpoint could look very different, due to the number of free agents and the salary cap situation. With this in mind, we have a very early Green Bay Packers mock draft 2023.

This Green Bay Packers mock draft was created with the PFF Mock Draft Simulator. I bring this up because some of the ranges of where players are being selected are clearly incorrect. Additionally, PFF grades for absolutely anything are terrible, so whether you are looking at mock draft grades or season grades, it is important not to take these too seriously.

Finally, before we jump into the Green Bay Packers mock draft, it is important to note that I expect Aaron Rodgers to be back, and his cap hit is a manageable $31M. It's clear there are free agents and salary cap casualties that will not be back. Some of these projected voids are filled with the following draft selections.

Photo byAP Photo/Mike Roemer

Early Green Bay Packers Mock Draft 2023

Round 1, Pick 15 — Brian Branch, S/CB, Alabama

PFF lists Brian Branch as a safety, but the Alabama defensive back has played the majority of his snaps in the slot. The Packers decided to play the entire 2022 season without a true starting slot corner, which surprisingly (not really) didn't work.

Branch is a versatile player that can cover slot receivers, play nickel linebacker, and truly fly all over the field. He is a physical, instinctive player that has all of the tools to be a star in the NFL.

Round 2, Pick 46 — Cody Mauch, OT, NDSU

For full transparency, Cody Mauch, or Tud Mauch, has been a favorite of mine for some time, and knowing some of his coaches makes me love this pick even more. Many of you may have never heard his name, but he will likely be trending up draft boards as the 2023 NFL Draft approaches.

Mauch is an older prospect who has the size to play tackle in the NFL (something the Gutekunst hates to draft), and he is a great athlete. He has the footwork to stay in front of speed rushers and the power to maul defenders in the running game.

Round 3, Pick 78 — Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Speaking of size, this next pick in our Green Bay Packers mock draft 2023 has plenty of that. The 6-3, 201-pound wide receiver could return to Washington, so it's not a given he will be in this draft class yet. However, Rome Odunze has shown the potential to be great in the NFL.

Clearly, Odunze has the size and catch radius that will be elite in the NFL. He also has great explosiveness and agility, giving the Packers another athlete on the field alongside Christian Watson.

Round 4, Pick 110 — Jordan Battle, S, Alabama

We take another Alabama defensive back in this Green Bay Packers mock draft 2023. Jordan Battle is one physical safety. He is excited to tackle, often delivering big hits. Hutchinson has high football IQ, is a great leader and he is sticky in man coverage. If the Packers somehow get a player of this caliber in the fourth round, it would be a very pleasant surprise.

Round 5, Pick 142 — Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State

With Allen Lazard seemingly out the door, the Packers have their eye on Allen Lazard 2.0. Also from Iowa State, Xavier Hutchinson is a big (6-3), versatile wide receiver that possesses high football IQ. He has great ball-tracking ability and is a solid route-runner. Hutchinson has also shown the ability to be an asset as a blocker in the running game, which is the biggest loss of Lazard leaving.

Round 7, Pick 197 — Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati

At 6-6 with a 4.65-second 40-time, Josh Whyle is an elite athlete at the tight end position. His athleticism made him tough to tackle at Cincinnati, and this athleticism should help him transition to the NFL. Whyle needs to improve as a router-runner, but that is the case with every rookie tight end. He is an upgrade at the position from Tyler Davis, who Green Bay needs to get off of.

Round 7, Pick 206 — BJ Thompson, EDGE, Stephen F. Austin

Another scary athlete in this Green Bay Packers mock draft 2023 is BJ Thompson. He is 6-6, 230 pounds, has a 40-inch vertical, and runs a 4.56-second 40-time. While Thompson would need to work on his strength to be effective against the run, he could be a useful third down weapon off the edge.

Round 7, Pick 212 — Joe Tippmann, IOL, Wisconsin

The Packers love to take a late-round Wisconsin player, and Joe Tippmann is that for our Packers mock draft. However, as an offensive line scout and analyst, I will say that I believe PFF is wrong to have Tippmann still available here.

Tippmann is a great athlete on the interior offensive line, and he has that nastiness to finish blocks. While he is a bulldozer inside, he also has the fluidity to win in pass protection.

His 10-yard time split would have been faster than any offensive lineman in last season's draft, and Tippmann also has a 635-pound squad paired with a 455-pound bench. He's a freak.