Packers snap 20-year trend in ESPN's latest mock draft
The Green Bay Packers are a team to watch in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Packers have 10 total selections in the NFL’s annual event, and could look to add more if a trade involving Aaron Rodgers is finalized ahead of the first round on Thursday. All signs indicate it’s a matter of when, not […]
The Green Bay Packers are a team to watch in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Packers have 10 total selections in the NFL’s annual event, and could look to add more if a trade involving Aaron Rodgers is finalized ahead of the first round on Thursday.
All signs indicate it’s a matter of when, not if, Rodgers is dealt to the New York Jets. With the Jordan Love era set to begin Green Bay, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst must assemble a supporting cast capable of helping Love succeed in his first season as the full-time starter.
One highly respected draft expert believes the Packers will do just that at No. 15 overall, and snap a 21-year trend in the process. ESPN’s Matt Miller released his seven-round mock draft on Sunday, in which the Packers finally draft a pass-catcher in the first round.
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
From Miller: It has been 21 years since the Packers used a first-round pick on a pass-catcher, but with a new quarterback to break in, Green Bay has to surround him with targets who can create yards after the catch and put pressure on the defense. Kincaid, who recently recovered from a back injury, is the best threat in this tight end class when it comes to creating space in his route tree. "There's definitely some [George] Kittle to his game," one AFC scout told me, "but he's not there yet as a blocker."
If the Packers decide to wait until Round 2 to tap into the very deep tight end class, I've heard that a pass-rusher like Clemson's Myles Murphy would be a fit here."
Utah's Kincaid would be the first pass-catcher drafted by the Packers since the team selected WR Javon Walker with the 20th overall pick in 2002.
Kincaid would serve as the perfect safety blanket for Love with load of after-the-catch ability. His athleticism draws comparisons to some of football’s top tight ends, most notable Travis Kelce and the aforementioned Kittle.
Miller is plugged into NFL circles which makes him one of the most credible draft analysts in the business. So when he mentions Clemson DE Myles Murphy, it should not just fly under the radar.
Green Bay has multiple voids to address in the draft, and one player won’t ultimately determine whether or not Gutekunst assembled a successful class. That being said, giving Love the resources to best showcase his abilities should be the Packers’ top priority.
