Packers star would love what the team does in ESPN's latest mock draft
The Green Bay Packers are in the midst of a potentially franchise-altering offseason. With an Aaron Rodgers trade to the New York Jets reportedly looming, the Packers will have plenty of needs to fill in the 2023 NFL Draft. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. recently released his 2023 first-round mock draft. Interestingly enough, Kiper believes the […]
The Green Bay Packers are in the midst of a potentially franchise-altering offseason. With an Aaron Rodgers trade to the New York Jets reportedly looming, the Packers will have plenty of needs to fill in the 2023 NFL Draft.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. recently released his 2023 first-round mock draft. Interestingly enough, Kiper believes the Packers will use its No. 15 overall pick to upgrade its defense rather than replace some of the talent the team lost on the offensive side of the ball.
DL Lukas Van Ness – Iowa
Depending on what happens with a potential Aaron Rodgers trade, this could end up being Green Bay's second pick of the top 15. That means the Packers could have two first-round choices in back-to-back years, as they got help on defense with Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt last April. And while I thought long and hard about a wide receiver or tight end here, this defense still has a ways to go.
Green Bay ranked 28th in both yards per play allowed (5.8) and yards per carry allowed (5.0) last season, and it tied for 27th in sacks (34). A sophomore leap from Wyatt and Rashan Gary's return from a torn ACL in his right knee will be a boost, but a versatile player such as Van Ness would be a great addition. At 6-foot-5, 272 pounds, Van Ness has the flexibility to play tackle and end; he had 13.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks last season. Again, there's a lot up in the air about the Packers, but teams always covet edge rushers.
Van Ness makes plenty of sense for Green Bay, especially considering the aforementioned Gary is coming off of a torn ACL. The Iowa standout gives the Packers a uniquely talented player who brings versatility to the defensive line.
In 2022, Van Ness registered 37 total tackles with 10.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. He is a viable option who can help Green Bay ease Gary back in to a full-time role while still getting production out of the position.
The Packers are likely to acquire the Jets’ No. 13 overall selection if a Rodgers trade is completed. While Van Ness would be an ideal fit on defense, Green Bay will still need to find a pass-catching playmaker at some point in the draft, though Jets WR Corey Davis has been mentioned as a potential piece in trade talks.
