NFL Draft: 5 players Packers should draft in first round

The Packers need to nail their first-round pick no matter what happens with Aaron Rodgers. Here are five quality targets for Green Bay in the NFL Draft. 

The ongoing saga of Aaron Rodgers continues to dominate headlines in Green Bay. Interestingly enough, the identity of the Packers’ starting quarterback in 2023 doesn’t do much to change the team’s draft needs.

It’s not as if Jordan Love wouldn’t benefit from an improved receiving corps if he begins the campaign as the team’s starter. Wide receiver should be a strong consideration for the Packers with the No. 15 overall selection in Round 1. The fact that this year’s free agent class at receiver is weak also adds to Green Bay’s need to add to their pass-catching group via the draft.

Of course, the Packers’ front office has entered the draft with needs at wide receiver without addressing the position before. Green Bay fans should keep a close eye on the following five prospects as real targets for the team in Round 1.

5 players Packers should pick in the first round of the NFL Draft

5. Brian Branch

Selecting a safety who can also operate as a nickel corner wouldn’t electrify the Packers’ fan base next month, but landing Branch would be a nice boost for Joe Barry’s defense.

Branch’s draft status is in a bit of flux after running a mediocre 4.58 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Scouts didn’t expect him to light up the event as a speedster, but cornerbacks that can’t break 4.5 tend to struggle at the next level.

Fortunately for Branch, he has good size for either corner or safety and was extremely productive at Alabama. That combination might be enough for the Packers to take him at No. 15 as an immediate starter. He lacks the upside that other defensive backs in this year’s draft class possess, but his high floor makes him a possibility for Green Bay on Day One.