Aaron Rodgers continues to take hostages. (Syndication: PackersNews)
The Packers need a first-round pick no matter what happens with Aaron Rodgers. Here are five quality targets for Green Bay in the NFL Draft.
The ongoing Aaron Rodgers saga continues to dominate the headlines in Green Bay. Interestingly, the identity of the starting quarterback for the Packers in 2023 does little to change the team’s draft needs.
It’s not as if Jordan Love wouldn’t benefit from an improved receiving team if he started the campaign as the team’s starter. The wide receiver should be a strong consideration for the Packers with the 15th overall pick in the first round. The fact that this year’s free agent class in receiver is weak also adds to the need for Green Bay to add to their pass collection via the draft.
Of course, the Packers front office entered the draft with needs wide without previously addressing the situation. Green Bay fans should keep a close eye on the following five prospects as the team’s real targets in the first round.
5 players the Packers should pick in the first round of the NFL Draft
5. Bryan Branch
Not only will picking a safety who can also serve as a nickel corner electrify the Packers fan base next month, but a touchdown branch would be a nice boost for Joe Barry’s defense.
Branch’s draft status is in little flux after a modest 4.58 40-yard run at the NFL Combine. Scouts didn’t expect him to light up the event as a sprinter, but shadows who can’t crack a 4.5 tend to struggle at the next level.
Fortunately for Branch, he has a good size for any corner or safety and has been very productive in Alabama. That combination might be enough for the #15-ranked Packers to take him as an immediate starter. He lacks the upside that other defensive backs in this year’s recruiting class have, but his high pitch makes it possible for Green Bay on day one.
