Green Bay Packers NFL Draft Grades 2023: Jordan Love Gets Needed Help
Analysis 4/29/23
The 2023 NFL Draft is complete and the Philadelphia Eagles made a total of 13 picks.
After trading star quarterback Aaron Rodgers earlier in the week, the Packers devoted a large portion of their draft to building around new starter Jordan Love.
The 33rd Team Scouting Dept. graded every pick in this year’s draft, here's how the Packers fared:
Green Bay Packers 2023 NFL Draft Grades
13. Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa
Aaron Rodgers is gone but the Packers still didn't draft an offensive player in the first round to support Jordan Love. However, they did need to address the edge rusher position with Rashan Gary's injury history and Preston Smith aging. Lukas Van Ness was not a starter at Iowa, but he has impressive speed-to-power to collapse pockets and a large tackle radius to corral quarterbacks. Whenever you were watching the Iowa defense last season, he would always pop, even if you weren't focused on him. He's going to need to add more to his pass rush arsenal to be a consistent impact player in the NFL.
Grade: B-
42. Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
The Packers needed a tight end and found one in Luke Musgrave from Oregon State. Musgrave is athletic with good size. He is a fluid route runner who is much better as a receiver than as a run blocker. He had some injuries last season, but he should help the Packers move the chains in 2023.
Grade: B
50. Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State
The Packers grabbed another offensive weapon to help Jordan Love in his first year as a starter. Jayden Reed is a good route runner who understands how to set up defenders. He's a downfield threat who can make contested catches. He needs to add weight and increase his strength to be able to hold up for a full season.
Grade: C+
78. Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
The Packers grab a second tight end. Tucker Kraft is good with the ball in his hands and has some interesting athletic traits. Kraft needs to refine the finer points of his game, but he has top-level movement skills and a high ceiling.
Grade: A-
116. Colby Wooden, Edge, Auburn
Colby Wooden is a bit of a tweener, lacking the explosion to be a true edge rusher and the mass and strength to be stout on the inside. He should be a valuable role player with his motor and agility. He does use his hands well and has shown the ability to work either edge of the blocker.
Grade: C
149. Sean Clifford, QB, Penn State
Sean Clifford beat out Will Levis at Penn State and took the starting quarterback job. He was the Rose Bowl offensive MVP and set several Penn State passing records.
Grade: A
159. Dontayvion Wicks, WR Virginia
Dontayvion Wicks is a big-bodied, outside-only receiver with average speed and lateral quickness. He showed inconsistent hands, dropping too many easy passes and trying to run after the catch before the ball was in his hands. However, he is a solid Day 3 value.
Grade: B+
179. Karl Brooks, Edge, Bowling Green
Karl Brooks brings a polished arsenal of pass rush moves paired with good strength to stress the edges. He'll provide added versatility to multi-align along the Packers' defensive front.
Grade: B
207. Anders Carlson, K, Auburn
Older brother Daniel Carlson was an All-American kicker at Auburn and is now with the Las Vegas Raiders. Anders Carlson was the starting kicker for the past five seasons at Auburn. He made 71 percent of his kicks with a career long of 53. He had five kicks blocked in his career.
Grade: C-
232. Carrington Valentine, CB, Kentucky
Carrington Valentine already shows the skills and temperament to be highly effective in press coverage. If he can improve his vision and discipline, he has a chance to be a well-rounded NFL starter. This pick represented excellent value on Day 3.
Grade: B+
235. Lew Nichols, RB, Central Michigan
Lew Nichols is a 220-pound back with ordinary overall burst for the position. He had 3,061 yards in his career and 26 touchdowns. He averaged 142 yards per game his junior year.
Grade: C
242. Anthony Johnson Jr., S, Iowa State
Anthony Johnson Jr. is a thin-framed corner-turned-safety who will give up his body to make a play on the ball. His instincts, straight-line speed and physical play style should help him earn a roster spot on special teams.
Grade: B+
242. Grant DuBose, WR, Charlotte
Grant Dubose had 15 touchdowns in his career and a 13.4 average per catch. He's a good-sized wide receiver who has a chance as a practice squad player.
Grade: C
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