2023 NFL Draft: Reviewing team needs in the NFC North

Dec 18, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) practices before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) practices before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 8, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) walk off the field following the game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) walk off the field following the game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

2023 NFL Draft: Green Bay Packers

As outlined earlier, much of the Packers offseason chatter will again be centered around Aaron Rodgers. You may have realized this by now: Aaron likes it that way. Conveniently for Green Bay, they do already have Jordan Love on the roster. Drafted with the 26th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Love has patiently awaited his opportunity, much like Rodgers did in the early stages of his career. One way or another, I believe the Packers have their 2023 starting quarterback on their roster.

Top Draft Needs: SAF, TE, EDGE

In the NFL Draft, they will focus on filling other holes. The most obvious is at the safety position. In 2019, Green Bay signed Adrian Amos and drafted Darnell Savage Jr., giving them what they had hoped would be a formidable duo for years. In 2022, the pair looked anything but. Adrian Amos is set to become a free agent and Savage, who seems to play best in the slot, continues to be schemed in ways that don’t suit his skillset. Green Bay picked up his fifth-year option so he’s likely to be on the roster, but the Packers need to add safety talent in a big way.

After a lowly 34 sacks in 2022 (28th), Green Bay also needs to find an edge rusher. This is a team that sorely missed the presence of Za’Darius Smith, who had a great season for the rival Vikings. While the Packers could look to free agency to fill this hole, I believe drafting would make more sense. This year’s class of edge rushers is one of the strongest position groups in the draft.

On the offensive side of the ball, drafting a tight end needs to be on the radar. Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis are set for free agency and this is one of the strongest draft classes for tight ends in years. If Rodgers is the guy under center, he has consistently longed for more offensive weapons. If Love is the guy under center, is there a better friend for a young quarterback than a sure-handed tight end? Keep your eye on another wide receiver as well.