Safety: This could have easily been considered in the “need rookie contributors” category. However, the Packers return Darnell Savage and Rudy Ford, who started games at safety last season, and free-agent Tarvarius Moore previously started games in San Francisco. The team also likes Innis Gaines in a hybrid role, and Tariq Carpenter is entering Year 2. Does this position need a massive infusion of talent? Yes. And could a rookie easily start at safety for the Packers in 2023? Yes. But in a weak safety class, the draft is probably more likely to add long-term developmental options.
Edge rusher: Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, Kingsley Enagbare and Justin Hollins provide a strong base here, but Gary is coming off a major injury, Smith turns 31 in November, Enagbare is still an unknown and Hollins is a rotational player. Under Gutekunst, the Packers have done well building out long-term depth at a key position. Expect that focus to continue in a draft featuring strong depth at edge rusher.
Offensive line: The Packers return at least six players they feel comfortable as starters along the offensive line, including Zach Tom, who can play all five positions. Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers and Jon Runyan Jr. provide a strong long-term future at guard and center, but the Packers need to keep taking swings on offensive tackles. David Bakhtiari is likely entering his final year in Green Bay, and Yosh Nijman will be an unrestricted free agent in 2024.
Running back: Aaron Jones is probably year-to-year in Green Bay given the salary cap implications of his deal, and A.J. Dillon is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Patrick Taylor and Tyler Goodson are the only other running backs on the roster currently, so this position needs stability past 2023.
Quarterback: Once Aaron Rodgers is traded, only Jordan Love and Danny Etling will remain on the roster. The Packers may prefer to add a veteran backup, but drafting a quarterback to develop as the backup behind Love is another option. In 2008, Rodgers’ backups were Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn, two rookie draft picks.
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