With the NFL draft coming up — April 27-29 — the Packers have a glaring need at a number of positions – tight end, quarterback, wide receiver and safety. With still no updates on trade talks with the Jets for Aaron Rodgers, the Packers would like to have some strong picks for this upcoming draft. In this mock draft, I’ll be listing my top prospects that the Packers could draft — players that fit the Packers.

15th overall pick: Brian Branch, S Alabama

The Packers need to draft a safety in this draft, with guys like Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Lukas Van Ness taken off the board the Packers should draft Brian Branch. In 2020 Branch had 27 tackles, one interception and seven pass deflections. In 2021 Branch returned to a hybrid slot role, 55 tackles, five tackles for a loss, one sack and nine pass break ups. Though being 6’0”, 190 pounds, he has dynamic mobility when shown on tape. He’s an explosive athlete who surges out of his stance.

Via NY Jets – 42nd overall pick: Darnell Washington, TE Georgia

Tight end is a huge need for the Packers, with Robert Tonyan signing with the Bears and most likely Mercedis Lewis out the door. I have the Packers selecting Darnell Washington out of Georgia. Washington’s sheer size is what has many salivating over him. He’s a tenacious competitor.

Via NY Jets – 43 overall pick: Jaylin Hyatt, WR Tennessee

Jaylin Hyatt is another wide receiver that has been flying off boards, with the Packers needing another WR he  could be that guy. He has elite speed, eating up cornerbacks in an instant and can even beat the quickest defensive backs.

45 overall pick: Sydney Brown, S Illinois

Sydney Brown is a compelling prospect coming out of Illinois, a super athletic player with excellent stats. He can get under a receiver’s chin and has the speed to flip his hips and run down field. In 2021 he had 81 tackles leading Illinois with two forced fumbles.

78th overall pick: Colby Wooden, Edge Auburn

Edge is another position lacking for the Packers and with Rashan Gary most likely not ready for week one, Wooden could step in. As a pass rusher Wooden showed quickness off the line and has athleticism and flexibility to bend the edge.

 116th over pick: Luke Haggard, OT Indiana

Offensive tackle is another massive need for Green Bay, in the 4th round Luke Haggard could be a steal. A coordinated athlete, who can win at the point of attack in the run game, Haggard can move very consistently, landing blocks at the second level.

5th round pick: Evan Null RB, Northwestern

With Aaron Jones back, and AJ Dillion towards the end of this contract it’s not a bad idea for the Packers to draft a running back. Null has good vision and a knack for picking out cut-back lanes and even breaking off chunks of yardage.

5th round (170): Clayton Tune QB, Houston

If the Packers don’t sign a veteran backup quarterback, then the draft is where the Packers will turn for a backup.Tune has enough arm strength to drive the ball through tight windows up to 20 yards down the field.

7th round pick 232nd: Blake Whiteheart TE, Wake Forest

The Packers could always use more tight ends, Whiteheart is someone I didn’t hear much about. But what is interesting is that he can consistently win the middle of the field and has very reliable hands to make it difficult.

235th pick (7th round): MJ Anderson DI, Iowa State

The Packers are losing both Jarren Reed and Dean Lowry, and need someone to get after the quarterback. Anderson flashes nimble feet to chase the running back and get after the quarterback. He spins off the blocks to get back into the play.

242 pick (7th pick): Josh Lugg C, Notre Dame

As we get toward the end of the draft, it’s taking flyers on guys. Lugg is an above-average football player and has general intelligence. He has a solid character and work ethic.

256 pick (7th pick): Jake Moody PK: Michigan

It seems very likely that Mason Crosby won’t be back in 2023, and with the final pick to round out the draft class, the Packers take a kicker. Moody went  8-8 on field goals, with consistent hang-time for coverage to advance. He knocked down a 59-yard field goal, in a very tight game against TCU in the national semifinal.