The Green Bay Packers were in desperate need of wide receivers going into the 2023 NFL Draft. Allen Lazard and eventually Randall Cobb left via free agency to join Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets. Sammy Watkins had proven to be a remarkable disappointment during the 2022 season and was released before the year was even over. All the Packers were left with were 2022 NFL draft picks Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Samori Toure (and undrafted free agent Bo Melton) in their wide receiver room.

Due to this, many thought the Packers might finally break from their tradition and select a wide receiver in the first round. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who was eventually drafted by the Seattle Seahawks, was a popular fan pick for the Packers at the time. Of course, any fans that were hoping for a first round wide receiver at the time were disappointed when they took edge rusher Lukas Van Ness with the 13th overall pick.

The Green Bay Packers Selected 3 Wide Receivers in the 2023 NFL Draft

Even though the Packers did not draft a wide receiver in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, they did use three of their draft picks on them. Jayden Reed was taken in the second round, Dontayvion Wicks in the fifth round, and Grant DuBose in the seventh.

Reed ended up setting Packers the Packers’ rookie record for receptions with 64 to go with 793 yards and eight touchdowns. Going into 2024, there are some fans who consider him the best wide receiver on the team.

Wicks did not have a bad year himself. With route running that could eventually rival that of Davante Adams, Wicks was able to haul in 39 receptions for 581 yards and four touchdowns.

DuBose did not play in 2023 due to injury.

The Green Bay Packers Took Eventual Kansas City Chiefs Wide Receiver Rashee Rice Off Their Board Due to Character Concerns

One of the most-hyped wide receiving prospects was Rashee Rice. Even though he would have been a great fit for the Packers’ offense, he was apparently taken off of their board due to concerns about his character. According to TMSPN:

“As reported by veteran sportswriter Bob McGinn, renowned for his extensive coverage of the Green Bay Packers over 38 years with the Green Bay Press-Gazette and the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, an NFL personnel director expressed dissatisfaction with Rice’s demeanor prior to the 2023 NFL Draft.”

Rice ended up being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 55th overall pick (five picks after Reed) and had 79 receptions for 938 yards and seven touchdowns.

Of course, Kansas City ended up winning the Super Bowl last season with Rice.

However, this offseason, Rice is in some legal trouble due to his role in a multi-car collision and leaving the scene. He also has been accused of assault at a Dallas night club, though these accusations have been called into question.

Perhaps the Packers were right to keep him off the board.