Cheese Curds, 4/27: The wait is finally (almost) over!

This week is Brian Gutekunst’s time to shine. The Green Bay Packers’ general manager got his week off to a great start by getting the Aaron Rodgers trade finalized, adding a second-round pick and a first-round pick swap for this weekend’s draft as well as a conditional first- or second-rounder for 2024 in the process. Now he gets to put the first few of those picks to use over the next few days.

Yes, the 2023 NFL Draft is finally here, which will surely be welcome news for fans who are sick and tired of weeks of mock drafts and speculation. What the Packers will do with that 13th pick is still a matter of conjecture, but the smart money is on a couple of options: drafting wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, an offensive tackle, or an edge rusher.

But while the picks the Packers added in this year’s draft are valuable, that extra pick in 2024 is valuable additional ammunition for the future, and it provides the Packers with useful insurance in the event that Jordan Love does not end up looking like the next great Packers quarterback. It’s far too early to look ahead to what the Packers will do next season, but at least they have given themselves options.

Keep it here throughout the day on Thursday during the run-up to the draft, and be sure to join us this evening for the APC Live Draft Show, which will be here at APC and on our YouTube channel!

Brian Gutekunst pleased with return Packers received in Aaron Rodgers trade | Packers.com
Gutekunst spoke to the media on Wednesday following the official completion of the trade, and explained that getting draft pick compensation both this year and in 2024 was very important.

In post-Aaron Rodgers world, Packers have multiple paths forward at quarterback | Packers Wire
Potentially adding a second round-one pick next season means that the Packers will have some options next season if Jordan Love doesn't end up working out.

2023 NFL mock draft: Mel Kiper's final first-round predictions - ESPN ($)
Kiper sees the Packers going with Tennessee tackle Darnell Wright at 13.

Packers draft Q&A with Dane Brugler: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, top targets and more - The Athletic ($)
There's a lot of smoke around the Packers and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, while Brugler has Lukas Van Ness as his third-ranked edge rusher behind Will Anderson and Tyree Wilson.

History Shows Importance of Packers Moving to 13th in Rodgers Trade - Sports Illustrated
It's probably a statistical anomaly, but there are 4 Hall of Famers (three who are already in and another who will be) drafted at 13 but none at 15. The 13th pick also has far more first-team All-Pros (12 vs. 4) and Pro Bowlers (29 vs. 17).

Jets GM Joe Douglas: WR Corey Davis is 'valued member' of team but 'there's a business aspect to football' | NFL.com
In other words, expect the Jets to release Davis after the draft if he doesn't take a pay cut. If that happens, look for the Packers to consider bringing him in.

Town forces argumentative parents to be umpires at Little League games - ABC News
Not so easy when you're the one making the calls and taking verbal abuse from other parents, is it?