The 2023 NFL Draft is winding down for the Green Bay Packers and the rest of the NFL, but that didn’t stop the Packers from breaking a streak that’s more than 15-years-old.
With the 207th overall pick in the sixth round of the draft, the Packers drafted former Auburn Tiger kicker, Anders Carlson, which marks the first time the franchise drafted a kicker since it took longtime starter Mason Crosby in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft.
General manager Brian Gutekunst also took defensive lineman Karl Brooks with the 179th overall pick in an attempt to continue to add depth to the defensive line.
Packers’ Round 6 Draft Picks in the 2023 NFL Draft
Round 6, No. 179 overall: DL Karl Brooks, Bowling Green
Brooks is quick, versatile player that should be able to play along the Packers’ defensive line, much like fifth-rounder Colby Wooden. Brooks can man the 3t/4i/5t spots on run downs and then slide more inside on passing downs.
Brooks is definitely a “tweener”, but that shouldn’t be an issue for the Packers. His versatility, quickness, and athleticism are exactly what the Packers are looking for in their defensive linemen.
The Packers now have a very good rotation on their hands in the form of Brooks, Wooden, Kenny Clark, T.J. Slaton, and Devonte Wyatt. They could probably stand to add just a little more beef at the nose tackle position, but it won’t be a crime if they don’t.
Round 6, No. 207 overall: K Anders Carlson, Auburn
The Mason Crosby era is officially over in Green Bay. I’m sure the Packers are hoping they can get another 15 years out of a sixth-round kicker, but obviously, it remains to be seen if Carlson can give that to them.
Carlson’s best season came in 2020, when he completed more than 90% of his PAT and field goal attempts. He then tore his ACL the following season after making 35-of-36 PATs and 14-of-21 field goals.
He finished his collegiate career with an OK make rate of 71.4% on field goal attempts and 98.3% on PATs. He notoriously struggled from 40+ yards out, so it’ll be interesting to see if he can overcome that demon in the pros.
Round 6, No. 179 overall: DL Karl Brooks, Louisville
Round 6, No. 207 overall: K Anders Carlson, Auburn
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