2022 NFL DRAFT DEEP DIVE: GREEN BAY PACKERS
By Tayyib Abu
The NFL Draft is over, and we cannot head into the three-month abyss that is the offseason without looking at what all 262 selections mean for each franchise. Whilst too early to judge just how successful a draft class each team’s was, we can look at how rookies fit within schemes, where they stand on depth charts, and who we can expect to make an impact in 2022. We continue our team by team series with the Green Bay Packers:
Draft Haul
| RND | PICK | PROSPECT | POS | SCHOOL |
| 1 | 22 | Quay Walker | LB | Georgia |
| 1 | 28 | Devonte Wyatt | IDL | Georgia |
| 2 | 34 | Christian Watson | WR | North Dakota State |
| 3 | 92 | Sean Rhyan | IOL | UCLA |
| 4 | 132 | Romeo Doubs | WR | Nevada |
| 4 | 140 | Zach Tom | OT | Wake Forest |
| 5 | 179 | Kingsley Enagbare | EDGE | South Carolina |
| 7 | 228 | Tariq Carpenter | LB | Georgia Tech |
| 7 | 234 | Jonathan Ford | RB | Miami |
| 7 | 249 | Rasheed Walker | OT | Penn State |
| 7 | 258 | Samori Toure | WR | Nebraska |
Day One
The rush of wide receivers from pick eight to 19 boxed the Green Bay Packers out on day one. Packers fans would have hoped to see one of the elite wideouts drop to 22. It didn’t happen, and GM Brian Gutekunst stood pat and selected Georgia linebacker, Quay Walker. A part of the Bulldogs’ national championship-winning defense, Walker is a tough, intelligent defender with good physical size. Walker, a potential green-dot wearer of the future, adds depth and solid potential to an already talented Packer defense.
The Packers were on the clock again at pick 28, and Gutekunst ignored the urge to draft a wideout as he drafted destructive defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt. Wyatt is another Georgia product, and his size and motor are tantalizing. A ferocious run-stuffer, Wyatt eats blocks and has the versatility to play across the defensive interior. If defensive coordinator Joe Barry adds some polish to Wyatt’s skills, the Packers may have found a game-wrecker on their defensive line.
Day Two
Day two started with a trade as the Packers found help from the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings held pick 34 after a day one trade with the Detroit Lions, and they then sent that pick to Green Bay. The Packers moved up to grab the receiver Christian Watson from NDSU. Watson tested incredibly well with his RAS of 9.96, one of the highest recorded. Watson is a solid match for Matt LaFleur’s offense. His versatility across all three receiver positions and ability to partake in the run game makes Watson a multi-dimensional chess piece. Watson is a fantastic piece in an offense predicated on matchup advantages and using players differently. The two-time All-American owns all the tools to be a success in the NFL.
Green Bay finished day two by drafting Sean Rhyan from UCLA. A potential swing tackle with the build to play guard, Rhyan is a nice depth pickup for the Packers.
Day Three
Day three started with another dip into the receiver stocks as Nevada’s Romeo Doubs joined Christian Watson in the wideout room. Doubs’ route-running is unrefined, but he adds a vertical threat to the Packers’ offense and is aggressive at the catch point. Doubs can also perform on special teams, where he may see many of his early snaps.
The Packers then selected offensive lineman Zach Tom from Wake Forest. Seventh-round pick Rasheed Walker was another offensive lineman drafted by the Packers. In between those two picks, the Pack acquired defenders Kingsley Enagbare, Jonathan Ford, and Tariq Carpenter before closing their draft with the selection of Samori Toure.
One To Watch: Rasheed Walker
Rasheed Walker started 32 games for Penn State at left tackle. To do that in the rough and tumble that is the BIG 10 is a solid feat. A knee injury ruined Walker’s pre-draft work, probably contributing to his fall. However, Walker possesses the build of a starting offensive tackle, and he anchors exceptionally well.
Some draft analysts project Walker to move inside at the NFL level; however, his physical traits make him an intriguing prospect at tackle. The Packers have a habit of turning developmental linemen into solid role players, and in an era where depth and versatility are vital, Walker is one to watch. Especially in the preseason program.
UDFA Tracker
| Cole Schneider | IOL | UCF |
| Caleb Jones | IOL | Indiana |
| Chauncey Manac | EDGE | Louisiana |
| Tyler Goodson | RB | Iowa |
| Akial Byers | IDL | Missouri |
| Raleigh Texada | CB | Baylor |
| BJ Baylor | RB | Oregon State |
| Hauati Pututau | EDGE | Utah |
| Ellis Brooks | LB | Penn State |
| Tre Sterling | S | Oklahoma State |
| Danny Davis | WR | Wisconsin |
| Caliph Brice | LB | FAU |
| Jahmir Johnson | OT | Texas A&M |
| George Moore | IOL | Oregon |
The Packers signed 14 undrafted free agents, including local wide receiver Danny Davis from Wisconsin. A long shot to make the roster, Davis should be a fun story to follow, especially for the local press. The Packers also signed three linebackers, indicating that they are still analyzing the position group as the offseason work continues.
Conclusion
The Packers experienced a typical Packers draft. It is a pleasant existence in Titletown. With a roster ready to win a Super Bowl, the Packers’ front office didn’t feel the need to chase the draft. They drafted good players that strengthened the depth chart while safeguarding the future.
TAYYIB ABU
CFB/NFL ANALYST
Tayyib is an avid NFL fan and, as a follower of the detroit lions, is a permanent resident in the honolulu blue heartbreak hotel. writing football articles since 2019, tayyib loves everything about the sport except that wins are not a qb stat. follow him on twitter @TayyibABU1