The 2022 draft figures to be pivotal for the Green Bay Packers. After they re-signed back-to-back MVP Aaron Rodgers, many people still figure that they will be on the list of Super Bowl favorites.
Despite being a Lombardi Trophy contender, the Packers will have to replace star wideout Davante Adams, who they traded to the Las Vegas Raiders for a first- and second-round pick this year. With two first-round picks, there is a strong possibility that Green Bay will take a wide receiver on Day 1 for the first time in two decades.
Here is who the experts have the Packers selecting.
Mel Kiper & Todd McShay (ESPN+)
Pick 22, Christian Watson, WR, NDSU
This one is tricky because there’s a chance the top four receivers will be off the board by the time the Packers pick, and so if they want their guy, they might have to package Nos. 22 and 28 and trade up. If they stay put, Watson, who has stellar physical tools but is still a little raw, makes sense.
Here Kiper and McShay have the Packers breaking their two-decade streak with Watson. Watson is a tall, speedy wide receiver from NDSU who has risen up boards with his freakish combine scores.
Though fans will likely expect him to replace Adams, his skill set is much more similar to Marquez Valdes-Scantling. He will provide Rodgers with a vertical threat that can take the top off of opposing defenses.
Pick 28, George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
The Packers parted ways with Za’Darius Smith, but they still need edge-rush help. Karlaftis played both stand-up outside linebacker and hand-in-the-dirt end for the Boilermakers, so he’s a fit in Joe Barry’s scheme.
With their second pick in the first round, Kiper and McShay have the Packers bolstering their pass rush. Karlaftis moved from Greece to America at age 13, and he could become Green Bay’s Greek Freak.
With the Packers losing Za’Darius Smith this offseason, it makes sense that they would look to bring in another high-level edge rusher to learn from Preston Smith and Rashan Gary. Kiper and McShay have the Packers filling two needs with their first-round picks.
Bucky Brooks (NFL.com)
Pick 22, Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
The Packers are not afraid to invest top picks in their offensive line. As a former tight end-turned-offensive tackle, Raimann is a nimble athlete with the balance and body control to handle athletic rushers on the edges.
Though many people would be confused if the Packers decided to go with an offensive tackle with their first pick, it makes sense. After investing around $50 million a year into a 38-year-old Rodgers, Green Bay will want to protect him. With David Bakhtiari struggling with injuries last season and Elgton Jenkins rehabbing from a torn ACL, the Packers may be light on offensive lineman to start the season. He can also move to the right tackle position and allow Jenkins to move to the interior offensive line.
Pick 28, Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
The speedy linebacker would team with De’Vondre Campbell to give the Packers sideline-to-sideline coverage against the run and pass.
Walker might be a lesser-known name when compared to his fellow UGA linebacker Nkobe Dean, but he is also a very talented player. In adding him, the Packers get another linebacker who can play alongside De’Vondre Campbell and can cover the field sideline to sideline. Though everyone expects the Packers to take a wideout in the first round, considering how deep this class is and how the Packers have two second-round picks, it might make sense for them to hold off on a wideout in the first round.
Matt Miller (ESPN+)
Pick 22, Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M
As much as the Packers need a wide receiver (or two), they also need to make additions to the offensive line. And in 2022, the receiver class is much deeper than the starting guard class. Drafting Green here and waiting on a receiver at No. 28 is the best way to stack the draft class.
Green’s experience at left tackle and guard are key for the Packers, but he could slot in as an immediate impact on the interior as the team looks to get younger up front.
With this move, the Packers would likely see Jenkins move to right tackle full-time while adding more firepower to their interior line. Green is one of the best linemen in this class. But most teams likely don’t view him as highly as they should due to positional value.
The Packers are able to capitalize on this and find another player who can instantly start on one of the NFL’s better offensive lines.
Pick 28, Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
In this scenario, patience pays off as the Packers land the receiver they would have picked at No. 22 with the later selection while making sure the Cardinals, Cowboys or Titans don’t steal Green from them.
Burks is a big target at 6’2” and 225 lbs. He’ll beat defenders on slant routes and has legit yards-after-catch ability that would be a welcome addition to a bare receiver corps.
After a bit of a scare with the first pick, the Packers get their wide receiver with Burks. He has one of the more unique skill sets and could even play the “wide back” position that Deebo Samuel pioneered last season.
If the Packers get this kind of gadget player and look for a more orthodox wideout in the mid-rounds, they could be in a really good position coming into next season.
Chad Reuter (NFL.com)
Pick 22, Chris Olave, Wr, Ohio State
Signing Sammy Watkins has no effect on Green Bay’s draft plans. Olave is a smooth receiver, gliding through his routes and possessing the speed to cover yardage after the catch. He played four years at Ohio State, which means he’s polished enough to be a good target for Aaron Rodgers right out of the chute.
If the Packers were able to land Olave, they would be getting one of the most technically gifted route-runners in the class. He will be among the best route-runners in the NFL. With his speed and precise footwork, Olave will be able to create tons of separation for Rodgers to get him the ball in space.
If Olave reaches the Packers, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him end up in green and gold.
Pick 28, Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State
Green Bay has a hole to fill at right tackle, and Lucas’ sturdy pass protection and excellent combine performance may be tough to ignore. There are always concerns about Air Raid tackles coming into the league, but I’m a big proponent of scouting the player, not the scheme. Lucas rarely was beat in pass pro and has the bulk to be an effective run blocker with more reps.
With their second pick in the first round, the Packers find themselves their right tackle of the future in Lucas. Taking him will round out the offensive line and satisfy Aaron Rodgers. He gets a No. 1 target and a right tackle who excels against the pass rush.
The Packers can also focus their two second-round picks on finding the best players who are still left on their board.
Charles Davis (NFL.com)
Pick 22, Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
The record shows that it’s been 20 years since the Packers drafted a receiver in Round 1, suggesting they will pass on the chance to select a target for Aaron Rodgers with either of their first-round picks this year. But the ability to add a player who can do exactly what Packers head coach Matt LaFleur wants — that is to say, “Take the top off a defense” — denotes a change in course.
Davis brings up an interesting point here about LaFleur and his desire to take the top off defenses. While he isn’t as strong as some of the other wideouts in this class, Dotson can certainly do that.
With this pick, the Packers would hopefully be getting an upgrade on the skillset of Valdes-Scantling, who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason.
Pick 28, George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
The Packers lost edge rusher Za’Darius Smith in free agency. This former Boilermaker is relentless when it comes to applying pressure on QBs, and his sack totals will only increase over time. Tulsa offensive lineman Tyler Smith could be a possibility here.
The only repeat pick in the tracker, Karlaftis seems to be a target for the Packers with the latter of their two picks. Karlaftis would provide an impact bench pass rusher who can play with both his hand in the dirt and as a stand-up pass rusher.
Adding another pass rusher to give opposing teams problems could also cover their secondary at times.
