Every year, I spend too much time studying the draft. Not all the players or all the teams, just the Packers and prospects that are relevant to them. I run hundreds of mock drafts and write up a full analysis on a small portion of them (see PFTW 2022 Mock Draft Archive) after far too many hours of watching film and reading writeups.
Then I get ready for the big event with my list of players.
After all that, here are the guys I would most like to see the Packers get this year:
Don’t forget to check out Packers Draft Central 2022 for all our 2022 NFL Draft coverage!
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DAY 1
Jordan Davis, Defensive Line
I always want more talent on the defensive line and Jordan Davis is the most impressive interior lineman prospect to come along in years. He’s a beast of a man with incredible athletic traits for his size. Putting him next to Kenny Clark would give the Packers a power duo like we’ve never seen. His biggest concern is the size of the workload he can handle, but with the way the Packers rotate their lineman and manage snap counts, that shouldn’t be a problem.
Chris Olave, Wide Receiver
I don’t like the idea of using a 1st round pick on a wide receiver (in large part because that’s not how champions draft), but if there was ever a year for the Packers to do it, it is this year – they traded away the best receiver in the game and lost their deep threat to free agency. They have a big need here and I think Olave (who met with the Packers at the Combine) is the best fit for this team. He wins with footwork off the line and runs routes better than anyone in this class. Throw in average hands and a 6’1 frame and that’s the best Davante Adams comp I can think of in this class.
Trade Down
There are a lot of guys that I would like in the 1st round (Daxton Hill, Devin Lloyd, Trevor Penning, George Karlaftis), but I wouldn’t really say I have a crush on any of them. I’m never opposed to trading down. While the Packers have a good roster and a lot of picks, they have some tough roster decisions coming up due to their cap management. Turning one of their 1st round picks into a couple of 2nd round picks could yield good value in a draft that has a talent plateau from the end of round 1 through the end of round 2.
What players might be targets if they trade down? Well, I’m glad you asked, we have that right here!
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DAY 2
Travis Jones, Defensive Lineman
Big hustler. Jones has the ability to drop anchor and hold the nose, or he can play end and get a good push with his stunning hand power and chase down the ball. He was unblockable at the Senior Bowl and could be a great 2nd round value.
George Pickens, Wide Receiver
A big receiver with solid speed, Pickens (who also met with the Packers at the Combine) is another guy who gets open with crisp route-running.
Nicholas Petit-Frere, Offensive Tackle
Maybe the strongest player in the class, NPF also has the mobility and athleticism to mirror edge rushers in the passing game and make all the moves necessary for zone blocking in the run game.
Lewis Cine, Safety
The Packers have two starting safeties coming up on contract and Cine has the speed and physicality that would fit right in with Green Bay’s defense.
Quay Walker, Inside Linebacker
Big and fast, Walker has the versatility to blow up blockers, shoot gaps in the blitz, or drop back into coverage.
Tariq Woolen, Cornerback
A converted receiver who is still learning the position, Woolen has incredible speed and has shown a natural ability to stick with receivers.
Jeremy Ruckert, Tight End
A tall isolation receiving end who can win the seam and take jump balls in the red zone.
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DAY 3
Matthew Butler, Defensive Lineman
Quick, disruptive defender who is strong for his size and can play any spot on the line. Playing for a smaller school could let him drop to Day 3.
Braxton Jones, Offensive Tackle
Huge frame with good pass sets and the smooth mobility to excel in a zone blocking scheme.
Akayleb Evans, Cornerback
Long and physical, Evans likes to press and harass receivers. His technique is raw, but his skills and attitude are top notch.
Tyquan Thorton, Wide Receiver
At 6’1 with 4.28 speed, Thorton is the kind of deep threat the Packers missed when MVS was hurt.
Danny Gray, Wide Receiver
Another tall (6’1), fast (4.33) deep threat, Gray showed off explosive routes at the Senior Bowl.
Velus Jones Jr, Wide Receiver
Solid height (6’0) with great speed (4.31), Jones is hard to wrap up after the catch and excelled with kick and punt returns, earning SEC Co-Special Teams Player of the Year honors.
Jayden Peevy, Defensive Lineman
Violent bull rusher with a nice spin move, Peevy blocked four kicks in college and would be a welcome special teams force.
Jalen Wydermyer, Tight End
A playmaker in college who could get deep and win contested catches, Wydermyer’s terrible Combine results have dropped him down boards, making him an intriguing Day 3 option.
Dare Rosenthal, Offensive Tackle
A former defensive tackle, Rosenthal is still learning blocking techniques, but has all the tools to be a great developmental tackle.
Cal Adomitis, Long Snapper
It should come as no surprise that I have a crush on the best long snapper in this year’s draft.
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Check out our PFTW 2022 Mock Draft Archive to see how other scenarios played out!
Check out Packers Draft Central for all our latest NFL Draft coverage!
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