Packers 2022 NFL Draft Discussion

[reillymcshane]

NFL Draft is a little over two months away, so I thought we should start a thread for it.

 

The Packers pick 28th in the 1st round.

 

The team does not have a 6th round pick this year, but they have an extra 7th (from Chicago), and are projected to receive comp 4th and 7th rounders.

[patrickgpe]

Its super early, but there seems to be a few good WR's that could be around at 28; Chris Olave, Wan'Dale Robinson, and George Pickens. If they do want to go all in with A-Rod, giving him another target wouldn't hurt.

[OldSchoolSnapper]

I'd like to see them continue to build defense. Can never have too many edge players.

[patrickgpe]

I'd like to see them continue to build defense. Can never have too many edge players.

I never have a problem with a early pick addressing either the offensive or defensive line, no matter of need.

[reillymcshane]

WR, TE, DL, OL - lots of options.

 

Obviously, we have to see what happens with Rodgers. After that, there will be other chips - Adams, Campbell, Douglas, Tonyan, MVS, Lazard.

 

But it all starts with Rodgers.

[sveumrules]

Step One: Draft WR Round One

Step Two: Win SB

Step Three: Internet Explodes

 

Sounds alright to me.

[Fear The Chorizo]

I think the next month needs to unfold before we all know what blatant roster holes need filling and exactly where the Packers are picking....

 

Having said that, WR, TE, DL, and LB are three position groups of notable need that I'd hope the Packers focus a good chunk of their draft towards.

[CheezWizHed]

I think the next month needs to unfold before we all know what blatant roster holes need filling and exactly where the Packers are picking....

 

Having said that, WR, TE, DL, and LB are three position groups of notable need that I'd hope the Packers focus a good chunk of their draft towards.

 

Yes, WR is going to be a clear need. We won't keep everyone that is a FA+Cobb. And even if they did somehow, we still don't have a clear #2 WR. And the WR isn't getting younger.

 

TE - Another clear need. Tonyan will probably be out a while at the beginning of the season. Lewis is getting pretty old. We don't have much upside at TE.

 

DL - This was a weakness last year. Just need to keep drafting guys here. Slayton looks like he will be good if he continues to improve. But we don't have much at either DE position.

 

LB - This is certainly dependent on what we do with Campbell, ZSmith, and PSmith. But not much depth regardless, so a 4th round ILB seems like a safe bet.

[Joseph Zarr]

I'd like to see them continue to build defense. Can never have too many edge players.

I never have a problem with a early pick addressing either the offensive or defensive line, no matter of need.

 

Edge defenders are extremely deep in this draft. The Pack are lucky - they need more talent there and they will have a very very deep pool to choose from.

 

I never complain when we add more defensive talent. They seem to finally have that Baseline of talent. A couple more swings and hits and we really could see a Top 10 defense if healthy.

 

I’ll be following Tony Pauline as usual, this year, over on Pro Football Network. He is spot on more often than not. He raved about the Elgton Jenkins pick at the time…loved Jaire. In general, he is just really good.

[young guns]

If Rodgers comes back I hope they pick a wr in the first, if only so we don't have to hear any complaing about it. But it would be nice to hit on another playmaker that Rodgers could trust so he doesn't have to try to force it to adams(assuming he would be back too).

[GAME05]

They probably need a WR in the 1st whether Adams is back or not. Heck even if they got Judy back in the trade they probably need a WR in the 1st.

[LouisEly]

I think the next month needs to unfold before we all know what blatant roster holes need filling and exactly where the Packers are picking....

 

Having said that, WR, TE, DL, and LB are three position groups of notable need that I'd hope the Packers focus a good chunk of their draft towards.

I'm going to substitute OT for TE.

 

Kelly is a FA. Nijman is a RFA (not exclusive rights) and I think he played well enough at LT that someone will make an offer that the Packers won't be able to fit under their cap. Turner is in the last year of his deal and might have to be a cap casualty if they manage to retain Nijman. And Bakh has questions surrounding his health and ability to get back on the field. Point being, Kelly and I think one of Nijman or Turner aren't back. I don't know if the Packers view Newman as having RT potential, but if they lose Nijman they will need to draft a tackle to develop.

 

As for TE, they have Deguara who was for all intents and purposes still a rookie last year plus Dafney and Davis. I think Tonyan will be back because coming off of the injury and starting the season on the PUP there won't be a strong demand for him as a FA; I think he'll be back relatively cheap on a one-year deal.

[reillymcshane]

Any thoughts on the top WRs? Any favorites? I'm interested in opinions of players who could potentially fall to us (or we could trade up for).

 

I've listed the five WRs that show up as first rounders in mock drafts (there are more than these five - just these guys are pretty much in all the mocks).

 

The interesting thing is that they are all over the map. With this many WRs available, it's possible one (or more) could fall to us. Any thoughts on these guys? Preferences? Who to avoid?

 

Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

Drake London, WR, USC

Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

 

I feel we really need an infusion of talent at WR spot - even if we bring back Adams and Rodgers. It doesn't have to be in the first round - but if the value is there, I'd be happy to see them make the leap.

[Jenkins5]

I can't really judge prospects too much until combine and the RAS scores are available but Gute and his team have types they key in on.

 

As of now, I doubt Packers go WR in round 1. London is the main target I could see but he should be gone. He has the main qualities they like. Big, Length, great catch radius, best contested catcher in draft, and just a very good athlete. He played on the USC basketball team originally as well. I think high end, a lesser Mike Evans.

 

Burks is another guy who has the the size they like and has gadget uses. A bigger AJ Brown is the biggest comparison on the field but athletically a more fluid DK Metcalf. He should dominate testing like DK. He is a freak specimen. Has work to do verse man and route running a bit. Played off line a lot and was moved around a lot to help get him free runs. So regardless of talent, will need work to be able to excel off the line verse pro corners on the outside.

 

Williams would be a very interesting option. He is will miss probably most of rookie season with the ACL. If MVS is gone, he would fill that deep threat and stretch field guy that is needed. His speed is just blazing! He has solid size at 6'2 197 as well to match.

 

Wilson to me is a Stefon Diggs. Both him and Olave don't have the typical size Packers look for. Rodgers is the exception to rule and they were looking for a gadget type slot. Both could be good WRs but just don't think they fit what Packers like as much. I could add guys like Dotson, Robinson, S. Moore, and Metchie to this as a guy I really like but doesn't fit Gute's mold.

 

Guys I like:

 

David Bell doesn't get much love because he doesn't have that standout trait but he does literally everything very well and with polish. He reminds me of a Robert Woods with that. A guy who doesn't jump off the page but is just a darn good WR. From routes, hands, contested catches, smarts, and ability to work with ball in hand. He has good size at 6'2 205ish. A guy who can probably earn trust from ARod (assuming he is back) or be reliable yearly on for Love. 2nd round maybe 3rd

 

Christian Watson absolutely screams Packers. 6'4 210, will likely test well with high RAS, can stretch the field, solid route runner for his size, and aggressive blocker. Has had some drop issues but thats nothing new. 3rd-4th round

 

George Pickens has the skill set to boom. I know there has been few off field things and then the ACL that took away most of 2021 but he can really play! Needs to work on getting off the line. Never produced at a high level in college despite all the talent so that is worrisome. 2-3 round

 

For the Jordy crowd, Alec Pierce draws comparisons at 6'3 213. Deceptive speed (same as what was said about Jordy) that should be in the 4.4's. Pretty savvy guy who plays on the outside and very good going up for contested catches. Plus blocking reviews. Heard hands need to get a bit stronger. Apparently he is just an athletic freak who should shine at combine prob 3rd - 4th but combine can push him up to 2nd.

 

Justyn Ross has the talent to be a late day 1 or early day 2 guy but he hasn't been able to stay healthy and is predicted to be lower when it comes to testing (Tee Higgins underachieved as well and who he is compared to a good amount). Plays faster than times but ran 4.89 coming out of high school and may only be low 4.6's. Depending on combine will shift him one way or the other. Sitting there in the late 3rd or 4th could be worth the pick.

 

If you like shorter, slighter WRs with speed, this is a class you'd love. 2000s Packers to McCarthy style of west coast offense would have fit many of those guys great. All the quick slants and pops. I just know what Gute has said and the type of guys he has brought in so Any WR under 6'1 (prob 6'2) and over 200 I usually don't think much about beside if we need a gadget guy. I am sure they aren't willing to give up on Amari so I haven't look at too many of them.Sum up Gute's thoughts he's talked about. Length = more catch radius. Length and just high RAS just increases that more. More catch radius helps complete more passes. Also Packers are big in good WR blocking and the big/stronger they are, the better the blocking.

[CheezWizHed]

As for TE, they have Deguara who was for all intents and purposes still a rookie last year plus Dafney and Davis. I think Tonyan will be back because coming off of the injury and starting the season on the PUP there won't be a strong demand for him as a FA; I think he'll be back relatively cheap on a one-year deal.

 

None of those are great blockers though. Perhaps Davis becomes that, but no one else is built to replace Mercedes. It wouldn't surprise me to see someone like Charlie Kolar (6'6' 260 - Iowa) be drafted in the middle rounds.

[Fear The Chorizo]

I think the next month needs to unfold before we all know what blatant roster holes need filling and exactly where the Packers are picking....

 

Having said that, WR, TE, DL, and LB are three position groups of notable need that I'd hope the Packers focus a good chunk of their draft towards.

I'm going to substitute OT for TE.

 

Kelly is a FA. Nijman is a RFA (not exclusive rights) and I think he played well enough at LT that someone will make an offer that the Packers won't be able to fit under their cap. Turner is in the last year of his deal and might have to be a cap casualty if they manage to retain Nijman. And Bakh has questions surrounding his health and ability to get back on the field. Point being, Kelly and I think one of Nijman or Turner aren't back. I don't know if the Packers view Newman as having RT potential, but if they lose Nijman they will need to draft a tackle to develop.

 

As for TE, they have Deguara who was for all intents and purposes still a rookie last year plus Dafney and Davis. I think Tonyan will be back because coming off of the injury and starting the season on the PUP there won't be a strong demand for him as a FA; I think he'll be back relatively cheap on a one-year deal.

 

I get the viewpoint of needing more lineman, and agree - but I still feel TE is a bigger immediate roster hole than OL with the uncertainty of how soon Tonyan is back healthy with that knee. I'm basing that off an assumption that Bakh is ready for the 2022 regular season - a big assumption but frankly one the Packers have to also make considering his huge contract. Also hoping Jenkins is able to be back at some point next season.

 

I do hope Deguara takes that next step, but I'm anticipating Lewis is gone, and they need another TE that is an effective run blocker on the roster.

[Joseph Zarr]

Any thoughts on the top WRs? Any favorites? I'm interested in opinions of players who could potentially fall to us (or we could trade up for).

 

I've listed the five WRs that show up as first rounders in mock drafts (there are more than these five - just these guys are pretty much in all the mocks).

 

The interesting thing is that they are all over the map. With this many WRs available, it's possible one (or more) could fall to us. Any thoughts on these guys? Preferences? Who to avoid?

 

Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

Drake London, WR, USC

Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

 

I feel we really need an infusion of talent at WR spot - even if we bring back Adams and Rodgers. It doesn't have to be in the first round - but if the value is there, I'd be happy to see them make the leap.

 

The Packers, historically, take OL/Edge/DL in the First. The likelihood they change that philosophy is slim but if they did...this is how I see your list:

 

Wilson and Olave are both gone by the Packers. Olave is the closest thing I've seen - routewise and footwork wise - to Davante Adams. He has an incredible release and deceptive speed and great great hands at the catch point. As much as I love Olvae (and, I would be thrilled to pair him with Adams - that would be a dream scenario), scouts might grade Wilson even higher. IF the Pack want either, they are going to have to trade up - not likely.

 

Burks and Williams 'could' be there but most likely are nabbed just before the Packers pick. Of the two, Williams even with his ACL is most likely to go first.

 

Which leaves, in my view, the most likely WR's available at the Packers selection to be:

 

(1) Drake London

 

 

 

(2) Treylon Burks

 

 

And, that's muh take currently.

[Joseph Zarr]

I think the next month needs to unfold before we all know what blatant roster holes need filling and exactly where the Packers are picking....

 

Having said that, WR, TE, DL, and LB are three position groups of notable need that I'd hope the Packers focus a good chunk of their draft towards.

I'm going to substitute OT for TE.

 

Kelly is a FA. Nijman is a RFA (not exclusive rights) and I think he played well enough at LT that someone will make an offer that the Packers won't be able to fit under their cap. Turner is in the last year of his deal and might have to be a cap casualty if they manage to retain Nijman. And Bakh has questions surrounding his health and ability to get back on the field. Point being, Kelly and I think one of Nijman or Turner aren't back. I don't know if the Packers view Newman as having RT potential, but if they lose Nijman they will need to draft a tackle to develop.

 

As for TE, they have Deguara who was for all intents and purposes still a rookie last year plus Dafney and Davis. I think Tonyan will be back because coming off of the injury and starting the season on the PUP there won't be a strong demand for him as a FA; I think he'll be back relatively cheap on a one-year deal.

 

I get the viewpoint of needing more lineman, and agree - but I still feel TE is a bigger immediate roster hole than OL with the uncertainty of how soon Tonyan is back healthy with that knee. I'm basing that off an assumption that Bakh is ready for the 2022 regular season - a big assumption but frankly one the Packers have to also make considering his huge contract. Also hoping Jenkins is able to be back at some point next season.

 

I do hope Deguara takes that next step, but I'm anticipating Lewis is gone, and they need another TE that is an effective run blocker on the roster.

 

 

My favorite 'Packers' TE in this draft is Jeremy Ruckert out of Ohio State. I absolutely love his game. We probably would need to consider spending a 2nd or, in the very least, trade up in the 3rd for him. I think he is extremely underrated, personally.

[reillymcshane]

 

The Packers, historically, take OL/Edge/DL in the First. The likelihood they change that philosophy is slim but if they did...this is how I see your list:

 

Wilson and Olave are both gone by the Packers. Olave is the closest thing I've seen - routewise and footwork wise - to Davante Adams. He has an incredible release and deceptive speed and great great hands at the catch point. As much as I love Olvae (and, I would be thrilled to pair him with Adams - that would be a dream scenario), scouts might grade Wilson even higher. IF the Pack want either, they are going to have to trade up - not likely.

 

Burks and Williams 'could' be there but most likely are nabbed just before the Packers pick. Of the two, Williams even with his ACL is most likely to go first.

 

Which leaves, in my view, the most likely WR's available at the Packers selection to be:

 

(1) Drake London

 

 

(2) Treylon Burks

 

And, that's muh take currently.

The interesting thing is that of those five WRs - they end up all over the place on Mock Drafts. In at least one mock, each guy falls to the Packers (of course, in several mocks all the WRs are gone).

 

Looking at scouting reports of the WRs, we would do well to get any of them.

 

One interesting thing to watch for the quarterbacks. Some mocks have several in the first round - some have none. The more QBs that rise up, the more chance we get a better player (unless we want a QB - which would cause a lot of heads to explode if we picked one in the 1st round).

 

Still lots of time for things to shake out. Going to be fun.

[CheezWizHed]

I've heard there aren't any sure-fire QBs for the 1st round this year, but I'm guessing someone will reach because of the position.

 

Likewise with TE, I've read that there aren't any worthy of a 2nd round pick and a bunch that are similar in the 3rd-4th rounds.

 

Granted, that will all change once the combine hits.

[LouisEly]

As for the TEs in this class, size does not appear to be correlated with blocking skills. Kolar is considered to be a willing blocker but poor technique and pad level and loses leverage quickly and easily.

 

The best blocking TE in the draft might be one of the smallest and someone nobody is talking about - San Jose State's Derrick Deese, Jr., listed at 6'4", 235. Yes, his father is that Derrick Deese, thus why he may be the best blocking TE in the draft. He also caught 47 passes for 735 yards this past season. Second best blocking TE is probably Oregon State's Teagan Quitoriano. Both guys should be available later on day 3.

 

My hope is that the QBs are slim pickings at the end of the first and someone wants to trade up to the Packers spot to get whoever is left, with GB moving down to early in the 2nd and getting a 3rd or couple of 4ths. Then GB takes from whichever of the DTs are still available (Leal, Wyatt, Jones, Mathis, Winfrey) and then goes WR/Edge/ILB/OT. There's a big dropoff in DT talent after the top six, and Barry likes to be able to pressure with his front four and drop seven, so I think GB goes DT no later than their 2nd round pick.

 

A CB will be in there somewhere, maybe two - Douglas, King, and Sullivan are free agents and Douglas may have priced himself out of a return. Edge will need to be in there with Z. Smith likely gone, possibly P. Smith, and nothing for backups.

 

GB will have lots of roster spots to fill, so day 3 draft picks may be based more on roster quantity than quality.

[reillymcshane]

I've heard there aren't any sure-fire QBs for the 1st round this year, but I'm guessing someone will reach because of the position.

 

Likewise with TE, I've read that there aren't any worthy of a 2nd round pick and a bunch that are similar in the 3rd-4th rounds.

 

Granted, that will all change once the combine hits.

In addition to QB and TE, the other position that might not get picked in the first round is running back.

 

The Athletic recently released their Top 100 prospects. Top QB was #31 (although there were four quarterbacks between 31-41 - so borderline first rounders each). Top RB was at #41. Top TE was at #60.

 

A note - this was their rankings - not a mock draft. So nothing on need of the team anything like that.

[Joseph Zarr]

I've heard there aren't any sure-fire QBs for the 1st round this year, but I'm guessing someone will reach because of the position.

 

Likewise with TE, I've read that there aren't any worthy of a 2nd round pick and a bunch that are similar in the 3rd-4th rounds.

 

Granted, that will all change once the combine hits.

In addition to QB and TE, the other position that might not get picked in the first round is running back.

 

The Athletic recently released their Top 100 prospects. Top QB was #31 (although there were four quarterbacks between 31-41 - so borderline first rounders each). Top RB was at #41. Top TE was at #60.

 

A note - this was their rankings - not a mock draft. So nothing on need of the team anything like that.

 

Tony Pauline, who I tend to lean on during this time of year, has Jalen Wydermyer as a Top 10 overall prospect. I definitely noticed this, fwiw.

 

EDIT to ADD: Just for perspective (and I know you know this), on the same PFN site:

 

Oliver Hodgkinson has Wydermyer as his #2 overall TE at 62 overall ( he has Isaiah Likely out of Coastal Carolina his #1 and current #43 overall)

 

Ian Cummings also has Isaiah Likely his #1 and 48th overall BUT has Trey McBride out of CSU his #2 and #57 overall with Wydermyer coming in his TE #3 and #79 overall.

 

Tony also has Jeremy Ruckert his #2 TE and #52 overall. I LOVE Ruckert's game and think he is vastly underrated so I tend to lean Tony Pauline...once again. Now, keep in mind, Tony also loved Jace coming out of Texas A&M and felt he had very reasonable upside in the NFL. Something I didn't disagree with. Unfortunately, it was quite obvious Jace never had the mental part of his life or game down in any way.

[madbad2000]

Wydermeyer as a top ten overall prospect?!! Wow, I was not too impressed with his tape and probably have him as Te 3 or 4. I don't see him as the next Martellus Bennett or anything. I was expecting more out of Isaiah Likely too. Perhaps a Kyle Pitts-lite was too high of a bar, but I didn't see anything popping off film with him either. Even his 99 yard TD catch seemed flat. If he comes out and runs really well, his stock will boom though. I really like McBride out of CSU. It's not too often that a TE becomes the focal point of your offense, but they definitely ran things through him and he responded. Makes a lot of nice catches in tight spaces too. I don't see him as that big open field threat, but a great security blanket with strong red zone ability. Ruckert has the pedigree and flashed at times. I think a good system will make him shine. I would bet at this point we see two gone in round 2 (Likely and McBride). One other could sneak in there too Wydermeyer.

[Jenkins5]

Not a homer take but kind of a homer take. I honestly wouldn't mind Fergy at all. With way people are rating him, he could give great day 3 value. Early on at UW he was thought about as a possible first round talent (after redshirt soph year, early rankings going into rd junior season had him very high). QB issues really hurt him this year. Nagy raved about him during senior bowl week and then he had a very good game. He can run block and scouts rave about his hands (plus us Badger fans already know that). His combine will be very interesting.

 

Overall I think the combine will be huge for this TE class because it is so tightly bunched and people are all over with the pecking order. Some need to separate themselves a bit. I also like Madbad really like McBride. If Big Dog Lewis is back again next season, it gives you time to develop his blocking more and let him do more of what he is best at. I want Tonyan back. Not sure what happened to his blocking this season but he has become a favorite of mine.