Packers 2022 mock draft featuring Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams trades

Round 1 (9): Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Cornerback might not be Green Bay’s biggest need with the starting combination of Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes, but Rasul Douglas and Chandon Sullivan are both free agents, and depth is a concern.

Even if one of them returns, this was a rare opportunity to draft a potential future All-Pro at the cornerback position. Cincinnati’s Ahmad Gardner has superstar potential and is one of the best players in the entire class.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared Gardner to Richard Sherman, writing that he “has the traits and demeanor to become a highly effective CB1 within his first couple of seasons”.

With Gardner and Stokes on the outside and Alexander in the “star” position, the Packers could quickly have the best cornerback trio in the league, and all of them would be 25 years old or younger.

Round 1 (22): Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

I was absolutely delighted to see Utah’s Devin Lloyd still on the board at No. 22. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah ranked him as the eighth best player in the entire class, writing that he “has Pro Bowl potential”. With De’Vondre Campbell potentially leaving in free agency, the Packers would land a future star at inside linebacker.

Round 1 (28): Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State

Either Preston Smith or Za’Darius Smith could be gone — or both of them — this offseason. Rashan Gary will lead the way for the Packers’ pass rush but he needs some help. Enter Florida State’s Jermaine Johnson II, who made 11.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss in 12 games this season.

“Johnson has good size, athleticism, technique, and functional strength while playing the game with tremendous urgency and features a high football IQ,” wrote The Draft Network’s Joe Marino.