Packers strengthen pass rush in 2022 three-round mock draft

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

Both Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith face uncertain futures with the Packers. If Aaron Rodgers returns, it’s hard to imagine both of the Smith Bros. will be gone, but it’s entirely possible one of them isn’t back.

If I had to guess, Za’Darius Smith will be released and the Packers work out a long-term deal with Preston Smith. This helps reduce both of their 2022 cap hits.

So that means the Packers enter the new season with breakout star Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, but not much else at edge rusher. Fortunately, this is a good draft class to need some pass-rushing help. In the first round of this mock, the Packers select Florida State’s Jermaine Johnson II.

The ACC Defensive Player of the Year was dominant for Florida State in 2021, making 11.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and a defensive touchdown.

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah has Johnson 20th in his draft rankings, writing that he “should be a three-down player early in his career”.

Johnson would benefit from getting to learn behind starters Gary and Smith, while giving the Packers’ an exciting young pass rusher who can become a star in Joe Barry’s defense.

The Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have shown the importance of pass rush in the past two Super Bowls. With Gary, Smith, and Johnson, the Packers’ pass rush could be dominant in 2022.