Packers 2022 Draft: Five realistic first-round targets

With the 2022 NFL Draft drawing closer, the Green Bay Packers have both the 22nd and 28th overall selections. On the horizon are some potential key players in both the Packers’ offense and defense that may be leaving in free agency.

Following the trade of Davante Adams and the re-signing of De’Vondre Campbell, Rasul Douglas, and Robert Tonyan, there are a lot of major implications going into this draft.

The Packers should focus on strengthening their receiving corps, adding depth to the offensive line, and adding another edge rusher to replace Za’Darius Smith and help out the rush for both Preston Smith and Rashan Gary.

Here are some possible first-round draft picks for the Packers:

1. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

The Ohio State wideout looks to be a great number two in the Packers’ offense. Olave is an excellent route-runner and has elite speed, running a 4.31 40-yard dash at the Combine. While he is a little undersized, he has explosive route-running (much like Davante Adams) and has a high football IQ. When he played at Ohio State, Olave was a receiver who generated a lot of separation and with an accurate quarterback like Rodgers, he could become a monster at receiver in the NFL.

He would serve as help for Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb. Although he is a rookie, many first-year receivers have become standout players for their teams such as Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson. There is currently a lack of receivers for the Packers and with Aaron Rodgers coming back for possibly three seasons, it would be good for the front office to add some weapons around him.

2. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

Dean could prove to be a helpful addition next to Packers elite edge rushers Preston Smith and Rashan Gary. Initially, Dean could come in as a sub for either player and provide some needed assistance.

Dean led the Bulldogs’ defense in tackles for loss and won the Dick Butkus Award in 2021. Although he lacks length and sometimes struggles to get off blocks, he is a true tackler and could be there to help stuff the run game, which is desperately needed for the Packers.

3. Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

The Packers have interviewed Jahan Dotson, so he could already be a suitable choice for the team. Dotson was an excellent receiver at Penn State and rarely dropped the ball when he was targeted. Although his route-running isn’t as impressive as Olave’s, he gains a massive amount of separation from cornerbacks and can take the top off the defense.

It is entirely possible that the Packers could choose to take a wide receiver in this year’s first round and Dotson could be that receiver. He harnesses the speed of MVS and the route-running of Davante Adams which will be sorely missed this season since both of them have gone to the AFC.

4. George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue

With more mock drafts having Karlaftis dropping to the second round, it is easy to doubt the edge rusher from Purdue. But Karlaftis is a talented young edge rusher who could be a great addition to the defense.

Karlaftis has explosiveness when taking his first step and has a high motor. He is slippery and get can through offensive linemen with ease despite his size. Standing at 6-foot-4, 275 pounds, Karlaftis could be a major addition to the edge and could prove to be a Clay Matthews-like edge rusher who gets to both quarterbacks and running backs.

5. Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M

The Packers lost both Lucas Patrick and Billy Turner to free agency this year and because of that they lack depth on the offensive line at both the guard and tackle positions.

Green was a five-star prospect coming out of high school and proved to be an elite offensive lineman at Texas A&M where he played all around the offensive line. Green could start out being a guard and then eventually transfer to being a starting right guard for this Packers offensive line.