Packers trade down in final 2022 four-round mock draft
The long wait for the 2022 NFL Draft is over. We are finally here, hours away from the Green Bay Packers hitting the clock for the first time.
We’re officially in lying season. Teams don’t want to reveal their draft secrets.
Which direction will the Packers go in on draft day?
Let’s dive into my final four-mock draft for 2022.
Round 1 (22): Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
With Dax Hill, Green Bay’s secondary becomes arguably the best in the NFL.
The Packers already boast an excellent cornerback trio and a talented starting safety duo. Add in a player like Hill, who can play safety and slot corner, and look out.
Joe Barry’s defense lacks a third safety and it’s currently unclear who the best option is to play the “star” position. Maybe it’s Jaire Alexander or Darnell Savage. Perhaps it would be Hill.
Drafting Hill would give Barry flexibility. If Savage plays a bigger role in the slot, Hill can start at safety alongside Adrian Amos.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote that Hill has an “outstanding blend of speed, explosiveness and coverage versatility.”
A first-team All-Big Ten in 2021, Hill would be a great addition to the Packers’ defense.
Round 2 (38): George Pickens, WR, Georgia
Don’t be surprised if the Packers make their pick at No. 22 then trade out of the first round from No. 28. Here, they move down 10 spots but add two fourth-rounders.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Packers are among a few teams that “have done lots of homework on” Georgia wide receiver George Pickens.
As Fowler noted, Pickens could be a Day 2 pick “due in part to off-the-field concerns”.
On talent alone, Pickens could be a first-rounder. He offers the size and athleticism the Packers love, and he’s also a tremendous run-blocker. Pickens could be Green Bay’s next WR1.
Round 2 (53): Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma
Green Bay needs some depth at edge rusher, and finds it in Round 2.
Oklahoma’s Nik Bonitto is a talented pass rusher who could benefit from beginning his NFL career as a backup to Rashan Gary and Preston Smith.
“If he adds some strength, he could emerge as a Pro Bowl talent,” wrote NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, who has Bonitto 44th in his prospect rankings.
Bonitto is a phenomenal athlete with a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.31 out of 10, and has great potential as a pass rusher.
Round 2 (59): Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati
Alec Pierce has an outstanding combination of size (6-foot-3, 211 pounds), speed (4.41 40-yard dash), and athleticism (RAS of 9.82 out of 10).
Pierce is an excellent deep threat, something Green Bay needs after losing Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The Cincinnati wide receiver would be a perfect fit in Matt LaFleur’s offense.
Oh, and he grew up a Packers fan.
Round 3 (92): Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State
I’d like to introduce you to the Packers’ next starting right tackle. Washington State’s Abraham Lucas has the talent to start early in his career.
Where would Elgton Jenkins play when he returns from injury? Considering he is a Pro Bowl-level talent at all five positions, it would be a nice problem to have. Maybe a return to guard would make sense.
Round 4 (111): Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, Green Bay has “done a lot of work on” on tight end Jelani Woods.
Understandably so.
Woods is 6-foot-7, 259 pounds and is a talented blocker. With Marcedes Lewis entering a contract year, Woods could be his long-term replacement.
According to Kent Lee Platte, Woods has an RAS of 10 out of 10, ranking first out of 998 tight ends since 1987. Impressive.
Round 4 (117): Phidarian Mathis, DL, Alabama
Green Bay gets some more defensive line depth on Day 3. Alabama’s Phidarian Mathis could become an instant contributor in Joe Barry’s defense.
He is a talented defender against both the run and pass. In 2021, he made nine sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss.
Round 4 (132): Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor
The Packers have a need for speed on offense, and Baylor’s Tyquan Thornton provides plenty of that.
Thornton ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash and could immediately contribute as a deep threat.
Round 4 (140): Dominique Robinson, EDGE, Miami (OH)
Dominique Robinson played quarterback and wide receiver before transitioning to edge rusher. He needs time to develop but his upside is obvious.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared Robinson to Whitney Mercilus, writing that he “projects as an unpolished gem with a high ceiling and stable floor.”
Robinson wouldn’t need to play a full-time role early in his career and would be a player to develop for the future.