Packers: 10 potential first-round targets in 2022 NFL Draft
As it currently stands, the Green Bay Packers are slated to have two first-round picks in tonight’s NFL Draft.
They will be picking at No. 22 and No. 28 overall.
The franchise has five different needs. Wide receiver is the clear-cut position that GM Brian Gutekunst needs to make sure he addresses.
The other four positions just need depth. Those spots are offensive line, edge rusher, inside linebacker, and safety.
With that said, here are the 10 prospects that the team could be choosing between for two draft slots:
Pick No. 22
Arkansas WR Treylon Burks: The Green Bay offense is in need of more receivers after the losses of Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling this offseason.
A big-bodied, physical player like Burks can provide Aaron Rodgers with a big-play threat on the outside that has enough wiggle to shake defenders when one-on-one.
Michigan CB/S Daxton Hill: With safeties Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage slated to possibly hit free agency next season and with the decision to not re-sign Henry Black, Green Bay is in need of both depth and a possible future starter on the back end of the defense.
Hill’s speed, explosiveness, coverage skills, and versatility make him one of the most talented defenders in the draft.
Ohio State WR Chris Olave: Olave’s smooth route-running ability, soft hands, football IQ and intuition make him one of the best receivers in the draft.
Olave playing in Matt LaFleur’s offense is an exciting proposition considering he has elite speed, which would allow Green Bay to use him multiple ways (jet sweeps, fly routes, and WR screens).
Georgia LB Nakobe Dean: The Packers have two starting ILBs in All-Pro De’Vondre Campbell and third-year veteran Krys Barnes.
But Georgia churns out elite defensive players better than anyone. Dean is no different. His excellent sideline-to-sideline speed, ability to fill the hole, pass-coverage skills, and strong technique make him the best ILB in the draft.
Defensive coordinator Joe Barry would love another player like this in the middle of his defense.
Georgia DT Jordan Davis: The Packers’ defense does not necessarily need anymore defensive tackle help, especially after the signing of Jarran Reed this offseason.
But Davis is a unicorn. In other words, players like him don’t come around very often.
Davis stands at 6-foot-6, 341 pounds but has 4.7 speed. That is ridiculous. He would be an absolute bully up front. His strength is overwhelming. His technique is top-tier. He is in his own class.
He would bring back memories of Gilbert Brown for Packers fans. Davis has Hall-of-Fame potential.
Pick No. 28
Purdue EDGE George Karlaftis: Behind Preston Smith and Rashan Gary, there is not much experience. Jonathan Garvin and Tipa Galeia are not ready for meaningful snaps quite yet.
Karlaftis can play both inside and out. His pass-rush speed and strength are some of the best in the draft. Imagine a defensive front with Smith, Karlaftis, Kenny Clark, Reed, and Gary.
That would be one of the more dominant lines in the game.
Boston College OL Zion Johnson: The Packers are one of the best teams at churning out elite offensive lines. Versatility is a key part of those lines.
Zion Johnson is predominantly a guard but has experience playing tackle. His power, wide base, elite leverage, and technical savvy make him a solid option for Green Bay.
While versatile Pro Bowler Elgton Jenkins returns from his ACL tear, and after the losses of Billy Turner and Lucas Patrick, the Packers need more depth. Johnson would certainly give them that.
Georgia WR George Pickens: If Green Bay wants to sit back and wait for a solid prospect at WR, they may just be able to do that. Pickens, before his ACL injury last season and despite his possible character issues, is one of the premier WR talents in the country.
His big-play ability, edge, and size (6-foot-3) are all things that Green Bay needs. Aaron Rodgers would absolutely love this selection. He could be a true No. 1 WR someday.
Northern Iowa T Trevor Penning: Green Bay is looking to build up the offensive line. Drafting a 6-foot-7 lineman is a pretty good start. His IQ, speed, and savviness are all perfect traits for elite tackles.
After losing Billy Turner and choosing not to re-sign Dennis Kelly, the offensive line needs some bigger bodies up front. Penning’s potential as a run-blocker is also very solid and could be a great asset for Matt LaFleur.
North Dakota State WR Christian Watson: The Packers’ WR corps needs both more size and speed. Watson has the perfect combo of both traits. He stands at 6-foot-4 and has 4.3 speed.
He can line up anywhere from the backfield, to the slot, to out wide. His game-breaking speed could allow the Packers to use him as both a gadget player and a possible No. 1 option.