Packers: Grades for 2022 draft class after first season
It was a disappointing season for the Green Bay Packers, but a positive was the play of the rookie class.
Many first-year players showed their talent and potential in 2022.
With season number one complete for the rookies, here are our grades for each of the Packers’ 2022 draft picks.
Round 1: Quay Walker – B
Walker was inconsistent and still has areas to improve, but he showed a ton of potential in year one. It’s clear why the Packers drafted him in the first round.
He immediately took on a key role in the middle of Joe Barry’s defense, starting 16 games. Walker finished the season with a team-best 121 tackles, five tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles.
Walker’s ability in coverage stood out. According to Pro Football Reference, he gave up just 24 completions of 45 targets (53.3%) for 184 yards and no touchdowns. He broke up seven passes and allowed a passer rating of just 63.6.
If Walker can make a second-year jump, he could be a breakout star in 2023.
Round 1: Devonte Wyatt – C+
Wyatt impressed when he got opportunities, but for some reason, the Packers preferred to play Dean Lowry over him.
However, Lowry suffered an injury late in the season, leading to more snaps for Wyatt. And he showed off his first-round ability, including a sack in the season finale, a great sign for the future.
Despite only playing a limited role, Wyatt was included in Pro Football Focus’ All-Rookie Team.
Round 2: Christian Watson – A
Injuries and inconsistency meant Watson made a slow start. He dropped a potential 75-yard touchdown on his very first NFL play after beating Patrick Peterson in coverage.
However, from Week 10 onwards, Watson looked unstoppable.
With his rare athleticism, speed, and size, Watson gave defenses all sorts of problems. In the final eight games of the regular season, he made 31 catches for 523 yards and seven touchdowns.
Watson is a player to build the offense around. He can become a special player for the Packers.
Round 3: Sean Rhyan – F
What is it with the Packers and third-round picks? According to Pro Football Reference, Rhyan played one snap, on special teams, all season.
He was also suspended for six games in November.
Round 4: Romeo Doubs – C+
Doubs was the Packers’ best rookie receiver in the first half of the season, making 31 catches for 314 yards and three touchdowns. He is a good route-runner and can make tough contested catches.
However, he struggled for consistency after suffering an ankle injury in Week 9. He made five catches for 55 yards in his first game back, but had just six receptions for 56 yards in the final three games of the year.
Still, Doubs showed potential early in the season and can be an important player for the Packers moving forward.
Round 4: Zach Tom – B+
A future starter? Tom certainly could be.
Tom played both tackle positions and guard throughout the season when needed. And he showed a ton of potential. He replaced Yosh Nijman at right tackle in Week 18 and held up well against Aidan Hutchinson.
GM Brian Gutekunst may have found another great starting offensive lineman.
Round 5: Kingsley Enagbare – C+
Anytime a rookie fifth-rounder can start seven games in year one, it’s an encouraging sign. Enagbare saw his role increase following Rashan Gary’s injury, and he had some great moments.
Enagbare finished with three sacks and eight quarterback hits.
He can become a key part of the pass-rush rotation, and it will be exciting to see how much he improves in year two.
Round 7: Tariq Carpenter – B
Carpenter was drafted to be a backup safety and to contribute on special teams. By the end of the season, he had become an important contributor on special teams.
Round 7: Jonathan Ford – Incomplete
Ford was inactive all season. The Packers will hope he can contribute in year two with more time to develop his game.
Round 7: Rasheed Walker – Incomplete
It’s a similar story for Walker, who was limited to a handful of special teams snaps in the one game he was active for.
Round 7: Samori Toure – C
Toure didn’t play a whole lot, but he did show some potential. His most impressive play came in Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills. Toure made a nice adjustment on his route, a veteran move, to get open for a 37-yard touchdown.