The four players selected by the Green Bay Packers during the first two days of the 2022 NFL draft will have a legitimate opportunity to make a sizable impact as rookies on a likely Super Bowl-contending team.
The Packers took linebacker Quay Walker and defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt in the first round, traded up to get receiver Christian Watson in the second round and then finished up Day 2 with offensive lineman Sean Rhyan in the third round.
The Packers accomplished a few important things by getting their big guys early and then making a sizeable investment at receiver, the team’s biggest roster need.
Three of the picks (Walker, Wyatt, Rhyan) will have a real shot at starting jobs on Day 1, and the fourth (Watson) is a high-upside wide receiver who could play a specific role as he develops.
Taking an off-ball linebacker with the 22nd pick was a bit of a surprise, but the Packers realized the value of the position during De’Vondre Campbell’s All-Pro season in 2021, and Walker should step in and give the Packers a three-down sidekick for Campbell right away. He has a rare combination of length (6-4) and speed (4.52) at 242 pounds. Walker and Campbell could be a menacing tandem against the run and pass. Expect the Packers to play more traditional personnel packages on defense (think less dime, more base and nickel) in 2022.
The Packers didn’t hide their interest in getting a penetrating defensive lineman in this draft, and Wyatt fits the bill. He’s 304 pounds but moves like a linebacker, especially laterally. The Packers think he can play multiple spots along the front, so there will be opportunities to get Wyatt and Kenny Clark on the field at the same time – creating a potentially devastating duo on the inside. It won’t be surprising if Wyatt is starting along with Clark and Dean Lowry in the three-man fronts at some point as a rookie. He’s physically ready to play right away and could be a better option than TJ Slaton and Jarran Reed early on in 2022.
The Packers’ most aggressive move came to start Day 2. Brian Gutekunst packaged both of his second-round picks (No. 53, No. 59) to move up to No. 34 and get Watson, one of the most athletic wide receivers to ever enter the NFL. The price to get him was high, but he has the best combination of size and speed at receiver in the class. Will he be a high-volume pass-catcher right away in 2022? Probably not. But he’s versatile, with the ability to handle some gadget touches and also provide a legitimate deep threat in the Marquez Valdes-Scantling role. The Packers could use him as the No. 1 kickoff returner in Week 1. Watson was an All-American as a returner as a junior. Matt LaFleur will find ways of getting him the football as a rookie.
The offensive line needed depth after losing Billy Turner and Lucas Patrick, so the Packers snagged a potential starter in Rhyan in the third round. He started 31 games at left tackle at UCLA but has the size and athletic profile of a guard. Rhyan should compete with Royce Newman to start at right guard right away this summer. He’ll also provide tackle versatility if needed. An athletic lineman with multi-positional versatility is exactly what the Packers needed to add to the group in this draft.
Speaking of athleticism, the Packers got four terrific athletes. All four players tested out in the 93rd percentile or better at their respective position, according to Relative Athletic Score.
The Packers got bigger and faster during the first two days of the draft. The roster is deeper and more talented overall. Both the offensive and defensive lines added potential starters, and both LaFleur on offense and Joe Barry on defense got shiny new weapons to use.
There isn’t a glaring need left on the roster entering Day 3. The Packers will probably add a tight end and edge rusher at some point, and another offensive lineman and receiver are both possible. Safety needs depth. Long snapper can’t be ruled out.
Rookies don’t always contribute right away on good teams, but the Packers look like a Super Bowl contender on paper, and Walker, Wyatt, Watson and Rhyan could all play important roles for LaFleur’s team in 2022.
