The Green Bay Packers load up on skill positions and get some more trench help in this seven round 2022 mock draft.
It was another year of heartbreak for the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs, as another 13-win season ended with a loss in the postseason. The offense couldn’t get anything going outside of a few drives, and the special teams issues came to a head in the form of a blocked punt and a block field goal.
After another failure, the question last offseason returns again. Is this it for Aaron Rodgers in a Packers uniform? If you listen to how Matt LaFleur spoke on Saturday and Monday, it sounds like no is the answer. LaFleur stated that ownership and him want to see Rodgers return, and that there won’t be a rebuild at 1265 Lombardi Avenue. As for Rodgers, he articulated that he doesn’t want to be part of a rebuild.
Besides all of that with Rodgers, the salary cap will be the biggest hurdle with everything. They are estimated to be nearly $40 million above the cap according to Spotrac, which leaves tough decisions across the board. Do the Smith brothers return? Is it possible to bring back Davante Adams or even Marquez Valdes-Scantling? With extensions looming for Elgton Jenkins and Jaire Alexander, Brian Gutekunst, Russ Ball, and LaFleur have a few months of difficult work in front of them.
Green Bay Packers Mock Draft: Skill Position Reload
Taking a peek at the 2022 NFL Draft with everything the Green Bay Packers face brings about a ton of options in the first two days, and plenty of avenues they can take. Let’s take a look at one possibility with a 7-round Green Bay Packers mock draft.
Note: This mock draft was completed using the NFL Mock Draft Database simulator.
Round 1, 28th Overall: Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State
As was stated already, it’s going to be an interesting situation at edge rusher this offseason. Za’Darius Smith’s post on Instagram feels like a goodbye, but a Preston Smith extension would make sense to clear some space. The latter has been a force setting the edge and helping out the perimeter run defense while also generating some pressure.
If not though, finding a player to rush opposite Rashan Gary is huge, even if the organization still likes Jonathan Garvin. The 2022 NFL Draft is loaded at edge rusher, and the Green Bay Packers land one in Cameron Thomas here in the first round.
Thomas may not be in the upper echelon of prospects that’ll go top 10 in this draft, but he’s firmly entrenches in the second tier with the talent he has. He’s been described as a “west coast Aidan Hutchinson”.
Thomas possesses a ton of explosion and athleticism as a pass rusher. He can slant to attack gaps and win on the outside track. Thomas has impressive closing speed and can convert speed to power. His production speaks for itself, as he had 11.5 sacks and a whopping 20.5 tackles for loss in 2021. Gary and Thomas would not be fun for opposing offensive lines.
Round 2, 59th Overall: Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina
The tight end position for the Green Bay Packers is another one with plenty of questions as the offseason begins. Marcedes Lewis has played well acting as a third tackle, and gave Rodgers someone reliable when called upon in the passing game, but he’s been up there in age. Robert Tonyan is coming off an ACL tear, and could leave in free agency.
If they both go, it leaves 2020 third round Josiah Deguara, Tyler Davis, and potentially Dominique Dafney. Deguara and Davis both have the ability to work inline, but are a bit limited in terms of receiving production.
With that said, why not add someone who can basically be a wide receiver playing the tight end position, a “power slot” if you will (shout out Nate Tice of The Athletic). Coastal Carolina’s Isaiah Likely can be that guy.
His production was extremely impressive in 2021, catching 59 passes for 912 yards and 12 touchdowns, an impressive 15.5 yards per reception. He has incredible play speed for his size, along with functional athleticism to be a separator along with the burst and explosion to house everything he catches. Likely’s ball skills are also impressive, and he still has the frame to develop as a blocker. He’d be a phenomenal addition and another fun move piece for LaFleur in the Packers offense.
Round 3, 92nd Overall: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
Ah yes, the wide receiver position, something the Green Bay Packers have played a little too conservative with in the last couple drafts. With Adams, Valdes-Scantling, and Equanimeous St. Brown set to be free agents, the room looks a little bare for 2022. Even Allen Lazard could get matched on his RFA offer sheet and go somewhere else. Even if he stays, it leaves Randall Cobb (a possible cut), Amari Rodgers, and Juwan Winfree.
It’s time to finally address receiver, and this Packers mock draft will do just that. It starts here by adding an extremely intriguing playmaker in North Dakota State Bison Christian Watson.
Watson will be down at the Senior Bowl next week, and could open some eyes with his play. He’s listed at 6’4″ and 210 pounds, and has impressive arm length that offers a massive catch radius. Watson is a great blend of size and speed and was used as a deep threat for the Bison. However, he also got some reps working in pre-snap motion, and even got touches working jet motion to maximize that speed.
It’s hard to imagine that LaFleur sees Watson and doesn’t have him on the 2022 NFL Draft board come April. The skill set is fun, and the potential is extremely high.
Round 4, 128th Overall: Bryan Cook, S, Cincinnati
The secondary feels like a strong area for the Green Bay Packers, as an Eric Stokes and Jaire Alexander duo sounds awesome for years to come. Don’t rule out the possibility of Rasul Douglas returning, as he says he’d love to be back. The question is at safety, as Adrian Amos carries a big cap number for 2022 and Darnell Savage might be best working in the star position.
Even still, depth could be used at the position, and Bryan Cook would be an excellent add. Cook has the ball skills (two interceptions, nine passes defensed in 2021) and is a phenomenal tackler with the intent to finish. He can be moved around in a defense like the Packers deploy.
Round 4, 137th Overall: Tyler Smith, OL, Tulsa
It wouldn’t be a Packers mock draft without an offensive lineman would it? Even with how well the depth played when called upon in 2021, there’s no reason to be complacent here, especially with Lucas Patrick and Dennis Kelly as free agents in 2022. Hopefully Yosh Nijman returns on the offer sheet, but versatility would be welcomed.
Tyler Smith is an extremely fun player out of Tulsa. He needs some development to clean up technique, but he’s a mauler with impressive pop in his hands, a strong lower half, and a finisher’s mentality. He’s got the tackle experience but could have the versatility to play outside and inside.
Round 5, 169th Overall: Matthew Butler, DL, Tennessee
I can hear folks who are upset about the Green Bay Packers not addressing the defensive line until now, but the reality is it’s another down year. Adding more depth is absolutely on the table though. Matthew Butler would be a fun addition from Tennessee, who plays with heavy hands and good power to be a penetrator while also staying rock solid against the run.
Round 7, 224th Overall: Makai Polk, WR, Mississippi State
Another wide receiver for the Packers?! Yes indeed! After drafting Watson in the third round, they go back to the well and select Mississippi State’s Makai Polk. Polk is another good deep threat with a long, wirey frame. He’s quick to stack and would add more explosiveness to the offense.
Round 7, 245th Overall: Malcolm Rodriguez, LB, Oklahoma State
Don’t rule out the Green Bay Packers finding a way to bring back De’Vondre Campbell if given the chance. While it may sever other deals from happening, it could be worth it while the Packers look elsewhere in the 2022 NFL Draft. Malcolm Rodriguez is an instinctive player with a great motor and improving coverage skills.
Round 7, 255th Overall: Cal Adomitis, LS, Pittsburgh
Oh yes, it’s happening here. Special teams are important too, and continuing to expect improvement to happen without action to change is insanity. It starts with a draft pick at long snapper, grabbing Cal Adomitis out of Pittsburgh here in the seventh round to finish things up. He will be down at the Senior Bowl.