Packers Draft Grades
Following an upset loss in the divisional round of last year’s playoffs, and an offseason full of change, the Green Bay Packers entered the 2022 NFL Draft with glaring needs at a few key positions. Did they do enough to capitalize on their closing window of contention and finally return to the Super Bowl? Or will the Davante Adams sized hole in their offense spell the end to Green Bay’s winning ways? Without further ado, let’s dive into the Packers Draft Grade and analyze the possible impact their 11 selections could have going forward.
22nd Overall Selection (RD1-22) Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
Many pundits, including myself, thought the Packers would take advantage of a deep receiver class and select a wideout with one of their two first-round picks. Instead, for the 20th consecutive season, Green Bay decided against taking a wideout in the first round of the draft. Walker is a talented player, with prototypical size, who looks the part of an NFL linebacker. He was a consistent producer for one of the best defenses we’ve ever seen at the collegiate level and is a smart, athletic player capable of playing a significant role early on in his career. Although I like Walker as a prospect and recognize his upside, this pick comes across as a slight reach based on my early second round grade.
Grade: B
28th Overall Selection (RD1-28) Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
With their second Day 1 selection Green Bay chose to double down on Georgia defenders, selecting defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt. Wyatt is a disruptive, high-motor interior presence who utilizes his lateral quickness too. The former JUCO player was an essential piece of the Bulldogs championship defense in 2021, earning recognition as an all-SEC defender. Although he lacks the elite length and power desired for the interior, his toughness and athleticism should allow him to contribute early at the NFL level. In a vacuum, the selection of Wyatt at 28th overall is a fair price to pay for a possible impact defender. However, other prospects that better fit the Packers needs remained available at the time.
Grade: B+
34th Overall Selection (RD2 – 2) Christian Watson, WR, NDSU
The Packers finally addressed their hole at receiver early on Day 2, moving up via trade to select the towering wideout. While two second round picks is a steep price to pay, the Packers deserve credit for making an aggressive move to address a glaring need. Standing at 6’4”, Watson used his impressive combination of speed and length to dominate FCS opponents. He has the elite traits necessary to win at the NFL level if he can adjust to better competition and improve his route running. If not, the Packers may regret missing out on a talented group of first round receivers.
Grade: A-
92nd Overall Selection (RD3 – 28) Sean Rhyan, G, UCLA
With their lone third round pick, the Packers found immense value with versatile offensive lineman Sean Rhyan. Rhyan has the versatility to play at tackle or on the interior in a variety of schemes. He is a solid run blocker who operates with clean footwork and the technical skill required at the professional level. Although he lacks the desired length and foot quickness to play on the edge long-term, I believe he could serve as an immediate starter at either guard position with the ability to play tackle if the need presents itself.
Grade: A
132nd Overall Selection (RD4 – 27) Romeo Doubs, WR, Nevada
Entering the draft, it was clear the Packers needed to secure multiple offensive weapons to help overcome the departure of Davante Adams. After spending three of their first four picks on other positions, the onus was on Brian Gutekunst and Co. to find value at receiver in the later rounds of the draft. They did just that with the selection of Nevada WR Romeo Doubs towards the end of the fourth round. Doubs was extremely productive in college, serving as the primary target for fellow NFL prospect Carson Strong. Similar to their earlier selection of Watson, Doubs provides the prototypical length and athleticism necessary to win as a vertical threat. Although his route tree is limited, and he struggles to create separation, Doubs should be able to find a role as a depth receiver and special teams contributor.
Grade: B+
140nd Overall Selection (RD4 – 35) Zach Tom, G, Wake Forest
Versatility seemed to be a key factor in Green Bay’s selections along the offensive line. With their second selection in round four, the Packers selected Zach Tom out of Wake Forest. Tom is capable of playing any position along the offensive line. Similar to Rhyan, he likely projects as an interior player with the ability to provide depth on the edge. He has the athleticism and technique to excel in pass protection and could push for early playing time at either guard or center in Green Bay’s zone-oriented attack. However, if he is to succeed at the next level, Tom must first prove he has the strength and foundation necessary to thrive inside.
Grade: A
179th Overall Selection (RD5 – 36) Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina
After four straight selections on the offensive side of the ball, the Packers returned to defense with their fifth round pick, selecting Kingsley Enagbare out of South Carolina. This selection came via a trade with Denver, which saw Green Bay move back 8 spots in exchange for an additional 7th round pick. Enagbare is a strong, physical edge rusher who uses a powerful strike to work through blocks and disrupt plays. Enagbare lacks the quickness and bend to contribute consistently on the edge at the NFL level and likely faces a move to the interior. If he can add weight and transition to a role as a run-oriented defender, Enagbare could become a rotational contributor for Green Bay’s defense.
Grade: C+
228th Overall Selection (RD7 – 7) Tariq Carpenter, LB, Georgia Tech
Tariq Carpenter is an experienced, productive athlete who largely played safety during his time at Georgia Tech. He is a willing defender in run support. One who uses his athleticism to operate as a consistent tackler in the box. His combination of valuable traits and promising build make him an intriguing prospect as a hybrid linebacker. As with many of Green Bay’s other selections, Carpenter’s versatility increases his value. However, he likely faces a more difficult transition to his role at the NFL level. Ultimately, Carpenter’s ability to contribute will depend on how Green Bay plans to utilize him.
Grade: C
234th Overall Selection (RD7 – 13) Jonathan Ford, DT, Miami
With the extra seventh round pick acquired in their trade with the Broncos, Green Bay selected defensive tackle Jonathan Ford. At 6’5” and nearly 335 lbs, Ford is an imposing figure on the interior. A three-year starter with Miami, Ford was a productive and powerful presence at nose tackle for the Hurricanes. He showcases adequate power, the ability to disrupt at the point of attack, and the strength to contribute as a run stuffer. On the other hand his size limits his pash rushing ability. Also it likely limits him to an early-down role in run support.
Grade: C
249th Overall Selection (RD7 – 28) Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State
After missing both the NFL Combine and Penn State’s own pro day due to injury, Rasheed Walker saw his stock fall significantly over the past few weeks. With their third pick of the seventh round, Green Bay finally selected Walker. Thus, adding an experienced, developmental tackle with enticing measurables for the position. Although his game certainly needs refinement, Walker has the necessary strength and power to make an impact at the position. His struggles with consistent technique and lack of quickness are concerning. But, in the case of this late round selection, the possible reward far outweighs the risk.
Grade: A-
258th Overall Selection (RD7 – 37) Samori Toure, WR, Nebraska
With their final selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers selected wide receiver Samori Toure. The former Montana transfer was Nebraska’s leading receiver this past season. Averaging 19.5 yards per catch, Toure solidified his status as a dynamic deep threat who uses his speed and athleticism to create big plays. As with Walker, the Packers are betting on his experience and physical traits to translate to the NFL. If they do, Toure could do a lot more than contribute on special teams.
Grade: B+
Packers Draft Grade Overall: B+
Overall, I have the Green Bay Packers draft graded as a B+. They selected a number of versatile players with high ceilings and the ability to contribute in a variety of roles. At the same time, it seems many of their draftees lack a clear-cut position at the next level. They likely face what could be difficult transitions to the NFL. I love a number of their selections, especially those in later rounds. It seems as though all 6 of their Day 1 and 2 selections could contribute in some fashion immediately. What that usage will look like remains to be seen.
Their numerous Day 3 selections will provide all-important depth to a team looking to contend deep into next year’s playoffs. Ultimately, the success of this draft will be determined by the ability of Watson, Doubs, and Toure to fill the void left by Davante Adams departure. They will be asked to contribute early on and if things go poorly, given Aaron Rodgers’ penchant for struggling to work with young receivers, frustrations may boil over quickly in Green Bay.
Packers Draft Grade Analyst- Ryan Kalukin.
