The Packers’ decision to trade Davante Adams has led to plenty of questions about the direction the team will take in the upcoming draft. With Rodgers re-signed for another four years, the team is in win-now mode and need to reload their receiving corps to be contenders in 2022. As things stand, their starters are Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and Malik Taylor.
Outside of wide receiver, the team also has needs along the offensive line, the defensive front seven, and on special teams. This mock was done using PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator and represents what I would do if I were the GM of the Packers.
You can read more of my 2022 NFL Draft content here.
Round 1, Pick 22 – Drake London | WR, USC
With Adams gone, the Packers are in dire need of a new WR1. Few prospects fit that bill better than London. Like Adams, he isn’t a speedster, but he is able to win consistently thanks to a good release package and smart route running. London has the size to win on the boundary and is excellent in contested catch situations. He is also one of the more dynamic YAC threats in this class. London racked up 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns in just eight games this season and he’ll still be just 20 years old at the time of the draft.
Round 1, Pick 28 – Kenyon Green | IOL, Texas A&M
With the departure of Lucas Patrick and Billy Turner, the Packers could do with investing in their offensive line. Green has been a three-year starter for the Aggies, starting at every offensive line spot other than center. He possesses the ideal combination of strength and athleticism and should be a nice fit in Green Bay’s zone-heavy rushing attack. With Elgton Jenkins’ long-term future possibly playing tackle, Green would shore up the Packers interior for years to come.
Round 2, Pick 53 – Skyy Moore | WR, Western Michigan
The Packers got their Adams replacement in the first round, but this receiving corps isn’t fixed with one new player. With Marquez Valdes-Scantling likely departing in free agency, the team needs a field-stretcher who can beat defenses over the top. They get that with Moore, who ran a 4.41 at the Combine. He might be a little undersized at 5’10” and 195 lbs, but he has shown the ability to win as a boundary receiver thanks to an excellent release package. His versatility should fit nicely in Green Bay’s offense.
Round 2, Pick 59 – Bernhard Raimann | OT, Central Michigan
With David Bakhtiari approaching his 31st birthday and Billy Turner gone, the Packers need to consider their future at tackle. Whilst Elgton Jenkins may succeed Bakhtiari as Rodgers’ blindside protector, Raimann can fill the need at right tackle. A former tight end from Austria, Raimann converted to tackle just two years ago. He already showcases great technique and athleticism and allowed just 10 pressures on 475 pass blocking snaps in 2021.
Round 3, Pick 92 – Quay Walker | LB, Georgia
The Packers have re-signed De’Vondre Campbell, but they still need another quality option at linebacker. Walker would be tremendous value at this spot, and he has the potential to develop into Campbell’s long-term replacement. Walker is a quick processor, who reads the game very well. He is solid in coverage, but his best play comes against the run. Walker is also one of the most reliable tacklers in this class, with just seven misses on 138 career attempts.
Round 4, Pick 132 – Jelani Woods | TE, Virginia
Wide receiver might be the biggest weakness on the Packers’ roster right now, but tight end is also a need. As things stand, the two leading options are a 37 year old Marcedes Lewis and Josiah Deguara, who is best suited to a H-back role. The Packers need a dynamic receiving threat at the position and they get that with Woods. He has the size and speed to translate to the NFL, standing at 6’7″ and 253 lbs and running a 4.61 40-yard dash. His 9.97 Relative Athletic Score is also the fourth best of any tight end prospect since 1987. He would be a great fit in Green Bay’s play action-heavy passing attack.
Round 4, Pick 140 – Kyle Philips | WR, UCLA
Philips is a smart and crafty slot receiver with some seriously impressive route running. His game is reminiscent of Hunter Renfrow and he has shown the ability to create consistent separation at the top of his routes thanks to his advanced technique. He offers three years of starting experience, as well as special teams value. Philips averaged 19 yards per punt return during his college career. The Packers could do far worse than nabbing a reliable returner.
Round 5, Pick 171 – Dylan Parham | IOL, Memphis
The Packers love to invest late round picks in their offensive line and the value would be too good to pass up in this case. Parham is a quick and fluid mover, who excels out in space and at the second level. His athletic profile makes him an ideal fit for the Packers’ wide zone offense. He also has experience playing in a similar scheme in college. Parham is good in pass protection too, allowing just one sack on his 1,047 pass blocking snaps over the past two seasons.
Round 7, Pick 228 – Ty Chandler | RB, North Carolina
Running back isn’t an immediate need for the Packers, but with Aaron Jones’ cap hit set to balloon to $20m in 2023, it is safe to say he won’t be Green Bay for much longer. They already have an excellent power back in A.J. Dillon and it would be a smart move to pair him with a smaller, more elusive runner. Chandler posted a Relative Athletic Score of 8.79 at the Combine and has five years of solid production behind him. He is also comfortable as a receiver out of the backfield.
Round 7, Pick 249 – Thomas Booker | IDL, Stanford
The Packers need depth along their interior defensive line and Booker could be a solid contributor. With over 2,000 career snaps under his belt he has plenty of experience. He has also played as a 4-tech in a 3-4 front, which lends itself well to Green Bay’s defense. Booker possesses powerful hands, which pairs with quick feet and good movement skills for a bigger player. He played on special teams at Stanford and was also a finalist for the William Campbell Trophy, awarded to the best scholar-athlete in college football.
Round 7, Pick 258 – Austin Allen | TE, Nebraska
At 6’9″ and 255 lbs, Allen offers a rare size profile at the position. He has also shown himself to be a good receiving threat, finishing the 2021 season with 38 catches for 602 yards and two touchdowns. He offers reliable hands, with just two drops on 67 career catchable targets, and won 66.7% of his contested targets at Nebraska. Allen was also a team captain in college and has experience on special teams.
