Well, in Round 1 of the 2022 NFL draft, the Green Bay Packers did not come away with any wide receiving help for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. But No. 12 appeared to be okay with that, as he discussed what occurred in Round 1 with Pat McAfee.
“I’ve had a little insight,” Rodgers told McAfee. “I’ve been talking with them (Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur) throughout the night. I know they really liked (Devonte) Wyatt early on and were wondering if he was going to be there at either pick, I believe. When the linebacker (Quay Walker) was there in the 20s and all six of those receivers, I believe it was six, who they had first-round grades on were gone … I think it was pretty obvious that they wanted to shore up those two spots (on defense) in their mind, which was another inside backer besides Dre (De’Vondre Campbell) and a defensive lineman to be in the rotation with Kenny Clark and Dean Lowry and (TJ) Slaton.”
I wrote a piece about both Walker and Wyatt last night, as NFL scout Chris Landy gave his take on both of the defensive stalwarts who played with the national champion Georgia Bulldogs.
Tonight, in Round 2 and Round 3, I definitely expect the Packers to add a receiver or two. One possibility is George Pickens of Georgia, who I had the Packers taking the 2nd round in my final 7-round mock draft. In my initial mock draft, I had the Packers taking Christian Watson of North Dakota State in Round 2.
We shall see what happens tonight, but I added three more possible additions at wide receiver. They are David Bell of Purdue, Alec Pierce of Cincinnati and Romeo Doubs of Nevada.
Based on Landry’s wide receiver draft board, Pickens, Watson and Bell look to be selected in Round 2, while Pierce and Doubs could be Round 3 selections.
Bottom line, expect to see at least one wide receiver taken tonight by the Packers. Perhaps two. In terms of Pickens, Watson, Bell, Pierce and Doubs, please see the scouting report on each of them from Landry.
George Pickens (Georgia)
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 200 pounds
Here is Landry’s scouting report on Pickens:
George Pickens came to Georgia as a five-star prospect from Hoover High School. He immediately made an impact his freshman year for the Bulldogs where he compiled 49 REC for 727 YDS and 8 TDS, including 12 REC for 175 YDS and 1 TD against Baylor in the Sugar Bowl. His sophomore year, Pickens had a solid year where he recorded 36 REC for 513 YDS and 6 TDS, including 7 REC for 135 YDS and 1 TD in the Peach Bowl against Cincinnati. Prior to the 2021 season, Pickens tore his ACL on the fourth day of spring practice, which resulted in him only playing in four games for Georgia where he had 5 REC for 107 YDS. Pickens is a WR3 with WR2 upside who wins with his above the line body control, ability to make contested catches at the high point, and outstanding straight-line speed. Pickens will need to improve in his short-to-intermediate route running along with getting bigger and stronger to be able to not get pushed around as easily by more physical cornerbacks in order to reach his full potential.
Christian Watson (North Dakota State)
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 208 pounds
Here is Landry’s scouting report on Watson:
RS Senior who has started 33 of 52 career games, including all 12 in 2021. Two-star HS prospect at 6’2, 175 as a two-year letterman with NFL father and brother in FBS. Redshirted as a freshman. Immediately became a rotational receiver and worked into frequent starts as a RS sophomore and being named to All-MVC second team for championship-winning team. First-team All-American KR in 2020 and First-Team All-MVC WR, followed by 2021 second-team All-American WR and KR, reportedly reaching 23 mph in-game. Under OC Tyler Roehl (third season) and WRs Coach Noah Pauley (third season), player is a chess piece in a run-first traditional offense, primarily as the outside WR but also taking snaps (and carries) as a RB, a slot WR, and at multiple spots in Bunch. Lacks standout statistics due to scheme & decision-making of QB. Starting outside WR you can win because of in a spread or timing-based offense. Elite size/speed receiver who separates with IQ and speed, flashing high-level ball skills to reel in and motor to do the dirty work. Shows traits and experience to be above-average KR.
David Bell (Purdue)
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 210 pounds
Here is Landry’s scouting report on Bell:
David Bell came into Purdue as a four-star recruit from Warren Central High School. He started in every single game during his career, with the exception of this past year where he decided to not participate in Purdue’s bowl game against Tennessee. Immediately, Bell’s impact was felt as he stepped up when Rondale Moore got hurt in 2019 and recorded 86 REC for 1,035 YDS and 7 TDS. These numbers helped Bell to be named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and an AP Freshman All-American for the 2019 season. Despite a COVID-19 shortened season, Bell was still able to compile 53 REC for 625 YDS and 8 TDS in just six games, earning himself First Team All-Big Ten honors. 2021 was arguably Bell’s best as a Boilermaker as he set career-highs in receptions (93), receiving yards (1,286), and yards per catch (13.8). He was named a First-Team All-American, a First-Team All-Big Ten receiver, and he was awarded the Richter-Howard Award for the best receiver in the Big Ten. Bell is a WR2/SLOT who wins with his outstanding body control, above the line route running, and his ability to break leg tackles in the open field. He has a chance to elevate himself if he becomes more proficient in the slot and is able to improve his release off of the LOS (line of scrimmage).
Alec Pierce (Cincinnati)
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 210 pounds
Here is Landry’s scouting report on Pierce:
Alec Pierce was a special teams contributor before earning a starting receiver spot as a sophomore. He operates primarily as an outside receiver and fits well in that spot at the next level as well. He became an impact contributor this past season as he was the go-to big-play threat for the Bearcats offense. He puts together a combination of above the line size , speed, and ball skills, that help him be an outstanding threat over the top. He lacks the short area-agility to be a dynamic route runner, as he will probably be a limited route tree guy at the next level. That said, he is very effective at what he does best, stretching the defense and rising up the make catches, as a deep and intermediate threat. He projects best as a complementary starting outside receiver, who can contribute on special teams if he does not see offensive field time right away.
Romeo Doubs (Nevada)
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 200 pounds
Here is Landry’s scouting report on Doubs:
Doubs has been one of the most productive players in all of college football over the past two seasons and has been Nevada’s best weapon since he arrived as a freshman. He is an explosive athlete with deep speed and a sudden burst out of his cuts. He was able to create separation due to his ability to stretch the defense but should continue to develop his route tree. He is dangerous with the ball in his hands and can be used in a number of different alignments. He has room to grow in his game but projects best an outside receiver with slot versatility at the next level. He will contribute immediately on special teams and has the upside to quickly be a high-level complementary option as a WR2 or 3.
In the 2022 NFL draft in Round 1, the Green Bay Packers did not draft a wide receiver, as there was an early run on the top six receivers in the draft. So general manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur went with another theme in the draft. A championship theme, as the Packers selected two players from the Georgia Bulldogs, who just happened to win the national title in college football in 2021.
The Packers selected two of the better defensive players in the 2022 NFL draft when they selected linebacker Quay Walker of the Bulldogs with pick No. 22 and then the Pack picked another Georgia stalwart at pick No. 28, when they selected defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry of the Packers has to be extremely happy.
The Packers have two picks in Round 2 and one in Round 3 tomorrow night, as the team tries to find some more receiving weapons for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Here is the scouting report on each of the players taken tonight by the Pack from NFL scout Chris Landry, as well as his take on their actual selection by Green Bay.
Quay Walker
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 240 pounds
Here is Landry’s scouting report on Walker:
Quay Walker is a Senior who appeared in 51 of 52 possible games in his four seasons at Georgia, starting 17 of them. Was a major contributor on special teams in all four seasons. Aligned almost exclusively in the box for Georgia’s hybrid defense, and only occasionally bumped out to the slot for coverage purposes. Finished the 2021 season tied for third on the team in tackles. Projects as a scheme versatile off-ball backer that you can win with, who can contribute on all three downs in several ways. Will be an immediate special teams impact player while he competes for an early career starting spot and improves his technique and refines his instincts to get to most out of his physical tools.
Here is Landry’s take on the Packers selecting Walker with pick No. 22:
Instant Analysis: Walker is a rangy and athletic LB who can sniff out ball carriers from sideline-to-sideline. He is a consistent tackler and has the ability to contribute on all three downs in a number of ways. He has the makings of a solid starter at the next level and provides excellent versatility.
Devonte Wyatt
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 304 pounds
Here is Landry’s scouting report on Wyatt:
5th-year, COVID SR who has started 25 of 49 games, including 14 of 14 in 2021. 4-star HS prospect who originally signed with Georgia out of HS before, instead, going to Hutchinson CC (KS) for a year before coming back to Georgia and signing out of JUCO a year afterwards. DNS for Georgia (after coming in 2018) until the Sugar Bowl in 2019. Even without being a regular starter on the DL in 2019, he still led the interior DL in tackles (30). Did not relinquish his starting role after that game, as he started every other game that he played in college (24/24 games). Highly decorated player in 2021, with a Coach’s All-SEC 1st Team, AP All-SEC 2nd Team, and National Championship to boot. Senior Bowl attendee.
Here is Landry’s take on the Packers selecting Wyatt with pick No. 28:
Instant Analysis: Devonte Wyatt is an explosive athlete who had the most production among the elite Georgia defensive linemen in this draft class. While his advanced age (24 years old) gives him a lower ceiling than some of his peers in this class, his floor is high and he has the best bend of any defensive lineman in the class in our eyes.
Well, we are now two nights away from the 2022 NFL draft. I’ve been doing mock drafts for the Green Bay Packers for 20 years now and like a blindfolded dart-thrower, I have sometimes hit the bullseye when it comes to predicting players who the Packers actually select. We shall see if this happens again in 2022.
Like I have done for several years now, I will be utilizing the insight from NFL scout Chris Landry as I put together this draft. I will be using the Horizontal Draft Board (the best player regardless of position) that Chris puts together each draft to help me make my picks.
Landry will add some commentary regarding all the players I will be selecting in this mock draft.
The Packers enter this draft knowing that they need to fortify the wide receiver position for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, as right now his depth chart at that position has Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Amari Rodgers and Sammy Watkins at the top four spots. Not exactly a fearsome foursome to be sure.
Both general manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur know that they need to add talent to the team in a number of different areas, but no position needs more attention than that of the wide receiver position.
In terms of finding someone who can help No. 12, Gutekunst talked about that situation Monday.
“We’ve got a good quarterback so that certainly helps,” said Gutekunst said. “There’ll be more opportunities for that player.”
Gutenkunst sees an extensive wide receiver group in this draft, which he also talked about in his comments.
“The last few [classes of wide receivers] have been pretty deep, and I think this one is another one.”
In this draft, besides the wide receiver position, I also see the team focusing on players who can help improve the special teams units under new coordinator Rich Bisaccia.
In a perfect world, Packer Nation would love to see a similar draft for the Packers this year like they had in 1958 NFL draft, when they selected three players (Jim Taylor, Ray Nitschke and Jerry Kramer) who would later get inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Finally, as we look back on the history of the Packers drafting with Gutekunst as GM, look for the Packers to trade up or trade down in Round 1, as the Packers have done that in three of the four years since Gutekunst took over for Ted Thompson as GM.
Without further ado, here is my final 7-round mock draft for the Pack in 2022, without any trades.
Round 1: Wide Receiver Chris Olave (Ohio State)
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 187 pounds
In his four-year career with the Buckeyes, Olave had 175 receptions for 2,702 yards and 35 touchdowns. In his sophomore (third-team All-Big Ten), junior (first-team All-Big Ten) and senior (first-team All-Big Ten) seasons, Olave averaged 54 receptions for 835 yards and 10.6 touchdowns per season.
Olave also received second-team Associated Press All-American in 2021, when he caught 65 passes for 936 yards and 13 touchdowns for Ohio State.
The Packers met with Olave at the 2022 NFL Combine.
Here is some commentary about Olave from Landry:
Ohio State WR Chris Olave had the most touchdowns in single coverage of all wide receivers in the draft. Don’t leave Olave one-on-one or else he’s going to hit pay dirt. He heads into this draft with 24 touchdowns in single coverage, the most among draft-eligible receivers. Olave slated to as a late first round pick, which means he could be put on a good team with an established offense.
Olave ran an unofficial time of 4.26 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the Combine. Sadly, it was later revised down to an official time of 4.39. It is still jaw-dropping, and amongst the fastest times at the position this year. This will undoubtedly prop up the stock of a player who has been somewhat divisive throughout the pre-draft process. Known as a wideout who is capable against single coverage, Olave’s blazing time is a boon for his Day 1 odds.
Trevor Penning is perfect for the zone-blocking scheme that the Packers use, and although he is better suited for left tackle, he may end up at right tackle, at least in the beginning of his NFL career, especially if David Bakhtiari can resume his All-Pro status on the left side of the offensive line of the Packers.
Penning was a three-year starter at left tackle for Northern Iowa, plus played one game each at right tackle and also right guard. The Packers absolutely love versatility when it comes to offensive linemen who can play multiple positions.
In 2020, Penning was named as an honorable mention All-Missouri Valley Football Conference for the Panthers and in 2021 was given first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference recognition and was named a finalist for the Walter Payton Award as the top player at the FCS level.
In Green Bay, Penning would most likely be the starting right tackle for the Packers, with Yosh Nijman being the swing tackle behind Bakhtiari and the rookie from Northern Iowa.
Here is Landry’s scouting report on Penning entering the 2022 NFL draft:
TrevorPenning projects as a 1st year starter at left tackle in his rookie year. He would excel in an offense that would optimize his agility in a zone blocking scheme and use him on vertical sets on deep pass concepts. Overall, Penning is a taller tackle with nimble feet for his height who needs to work on his knee bend and drive in the run game. He is extremely powerful at the point of attack and gets consistent vertical movement in the run game. However, due to his size and inability to bend extremely well, leverage issues are of slight concern against smaller edge defenders. He struggles at times with the hard inside move by quicker defenders. Although he is a good athlete overall, when he has to move laterally, he has shown instances of struggling. He doesn’t bend exceptionally well, which results in him bending at the waist at times. When his posture isn’t good, it affects his balance while in his pass set. However, he has a powerful punch and is virtually impossible to bull rush. He demonstrates very good length and range and could suffice in the NFL at left tackle. However, he may be a better fit on the right side.
Round 2: Wide Receiver George Pickens (Georgia)
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 200 pounds
In his career with the Bulldogs, George Pickens had 90 receptions for 1,347 yards and 14 touchdowns.
In 2019, Pickens caught 49 passes for 727 yards and eight touchdowns. That performance led to Pickens being named to the SEC All-Freshman Team. In 2020, with four fewer games, Pickens caught 36 passes for 513 yards and six touchdowns.
Unfortunately for Pickens, he tore his ACL in spring practice before the 2021 season. But Pickens did come back to play for the Bulldogs late in the season, as he caught five passes for 107 yards. Pickens also caught a 52-yard bomb in the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship against Alabama, as the Georgia won the national title by a score of 33-18.
Pickens ran a 4.47 in the 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine.
The Packers also had Pickens in for a pre-draft top 30 visit last week.
Here is some commentary about Pickens from Landry:
Georgia WR George Pickens feels like a throwback receiver. He is a true deep threat that excels using his size to snag the ball in contested catch situations. His route tree needs some development, but the effort and dynamic ability to come down with the football is something that teams will want to take advantage of. If Pickens can develop in those areas, he can be a true WR1.
Pickens spent most of the year recovering from a torn ACL. Go look at him before the injury and even the highlight catch he made in the National Championship and you see he’s a dynamic playmaker. Pickens is similar to Tyrell Williams for his ability to be a deep threat. He’s a dynamic runner but has great hands and he’s exactly what Aaron Rodgers needs.
Round 2: Outside Linebacker Drake Jackson (USC)
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 265 pounds
In his career at USC, Drake Jackson had 103 total tackles, 25 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
In 2019, Jackson was named as a Freshman All-American, as he had 11.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Jackson was named second-team All-Pac-12 in both 2020 and 2021 at linebacker.
Jackson did not run the 40 at either the NFL Scouting Combine or the USC Pro Day, but has reportedly been timed at 4.50. That speed and agility is apparent when watching tape of the former Trojan. Jackson did have a vertical leap of 36.5 inches at the Combine.
The Packers need to add some quality depth at outside linebacker behind Preston Smith and Rashan Gary and Jackson would be a nice add-on.
Here is some commentary about Jackson from Landry:
Drake Jackson is a JR at USC, who has started 28 of 28 career games. He’s a former 4-star prospect and was an All-American senior year. Jackson’s best attribute is his ability to bend. He does a lot of things well, but nothing outstanding. He has a high floor and should be able to see time early on in his career. He fits best as a 3-4 OLB and can also play with his hand in the dirt. He projects as a rotational player in year one and has low-end starter upside down the line.
Round 3: Linebacker Leo Chenal (Wisconsin)
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 250 pounds
Chenal had a great 2021 season for the Badgers. No. 5 had 115 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for a loss, eight sacks and two forced fumbles. That led to Chenal being named AFCA first-team All-American, first-team All-Big Ten and being named Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year in the Big Ten.
Wisconsin LB Leo Chenal was impressive in his pro day performance. Wisconsin has had a lot of players show out during the school’s pro day. Chenal had 34 reps of 225 there. That would have landed atop all participants at the combine.
Chenal ran a 4.53 in the 40, had a 40.5″ vertical jump and a 10’8″ broad jump (at the NFL Scouting Combine). It’s been a crazy showing of athleticism today, with the LBs and DLs going off. Chenal is yet another example, and that level of explosion at that size is frightening.
Round 4: Tight End Jake Ferguson (Wisconsin)
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 250 pounds
Jake Ferguson had a very nice career with the Badgers, as he has been a four-year starter. During that time, Ferguson had 145 receptions for 1,618 yards and 13 touchdowns.
In 2021, Ferguson had 46 catches for 450 yards and three touchdowns. That led to Ferguson being named first-team All-Big Ten.
Everyone knows that the running game is the key component of the Wisconsin offense, so the tight end has to be an effective blocker. Ferguson definitely was.
Ferguson also had a visit with the Packers back earlier this month.
The Packers need some quality depth at the tight end position. Robert Tonyan won’t be able to play until the middle of the 2022 season due to an ACL injury. Marcedes Lewis isn’t getting any younger at the age of 37. Josiah Deguara showed flashes last year at times, but needs to be more consistent.
Here is some commentary about Ferguson from Landry at the Senior Bowl practices:
It started off slow, like the practice in general, but Jake Ferguson eventually picked it up. After some balance issues early (falling on his route breaks), Ferguson had a nice grab during team drills that attempted to atone for a few early mistakes.
In the Senior Bowl itself, Ferguson had a very nice game, with three catches for 62 yards and a touchdown.
Round 4: Safety Leon O’Neal (Texas A&M)
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 210 pounds
Safety Leon O’Neal played four years for the Aggies, as he had 161 total tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, one sack, six interceptions (one for a touchdown) and one fumble recovery.
O’Neal was also very solid on special teams for Texas A&M, which is very important aspect in his selection, as the Packers did not make a qualifying offer to safety Henry Black, who was a key member of the special teams units last year for the Pack.
I see O’Neal as the key backup at the safety position behind Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage.
Here is some commentary about O’Neal from Landry:
Texas A&M junior safety Leon O’Neal was impeccable in man coverage in 2021 in the SEC. O’Neal declared for the 2022 NFL Draft back in December and still presents a solid option for teams at the next level looking to bolster their secondary. O’Neal had the highest grade among SEC safeties in man coverage last season (85.2).
Round 5: Defensive Lineman Neil Farrell Jr. (LSU)
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 330 pounds
Neil Farrell played in 48 games in his career at LSU and played a big role on the defensive line when the Tigers won the 2019 National Championship.
In his career at LSU, Farrell had 143 tackles, 22 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks.
In Green Bay, he would join a defensive front that includes Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, Jarran Reed and T.J. Slaton.
This is what Landry said about the former LSU Tiger at the Senior Bowl:
For a nose tackle, Neil Farrell Jr. did what was asked of him on Tuesday. He showcased above-average initial burst for his size, as well as some power in straight-line rushing situations. Beyond that, Farrell can also stand his ground in the middle and run with blocks. He wasn’t overly disruptive, but the most important thing for nose tackles is to maintain leverage and keep spaces tight. Farrell did that, at the very least.
In four years at Michigan State, Jalen Nailor had 86 receptions for 1,454 yards and 12 touchdowns. In his senior year in 2021, Nailor had 37 catches for 695 yards and six scores.
Nailor came to the Spartans as an all-state football player and state-champion sprinter from talent-rich Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas.
If the Packers select Nailor, his first opportunity to impress the coaches will be on special teams, both as a returner and a gunner.
Here is the scouting report Landry has put out on Nailor:
Michigan State wide receiver Jalen Nailor has served as the Spartans’ big-play extraordinaire in the passing game over the past two seasons and leaves East Lansing with nearly a 17.0 yards per catch average throughout the course of his four seasons as a contributor on game days. Nailor is a speedy athlete who offers gracefully acceleration skills in the open field—he won frequently with double moves and vertical routes downfield. Those opportunities were supplemented with some manufactured touches, such as end-arounds and opportunities in the kicking game to return kicks. You can see Nailor’s high school track background on the gridiron; he won four state titles during his senior year at Bishop Gorman in Nevada. Projecting Nailor to the NFL, I think he stands a firm chance to be a depth receiver in the passing game and serve as a primary kick returner for his next team.
Round 7: Linebacker Chance Campbell (Mississippi)
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 235 pounds
Chance Campbell played three years for the Maryland Terrapins before going in the transfer portal and playing for the Mississippi Bulldogs in 2021.
In four years, Campbell had 216 total tackles, 22.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, one interception, four fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles.
Like O’Neal, Campbell has the ability to a be a special teams demon.
Here is some commentary about Campbell from Landry:
This guy popped for me at the Shrine Bowl this year and when you watch him play, it is pretty apparent he’s a nifty athlete for the position. I’m not expecting world-shattering numbers, but in an age in which your linebackers have to be able to move effectively, I think Chance Campbell can make a little noise this week as a day-three target.
Cornerback Dallis Flowers has moved around a bit in college, as he started his college career at Robert Morris University, then Tiffin University and also at Grand View before he transferred to Pittsburg State.
At Grand View, Flowers was a two-time NAIA All-America selection as a kick returner and cornerback. At Pittsburg State in 2021, Flowers had 21 tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, four interceptions and two kickoff return touchdowns.
Flowers is yet another player in this mock draft who will improve the special teams of the Packers.
Here is some commentary about Flowers from Landry at the East-West Shrine practices:
There were moments of brilliance amid a few ticky-tack pass interference penalties for Dallis Flowers on Monday. He was great at the catch point and made the most of the targets his way. His ability to stick with receivers in coverage really stood out, as he didn’t suffer any bad beats in coverage drills.
The 2022 NFL draft is now just one month away. The draft begins April 28th in Las Vegas. The Green Bay Packers have 11 selections in the draft, which includes four picks in the top 59. With the loss of All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams, via a trade to the Las Vegas Raiders (which netted pick No. 22 and No. 53 in the draft), the Packers will definitely be looking to upgrade their wide receiver talent and depth.
Right now, the top three receivers on the depth chart for the Packers are Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb and Amari Rodgers. Speaking of Amari, I had the Packers selecting him in the final mock draft I did for the Pack in 2021.
Fortunately for the Packers, the 2022 NFL is very deep at the wide receiver position. That being said, I think the Packers need to load up quickly at wide receiver because there are a lot of teams who are also looking to upgrade at that position. See the Kansas City Chiefs for example.
I see Brian Gutekunst using a similar strategy which was used by Ron Wolf in the 1999 NFL draft. Gutekunst was just in his second year with the Packers than, as he had been hired by Wolf in 1998 and was a scout. In that particular draft, Wolf realized that the Packers needed to get much better in the secondary, especially due to the fact that Randy Moss of the Minnesota Vikings had really lit up the Packers in 1998, with 13 catches for 343 yards and three touchdowns in two games.
Wolf ended up selecting three defensive backs right out the gate in the 1999 draft. Wolf drafted safety Antuan Edwards in Round 1, cornerback Fred Vinson in Round 2 and cornerback Mike McKenzie in Round 3.
I also see Gutekunst using the same modus operandi this year, but at wide receiver.
At the present time, the Packers have seen some of their players from last season stay on the team, while other have left.
The big news was that quarterback Aaron Rodgers would be returning with a four-year contract extension, which also lowered his cap number significantly.
The Packers were also able to lower their cap number by re-doing deals with players like defensive lineman Kenny Clark, left tackle David Bakhtiari, running back Aaron Jones, outside linebacker Preston Smith, safety Adrian Amos and also Cobb.
The Packers were also able to return a couple of key members of their defense, when they signed linebacker De’Vondre Campbell to a new five-year, $50 million contract, as well as cornerback Rasul Douglas to a three-year $21 million deal.
In addition, the Packers were also able to bring back tight end Robert Tonyan, who suffered an ACL injury midway through the 2021 season.
Green Bay also added defensive lineman Jarran Reed via free agency, who was selected in the same draft as Clark, which was the 2016 NFL draft when he was picked by the Seattle Seahawks in Round 2. Reed played five years with the Seahawks and last season played for the Kansas City Chiefs. In his six-year career, Reed has 237 tackles, 24 tackles for a loss, 24.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
The Packers also added a couple of components to help their beleaguered special teams units, who will now be coached by Rich Bisaccia. The Packers brought on punter Pat O’Donnell to replace Corey Bojorquez. In his eight-year career with da Bears, O’ Donnell has averaged 45.1 yards per punt and has a 39.5 net average, which is pretty good considering the frigid and windy conditions later in the season he had to deal in Chicago. O’Donnell is also considered to be an excellent holder.
The Pack also added cornerback Keisean Nixon from the Raiders, where he was a key member of the special teams units under Bisaccia.
The Packers have also lost a number of players via free agency. Outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith signed with the Minnesota Vikings after he was released by the Packers. Also signing with the Vikes was cornerback Chandon Sullivan.
The Packers also lost two of their wide receivers via the free agency route, as Equanimeous St. Brown signed with the Chicago Bears and Marquez Valdes-Scantling signed with the Chiefs.
The Packers also released offensive lineman Billy Turner, who recently signed with the Denver Broncos, while center/guard Lucas Patrick left to play with da Bears. In addition, linebacker Oren Burks moved on to play with the San Francisco 49ers.
There still will be some other moves made by the Packers prior to the draft. Reportedly, the team is now $15 million under the cap now, which means the team will try and get another free agent or two to come to Green Bay.
But for now, I am doing by initial 7-Round mock draft for the Pack. I recently did a 3-Round mock draft for the Pack, but I have made a couple of changes to that in this full draft for Green Bay.
Packer Nation is hopeful that this upcoming draft will be as fruitful as the 1958 NFL draft was for the Packers, when the team added Pro Football Hall of Famers Jim Taylor, Ray Nitschke and Jerry Kramer. The odds of that are slim, but one never knows.
Those of you who are familiar with my work, know that I have been doing mock drafts for the Packers for 20 years now. And like a blind squirrel, sometimes I can find an acorn, as the Packers actually select the player I projected them to take. It definitely helps that I have been able to utilize the insight and knowledge from NFL scout Chris Landry like I’ve been able to do for several years now.
As you review this mock draft that I have done here, you will note that I have tried to add to the talent on special teams. In the 14 years Rodgers has been the starting quarterback of the Packers, the team has not once been in the top 10 in special teams rankings, while the units have finished dead-last in the NFL four times. That includes being ranked 32nd in 2021 in the annual special team rankings which have been done by Rick Gosselin since the 1980s.
I plan to do a couple more mock drafts as we get closer to the actual draft, but for now without further ado, here is my initial 2022 NFL 7-round mock draft for the Pack.
Round 1: Wide ReceiverTreylon Burks (Arkansas)
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 225 pounds
In three years at Arkansas, Treylon Burks caught 146 passes for 2,399 yards and 18 touchdowns. Burks also rushed for 222 yards (5.8 average) in his career as a Razorback.
Burks was named second-team All-SEC by the coaches in 2020, as he caught 51 passes for 820 yards and seven touchdowns.
In 2021, Burks was named first-team All-SEC, as he caught 66 passes for 1,104 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Burks also has experience in retuning both punts and kickoffs for the Razorbacks.
Here is some commentary about Burks from Landry:
Arkansas WR Treylon Burks had the highest grade for 20+ yard receptions. At a grade of 96.9, he was tied with Pitt’s Jordan Addison for the honors. That explosive speed and ability to make big catches is going to entice a lot of teams in the first round.
Burks has seen his stock take a small hit after not testing up to expectations at the combine and at his pro day. Burks offers yards-after-catch ability and explosiveness in the open field.
Round 1: Wide Receiver Jameson Williams (Alabama)
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 188 pounds
Jameson Williams started his collegiate career at Ohio State, who obviously were loaded at the wide receiver position. In two years with the Buckeyes, Williams had 15 receptions for 266 yards and three touchdowns. Williams entered the transfer portal and landed at Alabama in 2021.
Williams had a breakout season with the Crimson Tide, as he caught 79 passes for 1,572 and 15 touchdowns. That led to Williams being named first-team All-SEC and first-team AP All-American. Unfortunately for Williams, he suffered an ACL injury in the national title game against Georgia. Reportedly, the rehab process is going smoothly for Williams.
Williams also is experienced in returning kickoffs, as he returned 10 kicks for the Crimson Tide in 2021 for 352 yards and two touchdowns.
I expect the Packers to select a wide receiver at pick No. 22 in the 1st round. If by chance Williams is still on the board when the Packers make their second 1st round selection at pick No. 28, the Packers need to grab him.
Here is some commentary about Williams from Landry:
Alabama WR Jameson Williams arguably had the best season for any wide receiver in this draft class, dominating for a Crimson Tide team that had lost a plethora of talent at the position the previous two seasons. He was a maven down the field, succeeding in deep ball situations and blazing past defenders in the open field.
Williams wasn’t able to participate in athletic testing, but his rehab is ahead of schedule. Williams is a dynamic playmaker in space with speed to burn.
Round 2: Wide Receiver Christian Watson (North Dakota State)
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 208 pounds
I know about Watson from his days at Plant High School in Tampa. At North Dakota State, Watson was on three FCS national championship teams. In his career with the Bisons, Watson had 105 receptions for 2,140 yards and 14 touchdowns. As a senior, Watson caught 43 passes for 801 yards and seven scores. Watson also averaged 20.38 yards per reception and 26.38 yards per kickoff return.
Watson was second-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2019, first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2020 and first team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2021. In addition, Watson was named second-team Associated Press FCS All-American in 2021.
Here is some commentary about Watson from Landry:
North Dakota State WR Christian Watson posted an official time of 4.36 in the 40-yard dash at the Combine. Keep in mind that this young man is 6-foot-4, 208 pounds. He also dominated the broad jump. Making the leap from FCS North Dakota State, Watson did not post dominating compiling numbers in college, but he averaged at least 18.3 yards per catch all four years. He’s a Day 2 wild card.
Round 2: Offensive Tackle Max Mitchell (Louisiana)
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 307 pounds
Mitchell was a three-year starter for the Ragin’ Cajuns, which included starting at both left tackle and right tackle. Mitchell was named first-team All-Sun Belt Conference as a junior and first-team All-Sun Belt Conference as a senior.
With the release of right tackle Billy Turner, plus with lingering ACL issues of left tackle David Bakhtiari, the Packers need some quality depth at the offensive tackle position. Yosh Nijman adds to the depth, as he looked solid at left tackle last season for the most part, but adding a player like Mitchell certainly bolsters both the left and right side of the offensive line of the Packers.
Here is some commentary about Mitchell from Landry:
Max Mitchell came into the Senior Bowl needing an ascension, and he worked toward that on Day 1. The Louisiana OT was one of the most eye-catching linemen on either team. Even with his lighter frame, he still levies violent extensions and can finish off-balance opponents. He’s a spry athlete who can latch and redirect opponents’ momentum, and he has a physical edge. Mitchell’s a riser after today.
Round 3: Linebacker Leo Chenal (Wisconsin)
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 250 pounds
Chenal had a great 2021 season for the Badgers. No. 5 had 115 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for a loss, eight sacks and two forced fumbles. That led to Chenal being named AFCA first-team All-American, first-team All-Big Ten and being named Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year in the Big Ten.
Wisconsin LB Leo Chenal was impressive in his pro day performance. Wisconsin has had a lot of players show out during the school’s pro day. Chenal had 34 reps of 225 there. That would have landed atop all participants at the combine.
Chenal ran a 4.53 in the 40, had a 40.5″ vertical jump and a 10’8″ broad jump (at the NFL Scouting Combine). It’s been a crazy showing of athleticism today, with the LBs and DLs going off. Chenal is yet another example, and that level of explosion at that size is frightening.
Round 4: Outside Linebacker Tyreke Smith (Ohio State)
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 260 pounds
Tyreke Smith played defensive end for the Buckeyes, but he projects to be an outside linebacker/edge rusher in the NFL. Smith reminds me a bit of Rashan Gary in terms of not having overwhelming stats in college, but one could see the potential possibilities in the NFL. That has played out well for Gary as he has become a force for the Packers.
In four years at Ohio State, Smith had 55. total tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, seven sacks and one forced fumble.
Here is some commentary about Smith from Landry:
Former Ohio State DE Tyreke Smith particularly impressed in one statistical category. Smith won’t be returning to Ohio State as he announced earlier this offseason he was entering the 2022 NFL Draft. He may have just seven sacks on his college career, but he has impressed in other categories. Smith has more quarterback hits than any other Big Ten defender over the past two seasons (21).
Round 4: Tight End Jake Ferguson (Wisconsin)
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 250 pounds
Jake Ferguson had a very nice career with the Badgers, as he has been a four-year starter. During that time, Ferguson had 145 receptions for 1,618 yards and 13 touchdowns.
In 2021, Ferguson had 46 catches for 450 yards and three touchdowns. That led to Ferguson being named first-team All-Big Ten.
Everyone knows that the running game is the key component of the Wisconsin offense, so the tight end has to be an effective blocker. Ferguson definitely was.
Here is some commentary about Ferguson from Landry at the Senior Bowl practices:
It started off slow, like the practice in general, but Jake Ferguson eventually picked it up. After some balance issues early (falling on his route breaks), Ferguson had a nice grab during team drills that attempted to atone for a few early mistakes.
In the Senior Bowl itself, Ferguson had a very nice game, with three catches for 62 yards and a touchdown.
Round 5: Safety Leon O’Neal (Texas A&M)
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 210 pounds
Safety Leon O’Neal played four years for the Aggies, as he had 161 total tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, one sack, six interceptions (one for a touchdown) and one fumble recovery.
O’Neal was also very solid on special teams for Texas A&M, which is very important aspect in his selection, as the Packers did not make a qualifying offer to safety Henry Black, who was a key member of the special teams units last year for the Pack.
Here is some commentary about O’Neal from Landry:
Texas A&M junior safety Leon O’Neal was impeccable in man coverage in 2021 in the SEC. O’Neal declared for the 2022 NFL Draft back in December and still presents a solid option for teams at the next level looking to bolster their secondary. O’Neal had the highest grade among SEC safeties in man coverage last season (85.2).
Round 7: Linebacker Chance Campbell (Mississippi)
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 235 pounds
Chance Campbell played three years for the Maryland Terrapins before going in the transfer portal and playing for the Mississippi Bulldogs in 2021.
In four years, Campbell had 216 total tackles, 22.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, one interception, four fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles.
Like O’Neal, Campbell has the ability to a be a special teams demon.
Here is some commentary about Campbell from Landry:
This guy popped for me at the Shrine Bowl this year and when you watch him play, it is pretty apparent he’s a nifty athlete for the position. I’m not expecting world-shattering numbers, but in an age in which your linebackers have to be able to move effectively, I think Chance Campbell can make a little noise this week as a day-three target.
Cornerback Dallis Flowers has moved around a bit in college, as he started his college career at Robert Morris University, then Tiffin University and also at Grand View before he transferred to Pittsburg State.
At Grand View, Flowers was a two-time NAIA All-America selection as a kick returner and cornerback. At Pittsburg State in 2021, Flowers had 21 tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, four interceptions and two kickoff return touchdowns.
Flowers is yet another player in this mock draft who will improve the special teams of the Packers.
Here is some commentary about Flowers from Landry at the East-West Shrine practices:
There were moments of brilliance amid a few ticky-tack pass interference penalties for Dallis Flowers on Monday. He was great at the catch point and made the most of the targets his way. His ability to stick with receivers in coverage really stood out, as he didn’t suffer any bad beats in coverage drills.
Running back Trestan Ebner was able to play in 58 games with Baylor, as he rushed for 1,690 yards and nine touchdowns. Ebner also caught 127 passes for 1,515 yards and 11 more scores.
As a kick returner, Ebner returned 47 kickoffs for the Bears for 1,187 yards (25.3 average) and three touchdowns. Ebner also returned a punt for a touchdown.
As you can tell by Ebner’s track record at Baylor, he will definitely be another asset on special teams for the Packers.
Here is some commentary about Ebner from Landry at the East-West Shrine practices:
Today’s NFL calls for running backs to be able to catch the ball out of the backfield — and that’s exactly what Trestan Ebner showcased on multiple occasions on Monday. In fact, he’s shown it all weekend long. He’s been a reliable pass catcher out of the backfield no matter who was at quarterback. And that’s not even discussing just how sharp he looked with great vision, quick cuts, and explosion through his breaks on the ground.
The Green Bay Packers now have two 1st-round selections in the 2022 NFL draft. That is due to the trade of wide receiver Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders, which in turn the Packers received both a 1st round (No. 22) and a 2nd round pick (No. 53).
The Packers also have their own picks in both rounds (picks No. 28 and No. 59), so the team should be able to select some very nice talent early in the draft.
I know that the Packers haven’t drafted a wide receiver in the 1st round since 2002, when the team selected Javon Walker from Florida State, but if there ever was a year to change that trend, 2022 is it.
Both general manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur realize that they need to get quarterback Aaron Rodgers some more weapons at wide receiver. Adams is considered one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, if not the best. Replacing him will not be easy.
Fortunately for the Packers, the 2022 NFL draft is a deep one at the wide receiver position. The Packers need to add some talent at the position, because right now Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb and Amari Rodgers are the top three on the depth chart.
The Packers would like to bring back Marques Valdes-Scantling, but he was scheduled to meet with the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday. In addition, the Chiefs just traded wide receiver Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins, so they look to be aggressive in trying to sign Valdes-Scantling.
The Packers are still exploring trades and free agency to try and bring in some veteran help at wide receiver. One option might be free agent Jarvis Landry, who reportedly is on the Pack’s radar.
Looking at the 1st round of the 2022 NFL draft, there are six wide receivers who all could be selected on the first night of the draft, which starts on April 28 in Las Vegas.
I am listing those six wide receivers in this piece and NFL scout Chris Landry will add some insightful commentary about those prospects.
I estimate at least one of these wide receivers will be a member of the Packers in 2022.
Garrett Wilson (Ohio State)
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 183 pounds
In three years at Ohio State, Garrett Wilson caught 143 passes for 2,213 yards (15.5 average) and 23 touchdowns.
In 2020, Wilson was named All-Big Ten, as he hauled in 43 passes for 723 yards and six touchdowns. In 2021, Wilson was named second-team All-Big Ten and second-team AP All-American, as he caught 70 passes for 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Wilson also has experience as a punt returner, as he returned 34 punts for the Buckeyes in his career.
Here is some commentary about Wilson from Landry:
Ohio State WR Garrett Wilson has a chance at being the first WR off the board in the 2022 NFL Draft. There’s no question that Wilson will be coming off the board early in the 2022 NFL Draft, or that he’s considered a Tier 1 wide receiver.
Wilson posted an official time of 4.38 in the 40-yard dash at the Combine. It was a faster time than expected, one that could put the 6-foot-0 wideout in position to leapfrog Arkansas’ Treylon Burks as the draft’s consensus top wideout. Wilson also turned in a 36-inch jump on the vertical. Coming off a 70/1,058/12 junior year in the Big 10, Wilson will be 21 on draft weekend.
Treylon Burks (Arkansas)
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 225 pounds
In three years at Arkansas, Treylon Burks caught 146 passes for 2,399 yards and 18 touchdowns. Burks also rushed for 222 yards (5.8 average) in his career as a Razorback.
Burks was named second-team All-SEC by the coaches in 2020, as he caught 51 passes for 820 yards and seven touchdowns.
In 2021, Burks was named first-team All-SEC, as he caught 66 passes for 1,104 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Burks also has experience in retuning both punts and kickoffs for the Razorbacks.
Here is some commentary about Burks from Landry:
Arkansas WR Treylon Burks had the highest grade for 20+ yard receptions. At a grade of 96.9, he was tied with Pitt’s Jordan Addison for the honors. That explosive speed and ability to make big catches is going to entice a lot of teams in the first round.
Burks has seen his stock take a small hit after not testing up to expectations at the combine and at his pro day. Burks offers yards-after-catch ability and explosiveness in the open field.
Drake London (USC)
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 219 pounds
In three years at USC, Drake London caught 160 passes for 2,153 yards and 15 touchdowns.
In 2020, London was named second-team All-Pac-12 by the coaches, when he caught 33 passes for 502 yards and three scores.
In 2021, London missed the end of the 2021 season with a fractured ankle, but still was named first-team All-Pac-12 and also Offensive Player of the Year in the Pac-12, plus was named third-team AP All-American.
That was due to a breakout year with 88 catches for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns.
Here is some commentary about London from Landry:
USC WR Drake London is a sizeable target that can play on the outside effectively at the next level and will be highly regarded on most teams’ boards and would fit a need for many teams moving on from veteran receives.
London is the highest-graded wide receiver from USC since 2014. We’ve seen many of the top-graded receivers test their skills at the combine, but London was missing as he recovers from an ankle injury. Most experts are very high on him as they put him as the first receiver taken in the draft.
Chris Olave (Ohio State)
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 187 pounds
In his four-year career with the Buckeyes, Chris Olave had 175 receptions for 2,702 yards and 35 touchdowns. In his sophomore (third-team All-Big Ten), junior (first-team All-Big Ten) and senior (first-team All-Big Ten) seasons, Olave averaged 54 receptions for 835 yards and 10.6 touchdowns per season.
Olave also received second-team Associated Press All-American in 2021, when he caught 65 passes for 936 yards and 13 touchdowns for Ohio State.
Olave also has very limited return experience, as he returned just two punts and one kickoff in his career at Ohio State.
Ohio State WR Chris Olave had the most touchdowns in single coverage of all wide receivers in the draft. Don’t leave Olave one-on-one or else he’s going to hit pay dirt. He heads into this draft with 24 touchdowns in single coverage, the most among draft-eligible receivers. Olave slated to as a late first round pick, which means he could be put on a good team with an established offense.
Olave ran an unofficial time of 4.26 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the Combine. Sadly, it was later revised down to an official time of 4.39. It is still jaw-dropping, and amongst the fastest times at the position this year. This will undoubtedly prop up the stock of a player who has been somewhat divisive throughout the pre-draft process. Known as a wideout who is capable against single coverage, Olave’s blazing time is a boon for his Day 1 odds.
Jahan Dotson (Penn State)
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 184 pounds
In four years at Penn State, Jahan Dotson caught 183 passes for 2,757 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Dotson was named third-team All-Big Ten by the coaches in 2020, when he caught 52 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns.
In 2021, Dotson was named second-team All-Big Ten and third-team AP All-American, as he caught 91 passes for 1,182 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Dotson also has experience as a punt returner, as in his career as a Nittany Lion, he returned 25 for 338 yards (13.5 average) and a score.
Here is some commentary about Dotson from Landry:
Penn State WR Jahan Dotson brings a productive college resume to the league. In four years at Penn State, he totaled 183 receptions for 2,757 yards and 25 touchdowns, while averaging 15.1 yards per reception.
Dotson ran a 4.41 40-yard dash. With Dotson feeling farther and farther away from the group of receivers, he needed a good time in the 40 to pair with good jumps. It’s so important for him because of his playstyle. Dotson thrives in open space with the ball in his hands. His time of 4.41 solidifies the speed that you see on tape and will keep him in the first-round conversation.
Jameson Williams (Alabama)
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 188 pounds
Jameson Williams started his collegiate career at Ohio State, who obviously were loaded at the wide receiver position. In two years with the Buckeyes, Williams had 15 receptions for 266 yards and three touchdowns. Williams entered the transfer portal and landed at Alabama in 2021.
Williams had a breakout season with the Crimson Tide, as he caught 79 passes for 1,572 and 15 touchdowns. That led to Williams being named first-team All-SEC and first-team AP All-American. Unfortunately for Williams, he suffered an ACL injury in the national title game against Georgia. Reportedly, the rehab process is going smoothly for Williams.
Williams also is experienced in returning kickoffs, as he returned 10 kicks for the Crimson Tide in 2021 for 352 yards and two touchdowns.
I expect the Packers to select a wide receiver at pick No. 22 in the 1st round. If by chance Williams is still on the board when the Packers make their second 1st round selection at pick No. 28, I would not be shocked at all if they picked him.
Here is some commentary about Williams from Landry:
Alabama WR Jameson Williams arguably had the best season for any wide receiver in this draft class, dominating for a Crimson Tide team that had lost a plethora of talent at the position the previous two seasons. He was a maven down the field, succeeding in deep ball situations and blazing past defenders in the open field.
Williams wasn’t able to participate in athletic testing, but his rehab is ahead of schedule. Williams is a dynamic playmaker in space with speed to burn.
In wake of the somewhat shocking news yesterday that the Green Bay Packers had traded All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders for a first-round pick and a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, I thought I would do a three-round mock draft for the Packers, who now definitely need to add some more receiving weapons for NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers. The Packers did put a second-round tender on wide receiver Allen Lazard, plus were able to restructure another deal (which saved $5.5 million on the cap) with wide receiver Randall Cobb, who is one of the best friends of Rodgers.
The trade of Adams frees up $20.2 million in cap space for the Packers, which will allow them to try and re-sign players such as wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling and cornerback Rasul Douglas. Also, because the new cap space, the Packers could be looking to add some veteran wide receiver help with someone like free agent Jarvis Landry, who Green Bay is reportedly interested in.
For what it’s worth, the Packers were 7-0 the past three seasons when Adams was unavailable to play.
The bottom line is the Packers now have four selections in the first 59 spots in the 2022 NFL draft and five selections in the top 92. In this mock draft, I’m once again going to utilize the expertise of NFL scout Chris Landry as I put out my Day 1 (First Round) and Day 2 (Second and Third Round) selections.
This is what Landry said about the trade of Adams to the Raiders:
“Aaron Rodgers knew Davante Adams would never play for the Packers again before negotiating his contract. After the shock of the trade started to dissipate, it was understandable to question how Rodgers felt about his best — and arguably only — receiving weapon being traded away, but this report along with others suggests Rodgers has accepted the situation even if he is not okay with it. For Rodgers, the question turns to who he will be throwing to in 2022. Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb are back, and perhaps Marquez Valdes-Scantling will re-sign in the wake of this news. Even so, it would be smart for the Packers to use their newfound first-round pick on one of a talented group of draft-eligible receivers.”
That is precisely what I did in this mock draft, as I definitely will be adding some more weaponry (and speed) for Mr. Rodgers in the passing game.
Round 1: Wide Receiver Chris Olave (Ohio State)
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 187 pounds
In his four-year career with the Buckeyes, Olave had 175 receptions for 2,702 yards and 35 touchdowns. In his sophomore (third-team All-Big Ten), junior (first-team All-Big Ten) and senior (first-team All-Big Ten) seasons, Olave averaged 54 receptions for 835 yards and 10.6 touchdowns per season.
Olave also received second-team Associated Press All-American in 2021, when he caught 65 passes for 936 yards and 13 touchdowns for Ohio State.
Here is some commentary about Olave from Landry:
Ohio State WR Chris Olave had the most touchdowns in single coverage of all wide receivers in the draft. Don’t leave Olave one-on-one or else he’s going to hit pay dirt. He heads into this draft with 24 touchdowns in single coverage, the most among draft-eligible receivers. Olave slated to as a late first round pick, which means he could be put on a good team with an established offense.
Olave ran an unofficial time of 4.26 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the Combine. Sadly, it was later revised down to an official time of 4.39. It is still jaw-dropping, and amongst the fastest times at the position this year. This will undoubtedly prop up the stock of a player who has been somewhat divisive throughout the pre-draft process. Known as a wideout who is capable against single coverage, Olave’s blazing time is a boon for his Day 1 odds.
Round 1: Defensive Lineman Jordan Davis (Georgia)
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 341 pounds
Davis played four years with Georgia and had 90 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks. Plus, Davis is huge, powerful and fast, with the ability to stimy the running game for his opponents when they try and run between the tackles.
Adding someone like Davis to put on the defensive line with two-time Pro Bowler Kenny Clark, and the Packers would have a dominant front. The linebacker group of the Packers, which includes De’Vondre Campbell, Rashan Gary and Preston Smith would be very happy with the selection of Davis.
Here is some commentary about Davis from Landry:
Georgia DT Jordan Davis tested as the second-best athlete of all-time per RAS (Relative Athletic Score) and he became the talk of the combine. The concerns about his ability as a pass-rusher are still there, but the athleticism he showed shows that there is hope in developing that part of his game. While he does, Davis is an elite-run defender that can hold two gaps with ease. That gives the back end of the defense more freedom to run complex schemes and blitzes.
Round 2: Wide Receiver Christian Watson (North Dakota State)
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 208 pounds
I know about Watson from his days at Plant High School in Tampa. At North Dakota State, Watson was on three FCS national championship teams. In his career with the Bisons, Watson had 105 receptions for 2,140 yards and 14 touchdowns. As a senior, Watson caught 43 passes for 801 yards and seven scores. Watson also averaged 20.38 yards per reception and 26.38 yards per kickoff return.
Watson was second-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2019, first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2020 and first team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2021. In addition, Watson was named second-team Associated Press FCS All-American in 2021.
Here is some commentary about Watson from Landry:
North Dakota State WR Christian Watson posted an official time of 4.36 in the 40-yard dash at the Combine. Keep in mind that this young man is 6-foot-4, 208 pounds. He also dominated the broad jump. Making the leap from FCS North Dakota State, Watson did not post dominating compiling numbers in college, but he averaged at least 18.3 yards per catch all four years. He’s a Day 2 wild card.
Round 2: Offensive Tackle Max Mitchell (Louisiana)
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 307 pounds
Mitchell was a three-year starter for the Ragin’ Cajuns, which included starting at both left tackle and right tackle. Mitchell was named first-team All-Sun Belt Conference as a junior and first-team All-Sun Belt Conference as a senior.
With the release of right tackle Billy Turner, plus with lingering ACL issues of left tackle David Bakhtiari, the Packers need some quality depth at the offensive tackle position. Yosh Nijman adds to the depth, as he looked solid at left tackle last season for the most part, but adding a player like Mitchell certainly bolsters both the left and right side of the offensive line of the Packers.
Here is some commentary about Mitchell from Landry:
Max Mitchell came into the Senior Bowl needing an ascension, and he worked toward that on Day 1. The Louisiana OT was one of the most eye-catching linemen on either team. Even with his lighter frame, he still levies violent extensions and can finish off-balance opponents. He’s a spry athlete who can latch and redirect opponents’ momentum, and he has a physical edge. Mitchell’s a riser after today.
Round 3: Linebacker Leo Chenal (Wisconsin)
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 250 pounds
Chenal had a great 2021 season for the Badgers. No. 5 had 115 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for a loss, eight sacks and two forced fumbles. That led to Chenal being named AFCA first-team All-American, first-team All-Big Ten and being named Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year in the Big Ten.
Wisconsin LB Leo Chenal was impressive in his pro day performance. Wisconsin has had a lot of players show out during the school’s pro day. Chenal had 34 reps of 225 there. That would have landed atop all participants at the combine.
Chenal ran a 4.53 in the 40, had a 40.5″ vertical jump and a 10’8″ broad jump (at the NFL Scouting Combine). It’s been a crazy showing of athleticism today, with the LBs and DLs going off. Chenal is yet another example, and that level of explosion at that size is frightening.
I’ll soon be putting out my annual allotment of mock drafts for the Green Bay Packers, with input from NFL scout Chris Landry, but to start this 2022 NFL draft season for the Packers, I thought I would write about four potential prospects from the Wisconsin Badgers.
They are linebacker Leo Chenal, linebacker Jack Sanborn, tight end Jake Ferguson and offensive lineman Logan Bruss.
Last season, general manager Briant Gutekunst of the Packers selected offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen from the Badgers in the 6th round. Van Lanen was cut, but then was re-signed to the practice squad and eventually made the 53-man roster during the 2021 NFL season.
The Packers have not selected too many Badgers over the past 20-plus years. General manager Ron Wolf selected right tackle Mark Tauscher of the Badgers in the 7th round of the 2000 NFL draft and that pick turned out to be great, as Tauscher played for 11 years with the Pack and started 132 games. Mark was on the 2010 Green Bay team which eventually won Super Bowl XLV, but he didn’t play in that game, as he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury early in the 2010 season.
Mark has a nice ring collection, as besides the Super Bowl XLV ring, he also has rings from the 1998 and 1999 Wisconsin teams, which won back-to-back Big Ten titles, as well as back-to-back Rose Bowls.
Wolf also selected guard Bill Ferrario of the Badgers in Round 4 of the 2001 NFL draft, but he didn’t play at all in the 2001 season, but did play all 16 games for the Packers in 2002 before he was released.
It took 16 years for the Packers to select another Badger in the NFL draft when GM Ted Thompson selected outside linebacker Vince Biegel in Round 4 of the 2017 NFL draft. For those of you who know my history regarding mock drafts (I’ve been doing them for almost 20 years now), you know that I had the Packers taking outside linebacker T.J. Watt in both my first mock draft and my last mock draft in 2017.
T.J. Watt
Not picking Watt was a colossal mistake by Thompson, as he had the opportunity to select the Badger All-American in the 1st round with pick No. 29, but instead traded back to the 2nd round and took corner back Kevin King instead with pick No. 33. All Watt has done is to go to four Pro Bowls, been named All-Pro three times and was 2021 AP Defensive Player of the Year.
Since 2017, Watt has played in 77 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers and has had 294 combined tackles, 80 tackles for a loss, 150 QB hits, 72 sacks, 22 forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and four interceptions.
Biegel played with the Packers in 2017 only and played in nine games. In 2018, Biegel was released and signed by the New Orleans Saints and played in 14 games in 2018. In 2019, Biegel was traded to the Miami Dolphins and started 10 games and had 2.5 sacks. Biegel didn’t play for the Dolphins in 2020 due to a torn Achilles, but did play in five games for Miami in 2021.
Just in case you were wondering, the 2017 NFL draft was the last one Thompson ever presided over with the Packers. Not selecting Watt in 2017 still haunts me, as well as those in Badger and Packer Nation.
Okay, now let’s look at how Chenal, Sanborn, Ferguson and Bruss might fit with the Packers, seeing as the Packers run a 3-4 defense under Joe Barry like the Wisconsin Badgers do under Jim Leonhard, who was offered the defensive coordinator job with the Packers last season before head coach Matt LaFleur hired Barry.
Plus, the Packers base their offense on an outside zone running scheme and that will continue under new offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich, who was the offensive line coach for the Packers in 2019 through last season. That fits in perfectly to what the Badgers do, as they base their offense on running the football, first and foremost, which creates play-action opportunities for their quarterbacks.
Chenal had a great 2021 season for the Badgers. No. 5 had 115 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for a loss, eight sacks and two forced fumbles. That led to Chenal being named AFCA first-team All-American, first-team All-Big Ten and being named Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year in the Big Ten.
Chenal was a two-year starter for the Badgers and is expected to be drafted in the 3rd or 4th round of the 2022 NFL draft, but the former Grantsburg, Wisconsin native could go as early as the late 2nd round.
This is what Landry wrote about the 6’2″, 255-pound Chenal, in his 2021 NFL draft notebook on prospects, “Wisconsin LB Leo Chenal has the block-beating ability and football IQ along with a versatile skillset and high grades in both run defense (1st among linebackers) and pass coverage (2nd).”
The Packers need to be looking at the inside linebacker position, because right now, it is questionable whether or not the Packers can retain inside linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, who is currently a free agent, due to their cap situation. Campbell was first-team All-Pro for the Pack in 2021 and the team would love to keep him, but right now the focus is on resolving the status of 2021 NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers one way or the other. My feeling is that Rodgers will be back and then the next step will be to work out something with wide receiver Davante Adams in terms of his contract status.
Jack Sanborn
The Badgers were fortunate enough to have two stud inside linebackers in 2021, as Sanborn had a very fine season as well. No. 57 had 89 total tackles, 16 tackles for a loss, five sacks and one fumble recovery. That led to Sanborn being named first-team All-Big Ten, just like Chenal. Sanborn was also named third-team All-Big Ten in 2020.
Sanborn has been a three-year starter for the Badgers and has accumulated 228 total tackles, 29 tackles for a loss, 11.5 sacks, four interceptions, two fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles.
Landry noted this about the 6’2″, 235-pound Sanborn in his preseason evaluation of linebacker prospects, “Sanborn is very advanced at the little things of the position already, so most of his improvement has to come physically. He’s terrific at taking on blocks in the run game as well as route recognition in zone coverage in the passing game. The good news is, we already saw him make serious physical strides from his first year as a starter in 2019 to this past year. He got far stronger as a tackler and saw his missed tackle rate almost chopped in half, from 24.0 in 2019 to 14.3 this past year.”
Right now, it’s expected that Sanborn could be selected in the 4th or 5th round of the 2022 NFL draft.
Jake Ferguson
The tight end position for the Packers is currently in a state of flux, which means a prospect like Ferguson should definitely be on their radar,
Starting tight end Robert Tonyan, who suffered an ACL injury midway through the 2021 season, is a free agent. Veteran Marcedes Lewis is now 37 years old and although he is tight with Rodgers from a friendship perspective, the cap situation on the team may force the team’s hand in terms of releasing him. After the injury to Tonyan, the playing time for Josiah Deguara increased substantially. Although Deguara, who suffered an ACL injury himself in 2020, showed flashes, the jury is still out on him.
Enter Ferguson. No. 84 had a very nice career with the Badgers, as he has been a four-year starter. During that time, Ferguson had 145 receptions for 1,618 yards and 13 touchdowns.
In 2021, Ferguson had 46 catches for 450 yards and three touchdowns. That led to Ferguson being named first-team All-Big Ten.
Landry noted this about the 6’5″, 245-pound Ferguson at the 2022 Senior Bowl practices, “It started off slow, like the practice in general, but Jake Ferguson eventually picked it up. After some balance issues early (falling on his route breaks), Ferguson had a nice grab during team drills that attempted to atone for a few early mistakes.”
In the Senior Bowl itself, Ferguson had a very nice game, with three catches for 62 yards and a touchdown.
Ferguson might be a Day 2 selection in the 2022 NFL draft, perhaps being selected in the 3rd round. Some scouts have Ferguson as a Day 3 selection, being picked in the 4th, 5th or 6th rounds.
Logan Bruss
The Packers absolutely love versatile offensive linemen. And that is the type of player that Bruss is, as he played both guard and tackle for the Badgers. Bruss played right tackle for the Badgers and that could be a plus in terms of the Packers, as the status of right tackle Billy Turner is in doubt due to the cap situation of the team.
The Packers drafted three offensive linemen in the 2021 NFL draft, and I see them drafting at least one in this draft, especially due to the cap situation regarding Turner and the injury status of both David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins, who both are recovering from ACL injuries. Bakhtiari looked to be back, as he played in the last game of the 2021 regular season, but he had a setback and could not go in the Divisional Round game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Bruss was named third-team All-Big Ten in 2020 and second-team All-Big Ten in 2021.
Landry gave Bruss a game ball in his Week 9 notes section for his performance at right tackle against the Iowa Hawkeyes, as the Badgers won 27-7.
Right now, it looks like Bruss will probably go late in the 2022 NFL draft, most likely in the 6th or 7th round.
Bottom line, time will tell whether the Packers will select a Badger (or two) in the 2022 NFL draft, but there are definitely some Wisconsin players who fit the profile of what the Packers need in 2022 and beyond.
The Green Bay Packers finalized a deal with linebacker Jaylon Smith on Thursday morning according to both NFL Network and ESPN. The Packers were able to sign Smith after the Dallas Cowboys surprisingly released Smith earlier this week.
Smith had been a very solid inside linebacker for the Cowboys going into the 2021 season and was even named to the 2019 Pro Bowl squad. From 2017 through 2020, Smith accumulated 498 tackles, 20 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, two interceptions, six forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.
So far in the 2021 season, Smith played in all four of the games that Dallas had played in and had 18 tackles.
The Packers are getting a real bargain with the signing, as Smith won’t cost the Packers much because his $7.2 million base salary is guaranteed and will be paid by the Cowboys. Smith is not expected to get much more than the $990,000 minimum from Green Bay for a player of Smith’s experience.
Smith was one of the best players in college football when he played with Notre Dame prior to the 2016 NFL draft. However, Smith suffered a severe knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl when the Fighting Irish played the Ohio State Buckeyes.
I recall talking to NFL scout Chris Landry prior to the 2016 draft about Smith, as the Butkus Award winner was expected to miss the entire 2016 NFL season due to his knee injury. The Packers were one of the NFL teams who brought Smith in for a pre-draft interview, as Ted Thompson was the general manager of the team at the time.
At Notre Dame, where Smith also played inside linebacker in his sophomore and junior years, the Fort Wayne, Indiana native had 133 combined tackled those two seasons, which included 18 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, one interception, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
Smith was named second-team All-American in 2014 and first-team All-American in 2015. When Smith played for Notre Dame in 2014, head coach Matt LaFleur of the Packers was on the coaching staff of the Fighting Irish as quarterbacks coach.
Getting back to my conversation with Landry, the NFL scout gushed about how impressive Smith was at Notre Dame before his injury.
“One of the big stories of this draft is going to be determined next week in large part,” Landry said. “I don’t know if we’ll hear about it that much, but when we go to the re-check physicals, Jaylon Smith of Notre Dame [will get his].
“Let me remind people. There is not a better player in this draft than Jaylon Smith of Notre Dame. He’s the kid who had the knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State. If medically the doctors say that he’s going to be 100 percent once he’s healed, I mean there are teams talking late in the first round about taking him.
“You are talking about a guy who could be the first pick or the second pick or third pick of the draft if he was healthy. If you are in a position, maybe like Bob’s Packers or somebody like that, I mean you are talking about an elite player.
“You would have to redshirt him, as he’s not going to play next year. But if you are willing to do that and be comfortable enough as an organization to do it, and then medically do you feel good, with the the doctors being comfortable saying that this guy is going to be fine in a year, it’s just going to take time, he is well worth the wait.”
Landry gave Smith the highest grade on his linebacker draft board with a 6.5 mark, which was also shared by Myles Jack of UCLA.
The Cowboys ended up drafting Smith with pick No. 34 in Round 2 of the 2016 NFL draft. Would the Packers have selected Smith later in the second round if he was still available? That we will never know. Instead the Packers selected offensive tackle Jason Spriggs of Indiana
Current Green Bay GM Brian Gutekunst was the director of college scouting for the Packers when Smith played at Notre Dame. I’m sure that was one of the reasons the Packers brought in Smith for a pre-draft interview and also eventually signed the former Fighting Irish star after his release by the Cowboys.
Going into the 2021 NFL season, it looked like inside linebacker would be one of the weaker positions on the Green Bay defense. But after the signing of free agent De’Vondre Campbell in June and now the signing of Smith, inside linebacker looks to be a strength position on the defense, as Campbell has been one of the few bright spots of the defense so far in 2021.
Based on the background of Smith at both Notre Dame and the Cowboys in the NFL, it appears that Campbell and Smith could be quite a dynamic duo.
Before the 2021 NFL draft, general manager Brian Gutekunst of the Green Bay Packers knew he needed to select some offensive linemen to bolster the offensive line of the team. Even with the offensive line of the Packers being ranked 2nd in the NFL during the 2020 season by Pro Football Focus.
Gutekunst had a number of issues to deal with in terms of upgrading his offensive line. For one, left tackle DavidBakhtiari had an ACL injury that shelved him late in the season and postseason, plus that injury will also mean some missed games in 2021 most likely, as Bakhtiari recovers from his injury.
That injury came up big in the 2020 NFC title game versus the Tampa Bay Bucs, as Billy Turner struggled in pass protection, as he had moved from his normal position of right tackle over to the left. Plus, Ricky Wagner, who moved into Turner’s spot at right tackle, also had issues in pass protection. The result? Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was sacked five times and was pressured often while attempting to pass. This after a regular season when Rodgers had been sacked just 20 times and was on his way to winning his third NFL MVP award.
To add to that, All-Pro center Corey Linsley left the team via free agency during the offseason and signed with the San Diego Chargers. The Packers also released Wagner in February. That meant new offensive line additions would be coming via the NFL draft.
Three new additions as a matter of fact. Center Josh Myers of Ohio State was selected in Round 2, guard/tackle Royce Newman of Mississippi was selected in Round 4 and offensive tackle Cole Van Lanen of Wisconsin was selected in Round 6.
NFL scout Chris Landry put out these scouting reports on Myers, Newman and Van Lanen prior to the draft.
Josh Myers
A two-year starter at Ohio State, Myers was the center in head coach Ryan Day’s offense. He served as a backup guard and center in 2018 before earning the starting center job in 2019, starting 21 games there the last two seasons. Myers is a square, instinctive blocker with the core strength and competitive juices that allow him to consistently finish blocks. A guard in a run-only offense in high school, he is still developing his pass protection skills and will struggle at times vs. quickhanded rushers. Overall, Myers isn’t an elite athlete for the position and needs to cut back on the aggressive leaning, but he brings the desired levels of toughness, smarts and execution. He projects as a starter in the NFL at a guard or center.
Royce Newman
A two-year starter at Ole Miss, Newman lined up at right tackle in head coach Lane Kiffin’s up-tempo spread offense. He was a blocking tight end in high school before playing both guard spots as a junior for the Rebels, moving outside to tackle as a senior. With only 22 career starts in college, Newman is still developing the tricks of the trade, but he does a great job staying on time with his eyes, feet, and body movements. He relies more on angles than power and is more of a get-in-the-way blocker than a mauler. Overall, Newman doesn’t have overwhelming physicality or play strength, but he is quick off the ball with efficient setup and execution to stay square with defenders. He projects as a prospect with four-position (RT, LG, RG, OC) versatility.
Cole Van Lanen
Cole Van Lanen was a two-time First Team All-State offensive tackle at Bay Port High School and won the discus and shot put titles at the 2015 state meet. He was a U.S. Army All-American and four-star recruit, committing to Wisconsin over Iowa and Michigan. Van Lanen became the Badgers’ starting left tackle as a junior and started 19 total games, earning All-Big Ten honors as a junior and senior. He played better on his 2020 film compared to his 2019 tape, but there still are several areas he needs to clean up. Van Lanen is a determined run blocker with the hand strength to turn defenders and the natural momentum to strike and widen lanes. In pass protection, he has a patient, stout punch, but his slide mechanics and footwork are choppy, diminishing his functional mirroring skills in space. Overall, Van Lanen is smart and physical, but his average length and balance issues will push him inside to guard for some teams. He projects as a possible backup.
It’s been pretty obvious to those who have seen Myers practice in the minicamps, training camp and then actually play in the first preseason game, know that No. 71 is ready to step-in and succeed in replacing Linsley, who like Myers played his college ball at Ohio State.
Myers, who goes 6’5″, 310, is getting great accolades from both his coaches and his teammates.
“He’s got great football intelligence,” said offensive line coach Adam Stenavich via Packers.com. “He’s very poised. We put a lot on his plate, and he handles it very well. He played very well last night, did exactly what I thought he was going to do, just went out there and handled himself well, played with physicality, run the huddle. He did a good job. Just a mature kid.”
Plus Rodgers, the defending NFL MVP, has also been impressed with Myers.
“I gotta say Josh Myers, the center,” Rodgers said. “For a guy to come in, as a draft pick, as a rookie, and be that comfortable – it’s pretty impressive.”
Photo by Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY NETWORK
Meanwhile, another rookie could also become a starter along the offensive line. That would be the 6’5″, 310-pound Newman, who will get a shot to become the starter at right guard. The running game of the Packers looked terrible for the most part in the preseason game against the Texans. Stenavich was not happy with the performance of his guards in the running game, which is whey he replaced the two starting guards (LG Jon Runyan and RG Lucas Patrick) in practice on Monday with Ben Braden taking over at left guard and Newman taking over at right guard.
One person who will be closely watching the competition at guard, especially at right guard, is Hall of Famer Jerry Kramer, who knows how important training camp can be as a rookie, like when he was battling Ken Gray for the final spot on the 1958 roster of the Packers.
The Packers offense was one of the best in the NFL last season, mostly because of a very balanced attack, with Rodgers having his best season ever throwing the ball and winning his third NFL MVP award, plus having a very strong running game behind Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams and rookie AJ Dillon. Both Jones and Dillon are back with the Pack in 2021, while Williams left via free agency to sign with the Detroit Lions..
Stenavich liked what he saw with Newman on Saturday night, as the running game improved upon his entrance in the game. And Newman received plenty of playing time, as No. 70 played the entire second half at right guard against Houston. The former Mississippi Rebel star didn’t allow one pressure and looked very good with his run-blocking.
Although Newman was the starter at right tackle for the Rebels in 2020, in 2019, Newman started 12 games at left guard for Mississippi.
The running game improved when Newman was playing next to the rookie Van Lanen, who played right tackle. The 6’4″, 305-pound Van Lanen has shown the feet to play tackle in the NFL, although No. 78 needs some time in the weight room to get stronger.
Van Lanen is living the dream, as he is a Green Bay native who played his college ball at the University of Wisconsin. Although the depth at the offensive tackle position has been strengthened with the addition of Dennis Kelly via free agency, Van Lanen has shown thus far that he has a chance to make the final 53-man roster.
Bottom line, the three rookie offensive linemen who were drafted by the Packers have all been pretty impressive so far early into training camp. Time will tell how successful they all will be as their NFL careers go forward, but right now Gutekunst and the Packers have to be very pleased with the three offensive linemen they selected in the 2021 NFL draft.
Yes, the 2021 NFL draft is finally over. But that was not the big story in Green Bay or the NFL. No, the big news was about a disgruntled three-time NFL MVP who has won a Super Bowl for the Green Bay Packers. No, I’m not talking about quarterback Brett Favre, who was involved in a similar drama in 2008. In 2021, it’s about quarterback Aaron Rodgers. On the first day of the NFL draft on Thursday April 29th, multiple stories…er…leaks…came out about No. 12’s unhappiness regarding the current situation in Titletown.
The timing of these leaks…er…articles…couldn’t have come at a more impactful moment regarding the NFL on the first day of the 2021 draft. Obviously something is amiss here between Rodgers and the Packers. That being said, I believe something will get worked out.
Rodgers is very cognizant about his standing in Packer Nation and based on the many negative posts I have seen written about him over the past couple of days by followers of the Packers, I believe Aaron realizes that he and his agent David Dunn better get this brush fire under control and get things resolved somewhat quickly.
But I digress, this article is about the 2021 draft class of the Packers. In this piece, NFL scout Chris Landry will give a scouting report on each of the players who general manager Brian Gutekunst and his scouting staff have drafted for the Packers.
One of those players is Amari Rodgers, who I had the Packers taking in my final mock draft.
Round 1: Cornerback Eric Stokes (Georgia)
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 194 pounds
Chris Landry’s scouting report:
A two-year starter at Georgia, Stokes lined up at right cornerback in head coach Kirby Smart’s 3-3-5 base scheme, seeing time inside and outside. After moving to cornerback as a senior in high school, he quickly adapted to the position in the SEC, impressing the coaches with his ability to apply coaching and trust his skill set. Stokes enjoyed his best season in 2020 with four interceptions and allowing only 38.5% completions when targeted. Stokes has elite NFL play speed and won’t lose many foot races. He uses body control, patience and footwork to stay square and in phase. While his competitiveness downfield is a positive trait, he panics at times and needs to be more subtle with his contact (nine penalties in college). Overall, Stokes must correct his play recognition and transition flaws, but his size, speed and promising ball awareness are undeniable and scheme-versatile traits that will help him compete for starting reps early in his NFL career.
Round 2: Center Josh Myers (Ohio State)
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 310 pounds
Chris Landry’s scouting report:
A two-year starter at Ohio State, Myers was the center in head coach Ryan Day’s offense. He served as a backup guard and center in 2018 before earning the starting center job in 2019, starting 21 games there the last two seasons. Myers is a square, instinctive blocker with the core strength and competitive juices that allow him to consistently finish blocks. A guard in a run-only offense in high school, he is still developing his pass protection skills and will struggle at times vs. quickhanded rushers. Overall, Myers isn’t an elite athlete for the position and needs to cut back on the aggressive leaning, but he brings the desired levels of toughness, smarts and execution. He projects as a starter in the NFL at a guard or center.
Round 3: Wide Receiver Amari Rodgers (Clemson)
Height: 5′ 9 1/2″
Weight: 212 pounds
Chris Landry’s scouting report:
A three-year starter at Clemson, Rodgers lined up primarily in the slot in offensive coordinator Tony Elliott’s shotgun spread scheme, moving around the formation and thriving on quick targets (screens, sweeps, etc.). He was Trevor Lawrence’s favorite receiver in 2020 and finished his career No. 6 in school history with 181 catches. Rodgers is very natural catching the ball in stride and seamlessly becoming a ball carrier, and there is a rumble pack on the clicker when you watch his tape because you feel his play strength and toughness. He has elusive feet to shake defenders and settle in zones, but he still requires maturation as a downfield route runner. Overall, Rodgers might struggle to win on the outside vs. NFL corners, but he is a cranked-up competitor with the play strength, instincts and acceleration similar to Deebo Samuel. He projects as a versatile starting slot receiver with special teams skills.
A two-year starter at Ole Miss, Newman lined up at right tackle in head coach Lane Kiffin’s up-tempo spread offense. He was a blocking tight end in high school before playing both guard spots as a junior for the Rebels, moving outside to tackle as a senior. With only 22 career starts in college, Newman is still developing the tricks of the trade, but he does a great job staying on time with his eyes, feet, and body movements. He relies more on angles than power and is more of a get-in-the-way blocker than a mauler. Overall, Newman doesn’t have overwhelming physicality or play strength, but he is quick off the ball with efficient setup and execution to stay square with defenders. He projects as a prospect with four-position (RT, LG, RG, OC) versatility.
Round 5: Nose Tackle Tedarrell Slaton (Florida)
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 330 pounds
Chris Landry’s scouting report:
A one-year starter at Florida, Slaton played nose tackle in defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s even and odd fronts. He was the highest-ranked recruit in the Gators’ 2017 class (ahead of C.J. Henderson and Kadarius Toney), although his college career was a slow ascent as he adapted to the defensive line after playing primarily on offense in high school. Slaton carries his weight like a smaller player while flashing the raw strength to stay underneath blocks and find the football. His senior tape showed a more mature player, but his shed timing, gap leverage and overall consistency require further development. Overall, Slaton is a massive athlete with the raw power, promising technique and two-gap potential to be an intriguing project for an NFL defensive line coach.
A two-year starter at Appalachian State, Jean-Charles played both left and right cornerback on defensive coordinator Dale Jones’ scheme. After two years as a subpackage corner, he became a starter as a junior and logged 27 passes defended over 26 games the last two seasons, including an FBS-best 17 passes defended in 2020. Jean-Charles plays with confidence and route anticipation, which allows his instincts and preparation to kick in, leading him to plays. He will struggle to recover after a misstep and needs to eliminate the panic plays. Overall, Jean-Charles doesn’t have an elite size/speed/strength profile, but he is a “right place, right time” type of player and stays balanced in coverage to disrupt passing lanes.
Round 6: Offensive Lineman Cole Van Lanen (Wisconsin)
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 305 pounds
Chris Landry’s scouting report:
Cole Van Lanen was a two-time First Team All-State offensive tackle at Bay Port High School and won the discus and shot put titles at the 2015 state meet. He was a U.S. Army All-American and four-star recruit, committing to Wisconsin over Iowa and Michigan. Van Lanen became the Badgers’ starting left tackle as a junior and started 19 total games, earning All-Big Ten honors as a junior and senior. He played better on his 2020 film compared to his 2019 tape, but there still are several areas he needs to clean up. Van Lanen is a determined run blocker with the hand strength to turn defenders and the natural momentum to strike and widen lanes. In pass protection, he has a patient, stout punch, but his slide mechanics and footwork are choppy, diminishing his functional mirroring skills in space. Overall, Van Lanen is smart and physical, but his average length and balance issues will push him inside to guard for some teams. He projects as a possible backup.
A three-year starter at Boston College, McDuffie played weakside linebacker in head coach Jeff Hafley’s 4-3 base scheme. After missing most of the 2019 season with a knee injury, he returned strong in 2020 and finished fifth in the FBS with 107 total tackles, averaging 9.7 tackles per game. A run-and-hit style defender, McDuffie is an alert, determined chaser who looks to tune up his target. However, he needs to improve in coverage and struggles to match up against climbing blockers with his average size. Overall, McDuffie needs to play with better discipline, but he only knows one speed and flies around the field with a touch of insanity to him. He projects as a special teamer and linebacker depth.
Round 7: Running Back Kylin Hill (Mississippi State)
Height: 5′ 10 1/2″
Weight: 214 pounds
Chris Landry’s scouting report:
A three-year starter at Mississippi State, Hill was consistently productive for three different head coaches (and three different offensive systems) over his four years in Starkville. He led SEC running backs in rushing yards per game (103.8) in 2019, set a school record with four 150-yard rushing games and was expected to be a central piece of new head coach Mike Leach’s offense in 2020. But the two butted heads, resulting in a suspension and Hill opting out after only three games. Hill is a tough, angry runner with the foot quickness to dart through or away from trouble. While eager to attack the defense, he has a bad habit of relying more on his aggressive nature instead of trusting his vision. Overall, Hill’s run tempo and emotional maturity will be put under the microscope during the draft process, but he offers the agility, determination and pass-catching skills to be a productive piece of a running back rotation in the NFL.
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