It was nothing short of a GM's dream scenario, especially for a draft-and-develop org like the Packers.
On April 28th 2022, Brian Gutekunst began his most important draft day as Packers GM. Thanks to the Davante Adams trade, the Packers were loaded with draft capital, holding two draft picks in both the first and second rounds - along with two picks in the fourth and four picks in the seventh.
He had the arsenal to, not only shape the roster for the future, but also arm his future hall of fame quarterback with NFL-ready weapons on offense.
Despite the expectation that even highly-coveted prospects take time to contribute in the NFL, there was cautious optimism in the Packersphere that this draft class could make an immediate impact, given what seemed to be a window closing on the Aaron Rodgers era.
Draft weekend came and went. In true Gute fashion, the Packers jumped at players with elite RAS scores, generally staying true to the "best player available" draft philosophy.
R1a. LB Quay Walker, Georgia
R1b. DT Devonte Wyatt, Georgia
R2. WR Christian Watson, North Dakota State
R3. OL Sean Rhyan, UCLA
R4a. WR Romeo Doubs, Nevada
R4b. OL Zach Tom, Wake Forest
R5. EDGE Kinsley Enagbare, South Carolina
R7a. LB/S Tariq Carpenter, Georgia Tech
R7b. DT Jonathan Ford, Miami
R7c. OL Rasheed Walker, Penn State
R7d. WR Samori Toure, Nebraska
Slow Starts
Training camp provided some initial optimism for the draft class. Strong camp showings by LB Quay Walker and WR Romeo Doubs, in particular, gave way to plenty of early playing time for the pair of rookies. In a bit of a surprise, all 11 draft picks cracked the 53-man roster as training camp concluded in August.
However, the majority of the draft class remained quiet as the regular reason got underway.
Third-round OL Sean Rhyan wasn't even considered in an O-line rotation needing capable bodies as starters David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins worked back to full health. Recovering from a surgery of his own, WR Christian Watson was effectively a non-factor in the passing game, used almost exclusively on end arounds and reverses. Finally, despite a D-line severely lacking in talent, DL Devonte Wyatt failed to find the playing field at all.
To make matters worse, for every flash by Walker and Doubs came rookie miscues. Walker was ejected from the Packers' Week 8 game at Buffalo for unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and was frequently guilty of missing assignments inside. With an elevated role in the passing game, Doubs saw plenty of targets, but struggled with ball security, dropping what would have been a game-securing TD against the Patriots and losing a fumble earlier in the game.
Despite a rock solid draft class on paper, the Packers didn't have much to show for it midway through the season.
Turning the Corner
By early November, the Packers were so banged up - and had dug themselves into a such a deep hole in the NFC playoff picture - that they had no choice by to give their 2022 rookies more opportunities. The inflection point effectively came in Week 10 when the Packers hosted Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys.
Finally, they got Watson going.
The rookie "project" receiver reeled in four catches for 107 yards and three touchdowns against Dallas in what ended up being THE coming out party. Between Weeks 10 and 13, he scored eight touchdowns on just 13 touches, or nearly four points per touch. Now paired with a healthy Romeo Doubs, the Packers enter the season's final stretch with one of the most underrated receiver duos in the NFC.
It wasn't just Watson that helped restore the passing game. After drawing a few spot starts during the first half of the season, fourth-round OL Zach Tom has since asserted himself as an integral member of the O-line. Manning the blindspot of Aaron Rodgers in place of Bakhtiari, Tom has been impressively efficient as a pass blocker and looks on-track to earning a permanent spot on 2023 offensive line.
Shifting to the other side of the ball, the positive trends continue.
Arguably the biggest steal of the Packers' 2022 draft class may be former South Carolina Gamecock, J.J. Enagbare. When Green Bay's top pass rusher Rashan Gary went down in Week 9, Enagbare vaulted into the starting lineup - and he's made the most of his opportunities. The rookie EDGE is amongst the top performers at his position this season, which - when taking into account the pass rusher talent in the 2022 draft class - says a ton about his performance.
One would think: "With a fifth rounder capturing rookie accolades, surely the Packers have also capitalized on the pair of Georgia defenders selected in the first round."
Yes and no. When he's played, Wyatt has been amongst the Packers' best defensive linemen. Unfortunately, his opportunities have remained suppressed due to the schematic preference or lack of perceived readiness by defensive coordinator Joe Barry. However, both Wyatt and Walker have turned the corner in terms of discipline and generating high-impact plays. Wyatt's role, in particular, is likely to expand before the end of the season.
In Week 15 against the Rams, the Packers' rookies may have been the difference in the game, combining for over 100 yards receiving, nine tackles and 2.5 sacks. Six draft picks - three on each side of the ball, ranging from first to fifth rounders - are helping keep this team competitive amidst the many injuries and setbacks the Packers have endured throughout the season.
A Roster Foundation of the Future?
Only time will tell whether this draft class's early promise will evolve into long-term success. We've seen many instances of players regressing over the course of their rookie contracts. Just look at the careers of Eddie Lacy, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Damarious Randall, Kevin King and, most recently, Darnell Savage.
But, if Gutekunst did hit on even half of his 11 draft picks from this past April, he'll have shored up several positional groups in less than five years as GM. Wide receiver, offensive line, linebacker and defensive line will join running back and cornerback as having proven talent at every starting position on the depth chart. That would leave just safety and tight end to address in the 2023 draft, in addition to a very pivotal decision looming at quarterback.
Entering his fifth season as Packers GM, the late Ted Thompson had successfully architected the roster into a similar state: just a few pieces away from being a repeat contender. Sure enough, Ted's Packers got their ring just months later.
We all wonder: Is Gutekunst's 2022 draft class the final piece of groundwork for a Super Bowl run?
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