Since the turn of the century, few NFL teams have relied more heavily on the draft for building their roster than the Green Bay Packers. Even the more balanced approach to roster development brought by Brian Gutekunst has still yielded seven starters by way of the draft across his four offseasons as Packers GM. That number figures to grow in a 2022 draft where the Packers' needs are pronounced and they hold 11 draft picks.
22. (R1a - from Las Vegas) EDGE George Karlaftis, Purdue
With the first of their first round picks, the Packers scoop up the best talent that falls out of the teens in Karlaftis. Adding talent after starters Rashan Gary and Preston Gary would seem to honor the desires of outside linebackers coach Jason Rebrovich, who yearns for a deep rotation of capable rushers. If Karlaftis lives up to his draft stock, he could begin stealing snaps from Smith at an increasing rate throughout 2022.
28. (R1b) WR George Pickens, Georgia
It wouldn't be a Packers mock draft without jumping on a receiver early. But, in all seriousness, this is probably the year that GM Brian Gutekunst commits to exiting Day 1 having addressed the team's top position of need. Aside from Pickens, the Packers have known interest in Ohio State's Chris Olave and Arkansas's Treylon Burks, both of whom could be the pick at 28, if they're still on the board.
53. (R2a - from Las Vegas) DE DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M
It's no secret that the Packers have deprioritized the 3-4 defensive end position over the past decade or so. But, this year, the Packers are forced to add depth in that area of the defense on Day 2 of the draft. They find the prototypical 5-technique in Leal, whose draft stock has fallen steadily over the offseason but still has the ability to score significant playing time on a Green Bay front seven in need of down linemen that can rush the quarterback.
59. (R2b) LB Channing Tindall, Georgia
The fact that half of Georgia's starting defense could be drafted in the first round makes it possible for the Packers scoop up talented Bulldogs that have gone more overlooked. They should have their choice "Tier 2" linebackers late in the second, giving thought to fellow UGA product Quay Walker, Bama's Christian Harris and Cincy's Darrian Beavers. Tindall winds up being the pick and instantly supplies physicality that the Green Bay defense has lacked for decades.
92. (R3) S Kerby Joseph, Illinois
The Packers have long made a habit of getting ahead of looming needs when tempting talent remains on the board at their pick. This year, that move is at safety. With Joseph still around in the third, Gutekunst finds a safety capable of playing both free and strong. With such versatility, Joseph serves as an heir to 2023 free agent SS Adrian Amos while simultaneously putting inconsistent FS Darnell Savage on notice (who is entering the final year of his rookie contract).
132. (R4a) TE Greg Dulcich, UCLA
This draft is unlikely to see a tight end drafted in the first 50 picks - but it's littered with value in the mid rounds. Expect the Packers to be amongst the teams that pounce on a dual-threat tight end like Dulcich, Ohio State's Jeremy Ruckert, Iowa State's Charlie Kolar or Nevada's Cole Turner early on Day 3. With the first of two fourth round picks, they get a steal in Dulcich, who began his college career as a hybrid receiver-tight end.
140. (R4b - compensatory pick) OT Rasheed Walker, Penn State
It's no secret that the fourth round has been a breeding ground for the Packers to cultivate strong offensive line talent (David Bakhtiari, Josh Sitton, T.J. Lang, Royce Newman). They go with one the most intriguing physical specimens in Walker, who has the potential to be developed into Bakhtiari's successor at left tackle, but won't be pressured to start immediately with Yosh Nijman firmly in the mix at right tackle.
171. (R5) WR Danny Gray, SMU
The Packers will have their choice of downfield threats with this year's wide receiver class. Despite apparent interest in Baylor's Tyquan Thornton, Gutekunst goes with another speed demon from the state of Texas in Gray. Partially due to size, Gray has flown under the radar a bit, keeping him on the board mid way through Saturday. The former Mustang may not spell MVS immediately but should be able to contribute in a passing game role currently lacking speed.
228. (R7a - from Chicago via Houston) WR Kevin Austin Jr., Notre Dame
During Gutekunst's first draft as Packers GM, he took a chance on a developmental receiver in Equanimeous St. Brown. With St. Brown now with the Bears, Gute uses a pick acquired from Chicago to nab another Notre Dame prospect in Austin. For his size, Austin brings solid speed (4.43 time in the 40) as well as the potential to contribute on special teams, just as St. Brown did.
249. (R7b) CB Damarion Williams, Houston
The Packers found a way to retain CB Rasul Douglas this offseason but - especially with the departure of Chandon Sullivan - will remain challenged in the slot. While there's hope that 2021 fifth round selection Shermar Jean-Charles will develop into a viable slot corner, the Packers choose to use the second of three seventh round picks on a prospect capable of flexing into that role.
258. (R7c - compensatory pick) OL Brock Hoffman, Virginia Tech
The Packers have made a habit of finding quality O-line on Day 3 of the draft - and it continues this April with a project lineman in Hoffman. In contrast to fellow Hokie Yosh Nijman, Hoffman projects best as an interior O-lineman, where he would compete for the hybrid G/C role previously occupied by Lucas Patrick. With Elgton Jenkins likely to begin the season IR, Hoffman just might be able to secure a roster spot out of camp.
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