Green Bay’s 2022 Draft Class is Producing Early Returns

Green Bay's rookies, led by Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, are cause for excitement for the future.

It’s not unusual for rookies to take some time before making their mark in the NFL. Adapting to a higher level of competition can mean young players struggle early in their careers, but that has not been a problem for Green Bay’s 2022 Draft class.

The recent outrageous performances from Christian Watson have grabbed the headlines, and rightfully so, but Packers GM Brian Gutekunst looks to have found multiple contributors in his latest crop of rookies.

Earlier in the season, it was another rookie wideout, Romeo Doubs garnering the acclaim for some impressive performances, and Samori Toure has also shown he can play at this level. The three youngsters appear to be the future of Green Bay’s wide receiver room.

Linebacker JJ Enagbare has performed well above his fifth-round pedigree in his rookie season, and could be a legitimate rusher to pair with Rashan Gary going forward.

Zach Tom has also earned praise for his play at various spots along the offensive line.

Stepping in for David Bakhtiari at left tackle on short notice and not being a flat-out liability would be somewhat impressive for a fourth-round rookie, but with Tom protecting Rodgers’ blindside, the Packers really didn’t miss a beat.

Of course, much of the discussion over the success or failure of a draft class centers around first-round picks, and there have been positive signs to justify Gutekunst’s selections of Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt.

Walker has been thrust into a prominent role right from the start of his rookie year, and with De’Vondre Campbell sidelined of late, took responsibility for communicating play calls to the rest of the defense.

Walker is raw and that was well established when he was drafted, but his freakish athleticism is hard to come by and he’s put out plenty of positive tape to indicate he’s progressing nicely.

Wyatt, the second of Green Bay’s two first-round picks in 2022, straight up needs to get more snaps.

His playing time has been limited, which for a 24-year-old rookie has been slightly concerning at times, but especially in recent weeks, Wyatt has looked the part when he’s been out there. In fact, he received the highest grade of any Packers defender from PFF for Sunday’s win over Chicago.

One pick which may be making Packers fans nervous is the third-round selection of Sean Rhyan. The former UCLA tackle has made zero impact in his rookie year and also picked up a PED suspension.

The third-round curse in Green Bay has been unrelenting, but Rhyan is extremely talented and is still just 22 years old. Don’t be surprised to see him turn it around.

 

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Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @MarkOldacres

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9 points
 

Comments (49)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
PackyCheese500's picture

December 05, 2022 at 06:16 pm

I think Gutekunst did a banger ofa job in this year's draft.

Quay Walker is looking like the best LB from the 2021 draft class. Devin Lloyd of the Jaguars started off hot but was benched a couple of weeks ago. Nakobe Dean of the Eagles hasn't been able to get a starting job even though LB is not one of the Eagles' strongest positions. Walker has shown his immense athletic and playmaking potential to become an all-pro; if only he had a better coaching staff to help him harness it.
One thing I am confused about are his recent tackling woes, especially since, when you read any draft scout about him, this was supposed to be his strongest trait. Maybe inadequate coaching? I don't know, but I have faith he can turn it around. Walker, as the season goes on, has been getting better and better in coverage, which is good.

I think it is unfair to call Wyatt a bust when he hasn't been able to see consistent playing time, especially considering the badness of our DL. He is being misused, and he may fare better with a new DC. Regardless, I remember when many people (myself included) were calling Watson a bust after he failed to do much of anything the first 9 weeks of the season. Here he is now, just 4 weeks later, breaking Packers rookie records for touchdowns. We must give Wyatt the same treatment; Let him show what he can do, especially since this is most likely a lost season.

Enough has been said on Watson, and I think we all hold the same position on him; he is a budding star.

Rhyan we need to wait until next year; he likely won't see the field again this season what with his suspension and all. Also I think the plan was to have him play at Guard, not Tackle.

Doubs has been promising. If he can erase some of the drops (a common symptom of a rookie pass-catcher), he could become an excellent 1B to Watson's 1A. He is a perfect contrast in playing style to Watson. His route-running and contested catch ability have been promising.

Zach Tom is another hit in the 4th round, from the looks of it. I know it was against the Bears, but he looked great on Sunday filling in for Bakhtiari. If he adds some muscle mass in the weight room in the offseason, he and Nijman could form an excellent long-term Tackle duo. His 5-position versatility along the O-line also helps, too.

I have thought ever since the drafting of Kingsley Enagbare that he was a steal. I was rooting for them to draft Enagbare before their selection came up. Enagbare was graded by some as a 3rd or even 2nd round prospect. He has been a nice surprise in the wake of Rashan Gary's injury, setting a great edge and holding up surprisingly well against the run in general, as that was his college weakness. He is good at rushing the passer, and could develop into a quality EDGE rusher.

Aside from the preseason, I have not seen much of Rasheed Walker, but he looked very good, especially in the Chiefs game. He could develop into a solid #3 Tackle.

Tariq Carpenter hasn't made much of an impact but is a strong open-field tackler, and has made a couple of big special teams plays as of late. They hybrid LB/S was, I suspect, largely intended to contribute on STs.

Jonathan "The Ford" Ford is a massive nose tackle. At nearly 350 pounds, he is build like a Ford. We have not seen much of him, but the FO must have when he earned a roster spot. I see him as a rotational nose tackle on early downs, mainly as a run stuffer.

Samori Toure. As a Nebraska fan myself, I was very excited when the Packers got Toure. He is seriously underrated, and made some big plays for the Huskers in 2021, even more impressive when you consider that our QB was bad. I wish that Toure got more snaps, and over the next few weeks, I hope he does. Not to slight Sammy Watkins, as he had a good outing on Sunday, but why is he getting snaps over Toure? I think he's shown great promise, with good route-running, slipperiness, and hands. I think he has the potential to develop into a very nice player at the pro level, most likely as a slot WR.

19 points
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Vachio's picture

December 06, 2022 at 09:37 am

Toure had more snaps than Watkins in the bears game.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 06, 2022 at 10:21 am

But only one target. It’s not just being in the field, it’s being an active part of the game plan that allows us to see what players can do. For the most part we stuck with Cobb alongside Lazard and Watson. It’s not Adams ball, but as close to it as LaFleyr can get.

1 points
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jhtobias's picture

December 05, 2022 at 06:20 pm

True about the draft class.

To think how much better Wyatt and Quay would be if the actually had a competent coaching staff on the defensive side of the ball.

I think that hiring Joe Berry as the defensive coordinator 2 years ago is the worst call since the Fail Mary . Face facts no one in the last 20 years has done less with more talent than this Guy . Truth is Lafluer, Murphy Gute or whoever makes this decison should be fired immediately for this decision alone regardless of how well they have performed. The hiring of Joe berry has destroyed a possible championship run instead we have become the team excited to come back and beat the bears .

Before you jump on my comments ask your self this would you still have your job if you performed like joe berry has and given every resource available? If you answer yes you either own the company or your parents own the company or your spouse parents own the company.

11 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

December 05, 2022 at 06:36 pm

The Barry hiring is especially bad when you look at how well the other candidate, Ejiro Evero, has done for the Broncos (currently a top 5 defense in NFL).

5 points
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T7Steve's picture

December 06, 2022 at 07:35 am

And the Broncos had to let some of their top vets move on to other teams. Still mind boggling what our talented players have had to overcome, and it looks like some are just coasting to get thru this season. Hope that doesn't create more injuries.

1 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 01:33 pm

the difference between us and Denver is coaching. I bet we could have had a decent defense with Evero as out DC

1 points
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NickPerry's picture

December 06, 2022 at 07:25 am

"If you answer yes you either own the company or your parents own the company or your spouse parents own the company."

LOL...This is priceless... First of all because it's true and secondly it's funny as hell!

4 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 05, 2022 at 06:22 pm

Starting to see signs In Wyatt when he gets to play, which is annoyingly infrequently given Lowry’s level of play. The same was true of Enagbare for a while, but he’s contributing regularly now Barry forced it. Tom has contributed and Looks promising: convinced he was a better option earlier in retrospect. I think Toure will if given a real chance to.

And that’s the point, I think that this class could have had a bigger impact if they were allowed to based upon play. Unfortunately our coaches, starting with LaFleur prefer old and familiar to players that make plays. It’s devilishly hard to play your way into snaps when good plays don’t get you opportunities. Now, if the incumbents were playing lights out, that’s reasonable. Hardly the case here.

Time for some coaches with imagination, ambition and the guts to take risks to improve the inadequate (with rookies or other young players).

16 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

December 05, 2022 at 06:39 pm

I 100% agree with you CW.
Just to clarify, the only reason Barry forced Enagbare was because of Gary's injury. The Dud of a DC would have likely kept him regularly on the sidelines if Gary hadn't been injured rather than regularly mixing him in as a rotational player.

Also agree about Wyatt and Toure. We can't go around calling them busts when they largely haven't had a chance to prove themselves. Toure this has been less of the case with because he was a 7th rounder, but I know many, including myself, were calling Watson a bust around weeks 8-9. Just 4 weeks later, he leads all rookies in total touchdowns. We need to treat Wyatt the way we should have treated Watson. Give him time. If, after significant playing time, he looks like a bust, then that's another matter.

One suspicion I have about Wyatt is that he plays to the level of those around him. He was a standout player along a very good Georgia D-line. On the other hand, our D-line is very poor. Maybe if we invest more resources in our D-line, that will lead to an increase in the quality of his play?

I don't know who Tom would replace, but I think he has great potential to become our next great 4th-round starting LT (that was Bakhtiari's round as well). His 5-position versatility certainly helps. I'm not comparing them, but I am saying that Tom could very well become a plus starter in the League

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 06, 2022 at 05:27 pm

I meant it to read “Gary forced it.” So I agree, and sorry for the confusing typo reverse.

0 points
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Vachio's picture

December 06, 2022 at 09:41 am

Wyatt should absolutely be getting more snaps than Lowry. That's one of the frustrating things about this staff as a whole that I just don't get - sticking with certain players far past the point where someone else should be getting more playing time (see Rodgers, Amari).

3 points
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pantz_bURp's picture

December 05, 2022 at 06:36 pm

In many ways, I am like #9 on this cheesehead sounding board. :)

-5 points
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pantz_bURp's picture

December 05, 2022 at 07:34 pm

Scratch that...I am like #10, busting my hump for too long while y'all get the fame, fortune and limelight.

Move the hell over, you bunch of salty veterans...there is a new sheriff in town! Don't hate, just to hate...it ain't my fault my glutes are still tight. You can play quarters off it, if ya can't find a table. Just sayin...

P-Burp obides

-4 points
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pantz_bURp's picture

December 05, 2022 at 08:23 pm

Okay, okay...I'll just crank "Dancing with Myself" by Billy Idol. 😁

-1 points
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pantz_bURp's picture

December 05, 2022 at 07:08 pm

Alright, alright, alrightttttttt. Not saying that this SHOULD happen and not saying I don't wanna give #12 a big ol sweaty hug, long enough for him to know I care and almost too long to make us uncomfortable. But.....

We should all make it to the next game at Lambeau. Win or lose we HAVE to stick around long enough after the game to bring back #12 to stand in the middle of the G logo. You all still with me?

We give him a standing O, which he definitely deserves. Then, and only then do we reenact the scene from Gladiator. Surf n Turf Murph will get on the loud speaker and ask us (by thumbs up or thumbs down vote) if #12 should start the next game. With #12 playing through and with a sore thumb...he gets to vote as well.

Are you with me people? Come on, we NEED to do this. Extra points if you dress in character with cheese heads donning the melon.

Are you not entertained? Are you NOT ENTERTAINED!?!

*If, in the event of a tie...there will be a thumb war: #12 vs #10 (thumbs on throwing hand, no other phalanges can be used)

1 points
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Alberta_Packer's picture

December 05, 2022 at 11:13 pm

I gave you an up-vote - not so much for your content but your attempt to amuse. However, the main flaw in your proposal, is that Murphy never defers to anyone else for any decision-making.

4 points
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pantz_bURp's picture

December 06, 2022 at 08:36 am

Thanks Alberta, I'll take it! :)

1 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

December 05, 2022 at 07:16 pm

"Linebacker JJ Enagbare has performed well above his fifth-round pedigree in his rookie season, and could be a legitimate rusher to pair with Rashan Gary going forward."

I think Enagbare could be a solid starter in the next couple of years, but I would not let that dissuade the Packers from using premium draft capital on the EDGE position. I don't think it is our largest need, but it is probably top 3-4, especially with it being unknown how well Rashan Gary recovers from his ACL injury. EDGE is one of the most important positions in football, and the ability to pressure QBs well and consistently is VERY important. We have seen how good D-lines can take over games (Super Bowl 55, Super Bowl 56, Rams vs Bills, Cowboys vs Vikings), and the Packers should address this early in the 2023 draft, especially since the EDGE class in 2023 is stellar and is widely considered to be the best in a long while.

I think Enagbare could be a great player, but imagine how much better he (and frankly every Packers EDGE) would be if we had 3 starting-caliber EDGE rushers. This would mean more rotation on a snap-to-snap basis, which means that players are fresher each snap, and everyone, therefore, is more effective. The Dallas Cowboys are a good example of this; they have 4 players they regularly rotate at the EDGE position (Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong, and Dante Fowler, Jr.). Every one of those players has at least 5 sacks (Fowler, 5; Lawrence; 6, Armstrong, 8; and Parsons, 13). Their #5 EDGE rusher also has 3 sacks. Having 3 or 4 starting-caliber EDGE rushers can do wonders for a team's D-line.

Because the Cowboys have so many starting-caliber players to rotate on a snap-to snap basis, their players are fresher, and the Cowboys currently lead the league in pressure rate, and it isn't even close. CBS says,
"Dallas has generated pressure on a league-best 43.7% of opponent dropbacks, according to TruMedia. That pressure rate is a full 6% higher than that of the next-closest team, the New England Patriots (37.7%). The distance between the Cowboys and the second-place Patriots is larger than the one between the Patriots and the Buccaneers (32%), who reside in 22nd place. Dallas has accomplished this despite blitzing only 26.2% of the time -- a rate that checks in slightly below the league average of 26.6%. They have arguably the best pass rusher in all of football in Micah Parsons, another elite rusher in Demarcus Lawrence, plus three more players who rank among the top 40 in pressure rate out of the 233 players that have rushed the passer 90 or more times so far this season." They also lead the league in sacks with 48; 6 more than the next-closest Eagles.

10 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

December 05, 2022 at 07:48 pm

Probably need to draft or sign another pass rusher or two. Gutey seems to do a decent job of churning the roster during the season and off-season. Since he probably isn't going anywhere, I hope he at least considers another game changing OLBer or IDL...

4 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

December 05, 2022 at 08:08 pm

I would not sign any free-agents, as it would further constrict our 2023 cap space, and what would be the point, since we are likely entering a rebuild in 2023. Best to promote our young, cheap players and see what they can do with significant playing time.

I think Gutey has done an excellent job drafting OLBs. Kendall Donnerson (7th) Rashan Gary (1st), Jonathan Garvin (7th), Kingsley Enagbare (5th) are the 4 OLBs Gutey has drafted, and 3 of them are still on the roster. When he has invested significant picks into OLB, he has succeeded (Gary), and even in late picks (Enagbare).

I would like to see another early-round commitment to the position. Florida State's Jared Verse, Texas Tech's Tyree Wilson, and Iowa State's Will McDonald IV are my 3 favorite prospects. Zach Harrison of Ohio State isn't bad either.

2 points
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T7Steve's picture

December 06, 2022 at 07:53 am

I respect your commitment to the edge, and you're correct at how important it is. I think it doesn't matter however, if the D-line is getting pushed all over the field (or if they only keep 2 linemen on the field). Poor Kenny Clark is being abused and would look great with a Sam Darnold (I know! Once in a lifetime) type alongside of him.

How much better will that make your edge rushers, and your backfield for that matter.

1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 06, 2022 at 09:01 am

Need a 4-2/4-3 front. They have the two inside ILBs. Clark is paid big money and he is being neutralized by the Un -Barry-able scheme.

2 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 01:33 pm

I see what you did there….

I agree. We need a 4-3 defense

0 points
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bjkdad44's picture

December 06, 2022 at 11:58 am

And we beat the Dallas poor boys!!!

1 points
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MooPack's picture

December 05, 2022 at 07:46 pm

I had Watson as a 1st rounder, though not first pick. I had him at 28. I had Daxton Hill at 22. Dax hasn't broken into solid, but not spectacular Bengals safety group. I've had faith in Watson though, even through early struggles. Too much athletic ability, intelligence, big play ability, and Pro training from former NFL father to be a bust in my mind. He played in at NDSU, a run first, but top team in lower conference that lowered his grade. Moss anyone? The comparisons are happening now. Not saying he is Moss, probably the greatest WR talent I've ever seen, but his trajectory is pointing up. Not sure he has high pointing down like Moss did or agility, but I don' think he is the wussy Moss was. He will block well and go across the middle. Keep healthy and sky is limit.

Walker was a good pick. I had ILB Troy Anderson in the second. He has done ok, but Walker was put right in and has done better than I expected. I had him as 2nd best ILB after Anderson. Time will tell, but at this point a good choice.

Wyatt may end up being a good pick also, but what are the coaches doing? Get him on the field instead of Lowry. We know what Lowry can do. A play or two a game and washed out the rest. Get Wyatt in. This should be a no brainer. He seriously can't be worse.

I'm totally baffled or in the dark about Sean Rhyan. There has been so little about where he is at in his progression, it almost seems on purpose. Performance enhancing drug bust was not good. Maybe his functional strength is not where they were comfortable with. The 3rd round jinx continues.

Doubs I thought was a good, but nothing great in any one area WR. Gute may have pulled out a steal on that one. Can't wait to see what him and Watson, and Toure for that matter, can do on the field together. It's possible he could have the WR group of the future in one draft.

Always had Zach Tom as 4th rounder in mocks. He was a Packer from the get go. Just needs a little more good weight and strength. I'm glad he has proved his worth so far. I thought he was a Center more than Guard or Tackle, but he is definitely versatile. Next year I'd like to see if he could give Josh Myers a challenge at Center. He is very intelligent, which is a plus at Center.

Enagbare was a steal. I had him in later rounds only because of speed. He is slower, but his football savvy makes up for it. He is a Z kind of OLB/Edge.

Other than Toure (not utilized enough), I had in the 7th, I had not considered the rest. I hope Rasheed Walker can be at least a good backup.

All-in-all a pretty good draft. Would I have gone different in a few rounds? Yes. If they had gone Watson at #28, they probably could have had my pick OT Abraham Lucas at #53 or #59. I think he will be a rock solid RT for a decade.

10 points
10
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PackyCheese500's picture

December 05, 2022 at 08:16 pm

Walker is looking like the best LB in the 2021 draft. See my first post.

We cannot deem Wyatt a bust until he sees significant and consistent playing time. Just look at Watson earlier in the season, when many (including myself) were deeming him a bust, versus Watson in the last 4 weeks.

I thought the Rhyan pick was a bit puzzling; IOL wasn't our largest need, and I thought we would have gone Safety, especially since the 2022 class was rich with safeties. We could have gotten a draft crush of mine, Kerby Joseph (taken by the Lions a couple picks after Rhyan) who has 3 interceptions this season (2 of them off of Aaron Rodgers).

Toure needs more playing time. As a Husker fan, I was hyped about that pick, and he has flashed whenever he has been on the field. His route running (especially his route vs the Bills on his TD) has been amazing, and he has good hands. I could see him in the slot. Maybe our WR group of the future was all in this draft; I was thinking the same thing.

Agreed that Enagbare was a steal. He had a bad 40 time, but that did not represent his short-area quickness. He is an expert on rushing the passer, his forte, and has been surprisingly good in run defense for the most part. He sets a nice edge.

Lucas would definitely be nice, but we may have already found our man at Tackle in Zach Tom, provided he beefs up a bit in the offseason. Even so, he's played nicely this season. His versatility is very helpful.

4 points
4
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MooPack's picture

December 05, 2022 at 09:08 pm

Agree with your take. I don't consider Wyatt a bust at this point. We need to see what he can do for a full set of game snaps. That should be obvious. He may end up being a better penetrating DL.

Toure as well. As a Husker fan, I hope Matt Rhule pans out for you, even though I'm a Hawkeye. Last game sucked for Iowa against them, but would be good to see Big Red come back to 80's glory.

One thing about this draft will be to see how Lucas career plays out as opposed to Wyatt. If the Packers would have taken Watson at #28 instead of Wyatt, who up to this point hasn't had the impact hoped for, and then Lucas at say #59, The Packers would have had their starting RT from the beginning. They could have had Nijim at LT until Bahk was ready, or at least had a good back up at LT with him. Jenkins would have been LG from the start. Myers at C with Tom backing him up and other positions with versatility. RG with lunch pail Runyan. And most importantly NO Hanson or Newman. It could have been a very different start to the season offensively with better protection. Could have. Hindsight of course is 20/20.

3 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

December 05, 2022 at 09:30 pm

Yes...I liked Lucas as a prospect, and that will be interesting to watch his career. Like you, I think he will likely have a good one as a Seahawk. I suspect Tom and Nijman will form a great future Tackle duo though. Having Lucas, though, would allow tom to play at Guard or even Center.

I hope the new "Rhule" of Huskers football works out well too. Kudos to you for encouraging a rival. If only you guys had an offense that wasn't so offensive. Refs did kind of give the game away to Nebraska, though. I wish the best to Iowa Baseball...I mean Football to you as well (except against us, of course)

2 points
2
0
jannes bjornson's picture

December 06, 2022 at 09:15 am

The biggest error was not getting a TE in the 3rd or 4th round. The 2023 draft has another good group of guys. They need to get two TEs in this draft. Tonyan has lost his burst and lateral speed. Lewis is at retirement age. The new wave offenses are predicated on TE play as we saw in the college playoffs. I had Watson @ #22 for a reason. Belichick didn't move on Walker. W/out the Walker selection #53 is open for Alec Pierce. Doubs is another guy for the 3rd round. Air raid offense. They were lucky he fell. Wyatt moved all over the field in pursuit for the Bulldogs and stunted with Davis and Carter. He reminded me of Sapp. The problem is Barry.

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

December 06, 2022 at 10:34 am

I think there are 4 glaring holes.

1) TE (not a pure move guy and I’d actually want a blocker too).
2) S (Amos us likely gone)
3) Edge (we have no depth behind Enagbare and Gary may not be ready or as effective)
4) DL, with an emphasis on run defense capability.

I could make an argument that we could spend 2 picks in each of those positions rationally, since our cap is going to be negligible. I’ve not prioritized, because honestly I think all are essential.

Even if we picked just one, that’s the top half of a draft and no WR or interior OL. It’s going to be a challenge navigating this cap and this roster. Hopefully we can garner some picks from some elders, like Bakh and, very reluctantly, Jones: we need them. Makes me very glad we have our picks we would have spent on Claypool.

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 06, 2022 at 12:39 pm

Yes, I have 2-3 TEs a couple of WRs, S, CBs, DT/DEs ( hoping for a 4-2 defense). I was really impressed with Cory Trice form Purdue at CB and Mark Perry, a safety from TCU. I hope they trade down in the first to the lower 20's and bag another second. Amos is basically loafing his way out of the NFL, given his 2022 film.
The Edge guys in the draft can go stand up or three tech. They fit the DE mold. Hopefully, the brain trust will retain Ford and Nixon. Savage can be traded.

3 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 01:35 pm

Savage can be traded for beans. We may have to give the other team draft picks if they are to accept him, that’s how bad he’s been

0 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 05, 2022 at 09:31 pm

Packy,
I've been extremely happy with Gutey's 2022 draft since draft night with the only question at the time was whether we really needed to use both 2nd round draft choices for only one WR without experience against top competition when other top WR's were available. While another top Edge Rusher is still needed on the Packers I couldn't be happier to see Watson turning into the WR he is. I believe the whole 2022 draft is only going to get better and better with time. I'm still holding out hope the 2023 Packers can turn things around much quicker than many of us think. I believe for success the Packers only need to do the following:

1. Love gets playing time and keeps ascending
2. Packers find a trade partner for Aaron Rodgers who is willing to trade a #1 and a #2 in the 2023 draft even though Rodgers would not be available until June 1st. Actually don't see why a team would have a problem with that as Rodgers routinely indicates he doesn't need the practice that early in the year....you know not needing OTA's and pre-season.
3. Gutey once again has a successful 2023 draft similar to the 2022 draft

Defensively the Packers need a top pass rushing DL who I hope we already have in Wyatt. However, the extra draft capital would allow them to select a run stuffing DL, and a quality Edge rusher in the first two rounds (or replace one of those positions with a Safety) on defense. That is a lot of draft capital for one draft without even discussing the offensive side of the ball. With the extra draft capital because of the Rodgers trade the Packers could still use a #1 and a #2 for a WR & TE, (or replace one of these positions for an OL) though WR & TE would be my preference,

The above formula would be adrenalin pumping fun to see and would certainly get me excited for Packer football in 2023. That would place a lot of talent on both sides of the ball for an up and coming football team.

6 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

December 05, 2022 at 09:59 pm

Wow, you are reading my mind! This is exactly what I would want, too!

I could see the Packers trading Rodgers post-June, which would split the 40m of dead money between 2023 and 2024, but I could also see the Packers trading Rodgers pre-June first. Yes, it would make things in 2023 harder cap-wise, but if we are in a rebuilding mode, would we really care? Besides, it would open up oodles of cap space from 2024-26. A first and a second may be a bit expensive, especially considering the recent Russell Wilson disaster for the Broncos, so maybe for a first and a 3rd or 4th.

We could trade even more players for draft capital, players who are aging and don't have a future with the Packers. That will allow the Packers to have a stronger core of young, cheap talent to build on. Players such as Preston Smith, Rasul Douglas, and Aaron Jones. If we really wanted to, we could trade players such as Kenny Clark and Elgton Jenkins (via the franchise tag) for a second-round pick for each player, just to get the salary cap relief of not having to pay lots of money for a player for the next few years (Clark is a maybe; he has been outstanding in general throughout his career, although he's been in kind of a rut as of late; Jenkins can get paid elsewhere). We would then have 2 rd. 1 picks and 3 rd. 2 picks. If Gutey drafts well, 2023 could be the Packers draft of a generation

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 06, 2022 at 09:30 am

A.Jones is probably moved. A lot of money, 20M for a guy who is not a bell cow. Some really dynamic RBs coming into the 2023 draft. My bias was Jonathon Taylor with the 2020 1st pick, but they were playing the hierarchy game choosing the QB. I was a fan of Love coming out of Utah State. The 2020-21 squads had the talent to get to the Big Game, but no valid #2 WR and the secondary play was unreliable.

2 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 01:31 pm

Agreed. The Love pick was bad at the time, but now that we can’t change that we might as well make the most of Love by seeing what he can do.

1 points
1
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T7Steve's picture

December 06, 2022 at 01:12 pm

Can they really trade any of the guys that are still under contract? I thought the re-did them all for cap relief this year by using signing bonuses that extends to years down the road? Wouldn't that all be dead cap as soon as they're traded? They even just re-did Lowery. Help me understand this stuff please.

0 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 01:30 pm

They can trade anyone who is still under contract. There would be dead money if they were traded, but we would be relieved of some of their money, the cap hit, which the other team would pick up.

0 points
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Alberta_Packer's picture

December 05, 2022 at 10:56 pm

For me, the fading light and din of the season has been somewhat offset by the bright flashes from this year's draft class. This year's rookies should have never been part of the calculus (by management) - to elevate the team to the level of a Super Bowl contender. The first year in the NFL has almost always been about growth and development for rookies - with the second year being one of maturity and greater on-field contributions. I do wonder what the trajectory of the current team would have been - had Gutekunst been able to acquire a few more draft picks from the off-season. Sigh...

3 points
4
1
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 06, 2022 at 06:54 am

AP,
As like most of us....

2 points
2
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 06, 2022 at 09:45 am

Watson and Doubs were definitely part of the calculus, just as Moss and Jerry Rice were for their respective teams. I hope the fans pay close attention to the group of players during the Holiday tournament and the CFP.
Last week we saw some courageous play from Duggan(QB)and Mark Perry(S) on the TCU squad; Cory Trice a big hitter CB for Purdue. Tight end convention with Darnell Washington, Dalton Kincaid, Tucker Kraft, Jaheim Bell, Luke Musgrave, Luke Schoonmaker has moved up the board and Payne Durham (Purdue). Stover from O State is old school. I like Spann-Ford from the Gophers to take Lewis's spot. Very athletic for a 6'-7" guy, hurdling the Badger CB during the Lumberjack bowl....

3 points
3
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PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 10:07 am

Since the topic is on next year's draft, I'll share some of my favorite prospects at main positions of need for the Packers:

TE:
Michael Mayer, Notre Dame - a great all-around TE who has exceptional hands and route-running. He should make an instant impact in the pros. I would grade him as an early 1st-round prospect.
Darnell Washington, Georgia - Washington is far and away the best blocking TE in this draft and in quite some time. At 6'7, 275 lbs, he can take on edge rushers with ease (watch him flatten B.J. Ojulari, a first-round edge prospect out of LSU in the SEC championship). His frame is made of lean muscle, he has great hands and is great at contested catches, and is a nightmare to tackle. Mid-1st
Dalton Kincaid - He is so good of a pass catcher you may think he is a Wide Receiver. He is ascending as a blocker as well. Early-mid 2nd
Tucker Kraft, South Dakota St. - Another great blocker. Kraft is an athletic playmaker with good run after catch ability. Mid-2nd

Spann-Ford would be a good late round pick at TE to add depth and as a ST contributor. Musgrave has been injured for most of the season and is a relative unknown.

Safety:
JL Skinner, Boise St. - Skinner (a SS) is a monster at safety at 6'4 and 220 lbs. He is a hard-hitting, sure tackler, and he has flashed excellent turnover-creating ability and ball skills. My favorite safety in 2023. Early-mid 2nd.
Jordan Battle, Alabama. - Battle (a SS) is shorter, but packs a pop. He has good ball-tracking ability and hands. Mid-2nd.
Christopher Smith, Georgia - Smith (a FS) has created some big plays for the 'Dogs, with exceptional ball tracking and hands. He is my favorite 2023 prospect at FS. 3rd round.

Defensive Line:
Bryan Bresee, Clemson - You would not know that he is over 300 lbs if you looked at him - he looks like a defensive end, but has incredible strength that can rival anyone. A guy who will make an instant impact at the pro level; only concern is injury history; he tore his ACL in 2021 and has been dealing with a Kidney infection this year. Early 1st.
Zacch Pickens, South Carolina - Pickens is massive at 6'5, 305 lbs yet runs a 4.85 40. He is an exceptional pass rusher and is good in run defense, often requiring double teams. Mid-2nd
Byron Young, Alabama - Not to be confused with Tennessee's defensive lineman also named Byron Young, Alabama's Young has been a great pass rusher for the Tide while being outstanding in run defense. late 2nd-3rd round
Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh - Just under 300 lbs, but is an outstanding pass rusher for the Panthers. 3rd round.

2 points
2
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Lphill's picture

December 06, 2022 at 05:43 am

Wyatt should be playing more and mr invisible Lowery less .

3 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 06, 2022 at 07:11 am

LP,
A rock scientist I am not but Wyatt before Lowery sure seems logical to me. :)

Wyatt was my draft darling pre-draft selection. The guy was a big play maker in college and there is no reason why that talent won't translate to the NFL. I believe the biggest challenge young offensive & defensive linemen like Wyatt, Sean Rhyan, Ford, Rasheed Walker, Caleb Jones, Zach Tom, and even Quay is going head to head with mature men who are incredibly strong in the trenches. Mature men who have been lifting weights for years. This is probably why Rhyan decided to do what he did. Each of the aforementioned players if serious about their professional careers should come back to camp leaner and stronger with 10-15 lbs more lean muscle. Before the season ends the Packer organization will give each player an offseason workout regiment. Upon OTA's and camp the Packers will know by body fat composition, weight, and measurements who took and applied their workout recommendations.

5 points
5
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 06, 2022 at 09:50 am

They have all been lifting hard-core since middle school. The difference is, as you stated, their opponents have matured bodies and few tricks/techniques up their sleeve that define their professionalism. Why in the hell doesn't Ford (NT) see the field and let Kenny free up 2-3 tech?

2 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

December 06, 2022 at 09:57 am

or even Slaton at NT and Wyatt/Kenny as the 2-3 techs

3 points
3
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 06, 2022 at 12:50 pm

Yes, Slaton is being neglected. He is one of the FEW D linemen on this squad who rushes the passer with his arms up, looking the knock down the pass.

0 points
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yems's picture

December 07, 2022 at 08:39 am

I think Quay Walker also leads all rookies for number of tackles!!

0 points
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