Todd McShay, post-combine, post Wilson trade, March 19
McShay made the pick at 22 for the Raiders, but given who it is, I'm including it. Of note, Jameson Williams goes at 25 here, though this was a while back at this point. Karloftis and K. Green go between our picks. Dax Hill just after us.
Mel Kiper, March 22:22. Las Vegas Raiders
Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller have been terrific for Las Vegas inside the numbers, but quarterback Derek Carr covets a true outside target. That's especially true now with Russell Wilson heading to Denver -- the Raiders' offense has to keep pace with Wilson, Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert for six of their 17 games each season. Burks provides excellent ball skills, the ability to break tackles and 6-foot-2 size in the red zone. His combine performance didn't wow many scouts, but the tape shows why he produced 1,104 receiving yards and 11 touchdown catches in 2021.
28. Green Bay Packers
Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams are back! Great news for Green Bay. But now the Packers have to capitalize and go all in on this offense. Marquez Valdes-Scantling is a free agent, and Rodgers could use another receiver he trusts. Dotson is undersized at 5-foot-11 and 178 pounds, but he has speed (4.43 in the 40-yard dash), suddenness (36 inches in the vertical jump) and great ball skills (91 catches in 2021). He could be a true possession receiver to complement Adams, who was franchise-tagged on Tuesday.
22. Green Bay Packers (via LV)
Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M
OK, so this isn't the sexy pick that Packers fans will love after acquiring this selection in the Davante Adams trade, but check out Green Bay's other pick at No. 28 before you yell at me. Green could step into the right guard spot vacated by Lucas Patrick's signing with the Bears in free agency. Josh Myers, a second-round pick last year, looked solid at center, but adding another O-lineman is important, too. Green also has some versatility, as he played both guard and tackle for the Aggies.
28. Green Bay Packers
Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Is this better, Packers fans? Burks will almost certainly have to get a ton of early snaps, helping to fill the void left by the stunning trade of Davante Adams. Burks is a bigger receiver (6-foot-2) who has some run-after-the-catch ability; he can break tackles and run past defensive backs, though he doesn't have blazing speed. He put up 1,104 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.
For Green Bay's sake, it will have to hope Burks develops faster than Adams, who began his career with two up-and-down seasons before breaking out in Year 3. Aaron Rodgers needs help now. And I think the Packers could take multiple receivers with their picks in this draft.
Mike Tannenbaum, former Jets GM, March 30:
Of note in this one, Dotson is taken ahead of Burks and Jordan Davis, both of whom go between picks 22 and 28. Jameson Williams is picked by the Chiefs after us.
Daniel Jeremiah, March 22:22. Green Bay Packers (via LV)
Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
Dotson kind of plays like Marvin Harrison did; he's undersized but has tremendous speed and soft hands. The Packers need a possession receiver with Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling out of town, and Dotson caught 91 passes last season at Penn State. He also had only two drops on 142 targets and should be able to gain quarterback Aaron Rodgers' trust quickly.
28. Green Bay Packers
Zion Johnson, G/C, Boston College
Johnson can be a Day 1 starter at guard or offensive tackle, and he could potentially develop into a center. He worked hard on taking snaps as a center at the Senior Bowl, and there's no reason he couldn't end up there in the NFL. Johnson has 34-inch arms and didn't allow a single pressure or sack in 2021. Elgton Jenkins is recovering from an ACL tear, so Johnson could step in at left guard or replace Royce Newman or Yosh Nijman on the right side.
Of note, Trey Burks goes at 23 after we take Olave at 22. Then we go Dotson. So we get a WR2 and a slot receiver
Maurice Jones-Drew, March 24:22. Green Bay Packers
Chris Olave Ohio State · WR · Senior
It's well documented that the Packers don't historically take wideouts in the first round, but in the wake of Davante Adams' departure, this would be too tempting to pass up. Olave's the kind of polished route runner Aaron Rodgers would love.
28. Green Bay Packers
Jahan Dotson Penn State · WR · Senior
Why not? The Packers could completely revamp their receiving corps with Olave and Dotson. I know it probably won't happen, but a man can dream.
Chad Reuter did a 4-rounder on March 25:22. Green Bay Packers (via Raiders)
Chris Olave Ohio State · WR · Senior
Davante Adams has relocated to Vegas. The Packers MUST bring in some big-time playmakers for Aaron Rodgers. Olave gives Green Bay speed to stretch the field, allowing Rodgers to show off his deep-ball accuracy.
28. Green Bay Packers
Treylon Burks Arkansas · WR · Junior
The Packers add another talented wideout for their MVP quarterback. The big-bodied Burks is a guy who can win the contested catch in the red zone. Plenty of future Lambeau Leaps for this guy.
The Skyy Moore pick comes just after Christian Watson and just before Leo Chenal; Tariq Castro-Fields comes after Travis Jones and before Perrion Winfrey.
Bucky Brooks, March 29th22. Green Bay Packers (from LV)
Trevor Penning Northern Iowa · OT · Senior (RS)
Many believed that Bryan Bulaga would be off the board when the Packers selected him 23rd overall in 2010. Maybe history will repeat itself this year with the large and athletic Penning, who's capable of starting at right tackle so Pro Bowler Elgton Jenkins can stay inside.
28. Green Bay Packers
Treylon Burks Arkansas · WR · Junior
Green Bay selects a powerful receiver in Burks who, despite average speed for the position, seems to make plays downfield with physicality. Arkansas got him the ball in many ways, which I think foreshadows his role in Matt LaFleur's offense.
53. Green Bay Packers (from LV)
Skyy Moore Western Michigan · WR · Junior
59. Green Bay Packers
Tariq Castro-Fields Penn State · CB · Senior
92. Green Bay Packers
Kingsley Enagbare South Carolina · Edge · Senior
132. Green Bay Packers
Brandon Smith Penn State · LB · Junior
140. Green Bay Packers
Zach Carter Florida · DL · Senior (RS)
The picks between 22 and 28: Jordan Davis, Boye Mafe, Zion Johnson, Kendrick Green, Devonte Wyatt. Ouch.
Cynthia Frelund, Analytics-based (0 QBs in the first, for instance) March 31:22. Green Bay Packers (from LV)
Bernhard Raimann Central Michigan · OT · Senior
The Packers are not afraid to invest in their offensive line with top picks, having chosen two (Josh Myers and Elgton Jenkins) in Round 2 within the last three drafts. As a former tight-end turned offensive tackle, Raimann is a nimble athlete with the balance and body control to handle athletic rushers on the edges.
28. Green Bay Packers
Christian Watson North Dakota State · WR
If the Packers break from tradition and add a pass-catcher in Round 1 for the first time since 2002, Watson could be the pick as a long, rangy player with speed and sticky hands.
Olave comes to us one pick before Jameson Williams is taken; I love Tyler Smith, but as a late 2nd rounder, not a first.
The Athletic's College Football Staff (Another one before the Davante trade), March 16th, kept it because college staff is an interesting angle22. Green Bay Packers (from LV)
Chris Olave Ohio State · WR · Senior
Anyone shocked seeing a receiver here? To me, Green Bay's history of not drafting first-round wideouts is more of a fun note than a predictive one. Ultimately, it will likely be the Packers' job to select whichever top wideout they like most, though they might have to move up the board to get him.
28. Green Bay Packers
Tyler Smith Tulsa · OT · Sophomore (RS)
I was really hoping to get another wideout here, for fun. But nah. The Packers are likely to rely on runs from Aaron Jones/A.J. Dillon and shorter passes -- at least for some time. Davante Adams is my top-rated WR in the league; losing him necessitates an adjustment period, even for the back-to-back MVP. Give Aaron Rodgers a rugged blocker to blow open running lanes and provide time in the pocket.
Another where Jameson Williams goes between 22 and 28.
The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner, March 2422. Las Vegas:
Drake London, WR, USC
He’s a big body at 6-foot-4, 219 pounds, but he was the best receiver in college football last year before suffering a broken ankle that ended his season and kept him off the field at the combine. He’s incredible at hauling in contested catches and can bully defensive backs with the ball in the air or with the ball in his hands when they try to tackle him in the open field. He’s big, fast and has a great shot at being the clear best receiver in this draft. As the fourth receiver taken, that’s great value.
28. Green Bay:
Travis Jones, DT, UConn
A standout showing at the Senior Bowl helped the 6-foot-4, 325-pound Jones. Once a projected offensive lineman, Jones reshaped his body in college and became a run-stuffer for the Huskies. Keep in mind UConn didn’t have a season in 2020 because of the pandemic.
Analysis: So, you want the Packers to take a receiver here? History suggests they won’t (they last drafted a receiver in the first round in 2002). As usual, expect the Packers to address that need in later rounds and see what free agency brings. Drafting this far back has its challenges, and with the likes of Davis, Ojabo, Wyatt and Dean already taken, just keep bolstering the defense with another game-wrecker up front. — Snyder
Picks between 22 and 28 are tough again: Wyatt, Nakobe Dean, Zion Johnson, Travis Jones, Jameson Williams
The Athletic's NFL Beat Reporter Mock, March 28:22. Green Bay Packers (from Las Vegas)
Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
You’re welcome, Aaron Rodgers. No Davante Adams won’t be fun for anyone in Green Bay. But if the Packers can use one of their two first-round picks to take one of the polished, impressive wide receivers available? All the better. Olave’s outstanding and should be ready to contribute quickly.
28. Green Bay Packers
Tyler Linderbaum, OC, Iowa
The Packers are bending over backward in this mock draft to help Rodgers. Linderbaum is the best center in the draft and one of the best we’ve seen from the college ranks in years. Pro Bowl potential all the way and a guy who could be a pillar for the franchise down the line. If he’s still here, you jump.
Christian Watson squeezes into the first round in this one (maybe the second or third mock I've seen of that)
Bruce Feldman's Mock Draft, April 4, utilizing college coaching sources to help scout22. Green Bay Packers (from LV)
Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Matt Schneidman: Williams tore his ACL in the national title game, but he’s too good to pass up this late in the first round, even if he’s not ready for the start of the season. I get wanting to give Aaron Rodgers a weapon that is a safer bet to be ready right away given the Packers’ small window to contend with Rodgers. But the next quarterback, whoever that may be, needs a stud wide receiver, too.
Dane says Williams would likely be the first wideout taken in the draft if not for his injury, and he still might be even as he rehabs his knee. The Packers take the risk, draft a wideout in the first round for the first time since 2002 in the aftermath of trading Davante Adams and give Rodgers a weapon who can be a dynamic deep-ball threat when healthy.
Brugler: Even with his ACL injury, Williams would be outstanding value for the Packers. He has special speed that forces defenses to adjust how they game plan, which creates opportunities for the offense. I can understand the argument that the Packers need someone who is guaranteed ready to step in from Day 1, but there are already four receivers off the board in this scenario, so guys like Chris Olave weren’t in the mix. And Williams should be near 100 percent by midseason.
28. Green Bay Packers:
Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Schneidman: Yes, the Packers just re-signed All-Pro linebacker De’Vondre Campbell. Yes, they have a more pressing need on the defensive line, even after adding Jarran Reed. But remember how dominant that Buccaneers defense was against the Packers in 2020 with Lavonte David and Devin White at middle linebacker? You know how to mitigate interior defensive line weaknesses? Field a strong pair of edge rushers like Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, inside linebackers like Campbell and Lloyd and defensive backs like Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas, Eric Stokes, Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage. Not much is breaking loose on Joe Barry’s defense if that’s how it lines up.
Brugler: I don’t imagine many Packers fans will be in favor of a linebacker here, but the value of Lloyd at the end of the first round makes it worth it. The former safety never has to come off the field with his ability to blitz, stop the run and drop into coverage. And with the way Matt lays it out, that’s a pretty formidable defensive group.
Somehow has Charles Cross drop out of the first round, despite mentioning him as an option as early as pick 9?
Sharp Football, Ryan McCrystal, March 28:22. Green Bay Packers:
Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Losing Davante Adams is a big blow to the Packers, to Aaron Rodgers and to what is now a very suspect receiver room. Williams, who started his career in the loaded Ohio State receiver room, is coming off an ACL injury suffered during the second quarter of the national title game and probably won’t return to about 100% until midseason. But he is elite and a good value selection here.
His explosiveness at 6-foot-1 1/2 is too much to pass up, even with Burks available. In 2021, Williams had 79 catches for 1,572 yards, an Alabama record, and 15 touchdowns. His big-play potential is enormous, as evidenced by his FBS-leading four touchdowns of 70-plus yards last season. He also had 11 TDs of 30 yards or more, best in the country. As a kick returner, he averaged 35.2 yards with two touchdowns.
The Coaching Intel
“His speed is ridiculous. He runs away from people who are fast and makes them not look fast. He could be in the slot; can run a deep crossing route; is a dangerous return guy.”
“He has elite speed, ball skills and body control. A lot of guys are fast, but they can’t really control their body. He comes out of his breaks so well, tracks the ball well, and it’s his ability to move laterally that really separates him.”
“He has such elite speed and length. You’ve got to find ways to disrupt his timing. If you let him run free in zone (coverage), he’ll eat you up.”
“That this guy couldn’t get on the field as a receiver at Ohio State (where he only caught 15 passes) is kind of mind-blowing.”
28. Green Bay Packers:
Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
I almost had Cross going here, but I think the Pack choose the one-time Austrian exchange student who really blossomed in the Mid-American Conference after converting from tight end. Neither Cross nor Raimann has great size relative to the other top tackles. Cross has more length; Raimann is stronger. Both are very athletic. Raimann, who broad-jumped 9-9 and clocked a 5.05 40 at 6-foot-6, 303 pounds, has really impressed coaches with his technique, but he still needs a lot of polish.
The Coaching Intel
“I liked his physicality. He could displace the D-linemen. He’s got very good feet, good balance and played with great pad level and stayed square. He really stood out.”
“His feet are excellent, and he shows a lot of athleticism, but you can tell he’s still working some things out in his pass sets, and he’s probably gonna get exposed for a while by better guys at the next level.”
22. Green Bay Packers
Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Previous 4.0 Mock Draft selection: Burks
Best Draft Targets for the Packers with the 22nd pick:
- Wide Receiver: If the Packers want to find a Davante Adams replacement, they should have some options with this selection. Treylon Burks is perfectly suited for a role in the slot 一 he’s not as elusive as Adams, but turns into a running back with the ball in his hands. If Green Bay wants an outside receiver, USC’s Drake London fits the mold of the tall, downfield weapon this front office covets.
Who Calls the Shots in Packers Draft Room?
- GM Brian Gutekunst (fifth year) has final say over the roster, but Gutekunst, director of football operations Russ Ball, and head coach Matt LaFleur all report directly to president/CEO Mark Murphy. This structure theoretically gives more personnel influence to Ball and LaFleur than if they reported directly to the GM, as most front offices are organized.
Key Stats & Notes for the Packers heading into the 2022 NFL Draft
- Defense allowed 1.71 yards before contact per attempt to running backs (excluding short-yardage attempts), ranked 28th.
28. Green Bay Packers
- Allowed three or more yards before contact on 30% of rush attempts, excluding plays inside the 10-yard line, ranked 27th.
Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
Previous 4.0 Mock Draft selection: Raimann
Best Draft Targets for the Packers with the 28th Pick:
- Right Tackle: Billy Turner (now with Broncos) and Dennis Kelly (free agent) were the Packers’ right tackles last season. Although Bernhard Raimann, a converted tight end, has limited experience, he was tested against two SEC opponents last year (Missouri and LSU) and suffered just two blown blocks on 102 snaps in pass protection, per Sports Info Solutions.
