The Green Bay Packers had an important 2022 NFL Draft following another playoff exit. The Packers were able to get Aaron Rodgers back on a new contract but had to trade star receiver, Davante Adams, though that gave them extra draft capital.
The Adams trade yielded an additional first- and second-round pick that helped the Packers bolster their roster in the draft. Green Bay will be looking to make a Super Bowl run this season, and they will need their rookies to play well.
The Packers wound up picking 11 players in the 2022 NFL Draft, and here are grades for each selection.
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Green Bay Packers 2022 NFL Draft Grades
1st round, 22nd overall: Inside Linebacker Quay Walker: B+
The Packers pulled off a shocker by selecting inside linebacker Quay Walker with the 22nd pick. Walker is a solid inside linebacker who fits Green Bay's need but was expected to go in the second round.
De'Vondre Campbell had a breakout campaign for the Pack last season at linebacker, and he will now be paired with Walker. Walker complements Campbell's game well, as he has speed and is very instinctive.
Walker is great at recognizing where the run is going, which allows him to fill the gap. The Packers will be happy with what they are going to get out of Walker alongside Campbell.
1st round, 28th overall: Defensive Lineman Devonte Wyatt: A-
With the Packers' second first-round pick, they selected defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt. For years, Kenny Clark has held down the defensive tackle spot with no elite player next to him. Green Bay has addressed this issue by selecting Wyatt, who can come in and immediately make an impact.
Wyatt is a good run stuffer with some pass-rush skills. With defenses focused on stopping Clark, Wyatt should be able to feast and spend most of his time stopping plays in the backfield. This was a tremendous first-round selection by Green Bay for one of its under-the-radar needs.
2nd round, 34th overall: Wide Receiver Christian Watson: A+
Everyone knew going into the draft that the Packers needed to select a wide receiver. After not taking one in the first round, Green Bay traded up on Day 2 with the Minnesota Vikings, sending two second-round picks (53 and 59) for the 34th pick to select Christian Watson.
Watson is a phenomenal fit for the Packers' offense due to his size and speed. He will be a much-needed deep threat after losing Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency. This was a home-run pick by general manager Brian Gutekunst, and Green Bay will reap the benefits for years to come.
3rd round, 92nd overall: Offensive Lineman Sean Rhyan: B-
Another under-the-radar position of need for the Pack was the offensive line. Billy Turner and Lucas Patrick went their separate ways, which left a need for depth on the offensive line. Green Bay selected Sean Rhyan to help with that in the third round.
Rhyan is a versatile lineman, as he can play both tackle and guard. Green Bay covets offensive linemen who can line up in different spots; case and point Elgton Jenkins. He has solid footwork and could be a solid lineman for the Packers. If they can correct his penalties, as he had many false starts at UCLA, he can slot in a starter this season.
4th round, 132nd overall: Wide Receiver Romeo Doubs: B+
Green Bay used this fourth-round pick to select another target for Rodgers in Romeo Doubs. Doubs has solid size and good speed and has potential on special teams. He needs to improve his route running but could grow into a reliable receiver for the Packers.
4th round, 140th overall: Offensive Lineman Zach Tom: B
The Packers went with another offensive lineman with their second fourth-round pick, selecting Zach Tom. Tom is another versatile lineman who showed extreme promise as a pass blocker. Green Bay is great at developing lineman, and Tom could be the latest to emerge into the lineup.
5th round, 179th overall: Outside Linebacker Kingsley Enagbare: B
In the fifth round, the Packers took outside linebacker Kingsley Enagbare, who will play behind Rashan Gary and Preston Smith. Enagbare has great length and strength, which allows him to get by blockers. Enagbare could work into the pass-rush rotation as the season develops.
7th round, 228th overall: Safety Tariq Carpenter: A-
While Green Bay has Darnell Savage and Adrian Amos at safety, a third option was needed. Tariq Carpenter can fill this role, as the Packers' defensive scheme may see three safeties on the field at one time. They have expressed a desire for Savage to play multiple positions on the field, which would free up a spot for Carpenter to play.
Carpenter was projected to go in the fifth round, which makes this selection a steal. He can play on the special teams unit as well, which can help Green Bay after the struggles in that area last season cost them.
7th round, 234th overall: Defensive Lineman Jonathan Ford: C+
Jonathan Ford was the second of four seventh-round picks for the Pack. Ford has shown some flashes of being a solid pass rusher but has lacked consistency. He can be depth for the defensive line for Green Bay this season.
7th round, 249th overall: Offensive Tackle Rasheed Walker: A+
Rasheed Walker was an excellent selection by the Packers this late in the draft. Walker was a projected third-round pick who fell far in the draft. He can immediately slot in as a starter at tackle, as he has solid skills. Walker can take on a bull rush well, which will help him succeed at the next level.
7th round, 258th overall: Wide Receiver Samori Toure: B
With their last pick in the draft, the Packers got another weapon for Rodgers. Samori Toure is a good route runner with the versatility to play in the slot or outside. Toure has a shot to fight for a spot in the wide receiver room with no clear rotation set.
The Packers had a successful draft, and fans should be pleased with how it turned out. With Rodgers back, Green Bay will be Super Bowl contenders once again.
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