Packers make history with selection of Georgia defensive duo in 2022 NFL Draft
Like many teams, the Green Bay Packers were quite fond of a few Georgia Bulldogs players heading into the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday. But Green Bay was the only team to take multiple Bulldogs, selecting both linebacker Quay Walker and defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt.
In doing so, the Packers became the first team in the Common Draft era to select two defensive players from the same school in the first round, according to ESPN Stats and Info. In total, Georgia saw five defensive players go off the board Thursday, which is also an NFL record.
Many expected Green Bay to take a receiver after trading five-time Pro Bowler Davante Adams this offseason. The Packers received the 22nd overall NFL Draft pick from the Raiders in exchange for Adams, as well as the No. 53 overall pick. But after six receivers went off the board in the first 18 picks, Green Bay opted to stick with what has been working for them, declining to select a receiver in the first round for the 20th consecutive NFL Draft.
Both Walker and Wyatt bring championship experience after leading Georgia to its first national title since 1980 this past season. They are set to join a Green Bay team that expects to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender next year after losing in the divisional round of the playoffs this past season. If that is to happen, the Packers will need to add another receiving weapon for Aaron Rodgers, who this offseason made the decision to return in 2022.
Walker was the first of the two players off the board, as Green Bay used the No. 22 overall pick on the linebacker. He enters the league after spending the past four seasons in Athens, finishing his career with a total of 137 tackles (11 for loss), five sacks and one fumble recovery. A former five-star recruit in the class of 2018, Walker was the No. 3 linebacker in the nation per the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average.
Wyatt went six picks later at No. 28, making him the fourth Bulldogs defender off the board. He was dominant at times for Georgia, accumulating 103 total tackles, 5.0 sacks and two forced fumbles for a loaded Bulldogs squad over four seasons. A former four-star recruit in the class of 2017, Wyatt was the No. 25 defensive lineman in the nation per the On3 Consensus.
After being a part of league history Thursday, both players will aim to continue making waves in their rookie seasons in Green Bay.