Green Bay Packers sign multiple 2022 NFL Draft picks on Friday
The Green Bay Packers locked down several of their 2022 NFL Draft picks with official contracts on Friday.
The two most notable names are the pair of first-round defensive talents from the Georgia Bulldogs, linebacker Quay Walker and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt.
The Green Bay Packers also reached an official agreement with taking UCLA offensive lineman Sean Rhyan, who they selected in the third round.
South Carolina LB Kingsley Enagbare (5th round) also signed his contract with the organization on Friday.
The other three rookies to sign were the trio of 7th round picks; Georgia Tech safety Tariq Carpenter, Miami defensive tackle Jonathan Ford and Nebraska receiver Samori Toure.
Mel Kiper grades Green Bay Packers draft class
Mel Kiper thought the Green Bay Packers put together a strong class at the 2022 NFL Draft this past weekend. The ESPN analyst gave the Packers a B in his grades, which were released Saturday evening following the conclusion of the draft.
The Packers surprised many, including Kiper, when they opted not to take a receiver in the first round. With the recent departure of five-time Pro Bowler Davante Adams, that seemed to be the biggest hole on their roster. Instead, Green Bay used its two first round selections on two Georgia players in linebacker Quay Walker and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt.
Without another pick until No. 53, the Packers seemed likely to miss out on some talented receiver prospects. Six wideouts were taken in the first round on Thursday, and many more were sure to go off the board before the Packers’ next pick. But Green Bay had a plan, ultimately trading up to No. 34 to take North Dakota State receiver Christian Watson.
As it turns out, that was exactly the receiver that Kiper was upset the Green Bay Packers didn’t take in Round 1.
“I called out Green Bay on Thursday night for passing up wide receiver Christian Watson with its two first-round picks … and it traded up to get Watson the next night,” Kiper wrote. “Yes, the price was steep — the Packers sent Minnesota pick Nos. 53 and 59 for No. 34 — but Watson is exactly what they needed to replace Davante Adams. The 6-foot-4 Watson starred at the Senior Bowl, and he then ran a 4.36-second 40 and tested extremely well at the combine. He is a big play waiting to happen; he has the skill set develop into a No. 1 receiver. Aaron Rodgers will love him.”