Mel Kiper explains how Sammy Watkins signing impacts Packers plans for 2022 NFL Draft
Mel Kiper recognizes the Packers need immense help at the wide receiver position, and believes Green Bay will attack it in the 2022 NFL Draft. Still, the franchise made a solid move in free agency, signing veteran wide receiver Sammy Watkins to a one-year deal earlier this week.
Nevertheless, that’s not enough in the eyes of Kiper. In an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, the ESPN NFL Draft guru spoke about the Packers’ need for pass catchers, despite the Watkins move.
“Well, I think they needed three receivers going into the draft,” started Kiper. “I had them taking a couple, one in the first, one in the second. I still think they attack it that way. Sammy’s a veteran, obviously. They need some young receivers coming into this program. This is a great draft for wide receivers. Basically into the fifth, sixth round area, you’re going to find guys who can help you. So, I gave them, I thought two really good ones in Christian Watson and Alec Pierce. Guys with length, smart kids who can come in and help them right away for Aaron Rodgers. I still think, because of the best position in this draft and the deepest being wide receiver, you got to take advantage of it if you’re the Packers.
So, I think they will. Despite that move, I think we’ll see two, maybe three receivers taken over the seven rounds.”
As Kiper mentions, he mocked the Packers two wide receivers in the first two rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft in his latest draft projections — North Dakota State’s Christian Watson and Cincinnati’s Alec Pierce. Whether Green Bay drafts them or two other wide receivers remains to be seen, but there’s plenty of talent regardless to choose from for the Packers.
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Sammy Watkins never lived up to his billing as someone who could takeover the NFL, but he’s been a strong addition to wide receiver rooms over his NFL career. The former Clemson star has been reliable, and given teams a speedy veteran presence who can still haul in the deep ball.
Over his eight-year NFL career, Watkins has accumulated 5,059 receiving yards and 34 receiving touchdowns on 348 receptions. His best season of his career came during his second season for the Buffalo Bills, when Watkins caught 60 passes for 1,047 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns.
After playing with Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City and Lamar Jackson in Baltimore, Sammy Watkins will look to become a viable piece of the Packers offense with Aaron Rodgers. Still only 28-years old, Watkins could be an underrated pickup for Green Bay.