NFL Draft 2022: Ideal top two picks for the Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers need some savvy picks in this year’s NFL Draft. It could be the difference between an early playoff exit and a Super Bowl. This week, NFL.com shared their “ideal” top two draft picks for every team in the league.
Like many, draft analyst Chad Reuter believes the Packers should go with a wide receiver in the first round. However, he thinks Green Bay could move up to get one of the top-3 receivers in the draft in Ohio State’s Chris Olave. If they wait until No. 22 overall, Olave may not be available.
For their second pick, also in the first round at No. 28, Reuter wants the Pack to pick up some more help for their defensive line. Former Purdue Boilermaker George Karlaftis fits the bill.
“Davante Adams decided his time in Green Bay was over, and the Packers managed to snag first- and second-round picks from the Raiders in return,” Reuter wrote. “Don’t be surprised if they move up to grab either the smooth, speedy Olave, an offensive tackle, or a powerful edge defender like Karlaftis. With Za’Darius Smith heading to NFC North-rival Minnesota, Green Bay could use a third pass-rushing talent outside, to join Rashan Gary and Preston Smith.”
The Packers have a total of 11 picks in this month’s draft, including four in the first two rounds.
Todd McShay: Why Jahan Dotson is the perfect fit for the Packers
The 2022 NFL Draft has a strong class for wide receivers. There are likely to be many receivers taken in the first round, including Jahan Dotson out of Penn State. ESPN NFL Draft expert Todd McShay believes that the Green Bay Packers are a perfect fit for Dotson.
“At No. 22 I went with Jahan Dotson, he’s the best receiver available,” McShay said of the Packers first pick in the first round. “I think there’s a drop-off after the first two receivers in Garrett Wilson and Drake London. And then that second tier to me is Chris Olave and Jameson Williams, and then the third tier is Jahan Dotson, it starts there. He had 91 catches a year ago. Everyone in the gym knows where they’re going with the football yet he still separates. Great body control and I think he has the best ball skills of any receiver in this draft. Aaron Rodgers would love this guy in the slot.”
In his latest NFL mock draft, McShay indeed had Dotson being selected by the Packers with the 22nd overall pick. Four receivers were picked before Dotson in McShay’s mock. Garrett Wilson went fourth overall and Drake London went eighth, while Chris Olave went 11th and Jameson Williams went 17th.
On3’s Jonathan Wagner contributed to this report.