Green Bay Packers Mid-Summer 2022 NFL Mock Draft Roundup & Takeaways

Yes, Green Bay Packers training camp is now less than two weeks away, and the 2022 NFL Draft is roughly nine months away. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t look ahead either.

Of course, at this time, we have no idea where the Green Bay Packers will be selecting — although hopefully, it’s pick 32 — and between now and the draft, prospects are going to be flying up and down draft boards depending on how the 2021 college season plays out as well as what takes place during the pre-draft process.

So, no, this isn’t an exercise to see who the Packers may end up selecting–there’s just too much unknown. But rather, it’ll provide us with some names to keep our eyes on this fall as the college football season unfolds.

With some help from our friends over at the NFL Mock Draft Database, here is a look at who several draft analysts have the Green Bay Packers selecting in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. And I’ll of course be providing some commentary.

Luke Easterling – Draft Wire

Pick 24: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Takeaway: Is this finally the year that the Green Bay Packers take a wide receiver in Round 1? If it is, then Chris Olave, who is considered the top receiver in this class by many, would be a heck of a pick. While the Packers historically don’t prioritize taking receivers in the first round, keep in mind that at this moment, Amari Rodgers will be the only receiver under contract beyond 2021, making receiver a big need in 2022.

Alec Pulido – Sports Illustrated

Pick 25: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

"“The big-bodied wide receiver who moves really well would be a great addition for Green Bay. Whether it’s Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love at quarterback next year, they will like throwing to Burks.”"

Takeaway: There’s always a lot of mock drafts that have Green Bay taking a receiver, but mostly that’s due to many analysts wrongly believing that Aaron Rodgers doesn’t have enough weapons. However, as I mentioned above, receiver is going to be a big need in 2022, so I expect to see this position mocked to the Packers quite often. At 6’3″ – 232 pounds, Burks fits that big-bodied mold that Green Bay loves at receiver.

Brent Sobleski – Bleacher Report

Pick 26: Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M

Takeaway: As good as the tight end room looks in 2021, it could look very different a year from now. Robert Tonyan could head elsewhere in free agency, and Marcedes Lewis could retire. We still don’t know what the Packers have in Dominique Dafney and what happens if, in Year 3, Jace Sternberger still doesn’t take a step forward? Strong tight end play is vital to the Matt LaFleur offense, but historically, this isn’t a position that Green Bay values early on.

Dalton Miller – Pro Football Network

Pick 29: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

"“Lloyd can do a bit of everything on the inside. He owns adequate explosions and an ability to chase down tackles outside of the box. His agility is also a plus, as he’s able to change direction reactively against runners and in coverage.”"

Takeaway: We’ve hit the trifecta in terms of positions that the Green Bay Packers don’t typically value in the first round. While I could see them taking a receiver given the need, and I could see them taking a tight end given its importance and the potential uncertainty surrounding the position in 2022, I still don’t see them taking a linebacker. I’ll believe that one when I see it.

Jack Borowsky – Sports Illustrated

Pick 25: Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia

"“The Packers could still use some help on their defensive line and Walker is a perfect fit as a 3-4 defensive end. It starts with his length. Walker can control offensive linemen at the line of scrimmage and use his size to make plays in the run game. As a former five-star recruit, the potential is there for Walker to have a big jump in production next season and move into the first-round conversation.”"

Takeaway: Ahhh, now this feels like a Green Bay Packers first-round pick–edge rusher is a premiere position in this game and could be a fairly big need depending on how things play out with The Smiths. Last season, Walker recorded 12 pressures and a sack over 137 pass-rush snaps. His role will expand greatly here in 2021.

Joal Ryan – 247Sports

Pick 30: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan

"“Hutchinson was a star of 2021 NFL mock drafts. But the 6-foot-6 Wolverine standout, who saw his 2020 season abbreviated by injury, opted to return to Michigan for his senior season.”"

Takeaway: Again, edge rusher is a very Packers-esque first-round pick. Hutchinson saw limited playing time in 2020, but the year prior, he tallied 46 pressures and six sacks. He’s also graded out very well against the run, according to PFF ($$).

Oliver Hodgkinson – Pro Football Network

Pick 29: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

"“Although Olave will receive the majority of the preseason attention, his Ohio State teammate — Garrett Wilson — has the potential to be equally problematic in the NFL. Wilson can effortlessly gain separation and has a highly reliable pair of hands. He would be the first Packers’ first-round WR since 2002. However, it remains uncertain whether Rodgers will be around to welcome him in.”"

Takeaway: I’ve already given my thoughts on the receiver position and think that a first-round selection is more in play than in years past, given the potential need. At 6’0″ – 193 pounds, Wilson just meets the Packers’ typical receiver thresholds, and in 2020 he caught 43 of 58 targets at nearly 17 yards per catch and with six touchdowns.