Packers 3-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Defense wins championships

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NORMAN, OK – NOVEMBER 20: Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto #11 and defensive lineman Isaiah Thomas #95 of the Oklahoma Sooners rush quarterback Brock Purdy #15 of the Iowa State Cyclones in the second quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners won 28-21. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

Packers mock draft: Round 2, pick 59: Ed Bonitto, ED, Oklahoma

Green Bay has two studs on the edge in Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, but no quality players behind them on the depth chart. As of now, the other guys on the roster are Tipa Galeai, LaDarius Hamilton, Randy Ramsey and Jonathan Garvin. That’s not going to cut it.

Ed Bonitto won’t do much against the run, but can enter the field on passing situations and spell Smith and Gary. He has an elite start off the line of scrimmage and can easily get around offensive tackles in space. He also has a nice array of pass-rushing moves he can use to get after the quarterback. Bonitto would instantly become the Packers’ third-best edge rusher and someone who is a rotation-caliber player.

Packers mock draft: Round 2, pick 53: Jalen Pitre, CB, Baylor

It may seem odd for Green Bay to draft another cornerback after re-signing Rasul Douglas to join Eric Stokes and Jaire Alexander, but a team can never have enough quality corners. Besides, neither of those veterans have experience playing in the slot, something Jalen Pitre can do naturally. Pitre brings toughness and attitude to a defense that missed that without Alexander on the field last year. He’d be a nice addition to this secondary and would open up outside opportunities for others.

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