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Packers: 7 defensive prospects to know for first round in 2022 NFL Draft

By Brian Sampson

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Kenny McIntosh #6 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs with the ball as Daxton Hill #30 of the Michigan Wolverines defends in the second quarter of the game in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Kenny McIntosh #6 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs with the ball as Daxton Hill #30 of the Michigan Wolverines defends in the second quarter of the game in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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With the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft coming up in less than a week, the Green Bay Packers could go a number of directions with either of their top picks. Those options include trading up, trading back, trading them away for a proven veteran, or staying put. It could even include adding another player for their revamped defense.

Okay, maybe their defense isn’t exactly revamped, but it feels like there is a lot more emphasis on that side of the ball. If the Packers want to continue re-orienting themselves to be a defensive team, here are seven prospects who they could select in the first round.

Keep your eyes on these seven defensive prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Defensive prospects to know for Packers in Draft: Travis Jones, DT, UCONN

Travis Jones is a candidate for the last of the two Packers’ first-rounders. He can hold his own against both the pass and the run and would be a nice compliment to Kenny Clark on the defensive line. Jones is hard to move off the line of scrimmage and has a nice power-quickness combination. Drafting him (or the other two defensive linemen on this list) could signal the end for Dean Lowry in Green Bay.

Defensive prospects to know for Packers in Draft: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

Although the Packers have two starting safeties in Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage, they could use another one both for immediate help and long-term planning. Lewis Cine can do a little bit of everything and would be able to share the field with the two veterans. He can come up and help in the run game while also hold his own in coverage. That’s the basics for a safety.

Defensive prospects to know for Packers in Draft: Arnold Ebiketie, ED, Penn State

Green Bay desperately needs to add another edge player, as Preston Smith and Rashan Gary can’t do everything for them at that position. Arnold Ebiketie never stops moving and has a motor that wears out opposing offensive linemen. He has good speed around the edge and can give tackles problems in that area. He is still a raw prospect, but the Packers could bring him along slowly to develop him behind their two starters.

Defensive prospects to know for Packers in Draft: Devonte Wyatt and Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia

Although Devonte Wyatt and Jordan Davis are lumped together, their games are far from similar. Both are athletic marvels–even if Davis got all the attention at the combine–and both have work to do on their game. With the unpredictability in this draft especially, we could see Green Bay grab either player with their 22nd pick or even their 28th.

Defensive prospects to know for Packers in Draft: Daxton Hill, DB, Michigan

Daxton Hill is a versatile defensive back who could play either safety or corner for the Packers. He could help them at their need for a slot corner while also sliding back to play deep safety. Ironically, he reminds scouts a lot of Savage when he came out of college.

Next. 4 wide receivers Packers would love to trade for. dark

Defensive prospects to know for Packers in Draft: George Karlaftis, ED, Purdue

George Karlaftis is another prospect who would bring versatility to Green Bay. He can slide out to the edge and spell Smith and Gary when necessary–his bull rush is a major weapon. He can also move to defensive end and play with his hand on the ground. His ability to either give the edge rushers a break or play alongside them is critical in the Packers’ scheme.

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