4 home run prospects for Packers in first round of 2022 NFL Draft
The Green Bay Packers need to hit a home run in the first round of this year’s draft. After losing significant talent in the offseason, they need to find a way to replace some of that production and their best route will be early in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Green Bay currently has two selections at no. 22 and 28 and there’s no telling what they’ll do with those picks. If they decide to use them, here are four prospects who would be excellent selections in the early 20s and guys who should be able to contribute right away.
Due to size and skill, these four prospects would be perfect fits for the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
1. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Chris Olave has been targeted as a fan favorite for their top pick for a while now. He’s the best route-runner in this draft class and will quickly earn Aaron Rodgers’ heart and trust due to that fact alone. But there’s more!
He doesn’t have elite speed but he’s fast enough to create separation and get the job done. He’d immediately become the fastest receiver Green Bay has on their roster and he uses that to his advantage. Lastly, he catches everything thrown his way–another quick way to earn Rodgers’ trust. He isn’t as dynamic after the catch as Green Bay would like, but they need a guy who can get open on his own and Olave is that man.
2. George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue
It’s likely Green Bay spends a top pick to improve their depth and rotation on the edge, as Preston Smith and Rashan Gary are currently the only two guys they can count on. Karlaftis is built like a bowling ball and plays like one too. He can run right through you and blow up the play.
What separates him from other edge players is his versatility. He can spell Smith or Gary when they need a break and also slide to the inside and put his hand on the ground. His ability to play on the outside of the defensive line could be a nice advantage for this Packers’ defense.
3. Daxton Hill, DB, Michigan
Speaking of versatility, Daxton Hill has a ton of that in his game. He’s listed as a defensive back because he can cover receivers in the slot–something the Packers desperately need–or line up as a more traditional safety. He can also play in the box and provide run support from the safety position. He would also bring another speed element to Green Bay’s defense, something they can always use more of.
4. Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
This would be a controversial selection, but one that could pay off in the long term. Jameson Williams is probably the best receiver in this class, but he suffered a torn ACL in the National Championship game which has hurt his value tremendously. There’s no saying if he’ll even be ready to play in his rookie year–a pill that is hard to swallow for a Packers squad who needs immediate contributors.
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However, good things come to those who wait. Williams has elite speed and can make any defender miss after the catch. That combination makes him a perfect fit for Green Bay and someone they can build their offense around. His quickness-speed combination is unparalleled and would become an instant weapon whenever he gets on the field.