Packers seven-round 2022 NFL mock draft: Green Bay refills its WR room, loads up in the trenches

In the aftermath of the Davante Adams trade, the Packers have a pair of picks in the first and second round in the 2022 NFL Draft, a nice luxury for the club that’s been the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs the past two seasons. 

And looking at their roster, the holes aren’t plentiful. Well, except receiver. How many will they select in this draft? In this mock, they don’t stop at just one. Here is one scenario that could play out for the NFC North franchise:

No. 22 overall: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

The future of the Packers safety spot is not exactly crystal clear. Adrian Amos already 28 and entering the final year of his contract in Green Bay. Darnell Savage is on the final year of his rookie deal — unless the Packers decide to exercise his fifth-year option by the May 2 deadline. 

Cine is hovering under the radar as a productive, hard-hitting safety who also excelled in all phases of coverage at Georgia. Then, at the combine, he ran 4.37 with a 37-inch vertical jump and a broad jump in the 96th percentile at the safety position. Dude is a rocket but doesn’t play out of control. The Packers are always thinking ahead, and this selection would align with that trend. 

No. 28 overall: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

I’m a lower on Watson than this, however, the Packers could justify this selection with the thought that if there’s a quarterback to accentuate Watson’s raw talent, it’s Aaron Rodgers. 

At 6-foot-4 with sub-4.40 speed and springy hops to make catches above the rim, Watson can even be an asset simply as a downfield specialist to begin his career. The route-running isn’t quite there yet, and he’s not a YAC specialist. But the athletic profile indicates he can eventually become more well-rounded. Would Green Bay like to grab him in Round 2? Sure. But he’s not going to last that long. 

No. 53 overall: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa

Smith could go earlier than this, but in this mock, he was still on the board in the middle of Round 2. Smith can be an All-Pro in the NFL. He’s that naturally talented. His hand work needs a total overhaul, and given that David Bakhtiari will be returning this season, Smith doesn’t have to play immediately. Perfect scenario.

No. 59 overall: Perrion Winfrey, DL, Oklahoma

The Packers love longer, oversized defensive linemen. Winfrey wouldn’t be a replacement for Za’Darius Smith. He plays inside. But the Green Bay defensive line could use depth, and Winfrey would provide that. His first-step quickness is elite, as are his measurables at nearly 6-4 and 290-ish pounds with tentacles over 35 inches. 

No. 92 overall: Marquis Hayes, OG, Oklahoma

Overkill going with another offensive linemen? No. Hayes is another physical specimen with long arms. His college film is reminiscent of Elgton Jenkins. He flat-out blocked everything. So boring. Boring is good for an offensive lineman. 

If nothing else, Hayes’ presence will just remind everyone on the interior of the Green Bay front that there’ll be legitimate competition for jobs this summer. Hayes is NFL ready. 

No. 132 overall: Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Maryland
No. 140 overall: Josh Johnson, WR, Tulsa
No. 171 overall: Dominique Robinson, EDGE, Miami (Ohio)
No. 228 overall: Alex Wright, EDGE/DL, UAB
No. 249 overall: Deven Thompkins, WR, Utah State
No. 258 overall: Tyler Goodson, RB, Iowa

Okonkwo is an athletic, chiseled YAC specimen at tight end. Johnson is truly one of the best, most intricate route-runners in the draft, he’s just not a high-caliber athlete, which will likely precipitate him being available on Day 3. 

Robinson is another fun project at the edge position the Packers would love to take on. He’s long and bendy. Wright has the giant frame to pack on some weight and be a multi-dimensional defensive lineman. Thompkins caught over 100 passes in 2021 and has serious juice down the field and after the catch. Three receivers? Why not. Green Bay did it in 2018. 

Goodson is a Kylin Hill type. Springy pass-catcher who thrives on stretch plays. Genuinely too good to pass on this late.