Mel Kiper grades the Green Bay Packers 2022 NFL Draft class

Mel Kiper thought the Green Bay Packers put together a strong class at the 2022 NFL Draft this past weekend. The ESPN analyst gave the Packers a B in his grades, which were released Saturday evening following the conclusion of the draft.

The Packers surprised many, including Kiper, when they opted not to take a receiver in the first round. With the recent departure of five-time Pro Bowler Davante Adams, that seemed to be the biggest hole on their roster. Instead, Green Bay used its two first round selections on two Georgia players in linebacker Quay Walker and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt.

Without another pick until No. 53, the Packers seemed likely to miss out on some talented receiver prospects. Six wideouts were taken in the first round on Thursday, and many more were sure to go off the board before the Packers’ next pick. But Green Bay had a plan, ultimately trading up to No. 34 to take North Dakota State receiver Christian Watson.

As it turns out, that was exactly the receiver that Kiper was upset the Packers didn’t take in Round 1.

“I called out Green Bay on Thursday night for passing up wide receiver Christian Watson with its two first-round picks … and it traded up to get Watson the next night,” Kiper wrote. “Yes, the price was steep — the Packers sent Minnesota pick Nos. 53 and 59 for No. 34 — but Watson is exactly what they needed to replace Davante Adams. The 6-foot-4 Watson starred at the Senior Bowl, and he then ran a 4.36-second 40 and tested extremely well at the combine. He is a big play waiting to happen; he has the skill set develop into a No. 1 receiver. Aaron Rodgers will love him.”

Walker and Wyatt were two of five Georgia players taken in the opening round. They bring championship experience after leading Georgia to its first national title since 1980 this past season. With Green Bay hoping to contend for a Super Bowl in 2022, that experience will certainly be valuable.

“Quay Walker (22) went a little higher than I have him ranked, but I know NFL scouts loved his physical tools, even if he didn’t always stand out when watching the loaded Georgia defense,” Kiper said. “Devonte Wyatt (28) will likely play as a 3-technique tackle in Green Bay, and he has some interior pass-rush upside. He is my second-ranked defensive tackle.”

After taking UCLA offensive lineman Sean Rhyan in the third round, the Packers later added another receiver to the draft class on Day 3 in Nevada’s Romeo Doubs. Rounding out the rest of the picks were Wake Forest guard Zach Tom, South Carolina linebacker Kingsley Enagbare, Georgia Tech safety Tariq Carpenter, Miami defensive tackle Jonathan Ford, Penn State offensive tackle Rasheed Walker and Nebraska receiver Samori Toure.

“Green Bay added two more wideouts on Day 3, with Romeo Doubs (132) having the best chance to make the roster,” Kiper wrote. “He had 20 touchdown catches over the past two seasons. Kingsley Enagbare (179) has some juice as an edge rusher, though he is a little one-dimensional. The Watson pick saves Green Bay from a C draft, and if Wyatt becomes an eight-sack-a-season guy, this group could be much better. I just don’t love Walker as much as the team’s scouts do.”