The 2022 NFL Draft is coming up on Thursday, April 28th. With the draft dominating the football headlines, we see the draft “experts” emerge from their basements to share their thoughts about what will happen. Recently, ESPN’s Mel Kiper and Todd McShay came together to create a joint NFL Mock Draft. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like their selections will make any Green Bay Packers fan happy.
There is a spotlight on the Packers for this draft, after trading away All-Pro Davante Adams. The Packers now have four draft picks in the first two rounds. Let’s take a look at the Mel Kiper and Todd McShay mock draft to see who they believe the Packers will select with their first five picks. I warn you, it’s not pretty. However, it would be shocking to see these picks come to fruition anyway.
Mel Kiper and Todd McShay Mock Draft for the Packers
Round 1, Pick 22: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
Boy, what a pick. Brian Gutekunst did come out and say rookie wide receivers don’t produce, as if he was channeling the spirit of Ted Thompson at the podium, but it’s 2022 and the Packers do have the option of drafting players who are capable of producing this season.
Christian Watson is a physical freak. He’s also incredibly raw and not tested. He would be spending his entire rookie year learning a route tree. The Packers need to compete right now, and this pick is yet another early-round project.
Round 1, Pick 28: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
Edge rusher was third on our list of Packers draft needs, so it is a need. However, the second round seems like the best place to address this need. That’s not to say George Karlaftis would be a bad addition, however.
While his length is poor, Karlaftis brings a ton of power. He is a bowling ball on the defensive line, with an incredibly strong and effective bull rush. I personally would rather have an edge rusher that compliments the skills of Rashan Gary, but Karlaftis sitting there at 28 would be tempting. It would also give Wisconsin a second “Greek Freak” to cheer for.
RELATED | 7-Round Packers Mock Draft 3.0
Using the PFF Mock Draft Simulator, we completed a Green Bay Packers mock draft that is sure to make fans a bit happier than what Todd McShay and Mel Kiper did.
Round 2, Pick 53: Logan Hall, DE/DL, Houston
I love Logan Hall’s game. He is a bit of a tweener, but don’t think of it in a bad way. Hall has experience and success both on the inside and on the edge. For the Packers, he would likely have the most success at a five-technique, but he brings the versatility that should make most good defensive coordinators drool since the rotations and stunts they could draw up are endless. Is Joe Barry a good defensive coordinator? No, but maybe one of the assistants could help him out.
Round 2, Pick 59: Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA
This seems to be a bit of a reach, but Greg Dulcich is a good receiver at the tight end position. While his route-running needs some work, he can develop into a true move tight end at the NFL level. Unfortunately, he is also a major liability in the running game. Both strength and technique are major issues with his run blocking.
If the Packers want to draft a receiver in the second round that cannot block, they should probably look at the wide receivers.
Round 3, Pick 92: Darian Kinnard, OT/G, Kentucky
Mel Kiper made this final pick in this Packers mock draft. Yes, Green Bay needs to draft offensive line early. However, they should look for someone better than Darian Kinnard.
Kinnard was a three-year starter at Kentucky, playing mostly right tackle. However, he will need to transition to guard in the NFL due to his inability to move his feet. His pass set is also terrible, as is his hand technique. But what about his athleticism and overall testing? Also bad.
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