Green Bay Packers rookie draft class has set a new foundation
The focus of the Green Bay Packers right now is the future of QB Aaron Rodgers. Will he be traded? Retire? However, the future of the quarterback position is in flux, it's the future look of the team overall that has a lot of positivity. Primarily from one of the most productive 2022 rookie draft […]
The focus of the Green Bay Packers right now is the future of QB Aaron Rodgers. Will he be traded? Retire?
However, the future of the quarterback position is in flux, it's the future look of the team overall that has a lot of positivity.
Primarily from one of the most productive 2022 rookie draft classes.
With six players making at least one start and even more making some sort of impact in their rookie seasons has Packers fans optimistic. Regardless of how the quarterback position ends up.
Looking back, the Packers landed a number of players throughout the draft. Some even outperforming their draft positions.
LB Quay Walker
Leading your team in tackles is one thing. It's another to do so as a rookie.
121 total tackles, seven pass break ups, 1.5 sacks and five tackles for loss gives shades of Tremaine Edmunds. The two-time Pro Bowl LB of the Buffalo Bills.
Definitely one of the tone setters of the defense, landing a LB who can cover, rush the passer and play the run is a huge asset for the Packers defense moving forward.
Now if he can just cut down on the ejections…
DL Devonte Wyatt
Wyatt didn't see extended action until the end of the season but provided a serious spark from the interior of the defensive line. Especially as a pass rusher.
Four QB pressures, 1.5 sacks three QB hits and a forced fumble all in the final four weeks.
If he can carry over the end of the 2022 season into the start of 2023, the Green Bay Packers have a pass rushing threat who can play both the 3-technique and nose.
WR Christian Watson
The start of the rookie's season was marred by dropped passes. Injuries and a need to step up saw a breakout game versus the Dallas Cowboys and one of the strongest second-half of the season finishes you'll see from a rookie playmaker.
With Randall Cobb in the Twighlight of his career, and Allen Lazard set to hit free agency, Christian Watson is set up to potentially be the Green Bay Packers number one receiver moving forward.
Unless another rookie pass catcher gets in his way.
OL Sean Ryhan
Ryhan is very much an 'incomplete' for 2022. Only seeing action in one game this season before serving a six-game suspension.
We can't give up on Ryhan just yet. A top 100 pick and he still has the upside to be a valuable swing guard in year two, and starter down the road.
He'll be a player worth monitoring moving forward.
WR Romeo Doubs
The unnamed pass catcher that may rival Christian Watson as the Green Bay Packers number one receiver is none other than the fourth-round pick from Nevada.
Before missing five weeks due to injury, Doubs lead all Packers in targets, receptions and yards. Establishing himself as a dangerous possession receiver in one-on-one situations with strong, although sometimes suspect, hands.
Doubs and Watson look like they could be the next great Packers receiving duo.
OL Zach Tom
The effect the Packers saw from Tom was expected of Ryhan. Tom filled in for nine different games playing extended snaps. Making five full starts.
Playing snaps at left tackle, left guard and right guard, despite only playing left tackle and center at Wake Forest.
The position flexibility is valuable, but allowing only one sack and five QB pressures on 489 snaps is amazing. Especially for a fourth-round rookie swing lineman.
Of all the 'diamonds' of the draft, Tom may end up being Green Bay's biggest steal. Potentially as a starter down the line.
Edge Kinglsey Enagbare
The Green Bay Packers lost a lot of their pass rush following the loss of Rashan Gary for the season.
Not only did Preston Smith step up in his absence, so did the rookie edge in his increased playing time. Finishing with the fourth most sacks (3.0) and fifth most QB pressures (12), the rookie edge has a high upside going into next season.
Especially if the Packers decide to move on from Smith as a cap casualty. Leaving Enagbare the likely starter across from Gary in 2023.
DB/LB Tariq Carpenter
A special team's contributor, Carpenter fills a new type of role we are seeing in the NFL. More of these oversized safeties who play a hybrid safety/linebacker position.
Carpenter's first season was exclusively as a special teams player who was often around the ball. A good sign for a developing player.
Unfortunately for Carpenter, the Packers has a lot of depth at safety and linebacker before it comes to him. The good news is that if they are unable to retain some of their key free agents, his size and athleticism will get a chance this summer come training camp to earn snaps on defense.
DT Johnathan Ford
Like Ryhan, Ford's season is an incomplete. Despite making the team as a seventh-round nose tackle, he was inactive for the entirety of the season.
It will be interesting to see how 2023 shapes up for him. A season to progress, despite no game time, to take an uptick in snaps in the middle of the defensive line.
OL Rasheed Walker
Slightly similar to Ryhan and Ford, Walker made the team but had very limited snaps. Only taking part in some on special teams.
If Zach Tom's usage goes up, and Ryhan gets first dibs among the swing players on the offensive line, Walker could face an early uphill battle to make the roster next preseason.
WR Samori Toure
The final draft pick, Toure was actually an active contributor despite being the Packers final pick.
He did make a slight impact as a receiver. 10 targets, five receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown in a limited capacity. Highlighted by a beautiful 37-yard touchdown reception.
Moving forward, the Packers are likely to overhaul much of the depth on the roster to save money and go younger. While Doubs and Watson are the likely WR1-2 going into next season, Toure's development could have him as the WR4 or 5 into next season.
In a limited sample size, Toure is proving his value as a core special teams' player and rotational receiver.
Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck of USA TODAY Sports
