Let's analyze the Green Bay Packers' 2022 defensive draft picks. From the looks of it, the team should be stronger, but only time will tell if the new additions will help the team get over the playoff hump.
The 2021 season was frustrating for the Green Bay Packers. Once again, they had a spectacular regular season, only to be taken out in the divisional playoffs. The Packer faithful were left pondering another season that did not live up to expectations.
Speculation about the retirement of Aaron Rodgers was premature as he signed a new three-year deal, as reported by the online sportsbook portal WSN.com. The loss of Davante Adams leaves a wide receiver hole but, when looking at the 2022 draft, a number of defensive moves are of interest. Let's have a look at what the new additions look like.
Quay Walker, ILB
#Packers OTA’s underway in Green Bay. 6’4” 241 lbs. rookie ILB Quay Walker on making the transition from the Georgia Bulldogs to the #NFL: pic.twitter.com/J99HtFVdHm
— Mike Clemens (@MikeClemensNFL) May 24, 2022
The Packers' run defense had a glaring flaw — the team allowed the third-most yards per carry, at 4.7. This is why the signing of Quay Walker makes sense. It shows a continuing shift in attitude towards the center of defense. For years, the Packers relied on mid-round draft picks and reasonably priced free agents to fill the inside linebacker position.
They added De'Vondre Campbell last year (giving him a five-year, $50m contract this offseason) and they've now snapped up a first-round ILB – their first since they took A J Hawk in 2005. Since becoming general manager in 2018, Brian Gutekunst has made six first-round picks, and five have been on the defensive side of the ball.
Cornerback Jaire Alexander in 2018, outside linebacker Rashan Gary and safety Darnell Savage in 2019, to cornerback Eric Stokes last season, have all done well, so it’s clear that Gutekunst knows what he’s doing when it comes to spotting defensive talent.
Devonte Wyatt – DT
#Packers rookie Devonte Wyatt going through position drills. pic.twitter.com/xEVCBeh5hn
— Marques Eversoll (@MarquesEversoll) May 24, 2022
It's always a plus to have one of the finest players at this position with a late first-round pick. According to some analysts, Devonte Wyatt was ranked #2 defensive lineman, trailing only his Georgia teammate Jordan Davis, who went at pick 13 to the Eagles. Over the previous two seasons, he started 24 games and was named to the second-team All-American last season.
Kingsley Enagbare, OLB
The #Packers getting Kingsley Enagbare in the 5th round might just be the biggest steal of the entire draft.
He is a violent pass rusher who can line up anywhere on the D-Line. Truly is a perfect replacement for Z.
Enagbare has 121 career tackles, 24 TKFL, 15 sacks and 3 FF. pic.twitter.com/1D9gBRkqCr
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) May 5, 2022
Preston Smith and Rashan Gary are two standout edge players for the Packers. The addition of Kingsley Enagbare adds some much-needed depth.
Last year, Enagbare produced pressure on 15.7 percent of opponents' dropbacks. It was the ninth-highest percentage in the FBS and second only to Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. in the SEC. Although Enagbare's 40 time of 4.9 was tied for second slowest among edge rushers, the Packers believe his strength lies in his power moves.
Tariq Carpenter, S/ILB
Tariq Carpenter might have linebacker size and a hybrid skill set, but the Packers have been impressed with the rookie’s movement ability early on. https://t.co/dRd4cNuPEm
— The Packers Wire (@ThePackersWire) May 19, 2022
Carpenter is a big safety who will most likely move to inside linebacker or play a hybrid position in the NFL. He has the ideal body type for competing for a job on special teams, where linebackers and defensive backs are in high demand.
Carpenter also has a lot of college experience, having started 41 games in 52 appearances over five seasons at safety, so he is more battle-hardened than many of his peers.
Jonathan Ford, DT
Congratulations, Jonathan Ford!
Best of luck to you and your family as you move on to write your life’s next chapter.
Today a Green Bay Packer.
Forever a Miami Hurricane. pic.twitter.com/E6Sa2lwYs6
— GO ‘CANES! (@83_87_89_91_01) April 30, 2022
Ford is a large, interior defensive lineman at 6'7" and 333 pounds. With that size, he is the Packers' second IDL after first-round pick Devonte Wyatt. Ford spent five years in Miami but wasn't particularly good, statistically. He never recorded more than 19 tackles in one season but began to find his way in his third season. Which was also about the time that he became a full-time starter.
On the depth chart, Ford has five solid defensive tackles ahead of him in the rankings: Wyatt, Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, Jarran Reed, and Tedarrell "T.J". Slaton, but he could prove to be a useful roster addition in time.
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