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Packers' Potential Day 2 Targets
By JosephR
The 1st Round of the 2022 NFL Draft has come to a close and boy, once again Brian Gutekunst and his team did not disappoint. Once again, the Packers General Manager ran PackerNation throught a gauntlet of emotions as he decided to sit pat and select Georgia Bulldogs Quay Walker (LB) and Devonte Wyatt (DL) at 22nd and 28th Overall Respectively. It's safe to say that there were more than a few disappointed folks out there with millions of Packers fans across the globe clamoring to hear the name of one of those coveted wide receivers that many an "expert" (yours excluded) mocked to the Packers in the 1st Round.
But don't dispair my dear friends, we've got 6 more rounds and 230 selections to go for "Gutey and Co" to find that next batch of Aaron Rodgers pass catchers and more. Now that the defense has been proverbially "set", let's see who else we can look out for to be the next to don the Green and Gold on Day 2 of the Draft.
Nicholas Petit-Frere, Tackle - Ohio State: Petit-Frere has been flying under the radar in an offensive line class that's deeper than strong. Petit-Frere has been a full-time starter for 2 seasons, 2020 at right tackle and 2021 at left tackle; I'm thinking he projects best as a left tackle but you can't go wrong with him at either spot. Petit-Frere is almost unmoveable against even the most elite edge rushers. Nicholas doesn't have crazy athleticism which is probably why he didn't hear his name called Thursday night but he's still more than adequate in a zone-blocking system. Petit-Frere would give the Packers an immediate starter Day 1 on the offensive long without worrying about when Elgton Jenkins comes back and if he's playing Tackle or Guard.
Honorable Mentions
Daniel Faalele, Tackle - Minnesota
Darian Kinnard, Guard - Kentucky
Sean Rhyan, Tackle - UCLA
Jaquan Brisker, Safety - Penn State: Any many other classes, Jaquan Brisker would be the best Safety in the class and probably a Top 20 Pick, but that went to Kyle Hamilton. Jaquan Brisker can play just about any assignment on the field you can give him, and do so with a high level of effectiveness and efficiency. Brisker can play single high, cover the slot/tight ends, and also come back down into the box and just decimate ball carriers who dare to try and get into the open field. Brisker would bring the type of flexibility that 2nd year DC Joe Barry is craving to have in his system that he brought to Green Bay from the Rams. Did I mention he also was a special teams stud in University Park?
Honorable Mentions
Bryan Cook, Safety - Cincinnati
Jalen Pitre, Safety - Baylor
JT Woods, Safety - Baylor
Isaiah Likely, Tight End - Coastal Carolina: I know the whole world is screaming for a wide receiver but the Chanticleers Likely might be the best vertical threat on Day 2. While he didn't test well, the tape doesn't lie, he's a football player. Likely will stress defensive backs which his catch radius, and he will just simply leave the majority of linebackers in the dust quickly. Aaron Rodgers has been missing a huge redzone target for a while, and the 6'5 Likely can do that plus open up opportunities for whoever might be lined up on the outside for the Packers.
Honorable Mentions
Trey McBride, Tight End - Colorado State
Jelani Woods, Tight End - Virginia
Jalen Wydermyer, Tight End - Texas A&M
Jalen Tolbert, Wide Receiver - South Alabama: I saw a lot of people were screaming George Pickens Thursday night but if you take away John Metchie with the injury concerns Jalen Tolbert is the best wide receiver on the board right now. Tolbert can line up anywhere on the field, and while he's not blazing fast, he's proven he can stack the defender and make the tough catches in traffic. He's got a nice, yoked up frame that will be an asset run blocking down the field with Allen Lazard and Sammy Watkins. He's got a pretty good bag of tricks for his releases and he's big play threat waiting to happen.
Honorable Mentions
Alec Pierce, Wide Receiver - Cincinnatti
Christian Watson, Wide Receiver - North Dakota State
David Bell, Wide Receiver - Purdue
Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft starts Friday night at 6pm CST on NFL Network, stay tuned with me and the rest of the CHTV gang on during our Draft Watch Party on YouTube or if you're a Patreon Member, hop in on the Zoom to get the best seat in the house.
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Joseph has been an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers since 1997, citing an affinity for dairy products during his childhood and his favorite color, green. Born in Jacksonville, FL, Joseph currently is an Active Duty servicemember in the U.S. Armed Forces. Joseph considers himself a lifelong fan of the game of football, competing since his youth well into adulthood. When it comes to the Pack, Joseph is particularly impassioned about the NFL Draft and collegiate scouting process, and will contribute regularly on CHTV.com leading to that year's upcoming Draft. You can follow him on Twitter at @joeyreyallday.
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Comments (32)
PatrickGB
April 29, 2022 at 08:22 am
Interesting guys, most of whom I never heard of. Thanks for the research!
And from a fellow vet (22 years active duty) thanks for your service.
BirdDogUni
April 29, 2022 at 09:25 am
TY for your service. I enlisted in '83 got out in '92, went GS and retired last September. (Finally)
Gee
April 29, 2022 at 02:37 pm
So more time for puppies and brisket then.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2022 at 09:23 am
Day 2...while OL very possible many good ones in round 4 where they have 2 draft choices tomorrow. While some uncertainties with injuries on OL there is still lots of talent on current roster vs what the Packers have for WR's and Edge. Why I think depending on how draft plays out today these guys (or at least their positions in play).
Pickens - Pierce or Khalil at WR (maybe 2)
David Ojabo or Nik Bonitto at Edge
Trey McBride possible at TE
Whatever Gutey decides I'm on board!
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2022 at 09:38 am
The dysfunctional side of me dreams of Calvin Austin as that super high energy lightening bolt jitter bug type player who injects adrenalin on the whole offensive side of the ball anytime he steps on the field. A player who strikes fear in every defensive coordinator and CB.
There would be no CB in the NFL who could stay with him ever if constantly used in motion. Team him up with say Pickens, Pierce, Watson, or Khalil and us fans would truly enjoy watching our offense on Sundays.
I didn't include Austin above as a likely selection by Gutey on Day 2, but talent wise Calvin belongs in consideration. Does MLF have the creative vision on how to best utilize Calvin within his offense, and can they get him up to speed on ST's?
Would Gutey actually pull the trigger and be ballsy enough to take this spark plug over other full-time talented players? Would shock me but I would jump out of my chair if they did. What a nightmare for any defensive player tasked to defend him.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2022 at 10:40 am
As a quick follow up to my Calvin Austin post....
I am sensing the Packer brain trust might be thinking radically different about what they have been doing in recent years. The talent they had assembled these past couple of years SHOULD HAVE resulted in at least one SB appearance but hasn't. That what they have been doing has not come close to having worked. Maybe what we see Gutey doing to the defense is a template on what they will do on offense on day 2 and 3. Might their approach include guys like Austin, or Khalil, and even the under rated Kyle Philips at WR?
Going to be fun anticipating and watching as so many directions Gutey can go. He needs a massive infusion of offensive skilled talent, so let's sit back and watch how he goes about doing it.
BirdDogUni
April 29, 2022 at 09:37 am
IDK about Edge. I have a feeling they're thinking of Quay as a Chess Piece who can play Edge too. I wouldn't mind taking another Edge though, at any of our picks. Can never have too much Pass Rush.
We have 9 more draft picks:
WR
TE
OL
Safety
Edge
WR
RB
OL
WR or TE
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2022 at 09:43 am
I hear you Bird! There are going to be some good ones available though in Rd 2. Another top rushing Edge will make the defense elite. How long will Preston stay elite, and with the Pack?
Be interesting to see how it all plays out. As strong of a team as they are there are many areas needing talent infusion as you point out.
BirdDogUni
April 29, 2022 at 01:56 pm
You know how Dallas uses Parsons? I think that is what Barry will do with Quay. I think they see Quay as our Parsons.
Gee
April 29, 2022 at 02:39 pm
Man qbs at going to watch a whole of lot film after week 3, if Quay can do even half of what Parsons did his first year. I love it.
Starrbrite
April 29, 2022 at 01:58 pm
Yes—agree with you.
Irish_Cheesehead
April 29, 2022 at 10:07 am
I’m fine with round 1, but we gotta get a WR or two today. With Tae, ESB, and MVS all leaving, that cupboard is pretty bare (unless there’s a trade brewing). Would also love to see an OT. Will be interesting to see if Gute trades up to get his guy or again let’s things fall to him. In my opinion, you are really rolling the dice with your WR room if you just let things fall at this point, but I have no idea what their board looks like with these remaining guys.
Gee
April 29, 2022 at 02:44 pm
I get the need to just fill the wr room hopefully with speed, but if the boys are running for 120-140 yards a game and we throw for another 200 I think we will be fine. Also I still firmly believe against all evidence, Jones is going to flirt with a 1000 yard season receiving this season.
Handsback
April 29, 2022 at 10:23 am
GB did what I thought they would by selecting starters verses reaching for WRs. Q who I think is a CM3 clone that can cover and a potential all star in the trenches.
Just to be clear they weren't the specific positions I thought Gutsey would fill, but good selections meeting a need anyway.
I still think OT and Edge will be addressed because there's a lot of depth in the draft for those positions. WR, TE, and safeties will be gotten as well.
Today I think WR/OT in 2nd and Edge in 3rd.
What I believe we are seeing is the influence of the Ravens personnel that have been added to the Packers staff. If that's the case I say Bravo!
dobber
April 29, 2022 at 10:39 am
I'll guarantee the Packers don't pick Skyy Moore by advocating for him here. Love this guy. Still 6-8 WR on the board that--if the Packers got 2--would be setting themselves up well for the future.
Don't sleep on a TE or even RB tonight.
OL/OLB/S. Frankly, if the Packers pick anything but specialists, QB, DL, or ILB, you can make a case for it.
Gee
April 29, 2022 at 02:49 pm
Hopefully Hill comes back healthy and strong, the need for rb has softened a bit. Still as long as a third rounder, is a usable body for a few years, I'm in.
BAMABADGER
April 29, 2022 at 10:42 am
Jalen Tolbert would be an excellent addition at WR. From Mobile Al stayed home to play college ball. Big, strong and good speed.
He, Pierce, or Watson would be great additions.
Starrbrite
April 29, 2022 at 01:59 pm
I like Tolbert too.
canadapacker
April 29, 2022 at 10:56 am
I too am happy with the selections - It is too bad that Johnson didnt fall 2 spots farther - I also agree with not pushing it to jump up - given that sometimes first rounders - receivers do not live up to the hype and second rounders do just fine. But I have been whining about not having interior guys - even back to Hawk and with Martinez - we have a lot of tackles after the other team gets first downs. So now we have a pair of guys who can get it done. Also we see what happens when our interior D line gets tired or moved - so having another big guy in there will help the run game. I am not too concerned with using a high pick on the Oline - we seem to develop guys and spent some draft picks last year there - so wait until the later rounds - now is the time to take receivers /Dbacks and edge rushers to help both the depth and the special teams - remember Special Teams need help - AR will figure it out with what we have and a few new guys and especially a good run game - Jones and Dillon and Hill if he gets healthy .
splitpea1
April 29, 2022 at 11:16 am
Hmmm....I read that Petit-Frere needs a lot of work regarding his feet and hands, so I don't know about him starting right away; the versatility to eventually play either side is a big asset, though.
Now that Hill and Cine are gone, Brisker sounds like a real good option. I would be totally on board with this pick. Same with Watson; now is the time to start keeping an eye our for talented players who can also contribute on special teams--don't put it off until Day 3.
PeteK
April 29, 2022 at 11:36 am
We need a WR with speed so I would very happy with Watson or Pickens. Then as I said previously, get me Ojabo and best T and S. Let's move up.
BirdDogUni
April 29, 2022 at 11:38 am
My dream is:
53: Christian Watson
59: Alex Pierce
92: Jelani Woods
Or wherever Gutey has to trade to make this happen.
HankScorpio
April 29, 2022 at 12:06 pm
" While he didn't test well, the tape doesn't lie, he's a football player."
Every piece of the draft puzzle most definitely can lie. But doesn't always lie. The art is trying to marry the entire big picture together to take a best guess at the unknown future. That's why getting it right about half the time is pretty darn good.
They do the athletic testing to get a heads up the tape might be lying.
They watch the tape to get a heads up on when the athletic numbers might be lying.
And then, of course, there is the great unknown of a player's desire, instincts, work ethic, coachability and plenty of other intangibles.
cheesehead1
April 29, 2022 at 12:24 pm
IMO, I believe Gute made two really good picks. Now get some WR help, although we’ll probably have to move up in round 2. Pickens, Watson, Moore.
stockholder
April 29, 2022 at 12:32 pm
Pandora's box has been opened. Watson and Pickens will be gone in the next 10 picks. Rodgers will never be happy with whats left.
canadapacker
April 29, 2022 at 01:21 pm
General Managers manage and coaches coach - and when you get into trouble is when you rollover . That is why they pay you the money and give you the title - Remember when
'After sending backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck to Seattle in a February trade, the Packers moved up from No. 17 to No. 10 in the 2001 draft. Future Pro Football Hall of Fame GM Ron Wolf, not wanting to step on coach/GM-to-be Mike Sherman’s toes, bowed to the coaching staff’s wishes on several picks, including Reynolds."" And what happened to Sherman - flop flop flop and fired. Do your job and it will all work out. Not that you cant get input but in the final analysis - we dont need any Justin Harrels or Amad Carrolls. Just do your job and so far he has been pretty good and the roster is better than TT left him with.
Starrbrite
April 29, 2022 at 01:57 pm
Excellent article JosephR—-like all of them, especially the OT you mentioned. Brisker would be a great addition too.
Fatslob
April 29, 2022 at 02:48 pm
Tolbert is my favorite WR in this draft and at about 6’2” and 200lbs with sub 4.5 40 speed he fits the bill. A very productive player with quicks off the line and the ability to play outside and run all the routes. If he had played for a major program, he goes first round. An NFL comparison - dare I say Davante Adams
Fubared
April 29, 2022 at 02:51 pm
Looks like Gutt is doing something I suspected he would do, picks guys to replace guys he knows he cant afford to keep next year.
With Rodgers eating the cap space, this team cant bid against other teams offers so its get the replacements now and prepare them to be the go to guys next season.
I thought all along this was his job to manage the playes based more on who we could afford and who we couldnt and draft accordingly. Seems to fit with the way this is going again this year.
PeteK
April 29, 2022 at 05:25 pm
Campbell has a lg cap hit if released before the next two seasons. Also, we wouldn't resign Lowry even if we had more cap space. He sees value in these players to turn this defense into a dominant one.
PeteK
April 29, 2022 at 03:35 pm
A unmentioned but critical part of success in the draft has to do with a winning clubhouse atmosphere filled with good character veterans ,and good coaching. The Packers have an abundance of both. So I have faith that whatever WR they draft will have success.
gsd3
April 29, 2022 at 04:56 pm
Sadly, don't think Pickens or Watson is there at 53. Would select either if they are and follow up with Tolbert at 59 or Doubs at 92.Moore is probably better than Rodgers, would not rule him out. McBride (59) or Kolar at TE (92).