Publishers Mock Draft: By, George (Karlaftis), Packers Get Their Pick(ens)

Packer Central's Bill Huber and his fellow team publishers conducted a first-round mock draft. The Packers filled big needs at receiver and outside linebacker.

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Armed with two first-round picks, the Green Bay Packers face their most important NFL Draft in years.

Actually, according to general manager Brian Gutekunst, it only seems that way.

“Every draft is so important to your football team,” he said on Monday, a few days ahead of Thursday’s first round. “It is the lifeblood of how we build our football team. The amount of resources and energy that we put into this is reflective of that. I don’t know if it’s any different than any other year but it’s significantly important for us as we move forward. It always has been that way here. But I’m excited about the team we’ve got coming back. Having the guys in the building these last couple days, just the energy and seeing some of the faces, you start getting excited about our team and what we’ve got coming in front of us.”

The Packers have two picks in the first and second rounds, thanks to the trade of All-Pro receiver Davante Adams, one pick in the third round and two more in the fourth. That gives them seven selections in the first four rounds of a deep draft. The Adams trade created an enormous vacancy in the lineup, right tackle Billy Turner was released, and there is no depth whatsoever at outside linebacker or safety. Looking ahead, Green Bay’s top two tight ends and starting safeties will be free agents at the end of the season.

So, who will the Packers select with the 22nd and 28th selections of the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft? Here is our SI.com/Fan Nation team publishers mock draft.

1) Jacksonville Jaguars

Aidan Hutchinson, edge, Michigan

Jaguars: The Jaguars are likely down to either Aidan Hutchinson or Travon Walker at No. 1 overall, but the edge goes to Hutchinson thanks to his ability to make an instant impact. The Jaguars have won four games in the last two seasons and can't afford to miss on this pick, taking the safe Hutchinson and securing a pass-rusher across from Josh Allen for the future.

2) Detroit Lions

Kayvon Thibodeaux, edge, Oregon

Lions: With Aidan Hutchinson off of the board, the Detroit Lions select the next best pass-rusher in the draft. Detroit's defensive line has struggled for several years to effectively rush the quarterback. Thibodeaux will be the "game-changer" general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have been searching for on defense.

3) Houston Texans

Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State

Texans: The Texans are going to run it back with Davis Mills for a second season. Although they added A.J. Cann in free agency, they need more, especially in terms of fixing the 32nd-ranked rushing attack. Ekwonu comes with experience at guard and tackle, plus is known for skills in run blocking, and high character. He's a Day 1 starter at either left guard or right tackle.

4) New York Jets

Travon Walker, edge, Georgia

Jets: Even after missing out on Kayvon Thibodeaux and Aidan Hutchinson, Robert Saleh and the Jets are still able to add a premier EDGE rusher at No. 4. Walker is poised to excel on New York's defensive line alongside Carl Lawson, John Franklin-Myers and more. The Jets will be tempted to take Ahmad Gardner here, but general manager Joe Douglas and his staff have a reputation for building through the trenches.

5) New York Giants

Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Giants: The Giants need to fix their offensive line once and for all. Neal not only gives them an option this year at OT, he also gives them position flexibility for the future.

6) Carolina Panthers

Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

Panthers: The Panthers could go with Charles Cross here and solve their issue at left tackle, but I don't see it happening. If Neal or Ekwonu were on the board, that's a different story. Panthers GM Scott Fitterer has said he's going to keep swinging on quarterbacks until they find their guy. Willis isn't the most pro-ready by any means, but he certainly has the most potential. It's a bit of a gamble and one that Fitterer won't mind taking.

7) New York Giants

(from Chicago Bears)

Derek Stingley, Jr, CB, LSU

Giants: Sauce Gardner was tempting here, but Stingley, in having answered some medical questions, has been the more productive cornerback and is a guy who should be able to step in should the Giants part with James Bradberry via trade.

8) Atlanta Falcons

Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

Falcons: By now, it's no secret that the Falcons need a No. 1 receiver. The current top option is Olamide Zaccheaus, who finished with only 31 catches as the team's No. 3 playmaker. Wilson has the highest upside of any receiver in the class and is a plug-and-play replacement for Calvin Ridley on the perimeter.

9) Seattle Seahawks

(from Denver Broncos)

Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Seahawks: Seattle has never drafted a cornerback earlier than the third round in the Pete Carroll era, but Gardner has too much talent and upside to pass up in the top-10. Built with a long, lean 6-foot-3, 190-pound frame, he looks like the prototypical corner the franchise prioritizes. He ran a 4.41 40-yard dash at the combine, and he didn't allow a single touchdown in coverage in college. Basically, he's Richard Sherman with wheels and playing in a scheme that should cater best to his strengths, he has a chance to develop into an All-Pro corner in quick fashion.

10) New York Jets

(from Seattle Seahawks)

Drake London, WR, USC

Jets: After addressing the defensive line with the No. 4 pick, it's time to give QB Zach Wilson another weapon on offense. New York may try to trade back here, or use this pick to go after a proven commodity at the wide receiver position, but with Garrett Wilson off the board, London is the pick for Gang Green.

11) Washington Commanders

Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Commanders: Adding Wilson to help Carson Wentz in his career resurrection bid would've been nice, but Hamilton is no consolation prize and the top safety in this year's class. With yet another first round pick on defense, coordinator Jack Del Rio will be under more pressure to get his group to elevate their play, and has plenty of scheme versatile players to do it with.

12) Minnesota Vikings

Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Vikings: With the top defensive backs off the board, the Vikings take the most electrifying receiver in the draft. Adam Thielen is getting up there in age, new head coach Kevin O'Connell wants to spread things out, and the Vikings don't have a ton of depth at receiver. Williams is coming off an ACL injury, but his speed paired with Justin Jefferson would be scary for opposing defenses.

13) Houston Texans

(from Cleveland Browns)

Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Texans: Houston likely is willing to listen to offers for this pick, but in this scenario, the franchise stays put. The Texans need speed and stability opposite Brandin Cooks. Olave is the top route-runner in the class and uses his 4.3 speed to create separation either on the boundary or in the slot. He'll become another weapon for Davis Mills in Year 2

14) Baltimore Ravens

Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

Ravens: The Ravens have holes to fill on the defensive line, and they could have an opportunity to find the perfect fit for their team with Davis. He is physically imposing at 6-foot-6 and 341 pounds. Davis is stout against the run, which is a key area for the Ravens. Davis is frequently double-teamed so he did not have gaudy stats, but this opened opportunities for teammates to make plays.

15) Philadelphia Eagles

(from Miami Dolphins)

Jermaine Johnson, Edge, Florida State

Eagles: The Eagles had just 29 sacks last year and, while they added pass rush specialist Haason Reddick in free agency, they could always use more

16) New Orleans Saints

(from Indianapolis Colts through Philadelphia Eagles)

Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

Colts: Dotson is speedy will give Jameis Winston the vertical threat he needs from his receiving corps. Winston may be available at midseason, which is fine for New Orleans since Michael Thomas is returning.

17) Los Angeles Chargers

Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

Chargers: The Chargers have flexibility with their first-round pick after everything they did in free agency. They can go a couple of different ways here, but grabbing a right tackle to further protect quarterback Justin Herbert looks like the most fitting selection. Penning gives the Chargers another bookend tackle to pair opposite of last year's rookie, Rashawn Slater. The Chargers could also be a candidate to trade down in the draft if a team looking to move into the middle part of Round 1 to grab a quarterback engages in trade talks.

18) Philadelphia Eagles

(from New Orleans Saints)

Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

Eagles: For third year in a row, Eagles go WR in first round. Burks is a run-after-catch monster who will provide a lot of easy offense for Jalen Hurts.

19) New Orleans Saints

(from Philadelphia Eagles)

Charles Cross, OT, Miss. State

Saints: New Orleans must find a long-term solution at left tackle since Terron Armstead signed a massive deal with the Dolphins in free agency. Cross has great feet, strong, and long arms. He will be a great fit for Pete Carmichael's offense.

20) Pittsburgh Steelers

Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

Steelers: The Steelers haven't hid their desire for a quarterback in the first round, and if any of the top three are available, they're going to take one. Ridder has the intangibles Pittsburgh loves and enough upside to feel confident in the pick at 20. Mike Tomlin wants a quarterback with leadership and athleticism. Ridder has both.

21) New England Patriots

Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

Patriots: With the need to add speed and athleticism in their linebacking corps, Lloyd is an ideal for the Patriots. New England would use him primarily as an off-the-ball inside linebacker. However, Lloyd can also be used on the outside, as well as in a stand-up role against the run. He has even showcased his speed and strength while rushing the passer.

22) Green Bay Packers

(from Las Vegas Raiders)

George Karlaftis, edge, Purdue

Packers: Green Bay has a huge need at receiver, in case you hadn't heard, after trading Davante Adams. However, with the Big 6 off the board, we tackle another need and grab Karlaftis, one of the Big Ten's numerous standouts on the edge. A world-class water polo player as a kid in Athens, he'll add critical depth alongside at Rashan Gary and Preston Smith at outside linebacker.

23) Arizona Cardinals

Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

Cardinals: With six receivers and the top edge rushers off the board, the Cardinals go back to Washington (see safety Budda Baker, cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.) to replenish their corner depth. However, there will be a temptation to select a top interior offensive lineman.

24) Dallas Cowboys

Zion Johnson, G, Boston College

Cowboys: The Cowboys have to stabilize their offensive line and give Dak Prescott protection up the middle. With the departure of Conner Williams, addressing the interior struggles should be the top priority. Johnson is a natural pass-protector with a stout lower body to win most reps at the point of attack. He very well could be an upgrade over Williams by the season's end.

25) Buffalo Bills

Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

Bills: The Bills fill an immediate need here without having to reach. Elam is tall and plays even bigger, with a 6-4 wingspan. He's a willing tackler who sometimes overruns plays. That flaw can be coached. His 4.39-second time in the 40 cannot.

26) Tennessee Titans

Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

Titans: Linderbaum slides into the starting lineup at left guard this year and -- literally -- gets to learn at Ben Jones' side. In 2023 or 2024, he could replace Jones at center and settle in for a long run at that spot.

27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

Buccaneers: Although a safety prospect such as Daxton Hill or Lewis Cine is appealing in this spot, getting arguably the best defensive tackle in the draft at No. 27, who also fills a need, is just too perfect of a scenario for Jason Licht to pass on.

28) Green Bay Packers

George Pickens, WR, Georgia

Packers: The run of first-round receivers leaves George Pickens as the last man standing. The Packers might rejoice to get the 6-foot-3, field-stretching receiver who has been under the radar a bit due to the torn ACL that kept him out of most of last season. His blocking ability will immediately get him on the field.

29) Kansas City Chiefs

(from San Francisco 49ers through Miami Dolphins)

David Ojabo, edge, Michigan

Chiefs: If the Chiefs stand pat with the No. 29 and No. 30 picks, they're going to select prospects with pros and cons. By selecting David Ojabo, the Chiefs would land an outrageously talented player who checks more of Steve Spagnuolo's preferred criteria than other pass-rushers available at the end of the first round. Of course, coming off a pro day Achilles injury, Ojabo has a massive hurdle to clear as he begins his NFL career, but that risk is the reason he's available in the first place.

30) Kansas City Chiefs

Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

Chiefs: In a first round where six wide receivers were drafted with the first 18 picks and George Pickens was taken 28th, Booth is the most exciting player to slide to 30 as a Day 1 solution to one of the Chiefs' biggest problems. In this world, the Chiefs could use their remaining ammunition to move up in the second round to take their choice of the remaining class of receivers after narrowly missing out on Pickens.

31) Cincinnati Bengals

Daxton Hill, S, Michigan

Bengals: With guys like Tyler Linderbaum, Kaiir Elam and Andrew Booth off the board, the Bengals pick Daxton Hill over Kyler Gordon. Hill would likely be the top player on their board in this scenario. He's a rangy playmaker that can contribute as their third safety and backup nickel cornerback as a rookie. With Jessie Bates' future uncertain and Vonn Bell entering the final year of his contract, Cincinnati adds a playmaker that can instantly contribute on defense in 2022.

32) Detroit Lions

(from Los Angeles Rams)

Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

Lions: Dean’s lateral speed, combined with his quick burst, strength and coverage skills, make him the ideal choice at No. 32. Dean would be a welcome addition to a linebackers room that is in need of high-end talent. Dean started 15 games in 2021 for Georgia and recorded 72 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. He added 31 quarterback hurries, six pass breakups and two interceptions.