Both cornerback and defensive back are seen as extremely strong positional groups in the 2022 NFL Draft, and while the Green Bay Packers are strong in both areas, they certainly could use some young reinforcements.
With how the league is trending, teams can never have too many players in their secondaries ready to slow down offenses, and with the Packers having Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, Rasul Douglas, Adrian Amos, and Darnell Savage, they are set up well.
But with how GM Brian Gutekunst typically attacks drafts, don’t be surprised if he decides to use one of our two first-round selections on a safety – even with how the fan base will likely react.
Cornerbacks
Cincinnati’s Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner and LSU’s Derek Stingley Jr. are the two top CB options in this year’s class, with Washington’s Trent McDuffie, Clemson’s Andrew Booth, and others in Tier 2.
Both Gardner and Stingley Jr. will likely be gone before the Packers pick (barring a trade-up), and both McDuffie and Booth are fringe first-round selections, profiling as possible – but unlikely – choices at either 22 or 28 for Green Bay.
Other options, like Florida’s Kaiir Elam, Auburn’s Roger McCreary, and UTSA’s Tariq Woolen, profile as 2nd or 3rd-round options, closer to what the Packers may be interested in. Houston’s Marcus Jones is an interesting mid-round selection, as his strong play and special teams prowess would certainly be a welcomed addition to this team.
While not expecting the Packers to use an early pick on a CB, they likely will use a selection (or two) on a corner, just because depth is very important for Joe Barry’s offense, and with Alexander and the team at an ‘impasse’ for a contract extension, loading up for that potential bad outcome is important as well.
Safeties
Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton is the cream of the crop in this year’s draft class, as he brings physicality, positional versatility, and an overall fresh take to a defense’s identity, all while likely being selected in the first seven selections.
Baylor’s Jalen Pitre, Georgia’s Lewis Cine, Michigan’s Daxton Hill, and Penn State’s Jaquan Brisker all could slide into the end of the first round in some regard. Cine and Hill are the two that look like they fit the mold best for the Packers, but all of these options could be selected near the end of Day 1.
While Amos has been a solid FA signing, Savage’s play has been a bit lackluster at times – even if they do decide to keep Savage and offer him an extension at some point, Barry’s defense could certainly use a dedicated player for the ‘STAR’ role, something that one of these rookies could slide into.
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Mike Johrendt has been an avid fan of the Packers ever since he can remember. He is now a writer at PackersTalk and you can follow him on Twitter at @MJohrendt23
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