Decision time is looming for members of the Green Bay Packers’ 2022 draft class, with several key players in line to either prove themselves or receive a contract extension this season.
Three years on, let’s take a look back to analyze the past, present, and future of what might be the best class of Brian Gutekunst’s tenure to date.
Quay Walker – Round 1, Pick 22
Quay Walker may not seem worthy of a twenty-second overall selection in the eyes of fans, but in relation to the other players drafted around him, Walker has been a solid starter for the ever-changing Packers defense. There’s certainly more to be desired of the young linebacker, but he has shown promise, leading the team in tackles in each of his three seasons.
Despite the fact that Walker’s fifth year option was declined, he’ll have another chance to flourish in year two of Jeff Hafley’s regime. With the team’s lack of proven options at the position, it’d be surprising if 2025 was his last year in the Green and Gold.
Devonte Wyatt – Round 1, Pick 28
Although he hasn’t been a standout, Devonte Wyatt has been a relatively reliable pass rusher for the Green Bay Packers in his career thus far, recording five and five and a half sacks in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
The interior defensive line as a whole was disappointing last year, but with the security of having his fifth year option picked up and another crack at the new scheme, there’s a chance for more positive development from Wyatt.
Christian Watson – Round 2, Pick 34
Still the Packers’ most explosive weapon when healthy, Christian Watson has flashed in his injury-limited time with the team. He’s had five games of a hundred yards or more in his career, along with four with multiple touchdowns, and Watson noticeably opens the field when he’s on it. He’s also tied with the New York Jets’ Garrett Wilson for the third-most receiving touchdowns in the 2022 draft class, which is an impressive feat considering the talent.
Watson appears to be ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn ACL, and he’ll look to team up with fellow speedster Matthew Golden in the back half of 2025. Considering Watson’s availability issues, a second contract seems unlikely, but the athleticism alone may keep him around.
Sean Rhyan – Round 3, Pick 92
Sean Rhyan has been a bit of an unsung presence following the emergence of Zach Tom and Rasheed Walker, but he shouldn’t be ignored in the context of this class. Rhyan started all seventeen games at guard in 2024, and performed around the league average.
Rhyan may be on his way out of Green Bay as the Packers look for playing time for Jordan Morgan and Anthony Belton, but his services have been valuable as the offensive line has weathered injuries and taken part in a near constant positional shuffle to find its best group of talent. Retaining Rhyan would be great for the room, but he’ll get bigger money as a starter elsewhere.
Romeo Doubs – Round 4, Pick 132
Despite Romeo Doubs’ uncertain future, you’d be hard-pressed to find many players that’ve been more important in the Jordan Love era. When Love became the starter, Doubs was one of the first to click with him, leading to both a dominant playoff performance and a share of the team lead in touchdowns in 2023. Despite the fact that 2024 was a step back, both due to injury and a slew of drops that plagued many of the Packers’ receivers, Doubs was still the corps most consistent chain mover on third down. He also ties the Atlanta Falcons’ Drake London in touchdown production in the 2022 draft class, which is great for a fourth round selection.
This Spring, Doubs has taken on a leadership role, but he may still be on the outs for a second contact. If Jayden Reed can return to form and Dontayvion Wicks finally breaks out, there’ll be no reason to pay Doubs like a two, especially with Matthew Golden in the room.
Zach Tom – Round 4, Pick 140
The gem of the draft class, Zach Tom has been a revelation for the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line. He was the sixth ranked tackle in the league according to Pro Football Focus in 2024, and was a huge part of Josh Jacobs’ first-year rushing success.
The best course of action here seems pretty self-explanatory, as Tom is slam dunk for an extension, and hopefully the front office won’t wait much longer to give it to him.
Kingsley Enagbare – Round 5, Pick 179
Kingsley Enagbare has served primarily as a rotational edge rusher in his first three seasons in a Green Bay Packers uniform, and as a fifth round selection, he’s arguably produced more than 2023’s first round pick, Lukas Van Ness.
Coming off his best season in 2024 with four and a half sacks, Enagbare looks to continue to improve in an area where the Packers need a lot of help. If he’s able to put up similar numbers, he’ll likely be back on the team next year.
Tariq Carpenter – Round 7, Pick 228
The only member of the Packers’ 2022 draft class who’s no longer in the league, Tariq Carpenter appeared in fourteen games, mostly on special teams, before being cut prior to the season in 2023.
Jonathan Ford – Round 7, Pick 234
Jonathan Ford never appeared in a regular season game for the Packers, but he was a mainstay on the team’s practice squad for the better part of three seasons. Ford is now playing for the Chicago Bears, appearing in four games for them in a depth role in 2024.
Rasheed Walker – Round 7, Pick 249
Finding a starter at the most valuable position in the game in the seventh round is a massive win on all accounts, and Rasheed Walker has been more than just capable. He’s been an above-average pass blocker during his tenure, and although the Green Bay Packers seem hesitant to offer him an expensive long-term deal, they couldn’t have gotten any better value from this selection.
Walker will likely continue to see success in the coming seasons, but the team may prefer to lean on its often stellar late-round scouting to try to produce a similar player.
Samori Toure, Round 7, Pick 258
Samori Toure made the final roster out of training camp in 2022, generating a bit of attention after earning the praise of then quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Although he never quite put it together, he appeared in twenty-two regular season games for the Packers, starting two. He now joins fellow 2022 draftee Jonathan Ford on the Chicago Bears, where he is currently signed to the practice squad.
So, How Was The Class?
While the Green Bay Packers’ 2022 draft class might not have any “true” household names, almost all of its players have been a significant part of the rise of one of the league’s youngest teams. As decisions are made this season in regards to their futures, their contributions should be nothing less than appreciated. With 2025’s rookies coming into their first camp in a little over a week, one can only hope that they’ll have a similar impact.
