The Green Bay Packers ended the 2022 NFL draft with 11 draft picks, with four of those picks coming in the seventh round and seven of those selections coming on day three of the draft. How much of an impact will the 2022 rookie class make this upcoming season?
The Packers got significant impact from the 2021 draft class. Eric Stokes enjoyed a stellar rookie campaign, displaying the ability to lock down the wide receiver across from him. Josh Myers started at center before having his rookie season derailed by injuries. Royce Newman started 16 games and TJ Slaton finished his rookie season with one sack and flashed potential while playing 255 snaps.
Or will the 2020 rookie class be like the 2022 draft class that provided little to no impact?
This series will try to predict what members of the 2022 draft class will provide the most impact for the Packers this upcoming season. They will be ranked 11-1, with 11 having the least amount of impact and No. 1 having the most impact.
It’s worth pointing out that rookie season success isn’t an indicator of prolonged success. Damarious Randall enjoyed a fine rookie season and flamed out. With that let’s get this series started by taking a look at a pair of seventh-round picks that will face a steep uphill climb to crack Green Bay’s roster.
11). Jonathan Ford, DL
Ford is a roadblock. The 30-game starter anchors down and controls his gap. At 6-5 and 333 pounds, Ford is a traditional nose tackle that offers little to no pass-rush upside.
He finished his career with eight tackles for loss and three sacks, with all three sacks coming in 2019.
With Kenny Clark, Jarran Reed, Devonte Wyatt, Dean Lowry, and Slaton, the Packers have a deep and talented group up front. There may not be room for a nose tackle like Ford that offers nothing as an interior pass-rusher.
If the Packers opt to keep six defensive linemen, Ford will likely battle second-year player Jack Heflin for that roster spot.
Prediction: Ford spends the year on Green Bay’s practice squad. There is just too much talent and depth standing in Ford’s way to crack Green Bay’s defensive line rotation.
If it weren’t for the presence of Ford’s middle school teammate, (Slaton), Ford might have had a chance to earn some snaps as a rookie.
10). Rasheed Walker, OT
Walker was a 32-game starter at left tackle for Penn State. He has ideal size for the position (6-5, 313 pounds).
“All that playing experience gave me a bunch of confidence,” Walker said. “I’m just very confident playing my position…I’m very athletic…I just love to win.”
If everyone were healthy, Walker likely would be hard-pressed to crack Green Bay’s initial 53-man roster. However, will Elgton Jenkins be ready for the start of the season? How healthy is David Bakhtiari? Aside from Yosh Nijman, the Packers don’t have a lot of proven depth at the tackle position
That lack of depth could open the door for a player like Walker. Walker has all the tools in the shed to develop into a starting left or right tackle (where he lined up in high school).
Prediction: Jenkins might miss the beginning of the season, which means Nijman will likely be the week-one starter at right tackle. Who serves at the swing tackle in this scenario?
This will be one of the most interesting storylines to follow throughout training camp.
It’s not even a lock that Nijman starts at right tackle. Maybe the Packers view Sean Rhyan as a right tackle. Maybe Newman kicks out to play tackle. There are a lot of moving parts and no shortage of options.
With his upside and experience, the Packers will keep Walker on the initial 53-man roster if Jenkins starts the season on the PUP. If Jenkins is ready to go, there may not be room for the Packers to keep a fourth offensive tackle on the roster, especially when you consider that guards like Newman and Rhyan can kick outside if needed.
