Leisher's 2022 Packers Mock draft 4/15.

[jleisher]

Just a little FYI on why I mock.  I enjoy doing it, it helps me deal with my PTSD and anxiety from my job in one of the top 10 busiest ER in Illinois.  So, I offer no apology to you, if my mocking as often as I do bothers you, too bad, it helps me.  For those of you that read my mocks and enjoy them, whether or not you agree with them, thanks!

 

Rod Marinelli Special Guest Defensive Line Advisor.  Yeah, I'm sticking with it. 

 

Resigned:

Kevin King CB 1yr $2m    King's last chance to make his mark, whether it's in Green Bay or elsewhere in 2023.

 

Free Agent's:

TY Hilton WR 1yr $3m

Kyle Rudolph TE 1yr $3m

Bryan Bulaga T 1yr $3m    Whether he makes the team or not, he retires a Packer in 2023.

 

Draft:  The draft was completed on fanspeak.com using their big board as of 4/13/22.  Setting of difficult and random big boards.  Scouting reports are from Nfldraftscout.com and Nfldraftbuzz.com.  Whether or not you agree with players positions on their big board isn't my problem.  I played with the cards I was dealt.

 

Here we go, the Packers 2022 NFL Mock Draft:  Needs WR, DL, CB, S, OL, TE, RB

 

#22.

Devin Lloyd LB Utah 6'3" 237lbs.  BPA was ranked #17 Linderbaum was #18.  

7/100)

OVERALL RATING:	89.9 / 100
GAME PERFORMANCE WEIGHTED RATING
TACKLING:		81%
PASS RUSH:		94%
RUN DEFENSE:		89%
COVERAGE:		84%

Leadership: He is a high-level leader on the football field. He is a captain of the defense. He is also the emotional leader that his teammates look to during adversity. 

Tackling: He has very good tackling ability. Although he has some stiffness, he rarely misses tackles in the box. He has been a high producer against the run this season.

Football IQ: He has good football instincts. This is evidenced in his ability to quickly diagnose run/pass and locate the football. However, there are moments where he hesitates to locate the ball as quickly as you’d like. 

Competitive toughness: He plays the game with the competitive toughness required to be successful at the position. He is a physical presence as a tackler in the run game. He also plays hard late in games, showing good emotional endurance in the process.  

Pass Coverage: He has proven this season that he can remain on the field in passing downs. He has been productive against the pass this season. He gets good depth in his zone drop and shows awareness with regards to routes entering and exiting his zone.

Run Defender: He is a physical run defender who plays downhill. He has good tackling efficiency in the box and other confined areas. Because of his stiffness, his efficiency as a tackler in space is something to monitor.  

Versatility: He has an adequate amount of position versatility. Playing covered up would allow him to thrive and would accentuate his strengths of locating the football and getting to the ball-carrier.

 

#28.

Christian Watson WR N. Dakota St. 6'4" 208lbs.

OVERALL RATING:	84.4 / 100
GAME PERFORMANCE WEIGHTED RATING
HANDS:		50%
SHORT RECEIVING:		73%
INTERMEDIATE ROUTES:		79%
DEEP THREAT:		81%
BLOCKING:		60%
DRAFT GRADE: 3RD POSITION RANK: #10
COLLEGE GAMES: 52 COLLEGE SNAPS: 1683

Big Play Ability: He is a big-play threat whenever his number is called. He has the speed to beat you vertically and he will likely win the contested catch. He’s a surprisingly dangerous runner with the ball in his hands, as well.

Route Running: He uses some creativity and nuance when running routes. While he won’t have elite separation quickness at the top of the route because he is a high-cut player, he is creative enough to get separation on intermediate routes. He also uses his body to out-physical smaller defenders and create separation.

Ball Skills: He has outstanding ball skills. He has an uncanny ability to track the deep ball. He also has an outstanding catch radius and jumping ability, so he can clean up off-target throws and make the QB look good. 

Football IQ: His football IQ is good. He knows how to adjust his route to get to the sticks in situational football. When he is underneath, he is cognizant of coverage and knows how to “sit his route down.”

Versatility: He brings some versatility to the position. He has aligned both outside and in the slot. While he has improved his releases off the line in 2021, his skill set also suggests that he would work well off the ball. 

Competitive Toughness: He plays with competitive toughness. He catches 6 routes when contact is imminent. He will run block and is tough to get down when he has the ball in his hands. 

 

#53.

Travis Jones DL UConn 6'4" 325lbs.

OVERALL RATING:	83.9 / 100
GAME PERFORMANCE WEIGHTED RATING
TACKLING:		57%
PASS RUSH:		74%
RUN DEFENSE:		79%

Effort (Motor): Jones’ motor is always cranked. The UConn coaching staff raves about his work ethic and he is celebrated as a big-time team leader. While the Huskies have plenty to be embarrassed about as a football program, Jones is a bright spot. He battles through the whistle on every play, even when things around him aren’t secure. 

Versatility: Jones brings most of his value as an interior player that is dynamic at stopping the run. With that said, his ability to push the pocket gives him value on passing downs and he has the ability to power through the edges of blocks. While he’s clearly an interior A-gap defender that brings most of his value on run downs, he isn’t deficient on passing downs. He found ways to produce consistent pressure in college despite very little talent around him on a team that rarely had a lead to present advantageous opportunities to rush the passer. 

Football IQ: I find Jones to be an extremely smart processor against the run. He understands blocking schemes and his role in the defense. He plays with a strong awareness of his skill set and is rarely out of position. There are some occasions where I want him to feel down blocks better but it’s a minor gripe. 

Run Defending: Jones is an outstanding run defender where his power, mass, and processing skills shine. He is a sturdy and unselfish run defender that processes run schemes extremely well. He does well to anchor, maintain his run fit and keep the second-level clean. He holds his own against double teams and single blocks won’t move him. 

 

#59.

Cameron Thomas DE/Edge San Diego St. 6'5" 265lbs.

OVERALL RATING:	87.0 / 100
GAME PERFORMANCE WEIGHTED RATING
TACKLING:		73%
PASS RUSH:		92%
RUN DEFENSE:		91%

Football IQ: He has good football IQ. He sets up offensive linemen and wins on the interior. He has a good feel for where the QB is going to set up at the top of his drop. 

Versatility: He has aligned in several different positions at SDSU. However, I believe his best position is 4-3 DE. He could potentially gain mass and play reduced down inside. 

Effort: He plays with rare-level effort. His emotional endurance is second to none in this class. He wins with his effort and outstanding hustle and also combines it with good technique. 

Run Defending: He is exceptional against the run. He is physical and tough at the point of attack. He also does a good job disengaging and his relentless hustle and motor help him get to the football. 

#92.  Trade down with Browns for #99 and #118.

#99.

Tyler Smith T/G Tulsa 6'5" 332lbs.

OVERALL RATING:	84.1 / 100
GAME PERFORMANCE WEIGHTED RATING
PASS BLOCKING:		78%
RUN BLOCKING:		95%

Competitive Toughness: Smith is among the most tenacious and aggressive football players I have ever seen. He is an absolute mauler that seeks leverage points and wants to fold his opponents in half. He racks up pancake blocks at a high level. It is fair to point out that his demeanor can also work against him and he has to do a better job of playing with better control and technique. 

Football IQ: Given Smith’s inconsistent technique, there are some concerns here. He can get ahead of plays by being too eager and more timing is needed. Penalties were a major issue in 2021. 

Versatility: Smith exclusively played left tackle at Tulsa but a move to guard is likely at the next level. I wouldn’t peg him as a gap-scheme blocker only and I believe he can be successful in zone. There is a transition ahead for him in terms of pass sets and proving he can play on the interior. 

Pass Sets: As a left tackle in college, pass sets were an issue. He had little consistency with reaching set points and framing blocks. I believe most of these concerns can be mitigated with a move to guard in the NFL, but he will need to showcase better control and consistency moving his feet to stay in sync with his upper body so he can stay square. 

 

#118.

TyQuan Thornton WR Baylor 6'2" 177lbs.

OVERALL RATING:	77.0 / 100
GAME PERFORMANCE WEIGHTED RATING
HANDS:		78%
SHORT RECEIVING:		80%
INTERMEDIATE ROUTES:		87%
DEEP THREAT:		85%
BLOCKING:		72%

Big Play Ability: Thornton has a tremendous amount of big-play ability. He has speed to flat-out run away from defenders and can take the top off any zone. He is a long strider that builds momentum and eats up grass quickly. Thornton has speed that will need to be accounted for in the NFL—he’s a threat to score on any play if defenders can not keep up with his speed.  

Route Running: Thornton is a high-waisted athlete that struggles to sink his hips on certain routes. Thornton can effectively sink his hips and work back to the receiver on curl routes and hitches, but struggles to run in-breaking routes with precision. He runs his best in-breaking routes when he gets off coverage and he can threaten the defenders vertically and then break inside to make himself open to the quarterback.

Ball Skills: This player has shown to have pretty good ball skills. He does a good job of tracking the deep ball and is able to catch the ball in stride and immediately accelerate. He didn't make any spectacular catches, but overall he’s a good natural receiver. 

Football IQ: As a receiver, Thornton has a pretty good understanding of coverages. He showed that he can quickly identify zone coverage and find the holes to make himself available for the quarterback. 

Versatility: At Baylor, Thornton aligns both on the outside and in the slot, but I think he is most effective when he is aligned as a boundary receiver. Thornton has a long lower half, which affects his quickness. Thornton is a strider that operates best when he can stretch the field on vertical routes. 

Competitive Toughness: Thornton is a competitive player and it shows in his blocking. Thornton is a willing blocker that will work to effectively block his assignment. This also shows his unselfishness and doing what it takes for the team to win. 

 

#132.

Martin Emerson CB Miss St. 6'2" 200lbs.

OVERALL RATING:	84.3 / 100
GAME PERFORMANCE WEIGHTED RATING
TACKLING:		84%
RUN DEFENSE:		79%
COVERAGE:		88%
ZONE:		81%
MAN/PRESS:		87%

 Competitive Toughness: This is a highly-competitive player. He works to challenge every route by the receiver. He also shows his competitive nature when playing the run. Emerson is a corner that will fight to disengage from blocks to make the tackle on the perimeter, which is an example of his willingness to do what is necessary for the team to be successful.

Football IQ: Mississippi State runs a zone defense that places a huge responsibility on defensive backs to communicate and understand route concepts. Emerson’s understanding of routes is shown through his ability to properly pass off routes. He is a great communicator and usually stays disciplined in his zone. 

Run defending: Emerson is an active run defender. When the run comes his way, he works to disengage with blockers so he can make the tackle. He is a corner that has a physical temperament. 

Tackling: Emerson shows that he is a willing tackler. In run support, Emerson will disengage with blockers to make the tackle on the ball-carrier. He also flashed the ability to disrupt screens, approaching them with an aggressive style and making the tackle for a loss. 

Man Coverage Skills: Emerson plays his best man coverage reps when he can press the receiver and disrupt them at the line of scrimmage. He has a long wingspan so he is able to smother receivers at the line of scrimmage, giving them little room to get a good release. At the top of the route, Emerson is really handsy and often holds receivers, which will result in a penalty in the NFL. You also see receivers get separation both laterally and vertically away from Emerson and expose his lack of quick-twitch and down-the-field speed. 

Zone Coverage Skills: Emerson plays in a scheme where they run mostly zone principles. He is great when he can open to the field while keeping his eyes on both receiver and the quarterback. Emerson takes gambles on receivers running underneath routes and tries to jump the route. Emerson has a great arm length that allows him to cover a wide range of space and break up passes that seem out of reach.

 

#140.

Sterling Weatherford LB/S/ST Miami OH 6'3" 225lbs.

OVERALL RATING:	78.5 / 100
GAME PERFORMANCE WEIGHTED RATING
TACKLING:		62%
RUN DEFENSE:		70%
COVERAGE:		55%
ZONE:		50%
MAN/PRESS:		59%

Special Teams Ability: I think Weatherford has the potential to be an absolute stud in this regard. I’d like to see him take on roles in all four components of the kicking game and I think he can be a good upback on the punt team. His linear speed will help him get downfield and cover kicks and his physicality will make him a threat as a special teams backer to square up returners. 

Football IQ: He’s a redshirt senior defender who has played a LOT of football and it shows. He’s been given a lot of roles as someone playing high post, someone manning a traditional WILL alignment on the second level, and even someone with opportunities to be walked up on the end of the line of scrimmage. He’s a vocal leader and clearly helps run point on defensive calls, too. There are some technical lapses in his game that lead to missed opportunities, but part of me feels those are him trying to anticipate and lean into the play development and make plays that may challenge his range as both a tackler and deep-coverage defender. 

Tackling: Brother… this dude will light you up if you’re not careful. Big-time hitting power in a big-time frame. There has been some variance in his challenges and I saw him let a few big hits get away due to late gear down and effort in coming to balance. But missed tackles here are not on account of a lack of “want to” or enthusiasm for hitting. I’m super impressed by how much of an imposer he is and he times up his challenges well in coverage too in order to avoid penalties. 

Ball Skills: His ability to attack the football pops on his opportunities in coverage and he also has queued up several big-time collisions at the catch point to dislodge the football when he hasn’t been able to undercut it. He’s nailed down interceptions in three of his four seasons of playing time and has 19 career passes defensed as well. If he gets his hands on it, it is usually his. 

Run Defending: He sure is confident stepping down, which I love. He’s taken some angles a bit too flat and it has cost him squared up challenges. That’s an area I’d love to see him dial in on and potentially reap benefits from improving. He has good range to get down into the box, and in close quarters is difficult to break off thanks to his length and size. 

Competitive Toughness: Just about spit out my drink a few times watching him drive on routes cutting across his face. He’s capable of generating a ton of force and is a big-time enforcer when his range isn’t tested. His pursuit is excellent and you’ll see him press to fill out of deep alignments. I appreciate the energy he plays with as well—he’s hard to miss when he’s between the lines. 

 

#171.

Reed Blankship S/ST Middle Tennessee 6'1" 196lbs.

OVERALL RATING:	60.0 / 100
GAME PERFORMANCE WEIGHTED RATING
TACKLING:		48%
RUN DEFENSE:		60%
COVERAGE:		57%
ZONE:		53%
MAN/PRESS:		58%

Special Teams Value: He was used at times as a punt returner and he’s the kind of staple on kick coverages that you’d expect to never leave the field for your team’s third unit. I like his appeal as a coverage option on kicks because of how physical he is, how well he’ll attack blocks, and his tackling prowess. Start him here and let him grow into a defensive role. 

Football IQ: Blankenship is a well-seasoned starter who has seen plenty of reps in a number of different assignment regions on defense. He’s most instinctive when keying the run, and when he’s allowed to roll down at the snap, he’ll redirect with swiftness to the ball. His coverage reps at times do feel a little overambitious—sneaking or shading too far before having to try to correct on the fly. Confidence in his athletic ability is something that springs up in multiple areas. 

Tackling: He is a very good tackler in the secondary. His finishing skills have made him one of the most productive tacklers in the MTSU program history and with his range, length, and effectiveness in wrap-and-roll situations, he’s got a big presence playing downhill. 

Versatility: You can play him deep if you’d like, but his ability to consistently hunt up the ball will be hurt as a result. Ideally, you get him rolling down or playing nickel in three-safety looks. His ceiling is definitely higher in subpackage than it is as a base defender who will play deep half or try to fit the run from 15 yards off. 

Competitive Toughness: He’s played an enforcer role as a member of the MTSU secondary and plays with terrific effort. I noted in the summer study that he may have covered more ground on a snap by snap basis than any other safety in the conference—he flies all over the place. The functional strength and ability to address blocks will help him be persistent and effective in his run fits as well. 

 

#228.

Mykael Wright CB/RS Oregon 5'11" 173lbs.

OVERALL RATING:	79.9 / 100
GAME PERFORMANCE WEIGHTED RATING
TACKLING:		64%
RUN DEFENSE:		70%
COVERAGE:		72%
ZONE:		70%
MAN/PRESS:		68%

Versatility: He lacks true versatility, in my opinion. Other than his ability to be a return specialist, he will predominantly be an inside-only cornerback. His lack of length and bulk will be problematic for him outside.

Ball Skills: He has good ball skills. He easily closes separation and does a good job of getting his hands on the football. There are moments where his lack of length prohibits him from being better at the catch point.

Tackling: He has moments of good tackling on the perimeter. Because he is usually in phase in coverage, he often tackles receivers immediately after the catch. He is light at the point of attack, which can be problematic against bigger running backs in the NFL.

Competitive Toughness: He displays moments of the necessary competitive toughness required for the position. He is competitive when closing separation in coverage, particularly underneath throws. He is very competitive at the catch point as well.

Football IQ: He demonstrates good football IQ and instincts in coverage. In zone, he easily passes off routes in coverage. He covers with a high-level understanding of route combinations.

 

#249.

Austin Allen TE Nebraska 6'8" 253lbs.

OVERALL RATING:	76.4 / 100
GAME PERFORMANCE WEIGHTED RATING
HANDS:		85%
SHORT RECEIVING:		87%
INTERMEDIATE ROUTES:		91%
DEEP THREAT:		88%
BLOCKING:		68%

Hands: Vacuum-cleaner style hands that offer a massive catch radius and consistently provide receptions, even when thrown in disadvantageous spots. Allen cleanly plucked plenty of middle of the field throws in traffic but showcased an ability to go high above the rim and attack the football as well. Route Running: This is an area in which Allen isn't the most dynamic or explosive but will provide tight window opportunities for his passer even if he hasn't created separation. There's a lot of delayed releases over the middle of the field and routes that bend behind the linebackers. 

Competitive Toughness: You'll have a hard time finding plays off. He might not be a bully at the POA and he may not impose his will on defenders in the running game but the motor is hot and the effort is consistent. I enjoy watching how hard he runs with the football in hand, as well. 

Ball Skills: Body adjustments are a big plus of his game. I appreciate how well he tracks the football and how successful he is at extending away from his frame to finish receptions that were errantly placed. 

Blocking Skills: The mind is willing but the results in this phase are a little uninspired. Allen is nearly 6-foot-8 and it shows when he's trying to roll through contact. Linebackers will get under his frame and squat to leverage and squeeze down at the POA when he's trying to seal and while he has a good punch radius, I didn't see the punch power necessary to really establish control at first contact. 

Football IQ: Allen was a late bloomer from a production standpoint but I can certainly appreciate his shown growth and ID the role he had in Nebraska's offense. They did platoon tight ends throughout stretches of play and looked to play in heavy personnel groupings intermittently and Allen was the persistent threat out of the group. I'm not sure he's ready for life in the NFL just yet as I see some needed growth in leverage play and with his hands as a blocker — I can envision that being a barrier to playing time in the early stages of his career. 

Big Play Ability: You are always going to have the potential for 50-50 throws on his resume and he can become one of those QB's best friend targets in their time of need. Don't expect a lot of downfield production in order to keep expectations aligned with reality but he can get you out of tough spots with his ball skills. 

 

#258.

Trae Berry TE Boston College 6'7" 245lbs.

*Played QB, TE, and WR in high school. Lettered in track and basketball in addition to football in high school. 

OVERALL RATING:	65.0 / 100
GAME PERFORMANCE WEIGHTED RATING
HANDS:		73%
SHORT RECEIVING:		73%
INTERMEDIATE ROUTES:		83%
DEEP THREAT:		80%
BLOCKING:		49%

Scheme tendencies: Pro style, vertical passing game 

2021 Projected role: Starting tight end 

Pros: Features a long and athletic build. He has terrific body control and terrific length which he knows how to maximize at the catch point and extend his catch radius. Ball skills are excellent and he makes terrific adjustments to the football and can extend in all directions to secure receptions. Does well to adjust his routes on the fly to zone coverage and find soft spots in addition to executing the scramble drill to make himself available to the quarterback when things break down. Willing, positional blocker in the run game. Highly-competitive player and his energy pops when studying his tape. Made plenty of plays down the field and produced after the catch at Jacksonville State. 

 

UDFA's:

Master Teague III RB Ohio St.

Kyle Soelle LB Arizona St.

Chase Allen TE Iowa St.

Jalen McKenzie T USC

Tyrell Aian DB Kentucky

Tarqious Tisdale DL Miss St.

Carson Wells Edge Colorado

Nolan Turner S Clemson

Mike Miranda C Penn St.

Jaquarii Roberson WR Wake Forest

[Gypsy1027]

Incredible draft! You hit on virtually every guy I want. If this were actually to become true, I'd ignore my heart meds and get drunk! Maybe the only suggestion I would pass along is that Gutey hasn't valued Inside Linebackers much, so your pick at #22 might be a reach--but I love the player!  ... And for what it's worth, think about getting a dog or a horse for your PTSD. It worked for me. God bless.

[James Lofton]

Nice. I could sleep happy with this draft+. 

[ThatJerkDave]

6 hours ago, jleisher said:

Just a little FYI on why I mock.  I enjoy doing it, it helps me deal with my PTSD and anxiety from my job in one of the top 10 busiest ER in Illinois.  So, I offer no apology to you, if my mocking as often as I do bothers you, too bad, it helps me.  For those of you that read my mocks and enjoy them, whether or not you agree with them, thanks!

You don't owe anyone an explanation.  This is all entertainment.  Part of my name is to remind people that everyone here is just some jerk on the internet.  

 

As for the mock.  I like the draft.  I really like Watson, and I think Tyler Smith needs to go to a place that can develop his tools, and I think that GB is a great spot for that.  I don't really like any of the FA moves though.  

[Lodestar]

I think half the people on here have PTSD from reading your mocks.

JK, I hope you know people are just playing. You can post whatever the hell you want on the internet, especially if it makes you feel better.

I like this mock by the way. If we got all three of those guys in the 2nd/3rd I wouldn't care who we took in the 1st.

[Norm]

I demand an apology though

[squire12]

3 hours ago, Norm said:

I demand an apology though

Ummmm.....

I'm sorry you are what you are?

Is that good enough for you?

[vegas492]

Lots of one year deals at $3M a pop for a team that has very little space after they allocate for the draft and an in season operating expense.

Grab one of those guys and let it roll if we are being realistic.

I do like the draft just fine.  That is too early for Watson, but I get it.  Love the Jones pick.

Not a fan of taking an ILB that high, though I know why you did it.  (I've done it too on a few mocks).  But with investing in Campbell and having an improving Barnes playing both positions, I don't see it has a very large "need".  Unless you want to relegate Barnes to the bench and specials.  

Love the EDGE picks and I like the OT, too.