This Draft Lacks Star Power
That's okay. A productive no-name is better than a sexy mistake.
By KenLass
Ikem Ekwonu, Kyle Hamilton, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Evan Neal, Charles Cross, Devin Lloyd, Ahmad Gardner. Be honest. Before you started looking at the 2022 NFL draft, how many of these guys had you ever heard of?
Yet those are the names of players generally regarded as among the top ten prospects. They form the nucleus of what promises to be the most unglamorous draft in recent memory. They may get scouts and general managers excited, but fans may wind up uncorking a wide, collective yawn.
Let’s face it. The football players that get fans excited about a draft are quarterbacks, running backs and receivers. But mostly quarterbacks. It is entirely possible that this draft may make history. It could well be the first one in which not a single so-called “skill position” player is taken in the top ten since the NFL and the former AFL began the common draft in 1967.
Some have come close. In 2013, receiver Tavon Austin, taken at #8 by the St. Louis Rams, was the only QB-RB-WR-TE selected in the top ten. In 1997 receiver Ike Hilliard, picked at #7 by the Giants, was the only one. In 1991 receiver Herman Moore stood alone among ball touchers when chosen #10 overall by the Lions. In 1985, former Wisconsin receiver Al Toon, taken at #10 by the Jets, was the only QB-RB-WR-TE amongst the top ten.
Compare that with the hysterical media hype that surrounded last year’s draft, as quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson and Trey Lance went one-two-three at the very top, followed by tight end Kyle Pitts, and receivers Ja’marr Chase and Jaylen Waddle at four-five-six. Now that’s star power.
Or how about 2020, when Joe Burrow went number one, with Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert following at five and six. (And then there was that Jordan Love guy at 26. Whatever happened to him?) In fact, quarterbacks have been taken number one overall the last four years in a row, and ten of the last thirteen.
Not this year. Not even close. There just isn’t a Kyler Murray, or an Andrew Luck, or a Cam Newton, or a Matthew Stafford out there. There’s not even a Baker Mayfield or a Jarett Goff, all of whom were overall number one picks. You know it’s a down year at the most glamorous position when the top prospect on many boards plays for Liberty University. Quick now, can you name the city in which Liberty is located? No, it’s not Philadelphia. Has nothing to do with the Liberty Bell. It’s Lynchburg, Virginia. That’s where Malik Willis has been dazzling scouts with his running and throwing ability. But the jury is very much out as to whether he is of top ten vintage.
Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett is the only other signal caller with any kind of significant buzz. Chances are, because quarterbacks are so vital to success in today’s NFL, teams will reach for one or both of them in the top ten, but it’s not a sure thing. Matt Corral out of Ole Miss is coming off an injury, which will push him down the board.
What the first round of the 2022 draft is loaded with are offensive linemen, linebackers and defensive backs. There is an enticing serving of receivers projected as mid to late first round prospects as well. There may not be sizzle in this first round, but there is depth. The Green Bay Packers brain trust would probably be just fine with a quality lineman or DB falling to them at 28. The Packers love to draft highly at those positions.
Green Bay has had 21 drafts since the turn of the millenium. They have used their first pick on a defensive lineman six times, a defensive back six times, a linebacker three times, a quarterback or an offensive lineman twice, a receiver once (Jordy Nelson, taken with their first pick in 2008, doesn't count, because that pick came in the second round) and a tight end once. They have never chosen a running back first in that time span.
A draft loaded with unheralded defensive players and O-lineman suits the Packers just fine. In those last 21 drafts, they have taken a QB-RB-WR-TE in the first round only four times. Just once since Aaron Rodgers in 2005 (Jordan Love in 2020). The other two were tight end Bubba Franks in 2000, and receiver Javon Walker in 2002. The Packers love first round linemen on both sides of the ball, having taken Jamal Reynolds (2001), Justin Harrell (2007), BJ Raji (2009), Bryan Bulaga (2010), Derrick Sherrod (2011), Nick Perry (2012), Datone Jones (2013), and Kenny Clark (2016). Perry and Jones were converted to linebackers with mixed success.
So, if history is any kind of indicator, and there is no guarantee that it is, don’t be surprised if Green Bay’s first round pick is a player you’ve scarcely heard of and have never seen play. That’s okay. I’d rather have a productive no-name than a sexy mistake.
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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
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Comments (30)
Handsback
March 07, 2022 at 07:13 am
You've got that right. Appears that the blue rated players are the ones that do the dirty work. Good year to get those players that coaches build around and make an impact and the average fan never notices. Think 49ers Dline!
Roadrunner23
March 07, 2022 at 07:17 am
Yep “Best player available” is the way to go when you are drafting at #28.
Somebody always seems to drop into your lap at the end of the first and the Packers could take a player at just about any position at #28 except:
RB-QB-TE-ILB-C
BirdDogUni
March 07, 2022 at 10:59 am
: ) If Devin Lloyd were to drop to #28 like ILBers tend to do sometimes, I think Gutey would have to take a long look at him, and then pass... Lol
Roadrunner23
March 07, 2022 at 02:32 pm
Agreed if Lloyd drops that far they have a decision to make
NickPerry
March 07, 2022 at 07:22 am
It may lack "Star Power" but as Daniel Jeramiah kept reiterating, it's a DEEP draft. A DEEP draft is exactly what this Packers team needs, and hopefully come draft night, our GM is armed with additional picks because he traded the "Asshole" who really isn't about the love, fans, organization, teammates, or anything else other than SELF. ALL of his peers are waiting because he doesn't know where he wants to play. Well, I know where I want him to play. Anywhere OTHER than Green Bay Wisconsin.
I recorded the draft because I was busy most of the weekend. I did watch the WR and I have to say I love Christian Watson. He killed at the Senior Bowl and at the combine so I wonder where he goes. I'm wondering if he makes it out of the 2nd round now.
I'd be happy with any of those 3 Georgia players, Walker, Davis, or Wyatt. I mean did you SEE Jordan Davis running a 4.78 40 at 341 pounds? Or Wyatt running it in 4.77 at 304 pounds.
Or how about Leo Chenel's workout? He ranked 4th out of 2188 LB's tested since 1987. Are you kidding me? I'm a HUGE Chenel fan because of where he's from. He's from Grantsburg Wisconsin, population of 1343. We used to drive through Grantsburg every weekend on the way to out cabin. Hell, I think at that time, back in the 70's, Grantsburg had a population of 973 or something like that. GOOD FOR LEO!!
I'm fine with retooling the roster this year while Jordan Love gets some much needed experience. Lets build that D-Line and Edge position, restock the WR room, and add to a pretty damn good roster overall. With or hopefully WITHOUT Rodgers.
dobber
March 07, 2022 at 07:29 am
Love Leo Chenal the Badger. They used him well and took advantage of his strengths. Very much a "see ball, get ball" kind of LB with a high motor, and great size/strength for the position. I don't know how he translates to the pro game, though. I think his liabilities in space will make him mostly a two-down MLB/ILB in the pros, but I could be wrong. He could earn snaps as an interior rusher on passing downs and could be very effective there.
NickPerry
March 07, 2022 at 08:01 am
"I think his liabilities in space will make him mostly a two-down MLB/ILB in the pros, but I could be wrong. He could earn snaps as an interior rusher on passing downs and could be very effective there."
I think you're right on the spot on this, at least initially. I wonder where he goes? 3rd round?
Guam
March 07, 2022 at 08:09 am
Chenal would have to be paired with a cover guy (Campbell if the Packers can resign him) at ILB to be able to shine. His speed (4.53 forty) probably makes him a liability in coverage, but he is a terrific run stuffer and pass rusher out of the ILB position. Would be a great third round pickup for a team needing a run stuffing ILB.
LLCHESTY
March 07, 2022 at 06:18 pm
Chenal has Belichick pick written all over him.
stockholder
March 07, 2022 at 08:44 am
"because he traded the "Asshole" who really isn't about the love, fans, organization, teammates, or anything else other than SELF. ALL of his peers are waiting because he doesn't know where he wants to play. Well, I know where I want him to play. Anywhere OTHER than Green Bay Wisconsin." This is such BS Nick! He just attended Bahks wedding. He won the MVP. And if you were in his shoes. You do the same things. He's not on Drugs. He's been the face of the Packers for years. And management never got him enough weapons. He only wanted a chance to win. He didn't give anybody any guarantees. And our best chances to the super-bowl still must have Rodgers involved. You wouldn't get jack shit for him, if he was not the winner teams want.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 07, 2022 at 09:45 am
I watched the Scouting Combine and recorded all four days. Maybe there isn't the big name QB's as in recent years but should the Packers front office play their cards right with the playoff choking diva it plays right into their hands. There should be quite a few teams that are looking at QB's in round 1 who may say instead let's make a trade.
There are lots and lots of good players in this draft that I like. I'm hoping the Packers have 4 or 5 selections this year in the top 64.
PackEyedOptimist
March 07, 2022 at 10:15 am
Christian Watson has been one of my crushes for months. I won't be surprised if he is picked before the Packer's turn, but I'd be happy if they got him. Actually, this is the perfect time for the Packers to trade down, if at all possible. Two decent seconds for their first would be great. I think there is a ton of quality in the second and third round this year.
I'm a Chenal fan as well, but I'd prefer someone like Muma; there are several interesting speedy LBs in this draft. So much depends on who we retain...
Georgia's players in this draft are CRAZY good and athletic. I don't remember any team EVER having a load like this!
mnbadger
March 07, 2022 at 12:41 pm
NP, I agree with each of the thoughts above. Maybe without all the AR hate, but for sure I'm so ready to move on from him and build a full roster with talented players that want to be here.
Leo C - Can you imagine him covering kicks or creating holes for our guys to run through? He's tenacious. 100% sinew and pit bull. GPG!
dobber
March 07, 2022 at 07:56 am
It seems that when the QB class isn't full of headliners, the scouting opinions of the whole draft seem to suffer.
BirdDogUni
March 07, 2022 at 10:39 am
I think this might be a historically deep draft class... Not an '83 QB class, but it seems very deep in several position groups. Will be fun to see everyone's strategy this year, as it is every year.
mrtundra
March 07, 2022 at 07:51 am
Christian Okonkwo could be the TE pick for GB. I also like LB Leo Chenal. These two guys could be had in the 4th and 3rd rounds respectively, if Gute wants to go that way. It seems anything Gute wants to do would depend on what happens to Rodgers and Davante. Until they get a handle on those two guys, I think everything is up in the air, pick wise.
stockholder
March 07, 2022 at 08:15 am
Star power never did mean a thing to Gutey. And neither does BPA. He's about urgent Needs and the future. I even would have thought; he'd take a player just to keep them away from the enemy. ( That was the thinking years ago. ) And unless he's picking near the Top. I don't believe he'll have a successful draft. So that puts me in; fix the Cap this year. Keep the Defense Together. And Draft WRs. The NFL has changed. We lack speed and Sure Hands. WR ,DL, WR. It Will Make the team better. It's time to recycle the can and stop kicking It.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 07, 2022 at 09:29 am
Have no idea what happens with Adam's (I'm going to assume he will be gone), but it's my opinion the Packers really need to sign MVS this year, plus draft possibly two WR's unless someone like Jeudy is brought over. A healthy MVS without Adam's is necessary and I think most of us would end up surprised at his production if used differently.
Leatherhead
March 07, 2022 at 10:12 am
I think there are plenty of players between #28 and #92 who could improve the team.
If Rodgers is truly torn about playing in Green Bay, I’d move on. I’m kind of big on having a team of people who really want to be there.
As I’ve said before, I think that Jeudy, the #9 overall pick, and $20 million in cap relief is a good trade. We’re not going to get 5 picks/good players in exchange. We’re not.
BirdDogUni
March 07, 2022 at 10:47 am
I seriously hope we find out if you're right or not! If it comes out in the next couple days that AR wants a trade, then we can talk about serious offers. Right now, I don't think many GMs think there is much of a chance to trade for AR. If he comes out publicly that he wants a trade, I think there will be plenty of GMs jump into the mix.
Good thing is, it won't be much longer before dominoes start falling.
Leatherhead
March 07, 2022 at 11:02 am
Well, on the NFL Network this morning, the Packers were quoting as saying they wouldn't entertain offers until Rodgers says he doesn't want to return. Tomorrow is the deadline to franchise tag Adams, and if we intend to do that, then we're going to need to trim a buttload in the next 24 hours or so.
There's a site.......www.nflmockddraftdatabase , which is a consensus site of several dozen draft sites. I did a mock draft myself this morning and got a safety, Daxton Hill, at 28. Then I got Trey McBride in the second and Jalen Wydermyer fell all the way to our pick at 92. So a double dip on TEs to go with Lewis and Deguara.
If we trade Rodgers, we'll get at least one pick and one player, so we've got a chance to add 5 good players to our team before Day 3 or any free agency action.
PearlyBakerBest
March 07, 2022 at 11:44 am
Do they need to trim cap immediately if DA gets tagged? Don’t they have until the 16th?
Leatherhead
March 07, 2022 at 12:49 pm
I don't know. TGR and dobber probably do. I was under the impression that they have to have the money before they tag him, but I could be wrong.
BirdDogUni
March 07, 2022 at 12:55 pm
Don't take my word for it, but I think we have until 16 March to be under the cap? I'm the last guy you should ask about cap stuff, but I think that is the date that matters for the cap...
dobber
March 07, 2022 at 02:52 pm
Yes. The start of the league year (16th) their top 51 need to be under the cap.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 07, 2022 at 01:33 pm
Of course, I have no better idea what is going down than any of the rest of us!
We shall find out in the next day or maybe a week what happens, but I'm leaning towards a trade with Denver because of Hackett, one hour drive or less away from Shailene's home in Boulder (since the internet rumor on why they separated was because he did not dedicate enough time towards her) combined with the fact Denver has a very good team along with a rabid fan base like Green Bay's. Additionally, Denver would provide a fresh start for Rodgers. Public opinion of Rodger's has changed significantly in Green Bay the past year and he can see the writing on the wall. Further failures particularly in playoffs while making a bazillion dollars is not going to bode well for his legacy. While in public Rodgers and the Packer front office are allegedly chummy and buddies do not think for a moment there isn't damaged relationships. When someone has treated me unfairly and/or made negative comments even through proxies that relationship will never be the same again and I believe most of you would feel the same way. Additionally, with all the contract restructuring necessary maybe Rodger's knows just how difficult it will be in the coming years to make the SB with the Packers, which could even further damage his legacy with the Packer fans.
If correct above, and I certainly have no idea whether I am or not, but if I end up being correct....we shall see just what the trade results bring with or without Adam's. After watching the Scouting Combine the past four days I have all kinds of ideas of players I'd absolutely love to see in the Green and Gold. No matter the outcome I will always remain a Green Bay Packer fan! There isn't a better NFL football team than the Green & Gold!
Hematite
March 07, 2022 at 11:58 am
Thumbs up LH👍👍!!!
marpag1
March 07, 2022 at 11:10 am
Wow. I'm so out of the loop that I don't even know what "star power" actually is. Is it something similar to the ability to play football? Cuz that's what I thought we were doing here. Does anyone really care if there is no Tua Tagovailoa?? And damn, where are all the Zach Wilsons?
BirdDogUni
March 07, 2022 at 12:56 pm
Think they meant Starr Power... Bart was awesome! ; P
Turophile
March 07, 2022 at 04:24 pm
While there is a shortage of true ultra-blue chip players at the top of the draft (even in a good year there are only like 4 guys who fit that bill), this is a good draft for depth at several positions. The ultra-blues are beyond the Packers reach, anyway.
EDGE RUSHER is perhaps the strongest position group (compared to what is usually available). Great depth
WIDE RECEIVER Good depth, as is often the case with this position group.
TIGHT END No premium TE, but fine depth.
CORNER Solid at the top and fine depth
OFFENSIVE LINE I'd call it average-to-above-average. One problem is that there are about 4 OTs available in the top 20 picks, but only two from there to the bottom of round 2 - so if you are a team drafting later in the round, getting a quick starter is unlikely.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE A poor year, both at the top and depth.
QUARTERBACK A poor year at the top, average depth, about 10 draftable QBs.
INSIDE LINEBACKER Not terrible, but a bit below average and a bit thin in depth
SAFETY Absolutely average