We're going to keep force-feeding the Packers Round 1 wide receivers until it actually happens. Addison, a Pitt transfer, is a special talent who would flourish with Aaron Rodgers. The big question, of course, is if Rodgers will retire after the 2022 season.
The Packers dip into the Georgia Bulldogs pool again because hey, why not? The wide receiver class is once again loaded and once again the run in the first-round misses Green Bay, so adding on a hybrid linebacker type to add into the mix alongside Preston Smith and Rashan Gary gives the Packers some added flexibility on the edge.
The Packers, much like the Ravens and Bills, are fine at tackle for now with David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins, but given Bakhtiari's wear as he will become 30 soon, they need to develop someone who can start soon. At the worst, Nelson can stand out enough to have Green Bay think about sliding Jenkins inside.
Wilson is a versatile defender who had his best season in 2021 with seven sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss, leading the Red Raiders in both stats. New defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter will use Wilson as an outside linebacker and defensive end in his scheme, and Wilson (6'6", 275 pounds) has the length, power and athleticism that could push him into the first round if he takes another step in production and development as a pass rusher.
In 2020, Branch started three games at safety as a true freshman — for Nick Saban — on a national-title winner. Take a minute to think about all the depth 'Bama has in its secondary every year, remember Saban is as close to a living oracle as it gets with that position and understand why Branch's accomplishment is so impressive. Branch is a smart, savvy football player who's almost always on time. He probably could play either safety spot. An ascending talent.
Green Bay is going all in on creating a stonewall defense to help take the burden from Aaron Rodgers as he enters the twilight of his career. They addressed the first and second levels of their defense this past year and now look to add some young talent to their secondary.
Antonio Johnson is a versatile defender who has proven to be able to excel deep in coverage but also be a playmaker as a run defender in the box.
The younger brother of the New York Giants' Azeez Ojulari and a grandson of a Nigerian prince, BJ Ojulari has quite the lineage. He's a long and light pass rusher that wins with his speed. Ojulari's first step jolts opponents, and his sudden change-of-direction ability allows him to virtually disappear at a moment's notice. Just watch his ghost move as evidence.
Bell is a bit of a wild card, and he would have to put it all together this season to sneak into Round 1. I saw his standout performance in last season's finale against North Carolina live (five catches, 159 receiving yards and two touchdowns) and loved his game. A coach with South Carolina told me he has been used as an F tight end and even a bit at running back so far in camp, and "he blocks his tail off when in line." Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers targets his tight ends often, and Bell could be a playmaker for him.
