Rookie draft picks generally hog the spotlight, but here’s a truth in the National Football League: A big chunk of improvement on a year-to-year basis comes from the development of draft picks from years prior.
The Green Bay Packers will be expecting more from a few members of the 2020 and 2021 draft classes in 2022.
Here are eight recent draft picks with an opportunity to play more and provide more impact this season:
TE Josiah Deguara (third round, 2020)
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
2021 snaps: 367
Deguara plays a demanding position with a steep learning curve from college to the NFL, and he lost most of his first season to an ACL injury. It’s hardly surprising that he’s only caught 26 passes and played under 400 snaps over two mostly quiet seasons in Green Bay. Now, he’s entering Year 3, and the Packers need him to play a big role – especially early in the season – while Robert Tonyan recovers from his own ACL injury. Deguara should be well-versed in the offensive scheme, on the same page as the quarterback and physically ready, all necessary ingredients for him to take a big leap in 2022. A lot of snaps will be available until Tonyan is ready, and even once he’s back, Deguara should be the top option as the hybrid fullback for Matt LaFleur.
WR Amari Rodgers (third round, 2021)
(AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
2021 snaps: 103
Rodgers, as a 21-year-old rookie, wasn’t physically or mentally ready to be an instant contributor at the NFL level. He couldn’t get on the field as a receiver, and his returning production left a lot to be desired. The Packers believe he’s faster and more confident entering Year 2, and now there’s a good chance development for a young player could intersect with opportunity in 2022. Gone are Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and while Rodgers isn’t a perfect replacement for either receiver, the Packers do have to fill those snaps and replace those…
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