Mel Kiper Projects the Packers to Reach at WR Early

We have a new Mel Kiper mock draft to look at, with him expanding his projections to the first two rounds. For fans of the Green Bay Packers, this means he has the first four draft picks projected for the Green and Gold.

Now, we should keep in mind there is a lot of smoke from teams that NFL reporters are acting like is real. Some of the recent reports about 2022 NFL Draft prospects could be floated out there in hopes a player falls to them. I put that out there to say this Mel Kiper mock draft has numerous projections that will make you raise your eyebrows.

Regardless, let's take a look at the Green Bay Packers mock draft, according to Mel Kiper.

Credit: Tim Sanger/NDSU Athletics

Mel Kiper Mock Draft Green Bay Packers Projections

22 — Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

Hopefully, Brian Gutekunst does his stretches before all of the reaches this Mel Kiper mock draft is projecting. First, Kiper likes the Packers to target Christian Watson out of NDSU. Watson is an athletic freak. At 6-4 with a 4.36-second forty time, he has the physical tools to be a problem in the NFL.

He has kick return experience, though the Packers likely wouldn't put him out there to return kicks if they need him to be a number one receiver. Watson struggles against physical cornerbacks, and we're talking cornerbacks that NDSU had to face. He also has a lot to learn with his route-running.

Yes, the Packers need a receiver, but not this one at 22. With all due respect, of course.

28 — Zion Johnson, G, Boston College

The Mel Kiper mock draft likes the Packers to go offensive line next. Zion Johnson may be the most NFL-ready offensive guard in the draft. Taking him here would essentially mean Elgton Jenkins plays right tackle upon his return.

I love Johnson as a prospect and have his full draft profile here.

53 — Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati

Mel Kiper sells this draft pick to Packer fans as Alec Pierce reminds him of Jordy Nelson. Alright. Kiper is correct that Pierce is a fast, white wide receiver. It's the equivalent of saying every small white wide receiver is Julian Edelman or Wes Welker.

Again, massive reach, but Pierce is a tall, fast wide receiver. He's a bit lean and doesn't have an expansive route tree. Pierce did play gunner on punt team though, so it would be a nice addition for the special teams. It's obvious Pierce would be an upgrade on offense as well, but he is another raw wide receiver and not the best available. He's a third-round talent.

59 — Myjai Sanders, DE/OLB, Cincinnati

Ah yes, another Bearcat. It's also another mid-to-late third-round talent. Myjai Sanders has an explosive get-off and he has NFL length off of the edge. However, he doesn't do much following that first explosion. Sanders struggles to finish plays, missing a quarter of his tackles the past two seasons. He also plays stiff and looks unnatural.

Well, it's a swing and a miss from this Mel Kiper mock draft. On Monday, I put together a seven-round Green Bay Packers mock draft that may make you a bit more excited.