Packers select pair of defensive standouts from Georgia in first round of 2022 NFL Draft
LAS VEGAS, NV (CBS 58) -- The Green Bay Packers selected a pair of defensive standouts from Georgia in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Brian Gutekunst, Matt LaFleur, Mark Murphy and the Packers draft brain trust didn't trade up and they didn't go receiver at 22.
Linebacker Quay Walker was taken with the 22nd pick, and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt was selected with the 28th pick.
Despite a glaring need at receiver, the Packers focused on defense after the top receiver prospects were taken off the board.
Walker played with Eric Stokes at Georgia and had 67 tackles last season, the third most tackles on a Georgia defense that led to a championship this past season in dominating fashion. He led the team with 8 tackles in the title game.
Walker is 6-4, 241 pounds, and he won special teams newcomer of the year as a sophomore at Georgia. Wyatt is 6-3, 304 pounds.
Fan reaction in downtown Milwaukee ranged from surprised at best to downright angry at worst when the first pick was announced.
Packers fans at Major Goolsby's were anticipating some help on offense with the 22nd pick, either at quarterback or wide receiver.
So when Walker was announced there was a moment of surprised silence in the bar. The next sound we heard were boos.
Packers fan Don Henderson said, "Personally I was hoping for a receiver. The defense could always use some bulking up, but I was hoping for some offense."
And fan Anthony Ward said, "Man, Rashan Gary is the best linebacker hybrid in the league, I don't know why we got another one. Honestly, I'm kind of shocked, we just lost Davante, I feel like we should have drafted a wide receiver."