With the NFL hitting the fifth week already, the rookies across the league have had a chance to make an impression. The Packers, in particular, boast a whopping 11 rookies for the 2022 season. Across the NFL, rookies like Dameon Pierce, Devin Lloyd, and Chris Olave have made a name for themselves already with highlight-reel plays across the opening of their careers.
The Packers had an interesting, yet extremely successful draft on paper. The team sought out specific needs and brought in players to help fill those gaps for years to come. Now that it is Week five and Green Bay is taking on London, here is a look at two Packers rookies who are performing, and two who have struggled thus far.
Already Proving Themselves
WR Romeo Doubs, Packers’ 132nd Overall Pick
By far the flashiest rookie for the Packers thus far has been the Nevada product, Romeo Doubs. The receiver hauled in 19 receptions for 184 yards and two touchdowns through four games. He currently averages 9.7 yards per reception, as well as only missing five targets so far.
Almost symbolic to have Romeo Doubs catch Rodgers’ 500th TD. The legacy will live on for a long, long time pic.twitter.com/myfRM51GBj
— IKE Packers Podcast (@IKE_Packers) October 2, 2022
It seemed fitting for the new receiver emerging to catch Aaron Rodgers’ 500th career touchdown. Doubs entered the team with high expectations after the shakeup that occurred in the receiving room. Fellow teammate Christian Watson was drafted ahead of Doubs, but due to injuries it has been Doubs getting the majority of looks.
Obviously, the veteran additions to the team of Cobb and Watkins makes it difficult for the rookie receivers to shine. However, they have been the topic of conversation all off-season, and now with the production from both of them, analysts have let off the pressure from the rookie duo.
ILB Quay Walker, Packers’ 22nd Overall Pick
The first pick of the 2022 draft for Green Bay was the Georgia product, Quay Walker. Walker and his college teammate Devonte Wyatt both became Packers after leading their team to one of the most dominant college football seasons in recent history. Walker was the heart and soul of a fearsome defense and his athleticism allowed him to get past virtually anyone blocking him.
Already in the NFL, Walker has made himself known as a sure tackler and hard hitter. Through four games and four starts, Walker has logged 26 total tackles, one forced fumble, and one pass defense. Walker is by far one of the most naturally gifted athletes to come out of the 2022 draft, and his football IQ added to his value. He looks to find ways to finish the play, and when he grabs hold of someone, they won’t get away.
The rookie Quay Walker FORCES the fumble. Welcome to the NFL pic.twitter.com/8Wj3dqpKvv
— IKE Packers Podcast (@IKE_Packers) September 25, 2022
Walker had the highest expectations of any Packers rookie to begin the year. While the receivers were the main talk of the night due to the circumstances of Adams’ departure, Walker had one of the most successful college campaigns. He recorded 137 total tackles for Georgia and was predicted to start day one for virtually any team. The ability of Walker has set him apart so far and with more time spent around the Packers he could transform into a top level linebacker.
Struggling to Make an Impact
Devonte Wyatt, Packers’ 28th Overall Pick
As mentioned before, the Packers drafted college teammates Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt. Walker has had a great year so far, but as for Wyatt the results haven’t been the same. The big defensive lineman hasn’t spent much time on the field because of the depth at the position. Jarran Reed, Kenny Clark, and Dean Lowry are all ahead of Wyatt, leaving limited time for him.
Wyatt registered seven tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in his final year at Georgia. So far this season, Wyatt has two tackles on 28 defensive snaps, as well as one pressure. Time is on his side and Wyatt needs another year to refine his skills. Barring any injuries, he will likely continue to see the limited snaps he has. Perhaps next season after a full year with NFL staff Wyatt could solidify himself on the defensive line.
Kingsley Enagbare, Packers’ 179th Overall Pick
It is tough to say that the 179th overall pick is struggling to impact the team. The expectations put upon Kingsley Enagbare when he was drafted weren’t lofty, but he carried with him an impressive college career. Enagbare ended his four year career with South Carolina with 121 tackles, 24 for loss, and 15 sacks, as well as three forced fumbles. What is most impressive is that Enagbare accomplished this against high-powered SEC offenses like Georgia, Texas A&M, and Florida to name a few of his opponents.
Enagbare proved he could perform at the highest collegiate level. However, his biggest obstacle has proven to be the NFL so far as he has struggled to keep up with the pace of play. Coming out of college the biggest weakness for him was the lack of explosiveness and creativity in his rush moves. This has still affected Enagbare, as he is a special teams player for the Packers. Although, the preseason was quite the time for Enagbare to show off his skill moves.
Kingsley Enagbare with the 👻
baits the OT with the inside hand and dips under the punch pic.twitter.com/d0utdw78lJ
— Anthony Treash (@PFF_Anthony) August 20, 2022
The tools are certainly there for the former Gamecock. While many had hoped for more from him, he was a fifth round pick and likely still needs to adjust to the speed of the NFL. Special teams are a perfect place for Enagbare to get a better feel for the pace of professional play, as well as the physicality.
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