There is such a thing as the third round curse. The Green Bay Packers have an awful recent history of third round picks not working out. However, their first round picks have, generally, been pretty decent. Despite Packers fans’ screams and cries to draft a wide receiver in the first round for the past decade, the Packers have done what they felt is best. Particularly, Brian Gutekunst has, for the most part, stuck to taking defense in the first round. As usual, his selections of Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt drew a great deal of criticism from fans. However, last night’s win over the Los Angeles Rams showed just how bright of a future the defense can have using this strategy.
Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt Were the Packers Two Highest-Graded Defenders
Quay Walker finished the game against the Rams with five tackles, a sack, and two passes defended. Devonte Wyatt had two tackles, 0.5 sacks, and a quarterback hit. Wyatt also filled gaps in the middle of the line, limiting the Rams’ rushing attack. As a result of their play, Walker and Wyatt were given that Packers best defensive grades per PFF.
The two highest PFF graded Packers defenders last night?
Quay Walker & Devonte Wyatt. pic.twitter.com/I6JTAfNcQV
— Daire Carragher (@DaireCarragher) December 20, 2022
It is also worth noting that another 2022 draft pick led the Green Bay Packers in receiving on Monday Night. That would have been Romeo Doubs, a fourth round pick, who caught all five of his targets for 55 yards. Christian Watson, a second round pick this year, earned high praise for his elite blocking downfield and for his four impressive receptions (46 yards).
As if that were not enough, Kingsley Enagbare, a fifth round pick, also had a sack against the Rams on Monday night.
Brian Gutekunst Knows What He Is Doing
Every general manager misses on draft picks every now and then. Of course, fans are still divided over the Jordan Love pick, and I have already mentioned the woeful history of third round picks. However, Darnell Savage looked pretty good for a while, Rashan Gary was the Packers’ best pass rusher before he go hurt, and Eric Stokes played exceptionally well as a rookie last season.
Not that it matters. A vocal portion of Packers fans will hate whoever Gutekunst picks first.
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