Packers fans react to 2022 NFL Draft

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It took a while, but Green Bay Packers Football fans across the nation celebrated after the 2022 NFL Draft came to a close on April 30.

Day 1 of the NFL Draft featured many defensive players being taken early and there was hope amongst the Packers faithful, that a star wide receiver would fall to Green Bay. The Packers elected not to trade up in the first round or trade for established receivers such as AJ Brown and Marquise Brown.

Packers fans back home in Wisconsin were hopeful that their team would either trade for a WR or draft one in the first round. The Packers had two first-round draft selections this year after trading wide receiver Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders earlier in the offseason.

The Packers had the 22nd and 28th overall selections but elected go with defense by selecting two players from Georgia. The selections of Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt sparked much controversy on social media as fans were divided over the picks.

Hunter Johnson is a Milwaukee college student that wasn’t happy about his Packers not taking a receiver in the first round.

“My first reaction was, you gotta be kidding me, but at least there’s still a few guys left to try and get in the second round,” he said.

In a post-draft interview, Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst had this to say about selecting the two former Georgia Bulldogs. “Adding two players fast explosive players that have a really good chance to help us not only on the field, but also in the locker room,” said Gutekunst.

Packer fans were quickly relieved in the second round as Green Bay traded up with division rival Minnesota Vikings for the 34th overall pick. The Packers selected wide receiver Christian Watson out of North Dakota State with the 34th overall pick. Christian’s father Tim Watson was drafted by the Green Bay Packers back in the 1993 NFL Draft.

“It was surreal to be selected by such a successful and dominant organization,” said Christian Watson in a post-draft interview. “I’m just excited to be on the packers and to be able to catch passes from one of the best ever do it’s exciting.”

Packers fans took to social media to voice their excitement over the selection of Christian Watson. A stark difference to night before the selection that left fans feeling split over the draft selections.

After three days and seven rounds of selections, the Packers left Las Vegas with a total of 11 draft selections. The rookies recently concluded the Packers rookie minicamp on May 7. Now, they prepare for the Organized Team Activities which take place June 7-9.