Over three days of the 2022 NFL draft, 262 prospects found new homes. And we saw it all in Las Vegas, from a record number of first-round trades, to a serious run on wide receivers, to a slide for many of the top quarterbacks.
Some teams did better than others overall — the Jets and Lions really stood out to me — but all 32 made at least one really good pick. It might be an instant-impact Rookie of the Year candidate in the first round, or it might be a Day 3 steal of someone who has the chance to be a solid starter. And for a few teams, it was a quarterback taken at outstanding value long after I thought he’d come off the board.
So while my guy Mel Kiper Jr. tackles team grades, I’ll call out the best overall pick for each NFL team — one selection for all 32 franchises that I thought was truly excellent. But to be clear, “best pick” does not necessarily mean “best player.” Team needs, the value a player presented in comparison to my board, scheme fit and any trades related to the pick all factor in here. In all, 86 of my top 100 prospects were drafted in the first 100 picks, so plenty of teams landed really good players. But the “when” and “why” of each pick factors in here, too. In other words, each team’s top-ranked or earliest selection doesn’t automatically translate to their best selection.
Let’s get into it, starting with the AFC East, but you can jump to any team below and see its aced pick.
Jump to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
AFC EAST
Khalil Shakir, WR, Boise State (Round 5, No. 148)
I thought about Florida’s Kaiir Elam, with the team’s hole at No. 2 cornerback. He’s physical and speedy. I also thought about Georgia’s James Cook, considering the Bills’ need for a steady running back. I love the way he patiently finds a hole and hits it with good burst. But how could I pass on Shakir in the fifth round? He was my No. 102 prospect, but the talented route runner fell to Buffalo at No. 148. Adding him to a receiver group that already includes Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis and Jamison Crowder is just smart team-building, and quarterback Josh Allen could turn him into a reliable starter in time.
Shakir works primarily out of the slot, but he can split out wide and even line up in the backfield. He often makes the first defender miss when he has the ball and reaches top speed (4.43 in the 40-yard dash) quickly. Shakir caught 77 passes for 1,117 yards last season and stood out at the Senior Bowl. The Bills got a potential steal on Day 3 here.
Buffalo was already a serious Super Bowl contender with its explosive offense, but that side of the ball definitely got even better at the draft.
Channing Tindall, ILB, Georgia (Round 3, No. 102)
It’s tough to land a lot of winners when you have four selections and don’t pick until the compensatory spots at the end of Round 3. Two of those four didn’t even come until the seventh round. Miami did most of its offseason work in free agency and via trades, but its draft-pick cupboard was light.
Miami re-signed Elandon Roberts but only for one year, so middle linebacker is a need. Tindall’s value comes mostly as a run defender at the second level, with the speed to go sideline to sideline, the length to wrap up ball carriers and the pop to take on blockers. He might take time to develop into a surefire starter, but he can play a contributing role in the middle of the field in the meantime.
I’ll toss out another name: Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson was a fun dart throw in the seventh round. He has a big arm and makes off-platform throws, but his accuracy needs some work.
Marcus Jones, CB, Houston (Round 3, No. 85)
The Patriots had a confusing draft, from their first-round reach for Chattanooga guard Cole Strange to the decision to take a quarterback (Bailey Zappe out of Western Kentucky) in the fourth round. Tough class to find a real standout. But fast, shifty players are valuable in the NFL, and Jones’ return game highlights are fun to watch.
At 5-foot-8 and 174 pounds, Jones is undersized and probably at best the Patriots’ No. 4 cornerback in the slot this season. He reads the quarterback really well, but he struggles to do the same with receiver route combinations, and he has trouble when he is trailing with his back to the QB. There is a lot of room for improvement here.
In the return game, however, Jones averaged 28.8 yards per kickoff return over his Houston career, scoring on six returns. (He also scored three times on 63 punt returns while averaging 13.9 yards.) We didn’t get to see him run at the combine — he had a shoulder injury — but I think he’s one of the fastest players in this class.
Coach Bill Belichick might get him involved in some other ways, too. Jones had 12 offensive touches at Houston last season. His ball skills are outstanding, especially for a smaller player, and he hauled in five interceptions and broke up 17 passes last season.
Jermaine Johnson II, DE, Florida State (Round 1, No. 26)
It’s really difficult to pinpoint just one of the Jets’ three outstanding first-round picks as their best. Cincinnati’s Ahmad Gardner (No. 4 overall) is going to be a true shutdown cornerback on that defense with his speed, length, instincts and agility. We’ve mentioned this a bunch by now, but it’s worth saying again: Gardner allowed just 60 total yards and zero touchdowns in coverage over the entire 2021 season. And New York followed up that strong start to the draft with a WR1 in Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson at No. 10. His body control is elite, he has the wheels to make plays over the top or pull away from defenders, and he shows a big catch radius and soft hands.
But all that said, this has to be the most valuable of the three Day 1 picks: Johnson. He was No. 14 on the board, and I thought he had a good chance to go in the top 10. But instead, the Jets saw a slide in progress and pounced, moving back up into the late first round for him. The hole on the edge was massive for the Jets, who managed just 33 sacks last season. Sure, Carl Lawson missed the season with a ruptured Achilles, but the spot opposite him was still open coming into Thursday night.
Johnson plays with a good motor, and he has great first-step quickness. He can knock blockers backward and beat them with a wide array of effective pass-rush moves. Johnson piled up 12 sacks and 19 tackles for loss last season, and he’ll be a Day 1 impact player getting after the quarterback for the Jets.
I’ll also briefly mention that Iowa State running back Breece Hall in the second round and Ohio State tight end Jeremy Ruckert in the third each offer great value and promise to be solid players on New York’s offense. What a weekend for the Jets.
AFC NORTH
Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa (Round 1, No. 25)
Man, this one is tough. Pick my favorite from this group? Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton at No. 14. Michigan edge rusher David Ojabo and UConn defensive tackle Travis Jones on Day 2? Minnesota offensive tackle Daniel Faalele at good value in Round 4? Coach John Harbaugh had a memorable draft from top to bottom. But I have to go with Linderbaum here.
Through two trades, the Ravens were able to get back into Round 1 and land him to fill a hole. Yes, it cost them receiver Marquise Brown, and there will be some more questions about Baltimore’s plan there. But with Bradley Bozeman signing in Carolina, the run game being such an integral part of the Ravens’ offense, and the offensive line surrendering 57 sacks last season (second-most in the NFL), I like the move.
Linderbaum is a very effective zone blocker, which will of course help running back J.K. Dobbins and quarterback Lamar Jackson at the second level. And he anchors well in pass protection, battling through the whistle. Watch his tape for a few minutes, and it won’t surprise you that he’s a former high school wrestler. He’s really light on his feet for a 296-pounder and has strong hands at the point of contact.
I thought pretty hard about Coastal Carolina tight end Isaiah Likely, too. The Ravens love Mark Andrews in the pass game, but they’ve often found success with multiple tight ends. Likely makes a bunch of spectacular catches, has the speed to make plays down the seam and shows instincts in the open field. Baltimore got him at No. 139, but he was No. 104 on my board.
Daxton Hill, S/CB, Michigan (Round 1, No. 31)
With Trae Waynes departing in free agency and the Bengals’ No. 26 completion percentage allowed (67.1%) last season, defensive back was a need. Hill is a versatile defender who will likely play nickelback with Cincinnati, though he is also a rangy safety. He’s very good in man-to-man coverage, with excellent change-of-direction skills, a fluid pedal and the burst necessary to close on the ball.
The ball skills are high-end, too. Hill hauled in four interceptions over three seasons, and he broke up 10 passes in 2021 alone. I had Hill at No. 18 on my board, so the Bengals tackling a need and getting very strong value with the penultimate pick of the first round makes this a home run. And to cement the secondary, the Bengals followed up with Nebraska defensive back Cam Taylor-Britt at the end of the second round.
Of course, choosing the best pick for any given team means also weighing other needs and the players available at the pick. There will be some folks who wish the Bengals added another Day 1 starter on the offensive line. For me, I like what they did in free agency, adding tackle La’el Collins and interior linemen Alex Cappa and Ted Karras. And four offensive tackles, the top two guards and center Tyler Linderbaum were all off the board when Cincinnati was finally on the clock. So the Bengals were right to turn their attention to another major need and take a talented player there.
David Bell, WR, Purdue (Round 3, No. 99)
Cleveland came into the draft expecting to wait until Round 2 for its first draft pick, but then it traded back to pick up more picks. It meant waiting until Round 3 before landing its first prospect, Mississippi State cornerback Martin Emerson. But the team’s best pick came toward the end of the third round when the Browns took Bell.
The Browns traded for Amari Cooper, but they also lost Jarvis Landry and Rashard Higgins from an already barren receiver room. Donovan Peoples-Jones led the team with 597 receiving yards last season. Bell probably won’t be a Rookie of the Year candidate, but he’s an instinctive and versatile pass-catcher who runs crafty routes and has sure hands.
The speed is a red flag — he ran a 4.65 in the 40-yard dash at the combine and followed it up with a 4.71 at his pro day — but he still has a lot of upside. Bell hauled in 93 catches for 1,286 receiving yards last season, both of which finished in the top 15 in the nation.
George Pickens, WR, Georgia (Round 2, No. 52)
Everyone knew Pittsburgh was going to draft a quarterback in Round 1, and it did when it took Kenny Pickett from down the road at Pitt at No. 20. Whether or not the Steelers took the right QB will be debated for a while, especially since no other signal-caller was drafted until No. 74. (I had Liberty’s Malik Willis ranked higher, but Pickett has solid accuracy and good pocket mobility.)
But regardless of whether Pickett or Mitch Trubisky will be under center, Pittsburgh had to add some playmakers in the draft. Pickens was getting first-round buzz — in fact, I had him at the tail end of Round 1 in my final mock draft — and could be a great get for Pittsburgh on Day 2. His best trait is tracking the deep ball. He accelerates off the line of scrimmage, knows when to get his head around to find the ball and has the second gear to run underneath it.
A torn ACL in his right knee kept Pickens off the field for most of his final season at Georgia, but he is healthy and ready to contribute. Pittsburgh added another playmaker, though, who will fight with Pickens for touches. Memphis’ Calvin Austin III is 5-foot-8 but lightning fast and a threat to take the ball the distance any time he touches it. I thought about him here, too, but Pickens has a chance to be a star.
AFC SOUTH
Christian Harris, ILB, Alabama (Round 3, No. 75)
No one knew quite what Houston was going to do at the draft, but I like what it did over the course of three days and nine picks. General manager Nick Caserio had a lot of boxes to check, and he moved from position to position, addressing a bunch with potential starters. My favorite move, though, was adding Harris at strong value. I had the Bama linebacker at No. 56 on my board, and his coverage skills really stand out.
The Texans’ depth chart at linebacker could use a boost, especially since two of the team’s starters there — Neville Hewitt and Blake Cashman — are only under contract for one more year. I think Harris could push for a starting role right away, though.
Harris is instinctive and fast in coverage, showing the ability to take away running backs in man-to-man or lock down big areas of the field in zone. He’s a true sideline-to-sideline type, and he reads the opponent’s offense so well, against both the pass and run.
Some good picks here throughout. Houston’s 2022 draft will probably be remembered by which version of LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. it gets, but I see a lot of solid selections in the middle of the board.
0:55
Check out some of the best plays from Alabama LB Christian Harris as he prepares for the NFL draft.
Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia (Round 3, No. 73)
Take a second and imagine what new Colts quarterback Matt Ryan could do with a 6-foot-7 tight end with the length of an offensive tackle and 4.61 speed. Woods should find his way onto the field plenty, and Indy could roll out some two-tight-end sets with him and Mo Alie-Cox to get the rookie involved.
Woods has a massive catch radius and will be a dominant red-zone weapon for Ryan, frequently winning jump balls. He won’t break any ankles out there, and he is still working on the nuances of route running, but his physical traits make him a matchup nightmare for defensive coordinators. Woods is also versatile, with the ability to line up in-line or out wide.
Indianapolis came up short last season, losing in Week 18 to miss the playoffs. It reacted by making a change at quarterback. But the Colts had to get more talent around the QB, too, and Woods is going to be a playmaker. Cincinnati receiver Alec Pierce and Central Michigan lineman Bernhard Raimann also help the cause.
Devin Lloyd, ILB, Utah (Round 1, No. 27)
The Jaguars tied for the fifth-fewest sacks in 2021 (32), allowed the eighth-most yards per play (5.6) and surrendered more points per game than all but four teams (26.9). So big surprise, Jacksonville focused on defense, looking that way for five of its seven picks. And for as much as I love Georgia defensive end Travon Walker‘s versatility, tools and upside, it’s Lloyd who stands out the most for me from the haul.
Not only did the Jags hit on a position of need with arguably the best player at the position, they also did so at value at the back end of Round 1. Lloyd was No. 20 on my final board. Now, Jacksonville did have to trade up a few picks in order to pull it off, but believe me, it was worth it. Lloyd does it all. Just look at his stat line from last season: 99 tackles, eight sacks, 18 tackles for loss, four interceptions, six passes broken up and two defensive touchdowns.
Lloyd played safety in high school, and you can tell by watching him play. At 6-foot-3 and 237 pounds, he is rangy and holds up well in man coverage. He reads the play and attacks so quickly, and he’s the kind of player that just controls the defense. I like to compare him to Fred Warner.
Jacksonville added Chad Muma (Wyoming) to the linebacker room, too. His 125 tackles tied for the most in the country last season.
Malik Willis, QB, Liberty (Round 3, No. 86)
Remember the “Could Willis go No. 6?” conversation? How about No. 86? He was my top-rated quarterback and No. 21 prospect overall, and he fell to the middle of Round 3. So regardless of what the rest of Tennessee’s draft class looks like, this one isn’t up for debate.
What a great landing spot, too. Willis is not going to be called on to start out of the gate, and he gets to learn behind a nine-year veteran in Ryan Tannehill. That’s a good thing — Willis needs seasoning. He has the strongest arm in the class, with the ability to flick his wrist and fire the ball downfield, but he could use some work with pocket passing mechanics. And while he is incredible in off-platform situations on the move and probably the best running quarterback in the class, he took 51 sacks last season. He has more upside than any other 2022 quarterback, and now he has the chance to realize it after learning and developing for a bit in Tennessee.
As far as when Willis might take over, it’s worth noting that Tannehill is under contract for two more seasons, but his dead money falls to $18.8 million in 2023 (from $57.4 million this year). The Titans could save a lot of cap space by going with Willis and moving on from Tannehill at that point — if Willis is ready and up for the task. The Titans won the AFC last season, so they won’t be in a rush to turn the offense over to a third-round rookie. But the potential is there for future fireworks.
Elsewhere, the Treylon Burks pick was solid in a vacuum. But the Titans traded A.J. Brown on Thursday, too, and that has to be factored into the Arkansas receiver’s selection.
2:07
Watch the best plays from former Liberty QB and NFL prospect Malik Willis ahead of the NFL draft.
AFC WEST
Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA (Round 3, No. 80)
The Broncos took Day 1 off after landing quarterback Russell Wilson in a trade and handing over their first-rounder to Seattle, but they still ended up with nine selections over the weekend. The best one, in my opinion, was taking Dulcich in the third round.
Why? He’s the best seam-stretcher in this year’s tight end class, and I can already picture Wilson finding him deep for big gains. Dulcich has long arms to make tough catches away from his body and the speed to separate and produce after the catch. His 17.3 yards per reception ranked second in the FBS among tight ends last season. Since Denver sent Noah Fant to the Seahawks as part of the Wilson deal, it needs a reliable tight end.
Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan (Round 2, No. 54)
Replacing Tyreek Hill is no easy task. The Chiefs signed JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency to help fill the target/production void. Drafting Moore on Day 2 takes that another step forward. He was just shy of 1,300 receiving yards last season, and he wowed a lot of scouts with his combine workout in Indianapolis.
Moore might not have Hill’s speed — though he ran a 4.41 in the 40 at the combine, so he’s no slouch in that department — but he will look an awful lot like Hill when running routes for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Moore is slightly under 5-foot-10, and his best trait is generating yardage after the catch by making defenders miss. Sound familiar? He excels at beating press coverage with elite short-area quickness, sure hands and a smooth transition after the catch. And while he has a smaller build, Moore will make plays in the vertical game. He’s at his best out of the slot, but he can also play out wide, depending on what Kansas City decides.
Overall, it was a really nice draft for the Chiefs, with much of it focusing on defense. The two first-rounders — Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie and Purdue edge rusher George Karlaftis — will immediately impact their respective units, and Wisconsin’s Leo Chenal helps shore up the linebacker depth in the middle of the field.
Matthew Butler, DT, Tennessee (Round 5, No. 175)
The host city’s team didn’t pick until the end of Round 3 (due to the Davante Adams trade, which I’m sure it will be OK with), but the fifth-round selection jumped out to me when looking back at the Raiders’ class. Butler fits with Vegas as a 3-technique (or perhaps 1-technique at 6-foot-4 and 297 pounds). He is sudden and shows quick feet against the run, but he will get home as an occasional pass-rusher on the interior, too. Butler isn’t overly explosive, but he did have five sacks last season and can be disruptive.
I had Butler at No. 144 on my board, so it was pretty solid value. And with Johnathan Hankins and Vernon Butler each entering the final year of their contracts, the Raiders could have a spot open on the interior of the line. For now, the Tennessee product could contribute in a situational role before developing into a full-time starter. Same goes for LSU’s Neil Farrell Jr., one of Las Vegas’ fourth-round picks.
Zion Johnson, G/C, Boston College (Round 1, No. 17)
I hesitated a little choosing my favorite here. Taking Johnson at No. 17 was a little early. I saw him as a late-first-rounder who might slide into the early part of Round 2. But I thought more about it, and considering it was only a little earlier than I would have ideally selected him, I don’t mind it. The Chargers spent big in the offseason, and now they went and got the guy they wanted in Round 1 to shore up an important position group. I’m OK with that philosophy in this case.
Johnson has experience at tackle and guard, and he put in work at the Senior Bowl at center. But he projects best as a guard, and he’s an instant upgrade on the interior of quarterback Justin Herbert‘s protection. Consider this: Johnson didn’t allow a single pressure, let alone a sack, in 2021. He is smooth getting set and does a good job staying balanced and in front of his assignments. Buying time for Herbert — and keeping him clean — will be central to the Chargers’ success, and Johnson helps that cause.
Three other quick things I like about Johnson’s game: First, he is an effective zone blocker, which will open up the run game for Austin Ekeler and new Los Angeles running back Isaiah Spiller (Texas A&M). Second, he has great awareness and picks up installs very quickly. And third, his versatility will be a massive plus in the NFL.
NFC EAST
Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa (Round 1, No. 24)
The Cowboys were forced to cut La’el Collins for salary-cap concerns, which opened up a hole at right tackle. With four offensive tackles already off the board, Dallas opted for Smith as Collins’ replacement. He is a 6-foot-5, 324-pounder who plays with an edge. He will bury defenders in the run game, which is music to the ears of running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. And Smith has the length and footspeed to be an effective pass protector for quarterback Dak Prescott.
Smith also gives Dallas options. He can easily slide inside to guard if the team wants to roll with Tyron Smith and Terence Steele on the outside. But no matter where Smith plays, his strength and nastiness will be welcomed in Big D. Every one of his areas needing improvement is coachable, too, including how he uses his hands and handles speed to power.
I also liked the Cowboys getting South Alabama receiver Jalen Tolbert, who can take on some of Amari Cooper‘s targets now that the veteran receiver is in Cleveland. And Ole Miss edge rusher Sam Williams is potentially the perfect replacement for Randy Gregory on the edge, with his 4.46 speed and 6-foot-4 and 261-pound size. Building up the edge rush could allow Micah Parsons to slide back into a linebacker role — which likely results in an even bigger impact for the second-year do-it-all defender, which seems impossible.
Evan Neal, OT, Alabama (Round 1, No. 7)
The Giants made 11 picks over three days, but they cemented a solid draft in the first seven overall selections, taking Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux and Neal. That’s two instant starters and potential stars. And they each checked a box for New York GM Joe Schoen. There were four really good edge rushers and three really good offensive tackles in this class, and Schoen got one of each to fill needs.
So why Neal? Simply put, he was the later of the two picks and probably came at a little bit more value. Plus, maximizing quarterback Daniel Jones is the name of the game for New York this season. The Giants declined his fifth-year option, but that doesn’t mean they can’t bring him back if they want. It just means they don’t have to bring him back if they get more of the same. So it’s important to make sure Jones is in the best possible spot to succeed so management can give him a true evaluation in the final year of his rookie deal.
That starts with the offensive line, which has been a weak spot for a while. But Andrew Thomas played well in 2021, and putting Neal on the other side gives the Giants two high-end bookends. Edge rushers have to take a $20 cab ride to get around Neal, and he refuses to give up ground to bull rushers. He is a dominant run-blocker who takes great angles and knocks back defenders. That will help running back Saquon Barkley.
Nakobe Dean, ILB, Georgia (Round 3, No. 83)
I had heard plenty of rumblings that Dean would likely slide out of Round 1. There were concerns about his 5-foot-11 and 229-pound size and his shorter 32-inch arms. Some worried about his lingering injuries. Others wished he had tested in the pre-draft process at the combine or Georgia’s pro day. But Round 3? Really? Have you guys seen Dean’s tape? It was a treat to watch. He was one of 23 players I had a first-round grade on, and the rangy, instinctive linebacker ended up No. 19 on my final board.
Philadelphia had to have a linebacker, too. T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White are both free agents after the 2022 season, and the Eagles haven’t had a true impact linebacker up the middle in a long time. We all know GM Howie Roseman isn’t one for drafting linebackers in the first round, but what about drafting a first-round linebacker in the third? You can’t go wrong there. Roseman stacked Dean up the middle behind former Georgia teammate Jordan Davis, whom the team took at No. 13. That’s how you improve the interior.
Dean’s effort on every single down pops on tape, and he has great burst and explosiveness. He is a reliable tackler and can match with running backs in coverage — though his size might limit him against most tight ends. His six sacks in 2021 serve as evidence of something else I saw on Dean’s tape: He’s improving as a push-rusher and can locate and exploit gaps. I love this pick. It might be the steal of the draft when it’s all said and done. Dean was the heart and soul of the Bulldogs’ defense, and I think he is going to be a leader for the Eagles now, too.
0:50
Check out the highlights from Georgia’s superstar linebacker Nakobe Dean.
Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State (Round 1, No. 16)
When I think about Dotson’s game, two things stand out: elite ball skills and unreal body control. He’s only 5-foot-11 and 178 pounds, but he’s as sudden as they come and has arguably the most reliable hands in the entire class. Everything Dotson does is under control, and he is going to be a factor right out of the gate for new quarterback Carson Wentz and the Commanders’ offense.
The team’s top receiver, Terry McLaurin, could be headed toward free agency next March, and even if he signs an extension, Washington needed a reliable No. 2. He was the only receiver on the team with at least 400 receiving yards last season. But putting Dotson with McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Dyami Brown gives offensive coordinator Scott Turner something to work with.
Some might argue Arkansas’ Treylon Burks might have been the wiser selection, but I had identical grades on the two receivers, and they were back-to-back in my rankings. Dotson is going to eat up targets with the Commanders; he caught 91 passes last season (for 1,182 yards and 12 touchdowns).
I’ll quickly mention the Sam Howell pick, too. Burning a fifth-rounder on him is good value and provides a potential starting option down the road. Howell has a quick release and is accurate on deep shots, but he has some work to do with his footwork and accuracy on timing throws.
NFC NORTH
Velus Jones Jr., WR, Tennessee (Round 3, No. 71)
I love Jones’ upside. He’s a tad under 6-foot and is still refining his route running, but look at his speed and contact balance. He is a threat any time the ball is in his hands, with instincts and elusiveness in the open field and the breakaway speed to take the top off the defense. Jones’ 4.31 in the 40 ranked fourth among all participants at the combine and second among receivers, and he’s built like a running back.
Chicago can get the ball in his hands on quick slants and let him pick up extra yards. They can target him on deep shots. They can get him involved on sweeps. And they can use him in the return game, where he averaged 24.4 yards per kickoff return and 15.1 per punt return during his college career.
The Bears signed Byron Pringle and Equanimeous St. Brown this offseason, but they lost Allen Robinson II. This WR group is probably worse than it was last year, and it only had 176 catches from receivers then (No. 27). How is quarterback Justin Fields going to take the next step if the Bears can’t land him some reliable weapons in the passing game? Without a first-rounder, Chicago had to get creative, and the upside here is immense.
Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama (Round 1, No. 12)
Let’s put aside Williams for just a minute and discuss how the Lions got here. They started Thursday night off with Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, my top prospect in the entire class, at No. 2 and then were set to pick again at No. 32. Somehow Detroit managed to climb all the way to No. 12 without dealing a future first-rounder. All it cost the Lions was Nos. 32, 34 and 66 — and they even got No. 46 back in the swap. Even before you look at the prospect, that’s a pretty good trade.
But then you have to land the right player — and I love Williams’ game. Yes, he is recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee, suffered during the College Football Playoff national title game, and he won’t be ready to roll in Week 1. That’s fine. The Lions aren’t contending this season, and there is zero reason to rush the speedy wideout onto the field before he’s absolutely ready. Detroit’s wide receiver depth chart currently stacks the likes of Amon-Ra St. Brown, DJ Chark Jr. and Josh Reynolds, so you bet it needs a difference-making pass-catcher. But I’m not concerned that it might not come until late in the 2022 season.
Williams, who transferred into Alabama from Ohio State, is a burner who just explodes off the line of scrimmage. He does a really good job adjusting to throws outside his frame, and he is tough to contain when he has the ball in his hands. He will beat you vertically, but he can also pick up chunks of yardage after the catch. And who knows? Maybe the Lions are back atop the board next April and can reunite Williams with his 2021 quarterback at Alabama, Bryce Young. They did plenty of damage together; Williams piled up 1,572 receiving yards and 15 touchdown catches last season.
1:32
Check out the best moments from Jameson Williams at Alabama as he gets ready for the NFL.
Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State (Round 2, No. 34)
In what has become a yearly tradition, everyone was shouting for the Packers to draft a receiver in the first round. The only difference this year was Green Bay had two first-round picks and just sent arguably the top receiver in the NFL, Davante Adams, to Las Vegas. So shouting might have been an understatement this time around. And in true Packers fashion, they took two defenders on Day 1 — though I did like the late-first-round selection of Georgia defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt.
Instant redemption came early on Friday night, when the Packers moved up to No. 34 and landed a player I thought had a real shot to go in Round 1. We just talked about the shortcomings of Detroit’s receiver grid, but Green Bay wasn’t looking much better coming into the draft. Allen Lazard and Sammy Watkins were probably the tentative starters.
Watson is raw and is still developing a full route tree, but the 4.38 speed and 6-foot-4 size give him a lot of upside. He has plus instincts in space and can break a lot of tackles with his contact balance after the catch. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers will look his way often. And it doesn’t hurt that Green Bay also got Rodgers some additional help on Days 2 and 3 in the form of guard Sean Rhyan, receiver Romeo Doubs and guard Zach Tom.
Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson (Round 2, No. 42)
The Vikings traded back in the first round and took Georgia safety Lewis Cine to close out Day 1. Good pick. But the team’s first selection of Day 2 was the one that really caught my eye. I thought Booth might be a first-rounder, and I put him at No. 27 on my board. The Vikings managed to land him 10 picks into Round 2. And man, did they need someone like him at cornerback. Patrick Peterson will be 32 years old when the season starts and is starting to show signs of his age. The depth at the position was weak, too.
Booth is a top-end press-man corner, but he’s scheme-versatile and can play in off-man or zone looks. He has playmaker instincts and ball skills, and he’s a willing run defender who flies in on ball carriers. Booth is explosive and has a fluid transition out of his pedal. I love his game.
I have to mention my guy Ty Chandler, though. I really wanted to make him Minnesota’s best pick. The UNC running back has 4.38 speed and makes cuts without gearing down. And he’s a smooth pass-catcher out of the backfield. I think he could end up the best value pick at running back in the 2022 class.
NFC SOUTH
Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati (Round 3, No. 74)
I’ll start here by saying I really, really like the Drake London pick. His ability to box out defenders is something to watch, and I think he’s underrated after the catch. But with Ridder, we’re talking about a quarterback at No. 74 that I thought had an outside chance of sneaking into Round 1.
Ridder is a proven winner who sees the field well and has very good ball velocity and pocket mobility. My only concern with his game is that he misses within the strike zone a bit too much. His accuracy and touch overall are pretty strong, even on the run, but he’ll have questionable ball placement on a handful of throws per game. If he gets that ironed out, he has a chance to be a good NFL quarterback.
This is just good management of the board. Atlanta didn’t panic and jump on a quarterback in Round 2. Instead it landed two high-impact players in Penn State edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie and Montana State linebacker Troy Andersen. The Falcons waited until the perfect moment to jump on their signal-caller of choice. They clearly had Ridder above Liberty’s Malik Willis and Ole Miss’ Matt Corral and got the preferred option. But they also did so at premium value — Willis and Corral came off the board in the next 20 picks, so there are no assurances that they could have waited too much longer.
Ridder could provide some competition for current starter Marcus Mariota this season, and if the team likes what it sees, it can turn things over to him. If not, Mariota is under contract for two years, the 2023 QB class offers more options and this is only a third-round pick we’re talking about. Nice work, Atlanta.
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Check out some of the best highlights from Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder’s standout season.
Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State (Round 1, No. 6)
The Panthers made a handful of strong picks, but Ekwonu was my top offensive tackle in the class, and Carolina drafted him at No. 6 to fix a problem. That’s value and need. Ekwonu is a tone-setter, with unique suddenness for a 310-pounder and a powerful punch at the point of contact. He’s an aggressive run-blocker who regularly makes highlight-worthy pancake blocks. Carolina running back Christian McCaffrey is going to love Ekwonu knocking down defenders and opening lanes for him.
The Panthers allowed 52 sacks last season, fifth-most in the NFL. Offensive tackle Cameron Erving is 30 years old and entering the final year of his deal. This just made sense. And considering that quarterback was the team’s other consideration at No. 6 and only one went in the first 73 picks, it’s safe to say Carolina went the right direction.
Speaking of QB, landing Ole Miss’ Matt Corral at No. 94 gives the Panthers one more option under center at terrific value. Corral is excellent in the short-to-intermediate game with a super-quick release. The Panthers only had six picks, but they made the most of them.
Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State (Round 1, No. 11)
OK, New Orleans lost third- and fourth-rounders to get Olave, so that’s part of it. The silky-smooth route runner wasn’t going to be there at No. 16. But even so, man, I love this pairing. The Saints didn’t have any 700-plus-yard receivers last season. They aren’t sure what they are getting from Michael Thomas, who missed all of last season. And the run on receivers had started by No. 11. So why not deal two midrounders to get a potential star?
Olave has immediate explosion off the line of scrimmage and can separate with his speed. He has soft hands and is going to be a vertical threat in the NFL. Get used to seeing quarterback Jameis Winston throw his way. In fact, I think Olave is going to be the top rookie receiver of the bunch.
If Winston and Thomas are healthy, this Saints offense could be dangerous. And it helps that the Saints followed the Olave pick up with Northern Iowa offensive tackle Trevor Penning at No. 19, which helps fill the Terron Armstead void.
Logan Hall, DL, Houston (Round 2, No. 33)
Hall is a tough one. Some evaluators look at him and wonder his position. Is he a defensive end or 4-technique in a 4-3 scheme? Is he a 5-technique or undersized nose tackle in a 3-4? For me, I see versatility. The first pick of Day 2 can play all over the defensive line, and that’s a good thing, not a bad thing.
For Tampa Bay, he will likely slide in next to Vita Vea as a 5-technique. I love Hall’s stutter bull rush. He can push blockers back into the QB, and he registered six sacks last season. But his strength also comes in handy against the run, when he can shed blockers and pursue the ball carrier. And since Ndamukong Suh is no longer with the Bucs, there was a need for a player like Hall.
NFC WEST
Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State (Round 2, No. 55)
Arizona traded out of Round 1 and got receiver Marquise Brown as part of the deal. And if that wasn’t enough to make quarterback Kyler Murray happy, the team went out on Day 2 and drafted McBride, the top tight end in the class.
The 6-foot-4 pass-catcher can line up in-line, in the slot or out wide and he has outstanding ball skills. There aren’t many contested catches that he doesn’t come down with, and he knows exactly when to time his jump and make a play on the ball. McBride will also stretch the seam and break off big plays in the vertical game. Among tight ends, McBride led the nation in catches (90) and receiving yards (1,121) — but he managed just one touchdown.
Zach Ertz returns on a three-year deal, and Maxx Williams still has a year left on his contract. But there will be opportunities for McBride, and I have a feeling Murray will enjoy his reliable hands and ability on 50-50 balls in the red zone.
Two more Day 2 names: San Diego State edge rusher Cameron Thomas had a whopping 23.5 tackles for loss last season and Cincinnati edge rusher Myjai Sanders has the ability to stack blockers.
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Check out the highlights from Colorado State’s talented TE Trey McBride.
Kyren Williams, RB, Notre Dame (Round 5, No. 164)
The cost of doing Super Bowl-winning business is sometimes waiting until late on Day 2 for a selection. (In the Rams’ case, that is always the case these days.) It’s tough to make too much of a statement on draft weekend with that kind of pick capital. But Williams on Day 3 is a sneaky value.
Los Angeles sent Las Vegas a seventh-rounder to move up 11 spots to get Williams, but I like what he brings to the Rams’ offense. Suddenness. Contact balance. Underrated pass-catching ability. Those are all valuable traits in the NFL. But ball security has been a bit of an issue, and the speed isn’t all that exciting; Williams ran a 4.65 at the combine. Still, a trio of Cam Akers, Darrell Henderson Jr. (who is a free agent in 2023) and Williams could do some damage.
Williams has back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons under his belt and he scored 27 times on the ground over that time. One of the NFL’s top offenses gets another playmaker.
Drake Jackson, OLB, USC (Round 2, No. 61)
Another team that waited a long time to pick, the 49ers jumped into the mix with an edge rusher with great bend and closing burst. His 36½-inch vertical and 10-foot-7 broad jumps at the combine displayed his explosiveness. Jackson doesn’t have much power, but he will beat you with his speed and change-of-direction ability.
The defensive end spot opposite Nick Bosa is up in the air. Arden Key went to Jacksonville. Dee Ford is coming off a back injury and is entering the final year of his deal. And getting Jackson at No. 61 represents some value. He was No. 53 on my board.
I think Jackson is probably a situational pass-rusher as a rookie, but he can definitely develop into an every-down starter. He only turned 21 years old a few weeks ago, and he has some developing to do. But there is definitely upside to his game if he stays motivated and improves his lower-body strength.
Penn State cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields was also drafted at good value (No. 153 on my board but went No. 221), and he will immediately be another piece in the cornerback puzzle for San Francisco.
Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State (Round 1, No. 9)
The Seahawks made some really good picks, but their best was their first. With Ikem Ekwonu and Evan Neal off the board, Seattle took the last top-tier offensive tackle available in Cross. And there might not be a better pass-protector in the class. On 683 pass-block snaps, Cross allowed just one sack. He’s an easy mover for 307 pounds, and he locks onto edge rushers moving laterally. Cross is also a solid run-blocker at the second level, which might benefit Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny and new Seahawk running back Ken Walker III (Michigan State).
Duane Brown‘s spot at left tackle was empty, and Cross will likely slide in there. Abraham Lucas (a third-rounder out of Washington State) could compete for the right tackle spot. Shoring up the line is important for the rebuilding Seahawks, who surrendered 48 sacks last season and now have to find a way to buy time in the pocket for new quarterback Drew Lock.
Since Seattle isn’t likely to contend for much this year, drafting Minnesota edge rusher Boye Mafe and UTSA cornerback Tariq Woolen makes a lot of sense too. They are both developmental players who have a lot of tools but need refining. And as far as quarterback goes, the Seahawks can see what they got in Lock and approach the 2023 offseason with a clear plan — perhaps pursing a free agent or focusing in on a potentially loaded QB draft class.