Check this page continually for our updated 2022 NFL Draft tracker. It will be updated throughout the event with grades for each pick and potential blockbuster trades set to take place.
When is the 2022 NFL Draft?
The annual event will be live from the famed Las Vegas Strip starting Thursday evening and concluding Saturday afternoon.
ESPN, ABC and NFL Network will be live from the scene with the first round starting Thursday at 8:00 PM EST. Saturday’s action will include the second and third rounds starting at 7:00 PM EST. Meanhile, the final four rounds will start Saturday at 12:00 PM EST.
Related: Top 2022 NFL Draft prospects
Second round NFL Draft tracker and grades
33. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Logan Hall, DT, Houston
After trading out of Round 1, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers grab the defensive tackle who was likely atop their draft board. Logan Hall, an extremely athletic defensive tackle with nice versatility, provides depth for a team that still isn’t sure if Ndamukong Suh is returning.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft grade: B+
34. Green Bay Packers (via Vikings): Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
- TRADE: Green Bay Packers trade 53rd and 59th pick to Minnesota Vikings for 34th overall pick
It seems general manager Brian Gutekunst heard the frustrations from fans over Round 1. Christian Watson, a 6-foot-4 receiver brings the size and speed Green Bay loves at wide receiver. He needs to improve as a route runner, but Matt LaFleur can move him around the formation and he’ll provide a vertical threat for Aaron Rodgers. Fans will need to be patient, Watson is a better long-term addition than a 2022 impact player.
- Green Bay Packers draft grade: C+
35. Tennessee Titans: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
One of the best cornerbacks in the SEC this past season, Roger McCreary drew matchups against many of the first-round weapons and contained them. He fell out of Round 1 due to arm length, but he’ll provide help on the boundary for the Titans’ secondary.
- Tennessee Titans draft grade: B
36. New York Jets (via Giants): Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
- TRADE: New York Jets trade 28th and 146th pick to the New York Giants for 36th overall pick
After drafting Michael Carter a year ago, the New York Jets jumped up to select their leading rusher for years to come. Breece Hall, the No. 1 running back in the 2022 draft class, can play all three downs and his vision should allow him to be productive right away.
- New York Jets draft grade: B
37. Houston Texans: Jalen Pitre, CB, Baylor
The Houston Texans are rebuilding their roster, they can upgrade at every position. Jalen Pitre was the heart of Baylor’s defense this past season and his instincts are phenomenal. He’ll be used everywhere in Houston, including deployed as a blitzer. A strong addition for the Texans’ defense.
- Houston Texans draft grade: A-
38. Atlanta Falcons (via Giants): Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State
- TRADE: Atlanta Falcons trade 343rd and 114th picks to New York Giants for 38th pick
The Atlanta Falcons needed an edge rusher, this was the worst pass-rush unit in the NFL. Arnold Ebiketie wins with a quick get-off and follows it with using leverage and power. He needs refinement, but the Falcons will provide him all the reps he needs.
- Atlanta Falcons draft grade: B
39. Chicago Bears: Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
With their first pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears ignored needs at wide receiver and offensive line help. Instead, the new regime is rebuilding the defense. Kyler Gordon could play in the slot or on the perimeter. He’ll see plenty of snaps early, but there’s even more long-term upside.
- Chicago Bears draft grade: C+
40. Seattle Seahawks: Boya Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
One of the biggest risers in the pre-draft process, Boye Mafe is a project for NFL coaches. He brings explosiveness, a stout frame and powerful hands, Of course, the athletic traits that showed up in testing are the most exciting tool. He needs a year-plus of coaching, but there’s starting-caliber upside.
- Seattle Seahawks draft grade: B-
41. Seattle Seahawks: Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State
After signing Rashaad Penny to a $5.75 million contract, the Seattle Seahawks are now spending a top-50 pick on a running back. Kenneth Walker was the best pure runner in the draft class, delivering explosive runs and an easy ability to either make defenders miss or break through tackles. He’s a very good player, but the fit is odd for a team that drafted a left tackle who is best in pass protection and already has Penny and Chris Carson.
- Seattle Seahawks draft grade: C+
42. Minnesota Vikings (via Colts): Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
- TRADE: Minnesota Vikings trade 53rd, 77th and 192nd overall picks to Indianapolis Colts for 42nd and 122nd overall picks
After trading down, the Minnesota Vikings jump back up to improve their secondary. Andrew Booth Jr. fell due to some injury issues in his past, but he’s an excellent corner in man coverage. Another plus, he brings nice ball skills and was only called for one pass interference in the last two years.
- Minnesota Vikings draft grade: A-
43. New York Giants (via Falcons): Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky
The New York Giants seem to have a thing for slot receivers. Wan’Dale Robinson, 5-foot-8, is undersized but there’s no denying his explosiveness. and the athleticism he brings to the table can make him a YAC threat when given the football in space. Sterling Shepard or Ka’Darius Toney might not be long for New York.
- New York Giants draft grade: C+
44. Houston Texans (via Browns): John Metchie III, WR, Alabama
- TRADE: Houston Texans trade 68th, 108th and 124th overall picks to the Cleveland Browns for 44th overall pick
Viewed as a fringe first-round talent heading into December, John Metchie III suffered a torn ACL. The size and speed aren’t elite, but Metchie’s route-running made separation easy in college. As long as he can maintain that ability, moving easily on the surgically-repaired knee, Metchie offers WR2 upside.
- Houston Texans draft grade: B
45. Baltimore Ravens: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
The Baltimore Ravens keep coming away with draft-day steals. David Ojabo is a top-20 prospect, but he fell after suffering a torn Achilles at the Michigan Pro Day. We might not see Ojabo until late in the 2022 season, if at all. Once he recovers, there’s a chance he could be groomed into becoming one of the best edge rushers from the draft class.
- Baltimore Ravens draft grade: A
46. Detroit Lions: Josh Paschal, EDGE, Kentucky
A versatile edge defender, Josh Paschal recorded 38 tackles for loss or no gain in his career, per Pro Football Focus. He’s overcome a lot to get hear, including a 2018 cancer diagnosis. Now headed to the NFL, Paschal can be a nice rotational piece in Detroit’s front seven.
- Detroit Lions draft grade: B+
47. Washington Commanders: Phidarian Mathis, iDL, Alabama
The 6-foot-4, 310-pound defensive tackle, Phidariian Mathis is going to add a lot of power to Washington’s defensive interior. Alabama’s coaching staff refined his technique, giving him a shot to see the field plenty as a rookie. He can play multiple positions and was beloved by the Crimson Tide’s coaching staff.
- Washington Commanders mock draft: B
48. Chicago Bears: Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
We’ll start with the positive. Jaquan Brisker is going to do a lot of things for the Chicago Bears defense. He brings instincts and speed to make plays against the run. He also holds up well in coverage, giving Chicago a well-rounded defender to help the secondary. All of this still doesn’t explain the Bears’ disregard for helping a bad offense.
- Chicago Bears draft grade: C+
49. New Orleans Saints: Alontae Taylor, CB, Tennessee
Height, length and speed. Alontae Taylor checks off a lot of things that scouts and coaches love. He’s also a former receiver, flashing the hands to help him snag some interceptions and make plays on the football. Expect Taylor to be a special teams ace while he refines his coverage skills.
- New Orleans Saints draft grade: C+
50. New England Patriots (via Chiefs): Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor
- TRADE: New England Patriots trade 54th and 158th pick to Kansas City Chiefs for 50th pick
After excelling on the track, Tyquan Thornton turned his focus to football. He ran a 4.28 40-yard dash, speed you don’t typically find from a 6-foot-2 wideout. The downside, his frame (181 lbs) will cause issues when faced with contact. He can be a rotational receiver at the next level.
- New England Patriots draft grade: C
51. Philadelphia Eagles: Cam Jurgens, C, Nebraska
Meet the player who the Philadelphia Eagles hope will be the heir to Jason Kelce. Cam Jurgens is a high-end athlete for his position. He’s an ideal fit in a zone-blocking scheme and this is a great spot for him to learn for a year.
- Philadelphia Eagles draft grade: B
52. Pittsburgh Steelers: George Pickens, WR, Georgia
Either due to medical or maturity concerns, George Pickens slipped down in Round 2. The thing is, you can’t teach his frame, speed and physicality. With Kenny Pickett needing a physical receiver to throw the ball to in tight windows, Pickens could be that guy. He should also grow personally with Mike Tomlin as his coach.
- Pittsburgh Steelers draft grade: A
53. Indianapolis Colts (via Vikings): Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati
With Pickens off the board, Alec Pierce stood out as one of the best wide receivers available. A favorite of quarterback Desmond Ridder, displaying the ability go up and get the football along with his skills at stretching a defense vertically.
- Indianapolis Colts draft grade: B
54. Kansas City Chiefs (via NE): Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan
Capable of playing in the slot or on the outside, Skyy Moore can step in as the Chiefs’ fourth receiving option. He certainly isn’t one of the most athletic pass-catchers in the draft class, but he knows how to create early separation and there’s enough juice and elusiveness to make plays after the catch. In his prime, Moore could be a high-end No. 2 receiver.
- Kansas City Chiefs draft grade: B+
55. Arizona Cardinals: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
Trey McBride isn’t your typical receiving threat at tight end. In 40 career games, he only scored 10 total touchdowns. With that said, he was the focal point of Colorado State’s passing attack last season with 1,121 receiving yards. The Cardinals might have a Zach Ertz/Dallas Goedert-like pairing at tight end.
- Arizona Cardinals draft grade: B
56. Dallas Cowboys: Sam Williams, EDGE, Ole Miss
Sam Williams is an exciting pass rusher, bringing the flexibility and get-off that you typically find from first-round picks. But, per NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah, there are real off-field concerns with Williams that pushed him a lot further down draft boards. Of course, no one is surprised Dallas took a player with character issues.
- Dallas Cowboys draft grade: C+
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Bills): Luke Goedeke, OL, Central Michigan
- TRADE: Tampa Bay Buccaneers trade 60th and 180th overall picks to Buffalo Bills for 57th overall pick
Following the retirement of Ali Marpet and the departure of Alex Cappa, Tampa Bay needed reinforcements on the offensive line. Luke Goedeke, a former tight end, plays with a nasty streak and that aggressive style of play can both help and hurt. Given the Bucs’ history of refining layers like this, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Goedeke later became a starter.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft grade: B-
58. Atlanta Falcons: Troy Anderson, LB, Montana State
Troy Anderson earned All-Conference honors at both quarterback and linebacker during his collegiate career. In the NFL, he’s a linebacker who can be deployed in multiple ways. Motor, size and athleticism are the best traits he brings to the table.
- Atlanta Falcons draft grade: C+
59. Minnesota Vikings (via Packers): Ed Ingram, iOL, LSU
After devoting their early picks to defense, the Minnesota Vikings finally turn to the other side of the ball. Ingram allowed just two sacks in 2021, but there are issues with his reactions and lower body that might prevent him from being a quality starter.
- Minnesota Vikings draft grade: C
60. Cincinnati Bengals (via Bills): Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska
- TRADE: Cincinnati Bengals trade 63rd and 209th overall picks to Buffalo Bills for 60th pick
For a 5-foot-10 cornerback, Taylor-Britt plays with surprising physicality. He uses that approach and power to win at the line of scrimmage, pressing the receiver and getting them out of rhythm and he’s a good athlete. Given the Bengals’ need at cornerback, Taylor-Britt should see the field plenty in 2022.
- Cincinnati Bengals draft grade: B
61. San Francisco 49ers: Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
A 6-foot-3 edge defender who right now is a better athlete than a football player. The San Francisco 49ers will want to add some muscle to his frame and he’s likely to start his NFL career as a situational edge rusher. With that said, the ease with which he moves and can get around a tackle makes him an appealing player for San Francisco.
- San Francisco 49ers draft grade: B+
62. Kansas City Chiefs: Bryan Cook, S, Cincinnati
The Chiefs just added a battering ram to their defense. Bryan Cook is incredibly physical, taking pride in being the ‘enforcer’ for his team. Combining that with his athleticism and football IQ, it’s easy to see why Kansas City identified Cook as another weapon for their secondary.
- Kansas City Chiefs draft grade: B
63. Buffalo Bills (via Bengals): James Cook, RB, Georgia
After J.D. McKissic backed out on the Buffalo Bills, the franchise wanted to find a pass-catching weapon for their backfield. James Cook fits that description. He’s a mismatch when used out of the backfield, giving Josh Allen another weapon.
- Buffalo Bills draft grade: B-
64. Denver Broncos: Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma
Good defenses can never have enough edge rushers. A 6-foot-3 pass rusher who ran a 4.54 40-yard dash, Denver will put Bonitto on the field in clear passing situations. It’s the role he’s meant to play in the NFL and he’ll create some problems for quarterbacks who can’t handle pressure.
- Denver Broncos draft grade: B
Third round NFL Draft tracker
65. Jacksonville Jaguars: Luke Fortner, center, Kentucky
66. Minnesota Vikings: Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma
67. New York Giants: Joshua Ezeudu, OG, North Carolina
68. Cleveland Browns: Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi State
69. Tennessee Titans: Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State
70. Jacksonville Jaguars: Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming
71. Chicago Bears: Velus Jones, WR, Tennessee
72. Seattle Seahawks: Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State
73. Indianapolis Colts: Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia
74. Atlanta Falcons: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
75. Houston Texans (via DEN): Christian Harris, LB, Alabama
76. Baltimore Ravens: Travis Jones, DT, Connecticut
77. Indianapolis Colts (via MIN): Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
78. Cleveland Browns: Alex Wright, DE, UAB
79. Los Angeles Chargers: JT Woods, S, Baylor
80. Denver Broncos: Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA
81. New York Giants: Cordale Flott, CB, Florida
82. Atlanta Falcons: DeAngelo Malone, EDGE, Western Kentucky
83. Philadelphia Eagles: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
84. Pittsburgh Steelers: DeMarvin Leal, DT, Texas A&M
85. New England Patriots: Marcus Jones, CB, Houston
86. Tennessee Titans (via LVR): Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
87. Arizona Cardinals: Cameron Thomas, DE, San Diego State
88. Dallas Cowboys: Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama
89. Buffalo Bills: Terrel Bernard, LB, Baylor
90. Las Vegas Raiders (via TEN): Dylan Parham, OG, Memphis
91. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rachaad White, RB, Arizona State
92. Green Bay Packers: Sean Rhyan, OG, UCLA
93. San Francisco 49ers: Ty Davis-Price, RB, LSU
94. Carolina Panthers (via NE): Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi
95. Cincinnati Bengals: Zachary Carter, DE, Florida
96. Indianapolis Colts (via DEN): Nick Cross, S, Maryland
97. Detroit Lions: Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois
98. Washington Commanders: Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Alabama
99. Cleveland Browns: David Bell, WR, Purdue
100. Arizona Cardinals: Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati
101. New York Jets: Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State
102. Miami Dolphins: Channing Tindall, LB, Georgia
103. Kansas City Chiefs: Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin
104. Los Angeles Rams: Logan Bruss, OG, Wisconsin
105. San Francisco 49ers: Danny Gray, WR, SMU
Check out our NFL Draft grades for Round 1 below
Who is attending the 2022 NFL Draft?
When checking in on our updated NFL Draft tracker, it’s important to be familiar with some of the big names that could be headed to your city. The league announced the prospects that it has invited to attend the annual event in Las Vegas. Here they are.
- QB Malik Willis (Liberty)
- QB Matt Corral (Ole Miss)
- WR Garrett Wilson (Ohio State)
- WR Jameson Williams (Alabama)
- WR Drake London (USC)
- WR Chris Olave (Ohio State)
- OT Evan Neal (Alabama)
- OT Ikem Ekwonu (NC State)
- OT Charles Cross (Mississippi State)
- OG Zion Johnson (Boston College)
- DE Aidan Hutchinson (Michigan)
- DE Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oregon)
- DE Jermaine Johnson II (Florida State)
- DE George Karlaftis (Purdue)
- DT Jordan Davis (Georgia)
- DT Devonte Wyatt (Georgia)
- LB Devin Lloyd (Utah)
- LB Nakobe Dean (Georgia)
- CB Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner (Cincinnati)
- CB Kyler Gordon (Washington)
- S Kyle Hamilton (Notre Dame)
Related: Top takeaways from Round 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft
As each player comes off the board, we’ll provide our NFL Draft tracker with grades for all 32 first-round selections and trades that will take place.
2022 NFL Draft tracker (first-round picks)
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Aidan Hutchinson had been considered the top overall prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft leading up to the annual event. Despite this, Jacksonville went with a high-upside player in Walker who ascended the draft board in a big way.
Walker (6-foot-5, 272 pounds) opened eyes during the NFL Scouting Combine. But he lacked the pass-rush production we saw from Hutchinson with Michigan during the 2021 season. This is going to be a hit or miss pick for the Jaguars as they look to ovecome a disastrous two-year run.
- Jacksonville Jaguars draft grade: C
2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Detroit went with hometown boy and consensus No. 1 overall prospect Aidan Hutchinson with the second pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-6, 265-pound EDGE rusher recorded 16.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks for a top-ranked Wolverines defense in 2021. He’s going to add an elite-level pass-rush force to the mix for Dan Campbell and the Lions moving forward. This was a no-brainer of a pick.
- Detroit Lions draft grade: A
3. Houston Texans: Derek Stingley Jr, cornerback, LSU
It was ahead of the 2021 season that most figured Stingley would be the first cornerback off the board. Apparently, injury issues did not impact the Texans’ decision-making process. What we do know is that he has a chance to be a true shut-down cornerback and anchor the Texans’ defense for the next half-decade. Not bad with the first of two first-round picks.
- Houston Texans draft grade: A-
4. New York Jets: Sauce Gardner, cornerback, Cincinnati
It’s a passing league and the Jets simply don’t have an A1 cornerback. Well, enter Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner, your new top cornerback in New York. He can’t remember the last time he allowed a touchdown and if Jets fans have the same problem in 2022 and beyond, it could be a rich future. We’ll see what happens with their next pick at No. 10, but this is a fine start.
- New York Jets draft grade: A-
5. New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, defensive end, Oregon
Many thought general manager Joe Schoen’s first big move would be to select an offensive tackle, but they have several needs. Landing Kayvon Thibodeaux, a player who was once viewed as the top overall prospect, has to be seen as a win. Putting a pass-rusher with sky-high potential across from Azeez Ojulari offers a bright future.
- New York Giants draft grade: A
Related: Full 2022 NFL Draft order
6. Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu, offensive tackle, NC State
It’s true, GM Scott Fitterer needs to build an offensive line, but they also need a better quarterback, because despite what David Tepper says, Sam Darnold is not a “very good” QB. At the same time, getting a franchise left tackle is a great move in any draft, it doesn’t matter who’s under center, they need protection. Christian McCaffrey is on board with this pick too.
- Carolina Panthers draft grade: B+
7. New York Giants (via Bears): Evan Neal, offensive tackle, Alabama
The G-Men are getting the hog mollies Dave Gettleman could only dream of. First landing one of the top pass-rushers in the draft with Thibodeaux at No. 5 and now Alabama’s Evan Neal to plug in at right tackle right away at No. 7, they’re nailing Day One. Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley might have a chance to breathe this season.
- New York Giants draft grade: A
8. Atlanta Falcons: Drake London, wide receiver, USC
It’s hard to dislike this pick. The Atlanta Falcons had a desperate need to find a top receiver to pair with Kyle Pitts and now they found one of the best in the draft. Clearly their favorite among a talented crop of receivers in the 2022 draft class, Drake London gives Marcus Mariota or whoever a massive target at 6-foot-5 and can win the 50-50 battles all day.
- Atlanta Falcons draft grade: B
9. Seattle Seahawks (via Broncos): Charles Cross, offensive tackle, Mississippi State
Finding your blindside protector is never a bad call, the Seattle Seahawks felt the same way after taking Charles Cross, who could be the best pass protector in the draft class. He certainly has the experience after playing in the Air Raid offense for Mike Leach at Mississippi State.
- Seattle Seahawks draft grade: B+
10. New York Jets (via Seahawks): Garrett Wilson, wide receiver, Ohio State
After flirting with nearly every established wide receiver that became available, general manager finally got Zach Wilson a new weapon with Garrett Wilson. With the speed to burn, the youngsters’ connection at the next level will be a dynamite pairing, especially with Elijah Moore being just as tough to cover. Add in a healthy Corey Davis and Wilson’s receiving corps looks a lot better in 2022.
- New York Jets draft grade: A-
Related: Updated NFL Draft rumors
11. New Orleans Saints (via Commanders): Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
- TRADE: New Orleans Saints trade 16th, 98th and 120th overall picks to Washington Commanders for 11th overall pick
The New Orleans Saints receiving corps was one of the worst in the NFL last season. That’s no longer going to be a problem. After trading up, the Saints selected Ohio State receiver Chris Olave. One of the top weapons in college football this past season, Olave is an excellent route-runner with soft hands and excellent speed. He’ll be an excellent No. 2 option paired with Michael Thomas.
- New Orleans Saints draft grade: B+
12. Detroit Lions (via Vikings: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
- TRADE: Detroit Lions trade 32nd pick, 34th pick and 66th pick to Minnesota Vikings for 12th and 46th picks
An unexpected move by the Detroit Lions. Seeing a run on wide receiver, Detroit made the most shocking move of the 2022 NFL Draft by jumping up for Jameson Williams. There’s an element of risk, given he suffered a torn ACL in the CFP National Championship Game. When healthy, he’s the WR1 in this class and will provide an amazing deep threat in Detroit’s offense.
- Detroit Lions draft grade: B
Related: Winners and losers from first round of the 2022 NFL Draft
13. Philadelphia Eagles (via Texans): Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
- TRADE: Houston Texans trade 13th pick to Philadelphia Eagles for 15th, 124th, 162nd and 166th overall picks
There are few things in life Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman loves more than trench players. Jordan Davis is one of the most athletic defensive linemen in NFL Combine history. Even if plays limited snaps, the 340-pound tackle moves like a linebacker. Alongside Fletcher Cox, Davis can thrive.
- Philadelphia Eagles draft grade: B+
14. Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
The Baltimore Ravens wanted to improve at safety this offseason, so they signed Marcus Williams. Wanting to make this secondary even stronger, Baltimore lands Kyle Hamilton. Arguably a top-five talent in the 2022 NFL Draft, Hamilton’s size and range are unmatched in this class. He’s going to be a defensive Swiss Army knife, providing a massive boost to an already improving defense.
- Baltimore Ravens draft grade: A+
15. Houston Texans (via Eagles): Kenyon Green, iOL, Texas A&M
After picking up a few extra picks, the Houston Texans fortify their offensive line. Kenyon Green is incredibly versatile, having played four different positions on the Aggies’ offensive line. He’ll need to work on his hand placement and penalties were a big issues in 2021. With that said, he will help protect quarterback Davis Mills.
- Houston Texans draft grade: C-
Related: Top quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft
16. Washington Commanders (via Saints): Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
Don’t let Jahan Dotson’s size (5-foot-11) fool you, he embraces contact and can make some absurd catches in traffic. He will primarily be a slot receiver at the next level, but the Washington Commanders needed more weapons to make the Carson Wentz experiment work. With all that said, taking Dotson 16th overall is a reach.
- Washington Commanders draft grade: C-
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College
Protect Justin Herbert. It was always going to be No. 1 priority for the Los Angeles Chargers. Zion Johnson can play multiple spots on the offensive line, but he’s best suited at guard. After surrendering just six pressures in 2021 (PFF), this is a strong move by Los Angeles to further solidify the OL.
- Los Angeles Chargers draft grade: B
18. Tennessee Titans (via Eagles): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
- TRADE: Tennessee Titans trade A.J. Brown to Philadelphia Eagles for 18th pick and 101st pick
The Tennessee Titans didn’t want to pay A.J. Brown $100 million contract. In another stunning draft-night trade, Brown heads to the Philadelphia Eagles and a new weapon heads to the Titans’ offense. Treylon Burks drew some AJ Brown comps, but he’s an unfinished player who will need some time before he could become a No. 1 receiver. Ultimately, this is all about cap allocation for Tennessee.
- Tennessee Titans draft grade: B-
- Philadelphia Eagles trade grade: B+
19. New Orleans Saints (via Eagles): Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
After trading up for their wide receiver, the Saints use their other first-round pick to keep adding to the offense. Following the departure of Terron Armstead, New Orleans needed a left tackle. Trevor Penning comes from a small program and he’s going to need a lot of work in pass protection. One thing he will bring, is complete nastiness as a run blocker and there are traits for this coaching staff to build upon.
- New Orleans Saints draft grade: B-
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Kenny Pickett is staying in Pittsburgh. The Steelers want a modern quarterback who could bring some athleticism and will challenge Mitch Trubisky for the starting job. Coming off a breakout senior season as a redshirt senior, Pickett vaulted into the Round 1 conversation. He lacks upside, probably nothing more than a top-15 starter, but this could be a safe pick.
- Pittsburgh Steelers draft grade: C-
21. Kansas City Chiefs (via Patriots): Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
- TRADE: Kansas City Chiefs traded the 29th, 94th and 121st overall picks to the New England Patriots for the 21st pick
While many focused on wide receiver, cornerback was the No. 1 among the Kansas City Chiefs draft needs. Trent McDuffie is versatile, athletic and one of the smartest defensive players in the 2022 NFL Draft. He’ll start immediately for the Chiefs and is a significant upgrade for this secondary.
- Kansas City Chiefs draft grade: A-
22. Green Bay Packers (via Raiders): Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
After years of seemingly ignoring linebacker, the Green Bay Packers have turned it into a valued position. Quay Walker, at 6-foot-4, is one of the most violent players in this draft class. He’s bigger than Nakobe Dean and more athletic than Devin Lloyd. He is the prototypical build for an inside linebacker and will pair nicely with De’Vondre Campbell.
- Green Bay Packers draft grade: B
23. Buffalo Bills (from Ravens, via Cardinals): Kaiir Elam, cornerback Florida
- TRADE: Baltimore Ravens trade wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, 100th pick to Arizona Cardinals for 23rd overall pick
Baltimore initially acquired this pick from Arizona for star wide receiver Marquise Brown before trading down two spots and collecting a mid-round selection. As for the Bills, they get that cornerback to team up with stud Pro Bowler Tre’Davious White moving forward. It was certainly a need for Buffalo. But we had a second-round grade on Elam. That doesn’t represent value.
- Baltimore Ravens draft grade: D
- Arizona Cardinals trade grade: D-
- Buffalo Bills draft grade: D
24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Smith, offensive tackle, Tulsa
There was talk about Dallas moving up into the top-14 for a player at a target position. We also know that owner Jerry Jones was targeting an offensive tackle. Once that didn’t come to fruition, the Cowboys reached for a project offensive tackle we had at No. 48 on our big board. This was a major reach in Big D.
Dallas Cowboys draft grade: D-
25. Baltimore Ravens (via Bills): Tyler Linderbaum, center, Iowa
Technically, this was the selection acquired from the Arizona Cardinals for Marquise Brown. It came after a trade down a few spots. Boy, did Baltimore hit on this selection, too. Linderbaum has immediate All-Pro upside after starring within the confines of a pro-style blocking scheme with the Hawkeyes.
Baltimore Ravens draft grade: A+
26. New York Jets (via Titans): Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
In yet another tremendous piece of drafting, Joe Douglas found defensive-minded head coach Robert Saleh that potential franchise edge rusher in Johnson. He was considered a high riser leading up to the draft with top-10 potential after showing out for Florida State. He has a real chance to start as a rookie and boasts double-digit sack potential. The cost was minor in trading up from the top of the second round.
New York Jets draft grade: A+
27. Jacksonville Jagiars (via Buccaneers): Devin Lloyd, linebacker, Utah
After a questionable No. 1 pick, the Jaguars hit a home run here. Many have compared to Lloyd 49ers All-Pro Fred Warner. He’s a sideline-to-sideline backer with a tremendous motor and above-average cover skills. Lloyd will be a Day 1 starter in Duval.
- Jacksonville Jaguars draft grade: A
28. Green Bay Packers: Devonte Wyatt, defensive tackle, Georgia
Sensing a theme here for Green Bay? The Packers went with two defensive standouts from the defending champion Georgia Bulldogs. In Wyatt, they get an explosive defensive tackle who some have compared to Warren Sapp. While that’s far-fetched, the upside here is unlimited. However, there’s some questions about the Packers passing up on wide receiver with their two first-round picks.
Green Bay Packers draft grade: B
29. New England Patriots (from Chiefs, via Dolphins): Cole Strange, guard, Chattanooga
How far out of left field was this one? NFL Media indicated that Strange was roughly a third-round prospect. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams’ brass couldn’t help but laugh at the idea of New England picking up the small-school product. We’ll give Bill Belichick a pass due to his previous success, but this one was indeed strange (pun intended).
30. Kansas City Chiefs: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
Earlier in the pre-draft process, this former Boilermakers star was considered a top-15 lock. He didn’t test too well at the NFL Scouting Combine. With that said, we’re talking about an uber-productive player who fits a major area of need fo the Chiefs. It’s hard to knock the team for addressing two of its biggest needs with these first-round picks.
Kansas City Chiefs draft grade: A
31. Cincinnati Bengals: Daxton Hill, safety, Michigan
Cincinnati had an obvious need at safety. Jessie Bates had the franchise tag placed on him earlier this offseason and might not have a long-term future with the defending AFC champions. The issue here is that we didn’t even have Hill as one of our top-50 prospects.
Cincinnati Bengals draft grade: C-
32. Minnesota Vikings (via Lions): Lewis Cine, safety, Georgia
A record five defenders from one team went in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. This culminated in Minnesota selecting a potential heir-apparent to Harrison Smith moving forward. However, this could also be seen as a reach.
Minnesota Vikings draft grade: C