2022 Live Draft Reaction Blog
1) Jacksonville Jaguars- Travon Walker DE Georgia
The NFL Draft kicks off with a bang! The Jacksonville Jaguars choose traits and upside rather than production. The talent is clearly there. Whether Jacksonville can develop Walker into an All-Pro caliber player remains to be seen.
-Matt Stephen
Next 5 Best Available:
Evan Neal 2.Kyle Hamilton 3.Aidan Hutchinson 4.Ikem Ekwonu 5.Kayvon Thibodeaux
2) Detroit Lions - Aidan Hutchinson DE Michigan
Well, this was a run to the podium pick! Detroit will keep the standout pass rusher Hutchinson in the state, adding him to an increasingly talented defense. Hutchinson was dominant against top-level Big Ten opponents and will be a great piece in Detroit.
-Jacob Keppen
Next 5 Best Available:
Evan Neal 2. Kyle Hamilton 3. Ikem Ekwonu 4. Kayvon Thibodeaux 5. Ahmad Gardner
3) Houston Texans- Derek Stingley, CB LSU
On a team that needs help everywhere, the Houston Texans elect to take a shot on LSU cornerback Derek Stingley. He’s battled some injuries in recent years, but when he’s healthy Stingley is the type of corner that can shut down a star receiver. There’s a good amount of risk here, but if Stingley can stay healthy he can be an all-pro level talent.
-Jacob Keppen
Next 5 Best Available:
Evan Neal 2. Kyle Hamilton 3. Ikem Ekwonu 4. Kayvon Thibodeaux 5. Ahmad Gardner
4) New York Jets- Ahmad Gardner CB Cincinnati
The New York Jets could have gone in a number of directions here with the 4th pick, but ultimately landed on ‘Sauce’ Gardner. Robert Saleh became accustomed to long, athletic cornerbacks during his time in San Francisco, and now wishes to bring that similar brand of defense to the Big Apple. The Jets were long rumored to be connected to ‘Sauce’ and it played out accordingly.
-Matt Stephen
Next 5 Best Available:
Evan Neal 2. Kyle Hamilton 3. Ikem Ekwonu 4. Kayvon Thibodeaux 5. Jermaine Johnson II
5) New York Giants- Kayvon Thibodeaux EDGE OREGON
The Giants ended up going for one of the top edges in this year's draft. They saw no offensive lineman taken before their pick at five so they figured they could still land a tackle they wanted at number seven. Thibodeaux will now pair up with Azeez Ojulari to give the Giants some real pass rushing potential for the first time since their Super Bowl era.
-Sam Kirk
Next 5 Best Available:
Evan Neal, 2. Kyle Hamilton, 3. Ikem Ekwonu, 4. Garrett Wilson, 5.Drake London
6) Carolina Panthers- Ikem Ekwonu OT NC State
For a team that struggled to protect the quarterback in the last few seasons, Carolina went the smart route by taking Ikem Ekwonu. While he is known for his run-blocking ability, his length and natural tools give him a high ceiling. If he can develop quickly, he can be an anchor on the Panthers line for a long time.
-Richie Dordas
Next 5 Best Available:
1. Evan Neal 2. Garrett Wilson 3. Kyle Hamilton 5. Charles Cross
7) New York Giants (from Chicago Bears)- Evan Neal OT BAMA
The Giants kept it simple and stayed at both of their spots. They got their right tackle in Neal to pair with Andrew Thomas which will give Daniel Jones a fighting chance to earn that second contract. Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll get off to a great start with some of their first decisions in charge of the rebuild of the New York Giants.
-Sam Kirk
Next 5 Best Available:
1. Kyle Hamilton, 2. Drake London, 3. Garrett Wilson, 4. Johnson III, 5. Charles Cross
8) Atlanta Falcons- Drake London WR, USC
Since the departure of Julio Jones, the Atlanta Falcons have not been able to find a constant primary target. With Calvin Ridley being suspended for the 2023 season due to gambling, the Falcons were in desperate need. A big body receiver like Drake London will give them a glimpse of the past with Julio Jones and will hopefully provide a second option to Marcus Mariota.
-LeMarkus Bailey.
Next 5 Best Available:
Kyle Hamilton, Garrett Wilson, Jermaine Johnson, Charles Cross
9) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos)- Charles Cross OT Mississippi State
With the first pick of the Post-Russell Wilson Era, the Seahawks look to rebuild their trenches by taking Charles Cross. While Cross is a work in progress, his natural traits give him a ton of room to improve to go along with his premier athleticism. Cross will look to help be a part of a serious change for the Seattle offensive line after multiple years of struggling.
-Richie Dordas
Next 5 Best Available:
1. Kyle Hamilton 2. Jermaine Johnson 3. Garrett Wilson 4. Trent McDuffie 5. Jameson Williams
10) New York Jets (from Seattle Seahawks)-Garrett Wilson WR Ohio State
The New York Jets have been connected to the WR position all off-season long. The Jets attempted to trade for Tyreek Hill, they were in the mix for Deebo Samuel, but ultimately, they went for a cheaper option in Garrett Wilson. For my money, Garrett Wilson is the most complete WR in the 2022 class and makes for an ideal complement to Zach Wilson in the Jets offense.
-Matt
Next 5 Best Available:
1. Kyle Hamilton 2. Jermaine Johnson II 3. Trent McDuffie 4. Jameson Williams 5. George Karlaftis
11) New Orleans Saints (Traded Pick to Wash Commanders)- Chris Olave, WR
The Saints have been looking to fill a void in the receiver spot. Their #1 receiver Michael Thomas has been a longstanding staple, but coming off of an injury, he is likely to need more help on the other side. The dynamic Chris Olave is a big time playmaker that can be a great compliment to Thomas. If he has a focused Jameis Winston, Olave’s contribution will be felt from day one.
-LeMarkus Bailey
Next 5 Best Available:
1. Kyle Hamilton 2. Jermaine Johnson II 3. Trent McDuffie 4. Jameson Williams 5. George Karlaftis
12) Detroit Lions - Jameson Williams, Alabama
(Pick via Minnesota Vikings)
Very interesting pick. Jameson Williams most likely would have been the first receiver off the board without the injury. His speed is a game changer, and you have to keep an eye on him at all times. He will work well next to Amon-Ra St. Brown but I still want to know what Detroit is doing about their quarterback.
-Jacob Keppen
Next 5 Best Available:
1. Kyle Hamilton 2. Jermaine Johnson II 3. Trent McDuffie 4. George Karlaftis 5. Jordan Davis
13) Philadelphia Eagles (from Houston Texans) - Jordan Davis DT Georgia
The Eagles move up to select the top defensive tackle in the 2022 NFL Draft in Jordan Davis. Davis is a mountain of a human being, but he can dominate upfront and open up your entire pressure scheme. One of the best natural athletes you will ever see–can’t wait to see his progression at the NFL level.
-Matt
Next 5 Best Available:
1. Kyle Hamilton 2. Jermaine Johnson II 3. Trent McDuffie 4. George Karlaftis 5. Andrew Booth Jr.
14) Baltimore Ravens- Kyle Hamilton S
With Kyle Hamilton falling and Deshon Elliot out of the fold and jimmy smith entering retirement the ravens were salivating as Kyle Hamilton fell on Thursday night. While Marcus Williams may be a new cornerstone in the Ravens backfield. With a secondary that can never seem to stay healthy over the last decade Hamilton is the leader, athlete, and most importantly size and closing remark that the ravens secondary desperately needed. In the most talented QB division in the NFL the ravens have a backup plan and it’s the new “flock of boom
-Sam Kirk
15) Houston Texans - Kenyon Green. IOL Texas A&M
(Pick via Philadelphia Eagles)
A guard! It’s a bit curious why they passed up on Jermaine Johnson, but I’m personally a massive fan of Green! He’s the best interior lineman in this draft and can be one of the best guards in football. He’s played nearly everywhere for the Aggies and dominated. He’s everything I want in a guard and will be a long time starter for the Texans.
-Jacob Keppen
Next 5 Best Available:
1. Jermaine Johnson II 2. Trent McDuffie 3. George Karlaftis 4. Andrew Booth Jr. 5. Devonte Wyatt
16) Washington Commanders, Jahan Dotson, WR
The Washington Commanders are relying on Carson Wentz to be the guy they saw early in his career. Terry Mclaurin is the perfect option as the number one and bringing in shifty Jahan Dotson out of Penn State is a great compliment. If the Commanders can continue to sure up their defense, the passing game led by Wentz may be what the franchise needs to resurge.
-LeMarkus Bailey
Next 5 Best Available:
1. Jermaine Johnson II 2. Trent McDuffie 3. George Karlaftis 4. Andrew Booth Jr. 5. Devonte Wyatt
17) Los Angeles Chargers- Zion Johnson OG BOSTON COLLEGE
The Chargers decided to go offensive line and protect Justin Herbert with one of the best guards in the draft. Johnson will immediately help the Chargers already high-powered offense. Los Angeles is loaded on the defensive side of the ball they now address their offense in hopes to protect Justin Herbert for years to come.
-Sam Kirk
Next 5 Best Available:
Jermaine Johnson III, Trent McDuffie, George Karlaftis, Andrew Booth Jr, Devonte Wyatt
18) Tennessee Titans (from New Orleans Saints)(to TEN)- Treylon Burks WR ARKANSAS
After giving up A.J. Brown for this pick the Titans decided to take another receiver as a slew of them were going off the board. Burks will provide Ryan Tannehill a much cheaper option at wideout then what Brown would have costed them. Burks will be a top priority day one in this Titans offense. Tennessee gets younger and maybe more versatile with this pick.
-Sam Kirk
Next 5 Best Available:
1. Jermaine Johnson III, 2. Trent McDuffie, 3. 4. Andrew Booth Jr, 5. Devonte Wyatt
19) New Orleans Saints (from Philadelphia Eagles)Trevor Penning, OT
Out of UNI, Trevor Penning has been a staple in the explosive FCS offense for years. His experience is plentiful and can surely provide another great piece to the already dominant Saints offensive line. Jameis Winston will have a large offensive line with a great deal of experience. With Andrus Pete, Cesar Ruiz and Erick McCoy, Penning will fit in nicely.
-LeMarkus Bailey
Next 5 Best Available:
1. Jermaine Johnson 2. Trent McDuffie 3. George Karlaftis 4. Andrew Booth Jr. 5. Devonte Wyatt
20) Pittsburgh Steelers- QB Kenny Pickett
With the hope of finding the successor of Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers use their first-round pick on Kenny Pickett. Pickett, who spent his college time at the University of Pittsburgh, was viewed by many as a top-two quarterback in the class along with QB Malik Willis. Pickett is known for his elite accuracy and elusiveness in the pocket. He will battle with QB Mitch Trubisky for the starting quarterback position.
-Richie Dordas
Next 5 Best Available:
1. Jermaine Johnson 2. Trent McDuffie 3. George Karlaftis 4. Andrew Booth Jr. 5. Devonte Wyatt
21) Kansas City Chiefs (from New England Patriots) -Trent McDuffie CB Wash
The Kansas City Chiefs traded up from pick 29 to pick 21 in order to jump Green Bay. We all presumed that this would be for a WR, but instead, they selected the top CB on the board in Trent McDuffie. McDuffie plays with remarkable instincts and will be an ideal fit in the Kansas City Chiefs defense.
-Matt Stephen
Next 5 Best Available:
1. Jermaine Johnson 2. George Karlaftis 3. Andrew Booth Jr. 4. Devonte Wyatt 5. Devin Lloyd
22) Green Bay Packers (from Las Vegas Raiders) Quay Walker, LB Georgia
With the top receivers off the board, the Green Bay Packers decided to bolster their linebacking core by taking linebacker Quay Walker. Walker, who played at Georgia in college, specializes as a run defender and a well-rounded tackler. He also thrives when covering tight ends. Basically, he is a well-round and fundamentally sound linebacker.
-Richie Dordas
Next 5 Best Available:
1. Jermaine Johnson 2. George Karlaftis 3. Andrew Booth Jr. 4. Devonte Wyatt 5. Devin Lloyd
23) Buffalo Bills-Kair Elam, CB
The Buffalo Bills have had one of the top secondaries in the NFL over the last few seasons. Addin Kair Elam to the outside will help solidify the already potent secondary. The offense led by Josh Allen has turned heads and shown that they are ready to continue their playoff run. As the Bills continue in the draft, possibly adding another dynamic offensive weapon will help Allen spread the ball around.
-Lemarkus Bailey
Next 5 Best Available:
1. Jermaine Johnson 2. George Karlaftis 3. Andrew Booth Jr. 4. Devonte Wyatt 5. Devin Lloyd
24) Dallas Cowboys-Tyler Smith OT, Tulsa
With the offensive line starting to thin out, the Cowboys decide to use their first-round pick on offensive tackle Tyler Smith. Smith is one of the biggest tackles in the draft and is an aggressive pass and run blocker. If he can clean up his penalties, the Cowboys should have a starting tackle to replace La’el Collins.
-Richie Dordas
Next 5 Best Available:
1. Jermaine Johnson 2. George Karlaftis 3. Andrew Booth Jr. 4. Devonte Wyatt 5. Devin Lloyd
25) Baltimore Ravens (From Arizona Cardinals)- Tyler Linderbaum C IOWA
The Ravens have had a major need at the center position since Marshal Yanda retired. Lamar Jackson deserves more protection from this Ravens front and Linderbaum will bring just that. Baltimore got two players who are the best at their position. They have really made there case as the team with the best draft so far through this first round.
-Sam Kirk
Next 5 Best Available:
1. Jermaine Johnson III, 2. George Karlaftis, 3. Andrew Booth Jr., 4. Devonte Wyatt, 5. Devin Lloyd
26) New York Jets (from Tennessee Titans)- Jermaine Johnson II DE Florida State
The New York Jets were connected to Jermaine Johnson II throughout the draft process. For whatever reason, Johnson, a projected top ten pick, slipped down to pick #26 and the Jets pounced. Moving up from the 2nd round back into the 1st round to grab their third player of the night, the New York Jets have added a lot of talent on night one of the 2022 NFL Draft.
-Matt Stephen
Next 5 Best Available:
1. George Karlaftis, 2. Andrew Booth Jr., 3. Devonte Wyatt, 4. Devin Lloyd, 5. David Ojabo
27) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Tampa Bay Buccaneers)- Devin Lloyd LB Utah
The Jacksonville Jaguars decided they weren’t done adding firepower to their revamped defense on night one. The Jaguars traded back into the 1st round to select the top LB in the 2022 NFL Draft. Devin Lloyd plays with phenomenal instincts and will add a leader on the defensive side of the ball in Duvall.
-Matt Stephen
Next 5 Best Available:
1. George Karlaftis, 2. Andrew Booth Jr., 3. Devonte Wyatt, 4. David Ojabo, 5. Daxton Hill
28) Green Bay Packers- Devonte Wyatt, DT Georgia
In a somewhat interesting choice, the Green Bay Packers stayed on the defensive side with their second first-round pick of the draft, taking Devonte Wyatt. Wyatt plays explosive and quick and is slippery in between the tackles. He is a bit undersized but knows how to use his body really well.
-Richie Dordas
Next 5 Best Available:
1. George Karlaftis, 2. Andrew Booth Jr., 3. David Ojabo, 4. Daxton Hill, 5. Malik Willis
29) New England Patriots (from Kansas City Chiefs)- Cole Strange IOL Chattanooga
The Patriots have a type. Cole Strange is going to fit right in with the Patriots system. If you recall, they dealt Shaq Mason earlier in the off-season so they had a need along the interior.
-Matt Stephen
Next 5 Best Available:
1. George Karlaftis, 2. Andrew Booth Jr., 3. David Ojabo, 4. Daxton Hill, 5. Malik Willis
30) Kansas City Chiefs- George Karlaftis, DE Purdue
The Chiefs continued to bolster their defense by taking their second defender of the first round in George Karlaftis. Karlaftis is as explosive as they come and has an impressive bull rush, making him effective on the interior. He also is solid as a run defender but specializes as a pass rusher.
-Richie Dordas
Next 5 Best Available:
1. Andrew Booth Jr., 2. David Ojabo, 3. Daxton Hill, 4. Malik Willis, 5. Nakobe Dean
31) Cincinnati Bengals- Daxton Hill, S
In a secondary that needed a corner, Daxton Hill has the ability to play both positions. The Bengals are coming off a super bowl disappointment and to ensure they have another chance to contend, they will need to sure up their secondary. With such a dynamic offense, the Defense has to simply hold their own and the Bengals high-power offense will get it done.
-LeMarkus Bailey
Next 5 Best Available:
1. Andrew Booth Jr., 2. David Ojabo, 3. Daxton Hill, 4. Malik Willis, 5. Nakobe Dean
32) Minnesota VIkings -Lewis Cine S Georgia
Cine closed out the first round after the Vikings traded back. Cine was the MVP of the National Championship game and is the fifth Georgia product taken in the first round. He will be a perfect long-term fit to play next to and learn from Harrison Smith. Cine will help a recently bad Vikings secondary in week one.
-Sam Kirk
Next 5 Best Available:
1. Andrew Booth Jr., 2. David Obajo, 3. Malik Willis, 4. Nakobe Dean, 5. Arnold Ebiketie