Football fans rejoice. NFL Draft Day is upon us.
Although the three-day affair will feature more than 240 players chosen across the 32-team league, all eyes will be on the draft’s first round where teams can change alter their futures instantly.
As hardcore football fans — and, in our minds, decent NFL bettors — we at The Game Day are tracking every Round 1 pick and will offer draft tips with our pick-by-pick reaction from the minute the first round opens Thursday at 8 p.m. ET in Las Vegas.
Here’s a look at what’s gone down so far.
NFL Draft Pick Tracker 2023
| Rd | Pk | Team | Player | POS | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | JAX | Travon Walker | EDGE | Georgia |
| 1 | 2 | DET | Aidan Hutchinson | EDGE | Michigan |
| 1 | 3 | HOU | Derek Stingley Jr. | CB | LSU |
| 1 | 4 | NYJ | Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner | CB | Cincinnati |
| 1 | 5 | NYG | Kayvon Thibodeaux | EDGE | Oregon |
| 1 | 6 | CAR | Ikem Ekwonu | OL | NC State |
| 1 | 7 | NYG (from CHI) | Evan Neal | OL | Alabama |
| 1 | 8 | ATL | Drake London | WR | USC |
| 1 | 9 | SEA (from DEN) | Charles Cross | OL | Mississippi State |
| 1 | 10 | NYJ (from SEA) | Garrett Wilson | WR | Ohio State |
| 1 | 11 | NO (from WAS) | Chris Olave | WR | Ohio State |
| 1 | 12 | DET (from MIN) | Jameson Williams | WR | Alabama |
| 1 | 13 | PHI (CLE>HOU) | Jordan Davis | DI | Georgia |
| 1 | 14 | BAL | Kyle Hamilton | S | Notre Dame |
| 1 | 15 | HOU (from MIA>PHI) | Kenyon Green | OL | Texas A&M |
| 1 | 16 | WAS (from IND>PHI>NO) | Jahan Dotson | WR | Penn State |
| 1 | 17 | LAC | Zion Johnson | OL | Boston College |
| 1 | 18 | TEN (from NO>PHI) | Treylon Burks | WR | Arkansas |
| 1 | 19 | NO (from PHI) | Trevor Penning | OL | Northern Iowa |
| 1 | 20 | PIT | Kenny Pickett | QB | Pittsburgh |
| 1 | 21 | KC (from NE) | Trent McDuffie | CB | Washington |
| 1 | 22 | GB (from LV) | Quay Walker | LB | Georgia |
| 1 | 23 | BUF (from ARI>BAL) | Kairr Elam | CB | Florida |
| 1 | 24 | DAL | Tyler Smith | OL | Tulsa |
| 1 | 25 | BAL (from BUF) | Tyler Linderbaum | OL | Iowa |
| 1 | 26 | NYJ (from TEN) | Jermaine Johnson II | EDGE | Florida State |
| 1 | 27 | JAX (from TB) | Devin Lloyd | LB | Utah |
| 1 | 28 | GB (from LV) | Devonte Wyatt | DI | Georgia |
| 1 | 29 | NE (from SF>MIA>KC) | Cole Strange | OL | UT-Chattanooga |
| 1 | 30 | KC | George Karlaftis | EDGE | Purdue |
| 1 | 31 | CIN | Daxton Hill | S | Michigan |
| 1 | 32 | MIN (from LAR>DET) | Lewis Cine | S | Georgia |
| 2 | 33 | TB (from JAX) | Logan Hall | DL | Houston |
| 2 | 34 | GB (from DET>MIN) | Christian Watson | WR | North Dakota State |
| 2 | 35 | TEN (from NYJ) | Roger McCreary | CB | Auburn |
| 2 | 36 | NYJ (from NYG) | Breece Hall | RB | Iowa State |
| 2 | 37 | HOU | Jalen Pitre | S | Baylor |
| 2 | 38 | ATL (from CAR>NYJ>NYG) | Arnold Ebiketie | EDGE | Penn State |
| 2 | 39 | CHI | Kyler Gordon | CB | Washington |
| 2 | 40 | SEA (from DEN) | Boye Mafe | EDGE | Minnesota |
| 2 | 41 | SEA | Kenneth Walker III | RB | Michigan State |
| 2 | 42 | MIN (from WAS>IND) | Andrew Booth | CB | Clemson |
| 2 | 43 | NYG (from ATL) | Wan'Dale Robinson | WR | Kentucky |
| 2 | 44 | HOU (from CLE) | John Metchie III | WR | Alabama |
| 2 | 45 | BAL | David Ojabo | LB | Michigan |
| 2 | 46 | DET (from MIN) | Joshua Paschal | DE | Kentucky |
| 2 | 47 | WAS (from IND) | Phidarian Mathis | DT | Alabama |
| 2 | 48 | CHI (from LAC) | Jaquan Brisker | S | Penn State |
| 2 | 49 | NO | Alontae Taylor | CB | Tennessee |
| 2 | 50 | NE (from MIA>KC) | Tyquan Thornton | WR | Baylor |
| 2 | 51 | PHI | Cam Jurgens | C | Nebraska |
| 2 | 52 | PIT | George Pickens | WR | Georgia |
| 2 | 53 | IND (from LV>GB>MIN) | Alec Pierce | WR | Cincinnati |
| 2 | 54 | KC (from NE) | Skyy Moore | WR | Western Michigan |
| 2 | 55 | ARI | Trey McBride | TE | Colorado State |
| 2 | 56 | DAL | Sam Williams | DL | Ole Miss |
| 2 | 57 | TB (from BUF) | Luke Goedeke | OL | Central Michigan |
| 2 | 58 | ATL (from TEN) | Troy Andersen | LB | Montana State |
| 2 | 59 | MIN (from GB) | Ed Ingram | G | LSU |
| 2 | 60 | CIN (from TB>BUF) | Cam Taylor-Britt | CB | Nebraska |
| 2 | 61 | SF | Drake Jackson | EDGE | USC |
| 2 | 62 | KC | Bryan Cook | S | Cincinnati |
| 2 | 63 | BUF (from CIN) | James Cook | RB | Georgia |
| 2 | 64 | DEN (from LAR) | Nik Bonitto | EDGE | Oklahoma |
| 3 | 65 | JAX | Luke Fortner | C | Kentucky |
| 3 | 66 | MIN (from DET) | Brian Asamoah | LB | Oklahoma |
| 3 | 67 | NYG | Joshua Ezeudu | G | UNC |
| 3 | 68 | CLE (from HOU) | Martin Emerson | CB | Mississippi State |
| 3 | 69 | TEN (from NYJ) | Nicholas Petit-Frere | OL | Ohio State |
| 3 | 70 | JAX (from CAR) | Chad Muma | LB | Wyoming |
| 3 | 71 | CHI | Velus Jones | WR | Tennessee |
| 3 | 72 | SEA | Abraham Lucas | OT | Washington State |
| 3 | 73 | IND (from WAS) | Jelani Woods | TE | Virginia |
| 3 | 74 | ATL | Desmond Ridder | QB | Cincinnati |
| 3 | 75 | HOU (from DEN) | Christian Harris | LB | Alabama |
| 3 | 76 | BAL | Travis Jones | DT | UConn |
| 3 | 77 | IND (from MIN) | Bernhard Raimann | OT | Central Michigan |
| 3 | 78 | CLE | Alex Wright | EDGE | UAB |
| 3 | 79 | LAC | JT Woods | S | Baylor |
| 3 | 80 | DEN (from NO>HOU) | Greg Dulcich | TE | UCLA |
| 3 | 81 | NYG (from MIA) | Cordale Flott | CB | LSU |
| 3 | 82 | ATL (from IND) | DeAngelo Malone | EDGE | Western Kentucky |
| 3 | 83 | PHI | Nakobe Dean | LB | Georgia |
| 3 | 84 | PIT | DeMarvin Leal | DT | Texas A&M |
| 3 | 85 | NE | Marcus Jones | CB | Houston |
| 3 | 86 | TEN (from LV) | Malik Willis | QB | Liberty |
| 3 | 87 | ARI | Cameron Thomas | DE | San Diego State |
| 3 | 88 | DAL | Jalen Tolbert | WR | South Alabama |
| 3 | 89 | BUF | Terrel Bernard | LB | Baylor |
| 3 | 90 | LV (from TEN) | Dylan Parham | G | Memphis |
| 3 | 91 | TB | Rachaad White | RB | Arizona State |
| 3 | 92 | GB | Sean Rhyan | OT | UCLA |
| 3 | 93 | SF | Tyrion Davis-Price | RB | LSU |
| 3 | 94 | CAR (from KC>NE) | Matt Corral | QB | Ole Miss |
| 3 | 95 | CIN | Zachary Carter | DT | Florida |
| 3 | 96 | IND (from LAR>DEN) | Nick Cross | S | Maryland |
| 3 | 97 | DET (COMP) | Kerby Joseph | S | Illinois |
| 3 | 98 | WAS (COMP from NO) | Brian Robinson Jr. | RB | Alabama |
| 3 | 99 | CLE (SPCL COMP) | David Bell | WR | Purdue |
| 3 | 100 | ARI (SPCL COMP from BAL) | Myjai Sanders | EDGE | Cincinnati |
| 3 | 101 | NYJ (SPCL COMP from NO>PHI>TEN) | Jeremy Ruckert | TE | Ohio State |
| 3 | 102 | MIA (SPCL COMP from SF) | Channing Tindall | LB | Georgia |
| 3 | 103 | KC (SPCL COMP) | Leo Chenal | LB | Wisconsin |
| 3 | 104 | LAR (SPCL COMP) | Logan Bruss | OL | Wisconsin |
| 3 | 105 | SF (SPCL COMP) | Danny Gray | WR | SMU |
| 4 | 106 | TB (from JAX) | Cade Otton | TE | Washington |
| 4 | 107 | HOU (from SEA>CLE) | Dameon Pierce | RB | Florida |
| 4 | 108 | CLE (from HOU) | Perrion Winfrey | DT | Oklahoma |
| 4 | 109 | SEA (from NYJ) | Coby Bryant | CB | Cincinnati |
| 4 | 110 | BAL (from NYG) | Daniel Faalele | OT | Minnesota |
| 4 | 111 | NYJ (from CAR) | Max Mitchell | OT | Louisiana |
| 4 | 112 | NYG (from CHI) | Daniel Bellinger | TE | San Diego State |
| 4 | 113 | WAS | Percy Butler | S | Louisiana |
| 4 | 114 | NYG (from ATL) | Dane Belton | S | Iowa |
| 4 | 115 | DEN | Damarri Morris | CB | Pittsburgh |
| 4 | 116 | DEN (from SEA) | Eyioma Uwazurike | DT | Iowa State |
| 4 | 117 | NYJ (from MIN) | Michael Clemons | DE | Texas A&M |
| 4 | 118 | MIN (from CLE) | Akayleb Evans | CB | Missouri |
| 4 | 119 | BAL | Jalyn Armour-Davis | CB | Alabama |
| 4 | 120 | CAR (from NO>WAS) | Brandon Smith | LB | Penn State |
| 4 | 121 | NE (from MIA>KC) | Jack Jones | CB | Arizona State |
| 4 | 122 | LV (from IND>MIN) | Zamir White | RB | Georgia |
| 4 | 123 | LAC | Isaiah Spiller | RB | Texas A&M |
| 4 | 124 | CLE (from PHI>HOU) | Cade York | K | LSU |
| 4 | 125 | MIA (from PIT) | Erik Ezukanma | WR | Texas Tech |
| 4 | 126 | LV (from LV>MIN) | Neil Farrell | DT | LSU |
| 4 | 127 | NE | Pierre Strong | RB | South Dakota State |
| 4 | 128 | BAL (from ARI) | Charlie Kolar | TE | Iowa State |
| 4 | 129 | DAL | Jake Ferguson | TE | Wisconsin |
| 4 | 130 | BAL (from BUF) | Jordan Stout | P | Penn State |
| 4 | 131 | TEN | Hassan Haskins | RB | Michigan |
| 4 | 132 | GB | Romeo Doubs | WR | Nevada |
| 4 | 133 | TB | Jake Camarda | P | Georgia |
| 4 | 134 | SF | Spencer Burford | G | Texas-San Antonio |
| 4 | 135 | KC | Joshua Williams | CB | Fayetteville State |
| 4 | 136 | CIN | Cordell Volson | G | North Dakota State |
| 4 | 137 | NE (from LAR>HOU>ARI) | Bailey Zappe | QB | Western Kentucky |
| 4 | 138 | PIT (COMP) | Calvin Austin III | WR | Memphis |
| 4 | 139 | BAL (COMP) | Isaiah Likely | TE | Coastal Carolina |
| 4 | 140 | GB (COMP) | Zach Tom | OL | Wake Forest |
| 4 | 141 | BAL (COMP) | Damarion Williams | CB | Houston |
| 4 | 142 | LAR (COMP) | Decobie Durant | CB | South Carolina State |
| 4 | 143 | TEN (COMP) | Chigoziem Okonkwo | TE | Maryland |
| 5 | 144 | WAS (from JAX>CAR) | Sam Howell | QB | North Carolina |
| 5 | 145 | KC (from DET>DEN>SEA) | Darian Kinnard | G | Kentucky |
| 5 | 146 | NYG (from NYJ) | Micah McFadden | LB | Indiana |
| 5 | 147 | NYG | DJ Davidson | DT | Arizona State |
| 5 | 148 | BUF (from HOU>CHI) | Khalil Shakir | WR | Boise State |
| 5 | 149 | WAS (from CAR) | Cole Turner | TE | Nevada |
| 5 | 150 | HOU (from CHI) | Thomas Booker | DT | Stanford |
| 5 | 151 | ATL | Tyler Allgeier | RB | BYU |
| 5 | 152 | DEN | Delarrin Turner-Yell | S | Oklahoma |
| 5 | 153 | SEA | Tariq Woolen | CB | Texas-San Antonio |
| 5 | 154 | JAX (from WAS>PHI) | Snoop Conner | RB | Ole Miss |
| 5 | 155 | DAL (from CLE) | Matt Waletzko | OT | North Dakota |
| 5 | 156 | CLE (from BAL>MIN) | Jerome Ford | RB | Cincinnati |
| 5 | 157 | TB (from MIN>JAX) | Zyon McCollum | CB | Sam Houston State |
| 5 | 158 | SEA (from MIA>NE>KC) | Tyreke Smith | EDGE | Ohio State |
| 5 | 159 | IND | Eric Johnson | DT | Missouri State |
| 5 | 160 | LAC | Otito Ogbonnia | DT | UCLA |
| 5 | 161 | NO | D'Marco Jackson | LB | Appalachian State |
| 5 | 162 | DEN (from PHI>HOU) | Montrell Washington | WR | Samford |
| 5 | 163 | TEN (from PIT>NYJ) | Kyle Philips | WR | UCLA |
| 5 | 164 | LAR (from NE>LV) | Kyren Williams | RB | Notre Dame |
| 5 | 165 | MIN (from LV) | Esezi Otomewo | DE | Minnesota |
| 5 | 166 | CIN (from ARI>PHI>HOU>CHI) | Tycen Anderson | S | Toledo |
| 5 | 167 | DAL | DaRon Bland | CB | Fresno State |
| 5 | 168 | CHI (from BUF) | Braxton Jones | OT | Southern Utah State |
| 5 | 169 | MIN (from TEN>LV) | Ty Chandler | RB | North Carolina |
| 5 | 170 | HOU (from TB>NE) | Teagan Quitoriano | TE | Oregon State |
| 5 | 171 | DEN (from GB) | Luke Wattenberg | C | Washington |
| 5 | 172 | SF | Samuel Womack | CB | Toledo |
| 5 | 173 | NYG (from KC>BAL) | Marcus MeKethan | G | North Carolina |
| 5 | 174 | CHI (from CIN) | Dominique Robinson | EDGE | Miami (Ohio) |
| 5 | 175 | LV (from LAR) | Matthew Butler | DT | Tennessee |
| 5 | 176 | DAL (COMP) | Damone Clark | LB | LSU |
| 5 | 177 | DET (COMP) | James Mitchell | TE | Virginia Tech |
| 5 | 178 | DAL (COMP) | John Ridgeway | DT | Arkansas |
| 5 | 179 | GB (COMP from IND>DEN) | Kingsley Enagbare | LB | South Carolina |
| 6 | 180 | BUF (from JAX>TB) | Matt Araiza | P | San Diego State |
| 6 | 181 | PHI (from DET) | Kyron Johnson | LB | Kansas |
| 6 | 182 | NYG | Darrian Beavers | LB | Cincinnati |
| 6 | 183 | NE (from HOU) | Kevin Harris | RB | South Carolina |
| 6 | 184 | MIN (from NYJ) | Vederian Lowe | OT | Illinois |
| 6 | 185 | BUF (from CAR) | Christian Benford | CB | Villanova |
| 6 | 186 | CHI | Zach Thomas | G | San Diego State |
| 6 | 187 | SF (from DEN) | Nick Zakelj | OT | Fordham |
| 6 | 188 | DET (from SEA>JAX>PHI) | Malcolm Rodriguez | LB | Oklahoma State |
| 6 | 189 | CAR (from WAS) | Amare Barno | EDGE | Virginia Tech |
| 6 | 190 | ATL | Justin Shaffer | G | Georgia |
| 6 | 191 | MIN (from BAL>KC) | Jalen Nailor | WR | Michigan State |
| 6 | 192 | IND (from MIN) | Andrew Ogletree | TE | Youngstown State |
| 6 | 193 | DAL (from CLE) | Devin Harper | LB | Oklahoma State |
| 6 | 194 | NO (from IND>PHI) | Jordan Jackson | DT | Air Force |
| 6 | 195 | LAC | Jamaree Salyer | OL | Georgia |
| 6 | 196 | BAL (from MIA) | Tyler Badie | RB | Missouri |
| 6 | 197 | JAX (from PHI) | Gregory Junior | CB | Ouachita Baptist University |
| 6 | 198 | PHI (from PIT>JAX) | Grant Calcaterra | TE | SMU |
| 6 | 199 | CAR (from LV) | Cade Mays | G | Tennessee |
| 6 | 200 | NE | Sam Roberts | DT | NW Missouri State University |
| 6 | 201 | ARI | Keaontay Ingram | RB | USC |
| 6 | 202 | CLE (from DAL) | Mike Woods | WR | Oklahoma |
| 6 | 203 | CHI (from BUF) | Trestan Ebner | RB | Baylor |
| 6 | 204 | TEN | Theo Jackson | CB | Tennessee |
| 6 | 205 | HOU (from GB) | Austin Deculus | OL | LSU |
| 6 | 206 | DEN (from TB>NYJ>PHI) | Matt Henningsen | DT | Wisconsin |
| 6 | 207 | CHI (from SF>NYJ>HOU) | Doug Kramer | C | Illinois |
| 6 | 208 | PIT (from KC) | Connor Heyward | TE | Michigan State |
| 6 | 209 | BUF (from CIN) | Luke Tenuta | OT | Virginia Tech |
| 6 | 210 | NE (from LAR) | Chasen Hines | C | LSU |
| 6 | 211 | LAR (COMP) | Quentin Lake | S | UCLA |
| 6 | 212 | LAR (COMP) | Derion Kendrick | CB | Georgia |
| 6 | 213 | ATL (COMP) | John FitzPatrick | TE | Georgia |
| 6 | 214 | LAC (COMP) | Ja'Sir Taylor | DB | Wake Forest |
| 6 | 215 | ARI (COMP) | Lecitus Smith | G | Virginia Tech |
| 6 | 216 | IND (COMP) | Curtis Brooks | DT | Cincinnati |
| 6 | 217 | DET (COMP) | James Houston | EDGE | Jackson State University |
| 6 | 218 | TB (COMP from LAR) | Ko Kieft | TE | Minnesota |
| 6 | 219 | TEN (COMP) | Chance Campbell | LB | Ole Miss |
| 6 | 220 | SF (COMP) | Kalia Davis | DT | UCF |
| 6 | 221 | SF (COMP) | Tariq Castro-Fields | CB | Penn State |
| 7 | 222 | JAX | Montaric Brown | CB | Arkansas |
| 7 | 223 | CLE (from DET) | Isaiah Thomas | EDGE | Oklahoma |
| 7 | 224 | MIA (from HOU>NE>BAL) | Cameron Goode | OLB | California |
| 7 | 225 | PIT (from NYJ) | Mark Robinson | LB | Ole Miss |
| 7 | 226 | CHI (from NYG>CIN) | Ja'Tyre Carter | G | Southern |
| 7 | 227 | MIN (from CAR>LV) | Nick Muse | TE | South Carolina |
| 7 | 228 | GB (from CHI>HOU) | Tariq Carpenter | S | Georgia Tech |
| 7 | 229 | SEA | Bo Melton | WR | Rutgers |
| 7 | 230 | WAS | Chris Paul | G | Tulsa |
| 7 | 231 | BUF (from ATL) | Baylon Spector | LB | Clemson |
| 7 | 232 | DEN | Faion Hicks | CB | Wisconsin |
| 7 | 233 | SEA (from MIN>KC) | Dareke Young | WR | Lenoir Rhyne |
| 7 | 234 | GB (from CLE>DET>DEN) | Jonathan Ford | DT | Miami |
| 7 | 235 | LAR (from BAL>JAX>TB) | Daniel Hardy | DE | Montana State |
| 7 | 236 | LAC | Deane Leonard | DB | Ole Miss |
| 7 | 237 | DET (from NO>PHI) | Chase Lucas | CB | Arizona State |
| 7 | 238 | LV (from MIA>LAR) | Thayer Munford Jr. | OT | Ohio State |
| 7 | 239 | IND | Rodney Thomas | DB | Yale |
| 7 | 240 | WAS (from PHI>IND) | Christian Holmes | CB | Oklahoma State |
| 7 | 241 | PIT | Chris Oladokun | QB | South Dakota State |
| 7 | 242 | CAR (from NE>MIA) | Kalon Barnes | CB | Baylor |
| 7 | 243 | KC (from LV>NE) | Jaylen Watson | CB | Washington State |
| 7 | 244 | ARI | Christian Matthew | DB | Valdosta State |
| 7 | 245 | NE (from DAL>HOU) | Andrew Stueber | OT | Michigan |
| 7 | 246 | CLE (from BUF) | Dawson Deaton | C | Texas Tech |
| 7 | 247 | MIA (from TEN) | Skylar Thompson | QB | Kansas State |
| 7 | 248 | TB | Andre Anthony | LB | LSU |
| 7 | 249 | GB | Rasheed Walker | OT | Penn State |
| 7 | 250 | LV (from SF>DEN>MIN) | Brittain Brown | RB | UCLA |
| 7 | 251 | KC | Isiah Pacheco | RB | Rutgers |
| 7 | 252 | CIN | Jeffrey Gunter | EDGE | Coastal Carolina |
| 7 | 253 | LAR | Russ Yeast | S | Kansas State |
| 7 | 254 | CHI (COMP from LAC) | Elijah Hicks | DB | California |
| 7 | 255 | CHI (COMP from LAC) | Trenton Gill | P | NC State |
| 7 | 256 | ARI (COMP) | Jesse Luketa | LB | Penn State |
| 7 | 257 | ARI (COMP) | Marquis Hayes | G | Oklahoma |
| 7 | 258 | GB (COMP) | Samori Toure | WR | Nebraska |
| 7 | 259 | KC (COMP) | Nazeeh Johnson | CB | Marshall |
| 7 | 260 | LAC (COMP) | Zander Horvath | FB | Purdue |
| 7 | 261 | LAR (COMP from TB) | A.J. Arcuri | OT | Michigan State |
| 7 | 262 | SF (COMP) | Brock Purdy | QB | Iowa State |
Round 1 NFL Draft Picks
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
The Jags selected Georgia pass-rusher Travon Walker first overall, following through on pre-draft buzz despite the fact that Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson was more highly regarded in draft circles. General manager Trent Baalke prefers long and athletic edge rushers, so Walker is a perfect fit to play alongside fellow defensive end Josh Allen.
With an improved defense and strong supporting cast, Walker should have opportunities to rack up sacks in this Jaguars’ unit. As the first overall pick, he’ll be given every chance to run away with the job. Keep an eye out for AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year futures bets when they become available, as Walker is a prime candidate. —FRANK AMMIRANTE
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2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
The Lions didn’t waste much time in submitting their card to select Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 2 overall pick. It always seemed likely that the talent-starved Lions and the Plymouth, MI native were a match made in heaven.
First is the worst, second is the best 🤌
Aidan Hutchinson is a Lion and @joelvmoran LOVES the pick 😍@pickasidepod | @joelvmoran | NFLDraft2022 pic.twitter.com/rmeW1IPZoJ
— The Game Day NFL (@TheGameDayNFL) April 29, 2022
Hutchinson racked up 14 sacks and was a Heisman Trophy finalist last season with the Wolverines and should be a game-changer at the next level. Detroit gets a guy with a high character and a high motor to anchor their defensive line for years to come. — JOHN ARLIA
3. Houston Texans: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
The Texans took LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. with the third overall pick after a pair of defensive ends went with the top two picks, which was something of a surprise given that Ahmad Gardner was favored to be the first CB off the board.
Stingley helped lead LSU to the National Championship as a true freshman in 2019. Injuries and the pandemic have limited him to just 10 games since then, however, causing his performance to suffer, and creating some questions about whether he’ll be able to stay healthy at the NFL level.
Assuming he recovers from his injuries and returns to form, Stingley should provide a boost for a Houston defense that ranked near the bottom of the league in most defensive categories last year. While there’s certainly a bit of risk in this pick, the upside is there if Stingley plays up to the potential he flashed as a promising freshman. — TYLER MAHER
4. New York Jets: Ahmad “Sauce" Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
The draft gods have answered Jets fans’ prayers as Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner fell to the New York Jets at No. 4. Even with Derek Stingley Jr. being taken at No. 3, Gardner is the best cornerback in this draft. The Jets need help in their secondary, and Sauce is the answer.
Sauce has length, size, and speed to cover opposing teams’ top wide receivers. He will do extremely well playing for Robert Saleh. Keep an eye out for Defensive Rookie of the Year odds when they come out, as Sauce should be a favorite to win the award. - GIO ANNATELLI
5. New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
The Giants ended Kayvon Thibodeaux’s freefall by selecting the Oregon edge rusher at 5. Once projected as the first overall pick, Thibodeaux is an explosive rusher who dominated at an early age in college. You could make a legitimate argument that he’s the most talented defensive end in this draft.
The Giants badly needed an infusion of talent on their pass rush and they got that in spades with Thibodeaux. He’ll fit in like a glove in new defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s blitz-heavy defense. Thibodeaux will have a chance to win NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year as the main pass-rusher in an improved defense. — FRANK AMMIRANTE
6. Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State
The Panthers could have gone quarterback here, but it would have been a mistake. There is not a quarterback worth taking this high and the Panthers knew it.
They went with the best offensive tackle in this draft class. Ekwonu is a high-floor player with low bust potential on a team that he can’t afford to miss.
Ekwonu will protect Carolina’s QB1 beginning in the season opener, whomever that may be. As of now, it is Sam Darnold. Outside of quarterback, a bookend left tackle was the Panthers’ greatest need. — ANTHONY CERVINO
7. New York Giants (from Bears): Evan Neal, OL, Alabama
The Giants upgraded their offensive line by snagging Alabama tackle Evan Neal, who fell a bit on draft boards after initial speculation that he might go in the top five.
After helping lead the Crimson Tide to the National Championship Game earlier this year, Neal proved to be one of the top linemen in the country. At 6-foot-7 and 337 pounds, Neal can use his size to open holes for running backs and ward off incoming pass rushers.
Neal is a good fit for the Giants, who often struggled to protect Daniel Jones in the pocket last year and ranked 24th overall in rushing yards. With Neal anchoring New York’s O-line, he can help the Giants’ offense have more success in 2022 and beyond. — TYLER MAHER
8. Atlanta Falcons: Drake London, WR, USC
The Atlanta Falcons seem willing to at least have Marcus Mariota lead the QB1 discussion; they’ve taken Drake London with the No. 8 pick. The Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year will make an instant impact with the Falcons, given the year-long suspension of Calvin Ridley.
- Find more information on Drake London’s fantasy football 2022 draft value.
London is a big target for Mariota, coming in at 6-foot-4 and 219 pounds, and his large wingspan will make him a great red-zone target. London finished his senior season with 88 catches for 1,084 yards and 7 touchdowns, being the one bright spot for the USC Trojans. Defensive backs will have their hands full having to cover London and hybrid TE Kyle Pitts. — GIO ANNATELLI
If there’s anyone that can attest to the Falcons’ newest WR, it’s @JennaBandy21 🙌
Did ATL get the pick right? 🧐 pic.twitter.com/wnjIpg84hw
— The Game Day NFL (@TheGameDayNFL) April 29, 2022
9. Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos): Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
The Seahawks may need to replace left tackle Duane Brown and right tackle Brandon Shell, both of whom are free agents. So instead of trading down, as Pete Carroll and John Schneider have often done in the past, they addressed a glaring need on their offensive line by taking Charles Cross out of Mississippi State.
Cross is widely regarded as the best pure pass blocker in the 2022 NFL Draft class. He does need some work in terms of his run blocking, but Seattle’s staff always believes in “coaching up” promising players in perceived weaker areas. Cross will have to get acclimated quickly in that regard for an offense that may feature RB Rashaad Penny often in 2022.
Protecting the quarterback has long been an area of concern for the Seahawks, and Cross can be a good successor to Brown as a rock-solid left tackle. With Seattle moving on from Russell Wilson, pass protection will be especially critical for helping the Seahawks’ offense sustain drives in 2022 and beyond. —SCOTT ENGEL
10. New York Jets (from Seahawks): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
After selecting cornerback Sauce Gardner with the No. 4 overall pick, the New York Jets helped out their offense by drafting Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson just six picks later.
- Read an extended analysis on Garrett Wilson’s fantasy draft value.
Wilson can jump out of the gym and has great body control in the air, which made him a contested-catch specialist at OSU. He’ll be a big help to second-year quarterback Zach Wilson and bring a different dynamic to the Jets offense than Corey Davis and Elijah Moore. — JOHN ARLIA
Jets fans really can’t get anything they want huh 🤣
“He’s alright.”
Did the Jets get the pick right taking Garrett Wilson? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/KpZQHclg84
— The Game Day NFL (@TheGameDayNFL) April 29, 2022
11. New Orleans Saints (from Commanders): Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The New Orleans Saints made the first trade of the 2022 NFL draft to move up to select Chris Olave out of Ohio State. Olave is a smooth route runner who can create plenty of separation, and with Michael Thomas returning next season, the Saints have a solid wide receiver duo for QB Jameis Winston to target.
A ton of mock drafts had Olave penciled in as the 16th overall pick to the Saints, but New Orleans didn’t want to miss out on the former Buckeye after Drake London and Garrett Wilson were selected. While Thomas can operate as an intermediate threat for the Saints, Olave should open up more down the field. —SKYLER CARLIN
Yesterday, Chris Olave told us Michael Thomas was a top 5 WR. Today, we asked him to rank the two as a duo 👀
“Man, it’s a dream come true.”
SO, where do they rank amongst the WR duos in the league? ⚜️#WhoDat | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/2lusHMDdDf
— The Game Day NFL (@TheGameDayNFL) April 29, 2022
12. Detroit Lions (from Vikings): Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Armed with a load of draft capital, the Detroit Lions moved back into the top half of the first round to select Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams.
Viewed by many as the most talented wideout in this year’s class, Williams slipped down the board a bit as a result of the torn ACL he suffered in the National Championship Game.
- See more tips about Jameson Williams’ fantasy football draft value.
This move makes some sense given the recent run of wide receivers. However, Detroit gave up some significant picks to swap places with Minnesota.
Drafting a quarterback to replace Jared Goff may have been a smarter alternative, but this will give him another option in the passing game alongside D.J. Chark and last year’s standout Amon-Ra St. Brown. — JOHN ARLIA
13. Philadelphia Eagles (from Browns>Texans): Jordan Davis, DI, Georgia
Jordan Davis joins fellow Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker in the first round as the Philadelphia Eagles selected Davis with the No. 13 pick. The Eagles traded up for Davis, and it was the right call.
A monster in the middle, Davis is the best run stopper in the draft. A First-Team All-American at Georgia, Davis took home the Bednarik and Outland Awards this past year.
He’s a big body that can clog up holes in the middle, forcing teams to run to the outside. Davis will soon become a leader on the Eagles defense, just as he was with Georgia. — GIO ANNATELLI
When we spoke to @jordanxdavis99 yesterday, he talked about the Bills having the best fans in the world 🤐
Tonight, we asked him if he wanted to change that answer 😬👇 pic.twitter.com/3oWsfANcT0
— The Game Day NFL (@TheGameDayNFL) April 29, 2022
14. Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
After allowing the most passing yards in the NFL last year, the Ravens bolstered their secondary by taking Hamilton out of Notre Dame at No. 14.
Hamilton brings amazing size for Baltimore, coming in at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds. I don’t want to say he’s Ed Reed 2.0, but he has that kind of potential.
A speedy ball hawk who flies all over the field, Hamilton brings big hits and should complement Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey nicely.
With an All-American like Hamilton on board, the Ravens defense could make a return to elite form in 2022. — GIO ANNATELLI
15. Houston Texans (from Dolphins>Eagles): Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
The Houston Texans entered the 2022 NFL draft with a glaring need on the offensive line and while they didn’t take one of the top tackle prospects, they added Kenyon Green with the 15th overall pick. Green gives the Texans an instant starter in the interior as Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard are the team’s offensive tackles.
The Texans want to give Davis Mills an opportunity to prove he’s the long-term solution at quarterback, so keeping him upright is a priority. After bolstering their secondary with the third overall pick in Derek Stingley Jr., Houston is giving their offensive line a solid boost with Green. — SKYLER CARLIN
16. Washington Commanders (from Colts>Eagles>Saints): Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
The Commanders traded down from 11 to 16 to select wideout Jahan Dotson, addressing a pressing need to ease the load off star Terry McLaurin. Dotson has 4.43 speed and can work at each level of the field. He also has the ability to make plays after the catch.
Washington improved at quarterback with the addition of Carson Wentz and the wide receiver room is thin outside of McLaurin.
- Read more about Jahan Dotson’s fantasy football value.
Dotson can make an immediate impact on this team, but it’s tough to see him do enough to contend for NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year. Check in to see his season-long yardage prop because he can definitely eclipse that total. — FRANK AMMIRANTE
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College
We all know that the Los Angeles Chargers have their long-term franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert. Making sure Herbert’s jersey is clean every week is crucial for the Chargers and they made sure to address the offensive line by selecting Zion Johnson with the 17th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft.
Johnson was best in pass protection at Boston College, which certainly fits Los Angeles’ aerial attack. Many considered Johnson to arguably be the best interior offensive lineman available, so to get him at pick No. 17 represents solid value for the Chargers. — SKYLER CARLIN
18. Tennessee Titans (from Saints>Eagles): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
The Tennessee Titans made a splash on draft night, trading away A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles to get the No. 18 pick. And with that pick, the Titans selected Treylon Burks. Out with the old and in with the new.
- See Treylon Burks’ fantasy football value for 2022.
Burks is an extremely versatile player, doing it all for Arkansas, similar to Deebo Samuel’s role with San Francisco last season. He has the size and speed to outmatch and outrun defensive backs.
Over the last two years for the Razorbacks, Burks had 117 catches for 1,924 yards and 18 touchdowns. With Brown no longer in town, Burks will make an immediate impact for Tennessee. — GIO ANNATELLI
19. New Orleans Saints (from Eagles): Trevor Penning, OL, Northern Iowa
Terron Armstead signed with the Miami Dolphins in free agency this offseason, leaving the Saints looking for a starting left tackle. To replace Armstead, the Saints elected to take Trevor Penning out of Northern Iowa.
Lining up to protect the blindside of Jameis Winston next season, Penning is an experienced tackle who played five seasons in college and spent most of his time aligning at left tackle.
Some people believe Penning would be an ideal fit at right tackle, but Penning has the range and length that gives him plenty of potential on the left side of the offensive front. The Saints are building a solid foundation on offense with their first two picks of the draft in Chris Olave and Penning. — SKYLER CARLIN
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
The obviously great storyline of the Pittsburgh Panther becoming a Pittsburgh Steeler starts the clock ticking immediately on a QB controversy. There will be immense pressure for Pickett to start from the fan base as soon as Mitchell Trubisky throws an interception in training camp.
Pickett became the first QB taken in what is regarded as an unimpressive 2022 class. While there may be no projected superstars among this season’s newcomers, Pickett can indeed be a quality NFL starter, and that is all the Steelers need to begin the post-Ben Roethlisberger era.
- Read more about Kenny Pickett’s fantasy football value.
Pickett has been compared to Matt Hasselbeck and Andy Dalton in his better seasons. He is more of a runner than both of those players, and he should eventually become a steady performer. The Steelers have a quality group of playmakers around him, and Pickett can prove to be a solid starter over time. — SCOTT ENGEL
Steelers fans are DIFFERENT ⚠️
Not only do they LOVE the Kenny Pickett pick here in Vegas, but they LOVE being obnoxious for no reason 🤣#SteelersNation | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/Hnv663zeMQ
— The Game Day NFL (@TheGameDayNFL) April 29, 2022
21. Kansas City Chiefs (from Patriots): Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
The Chiefs traded up to take McDuffie with the 21st overall pick, previously held by the New England Patriots. By trading up for McDuffie, the Chiefs went the responsible route with their selection, addressing a glaring need in their defensive backfield rather than going with a luxury pick on the offensive side of the football.
McDuffie is a polished, do-it-all cover corner who can take away the opposing team’s best-receiving weapon if he is the real deal. With the Broncos and Raiders making vast offensive upgrades, Kansas City zigged while their division foes zagged. This was a quality pick for the Chiefs that could pay dividends when it matters most. — ANTHONY CERVINO
22. Green Bay Packers (from Raiders): Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
Just like we all saw it, the Packers went with Walker. I am kidding here, but I love the pick. Sure, the Packers need wide receiver help, but the top six wideouts on most draft boards were already taken. The Packers went with one of the top linebackers in the draft rather than force a pick at a place of need.
There should be plenty of value at wide receiver left in the second round. They could take a stab at George Pickens, who has all of the ceiling in the world but comes with some maturity concerns.
Walker is an explosive playmaker who has a nose for the football. He’s also physical and instinctual. Walker has the skillset you need to be an elite linebacker at the pro level. Walker will make an impact out the gate for a sometimes erratic Packers defense that just lost Za’Darius Smith in free agency. — ANTHONY CERVINO
23. Buffalo Bills (from Cardinals>Ravens): Kairr Elam, CB, Florida
The cornerback position was among the only needs that the Buffalo Bills possessed to start the 2022 NFL Draft, and they have selected Kairr Elam with the No. 23 pick. Elam joins Tre’Davious White, Jordan Poyer, and Micah Hyde to create a dynamic secondary in Buffalo. — SKYLER CARLIN
24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Smith, OL, Tulsa
There was first-round hype surrounding Tyler Smith ahead of the 2022 NFL draft, and the Dallas Cowboys were the team to take him with the No. 24 pick.
Smith gives the Cowboys a versatile offensive linemen that could need time to develop into a starter. At the next level, Smith figures to spend the majority of his time at guard. — SKYLER CARLIN
25. Baltimore Ravens (from Bills): Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
The Baltimore Ravens took the best center in the draft in Tyler Linderbaum, solidifying the interior of their offensive line with the 25th overall pick.
Linderbaum has a wrestling background that helps with his overall strength. He can be a great pass protector for Lamar Jackson for the next five to seven years. — FRANK AMMIRANTE
26. New York Jets (from Titans): Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
The New York Jets traded up for their third selection in the first round to steal Jermaine Johnson II, a talented edge rusher they heavily considered at their 10th overall pick.
Johnson has 4.58 speed with a high motor and the ability to shed blocks. He’s got good agility with the ability to change direction, causing fits to opposing offensive linemen. — FRANK AMMIRANTE
27. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Buccaneers): Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Devin Lloyd could prove to be a very exciting and impactful pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He has been compared to Darius Leonard, which says a lot about his upside. Lloyd is a versatile playmaker with great tackling range, and he also is very good in coverage. The Jaguars will not regret trading up for him. — SCOTT ENGEL
28. Green Bay Packers (from Raiders): Devonte Wyatt, DI, Georgia
The Green Bay Packers continued to baffle observers when they passed on a wide receiver with the second of their two first-round selections. Devonte Wyatt will prove to be a stout run defender and become another fine piece to a good defense that is getting even better. Green Bay obviously went with the best player on their board over need here. — SCOTT ENGEL
3 certainties in life: Death, Taxes, and the Packers not drafting WRs in the 1st RD 🤦♂️
How you feeling after Round 1 Packers fans? #NFLDraft #NFLDraft2022 #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/FkHIwBHEZu
— The Game Day NFL (@TheGameDayNFL) April 29, 2022
29. New England Patriots (from 49ers>Dolphins>Chiefs): Cole Strange, OL, UT-Chattanooga
After trading down (in classic Bill Belichick fashion) from No. 21 to No. 29, the Patriots nabbed Strange with their lone first-round draft pick.
At 6-foot-6 and 301 pounds, Strange is a top-notch blocker who should enhance New England’s offensive line. Not only will he help provide pass protection for QB Mac Jones, but he’ll also play a crucial role in opening holes for the Patriots’ power-run game.
Strange isn’t a splashy pick, but he’ll help in the trenches and do his best to keep Jones upright. — TYLER MAHER
30. Kansas City Chiefs: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
The Kansas City Chiefs have been lacking a consistent pass rush, and they are hoping that George Karlaftis can fix that moving forward. The Chiefs took Karlaftis with the No. 30 pick as the Purdue product fell a little further than some expected in the draft.
Karlaftis has the tools to become a special pass rusher in the NFL and can be used in various ways. — SKYLER CARLIN
31. Cincinnati Bengals: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
One of the glaring weaknesses of the Cincinnati Bengals resided in the secondary, especially after watching them get torched in the Super Bowl. Daxton Hill was a highly regarded prospect entering the 2022 NFL Draft, and the Bengals selected the Michigan product at pick No. 31 in the first round.
Hill can excel in the slot or be a deep safety in the NFL; he has fantastic instincts at either spot. — SKYLER CARLIN
32. Minnesota Vikings (from Rams>Lions): Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
The Minnesota Vikings selected Lewis Cine No. 32 pick. A standout safety from Georgia, Cine becomes the fifth member of the 2021 Bulldogs defense selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, showcasing just how dominant the program was last season.
While Cine can hold his own in coverage, he will excel against the run with his aggressiveness and athleticism. The Vikings’ defense has been a handicap in recent seasons, so the addition of Cine should help bring them up a couple of notches immediately. — ANTHONY CERVINO
NFL Draft Round 2 Pick Highlights
34. Green Bay Packers (from Lions>Vikings): Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
The Green Bay Packers have selected North Dakota State wide receiver Christian Watson with the 34th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Well, it finally happened. The Packers have drafted a wide receiver for Aaron Rodgers. While the Packers didn’t reach for a wideout in Round 1, they didn’t waste any time taking one in Round 2.
Watson is tall and fast, but he could afford to polish up his route running skills. However, Watson did so well during the pre-draft process that Green Bay couldn’t pass him up at pick No. 34, which is where they traded up to get him.
Watson has big-time upside and he may be just the type of player you want to add to a big-time quarterback like Aaron Rodgers’ arsenal. If anyone can get the best out of Watson early, it is Rodgers, despite the fact that he doesn’t have the best track record with rookie receivers.
If Watson impresses early, he could be a Week 1 starter in Green Bay’s three-wide sets. This isn’t even mentioning the fact that Davante Adams is gone. This is one of the best spots — if not the best — for a rookie wide receiver to land. — ANTHONY CERVINO
36. New York Jets: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
For the second time in as many days, Jets GM Joe Douglas picked up the phone and traded up to get his guy. This time it was Iowa State’s Breece Hall, who became the first running back selected in this year’s draft (as the sportsbooks predicted).
Hall, who led the nation in rushing as a sophomore with 1,572 yards and tallied 50 rushing touchdowns during his collegiate career, will join Michael Carter in New York’s backfield. The two-time All-American and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year has the size and power to be an every-down back as well as the pass-catching skillset to handle third-down responsibilities in the NFL. – JOHIN ARLIA
41. Seattle Seahawks: Kenneth Walker, RB, Michigan State
With the 41st pick, the Seattle Seahawks have taken the second running back off the board, Kenneth Walker out of Michigan State. Breece Hall went just a few picks earlier to the New York Jets, and just like that the top two backs are off the board.
Walker is a bit smaller in size for a running back, but is still built solid at 5-foot-9, 211 pounds. He is one of the most fun running backs to watch in this class as someone who is quick and can make defenders look silly. His 96th Speed Score percentile and strength as a runner make for a solid combination.
Patience, vision, and elusiveness are three of his best traits that stand out in his film. He’s got the strength to succeed at the goal-line and his pass-blocking skills will help keep him on the field for third downs.
Walker is also capable in the passing game, though he wasn’t used a ton in that aspect in college. He saw his usage in this regard increase after transferring from Wake Forest. Also, at the NFL Combine he caught passes very well, which was promising to see.
Landing in Seattle, Walker’s competition includes an aging and often-injured Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny. Penny has been in the league for four years and just started to show signs of life last year after Carson went down.
Needless to say, there isn’t a ton of competition ahead of him, meaning Walker could have a chance to compete for a starting spot and get on the field quickly. Drafting him this early in Round 2 is quite promising and makes for an appealing landing spot for fantasy football purposes, both redraft and dynasty.
Don’t forget that our own Marcus Mosher mocked Walker to Seattle at 40 in his final NFL mock draft. — AARON SCHILL
43. New York Giants (from Falcons): Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky
The New York Giants have selected Kentucky wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson with the 43rd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Giants hinted that they were in the wide receiver business at some point in this draft following rumors that they could trade Kadarius Toney and/or Darius Slayton. And while both wideouts remain on New York’s roster – at the moment – the Giants still went and selected a new weapon for Brian Daboll‘s offense.
Robinson won’t bring size to the table, but he is small and speedy. He will make defenders miss rather than bounce off of them.
Robinson could be a gadget player who can be moved around the formation in an effort to get the ball in his hands in any way possible. Look for the Giants to utilize Robinson’s catch and run skill set in the slot and perhaps in the return game. — ANTHONY CERVINO
44. Houston Texans (from Browns): John Metchie III, WR, Alabama
The Texans had the 30th-ranked offense in football and ranked 28th in passing yards last season, but they finally addressed their skill position needs by choosing John Metchie III, the third Crimson Tide player and second Alabama receiver taken in the draft, with their fourth pick of the event.
The Game Day’s Marcus Mosher listed Metchie at No. 85 on his Top 150 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings, mainly because his training-camp status is uncertain after he tore his ACL in Alabama’s SEC Championship win over Georgia. But it’s been widely reported that Metchie could be cleared to return by training camp and should be able to return at some point in 2022.
It’s hard to critique the selection since he was widely projected as a second-round pick before the injury, and the Texans had just one receiver (Brandin Cooks, 1,037) with more than 450 receiving yards last season. — PAT PICKENS
50. New England Patriots (from Dolphins>Chiefs): Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor
The New England Patriots have given Mac Jones a deep ball threat by taking Tyquan Thornton with the No. 50 pick. Registering a 40 time of 4.28, Thornton will put the burners on against opposing corners.
Thornton stayed a full four years at Baylor, and it paid off. He pulled in 62 catches for 948 yards and 10 touchdowns his senior season. Thornton has a large catch radius, so not only is he a vertical threat, but he can dominate in the red zone. He should make an immediate impact for the Patriots. — GIO ANNATELLI
52. Pittsburgh Steelers: George Pickens III, WR, Georgia
George Pickens falling to the Steelers in the second round is a steal. While he has the first-round talent to go with his height, length, and speed, Pickens has some off-the-field concerns and has a torn ACL in his past.
Sure, he could have gone late in the first round, but falling to the second because of those two ticks may have been the likeliest scenario for Pickens the whole time. Many, including myself, were blinded by his WR1 upside.
The Steelers have been used to having a trio of talented wideouts at their disposal. After losing JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Washington in free agency, the Steelers were justified in plucking him off the board, especially when entering the post-Ben Roethlisberger era. — ANTHONY CERVINO
53. Indianapolis Colts: Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati
The Colts got in on the wide receiver run during the middle of the second round by taking Alec Pierce out of Cincinnati, giving new QB Matt Ryan another weapon to work with.
While Pierce’s collegiate career was up and down due to injuries, he finished on a high note with 884 receiving yards and eight touchdowns while being named second-team All-AAC as a senior. Pierce displayed impressive speed and playmaking abilities as well, averaging 17.5 yards per catch in his Bearcats career.
Pierce will team up with Michael Pittman Jr. to form the backbone of a solid receiving corps in Indy, assuming Ryan can still get them the football consistently at age 37. — TYLER MAHER
54. Kansas City Chiefs (from Patriots): Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan
After trading away Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs added another wide receiver to their roster, drafting Skyy Moore with the No. 54 pick. Moore joins JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling as newcomers to Kansas City.
It’s safe to say Patrick Mahomes has a plethora of options to throw to, and Moore can eventually emerge as a top target for him. Moore took a major leap his junior year, pulling in 95 catches for 1,292 yards and 10 touchdowns.
While there are a lot of other reliable targets ahead of him on the depth chart, Moore can learn and develop under all the talent in Kansas City. — GIO ANNATELLI
55. Arizona Cardinals: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
After trading for Marquise Brown during Round 1, the Cardinals have chosen Trey McBride out of Colorado State with their first pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. McBride won’t be blocking much; he’ll be used often in the passing game.
McBride was expected to be the first tight end off of the board in many mock drafts and that came true with the Cardinals taking him. Arizona already has Zach Ertz at the tight end positon, so McBride will likely play in a reserve role in 2022.
That being said, the Cardinals run a spread offense that could allow McBride to be used sparingly in obvious pass situations. –- SKYLER CARLIN
63. Buffalo Bills (from Bengals): James Cook, RB, Georgia
Many believed that the Bills were targeting a running back early in this draft, specifically Breece Hall in the first round.
While they waited until the end of the second round to get their new toy, James Cook may be the third-best running back in this draft class with legit boom upside.
Cook is an explosive back who excels as both a rusher and a receiver out of the backfield. With his dynamic skill set, Cook should make an immediate impact on a Bills offense that may be a running back away from a true Super Bowl-worthy season. — ANTHONY CERVINO
NFL Draft Round 3 Pick Highlights
73. Indianapolis Colts: Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia
The Indianapolis Colts have Michael Pittman and Parris Campbell as their wide receivers, and that’s really it. Jack Doyle has retired, and T.Y. Hilton won’t be back. You could make an argument that Nyheim Hines is their next-best pass-catching option.
Needless to say, the Colts need some pass-catching options. They’ve addressed this need by taking Cincinnati WR Alec Pierce at 53.
Now, they add a big-bodied athletic tight end in Jelani Woods. We know that Matt Ryan likes to utilize his tight ends and this Colts team needs one to step up.
Woods is a huge target with a massive wingspan with the speed to be a weapon. He can help out this offense not only as a blocker, but as a red-zone threat and big-body safety blanket across the middle of the field.
Outside of being a phenomenal athlete, Woods is a gifted receiver who can use his body well to make his own space. He’ll be someone the Colts can use out of the slot as he progresses, but as a raw prospect, he may take some time for him to develop. — AARON SCHILL
74. Atlanta Falcons: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
The Atlanta Falcons potentially got their quarterback of the future, as they took Desmond Ridder with the No. 74 pick in the NFL Draft.
It wasn’t much of a shock that Kenny Pickett was the first QB drafted, but it’s a surprise that Ridder was second. No slight to Ridder, but it seemed Malik Willis was higher on everyone’s draft boards.
Ridder was a four-year starter at Cincinnati, leading the program in 2021 as the first non-Power 5 school to play in the College Football Playoff. He threw for 3,334 yards and 30 touchdowns last year, while also rushing for 355 yards and six touchdowns.
This is a great pick for the Falcons, who can develop Ridder under Marcus Mariota. Atlanta is putting together a sneaky good offense, with 2022 first-round pick Drake London slotting into the No. 1 receiver role. Just imagine Ridder under center when Calvin Ridley returns in 2023. — GIO ANNATELLI
86. Tennessee Titans (from Raiders): Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Malik Willis was viewed by many as the top quarterback in this draft class. However, Kenny Pickett went in the first, and Willis fell to the third. We don’t know why Willis fell, but he tumbled to a point where the Titans could not pass him up.
The Titans have a potential out in Ryan Tannehill’s contract before the 2023 season. And after unloading A.J. Brown on day one, Tannehill could be next as soon as next offseason, leaving the Titans with their starting quarterback and top wide receiver on rookie deals for years to come.
Willis comps out to Steve McNair. If he’s even anything close to McNair, the Titans will make out good when it is all said and done.
This is a low-risk, high-reward move. — ANTHONY CERVINO
88. Dallas Cowboys: Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama
The Dallas Cowboys select the small-school prospect with the 88th pick in the NFL Draft, Jalen Tolbert, out of South Alabama. He set the record at South Alabama for single-season yards, receptions, and touchdowns last year on his way to winning the 2021 Sun Belt Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year award.
If you’re going to be a good small-school prospect, you’d better dominate your opponents, and that’s exactly what Tolbert did. Now he lands with the Dallas Cowboys, who just lost Amari Cooper to the Browns and could use a third receiving option outside of CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup. — AARON SCHILL
91. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rachaad White, RB, Arizona State
The Buccaneers added some depth to their running back room by taking Rachaad White out of ASU with the 91st overall pick. With Ronald Jones II now joining the Kansas City Chiefs, there was an opening on the roster for another rusher.
A dual-threat RB who can catch out of the backfield, White will be another weapon for Tom Brady as Tampa Bay tries to keep its Super Bowl window open.
Alongside veteran RBs Leonard Fournette and Gio Bernard, White will likely be used more in a complementary role to start but could emerge as the team’s lead back of the future. — TYLER MAHER
94. Carolina Panthers (from Chiefs>Patriots): Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
Carolina was always going to address the quarterback position at some point in this year’s draft, and after watching Desmond Ridder and Malik Willis get selected in Round 3, the Panthers traded up to select Matt Corral.
The Ole Miss product has an above-average arm, a quick release, and apparent mobility both in and out of the pocket. He lacks a little bit of size and will have to adjust to the NFL game after playing in an RPO-heavy scheme under Lane Kiffin, though. — JOHN ARLIA
98. Washington Commanders (COMP from NO): Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Alabama
The Washington Commanders add another running back to their backfield, drafting Brian Robinson Jr. with the No. 98 pick in the NFL Draft. He’ll form a three-headed monster with Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic but could separate himself as the No. 2 back in Washington.
Robinson didn’t become a workhorse for Alabama until this past year as a redshirt senior. He carried the ball 271 times for 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns while also hauling in 35 passes for 296 yards and two touchdowns.
Playing for Nick Saban at Alabama, Robinson comes into the NFL with not only a winning mentality but also having played against some of the toughest defenses in college football. Gibson is the clear starter for the Commanders, but Robinson will force his way into getting touches — notably around the goal line. –GIO ANNATELLI
99. Cleveland Browns (COMP): David Bell, WR, Purdue
The Cleveland Browns find themselves with a nice value here in a deep wide receiver class, grabbing David Bell with the 99th pick.
The wide receiver out of Purdue saw his draft stock plummet after an awful Combine performance. This included a 4.65 40-yard dash, which put even more of a spotlight on his questionable athleticism.
If you’re a fan of analytics, you won’t like Bell.
However, if you like what you saw on his film, he’s an intriguing prospect. He can make some absolutely ridiculous catches, so his highlights from Purdue are hard to ignore.
As a true freshman, he came out and put up over 1,000 receiving yards and had 100+ yards in 6 of the 12 games he played in. He played in just 6 games in 2020, then came back in 2021 and caught 93 balls for 1,286 yards and 8 touchdowns.
Bell is one of the most polarizing wide receivers in this talented rookie draft class. Either way, now that he’s landed with Deshaun Watson and the Browns, he’ll have an opportunity to compete with Donovan Peoples-Jones for the WR2 spot on this offense. — AARON SCHILL
