The NFL team needs have changed drastically with all the transactions in free agency, impacting how teams approach the top prospects in the draft. Some teams that looked to be in the market for certain positions among the 2022 NFL rookie class may be going in a different direction than they would have gone earlier in the predraft process.
The NFL team needs have changed drastically with all the transactions in free agency, impacting how teams approach the top prospects in the draft. Some teams that looked to be in the market for certain positions among the 2022 NFL rookie class may be going in a different direction than they would have gone earlier in the predraft process.
Hence, I’ve created the 2022 NFL Draft Needs For All 32 NFL Teams Post-Free Agency as my guide to align this latest mock draft with what NFL teams will do when they are on the clock.
And as a special treat, I am going three rounds deep for this mock draft so the eight teams that don’t hold first-round picks — the Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Rams — can get in on the action.
I’ve considered team needs, historical track records, and prospect top-30 visits to create as realistic a three-round mock draft as possible.
*Per usual, this mock draft is based on what I think will happen, not necessarily what I would do in each team’s position.
ROUND 1
The odds-on favorite to be selected No. 1 is Michigan pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson (-200). His 2021 PFF defense grade (94.5) is the highest among any edge defender entering the NFL since Chase Young.
However, Georgia’s Travon Walker has been steamed at No. 1 overall in recent weeks, with NFL insiders like Peter Schrager mocking him to Jacksonville. Schrager’s reasoning — aside from having actual intel from the team — stems from Trent Baalke’s prior drafting of pass rusher Aldon Smith and his 35⅜-inch arms seventh overall in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Baalke does have a record of gravitating toward players with long arms, which creates some doubt that Hutchinson will be the first overall selection. The former Wolverine has 32⅛-inch arms (seventh percentile). Walker boasts 35½-inch arms (95th percentile).
Jacksonville has also done extensive work on Walker, having met with the athletic pass rusher on multiple occasions during the predraft process.
Because the Jaguars addressed many of their team needs in free agency, they can select the No. 4-ranked player on my 2022 NFL Draft Top-100 Big Board. Walker and defensive end Josh Allen will form a scary pass-rush duo in DUVAL.
And for those looking to further buy into narratives, consider this galaxy-brain thought by my former co-workers — Austin Gayle and Mike Renner of PFF.
It’s no secret that Baalke had a horrible relationship with ex-49ers head coach and current Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh. Perhaps the bad blood between them would be enough to move the needle away from Hutchinson, who has obviously thrived under Harbaugh.
Interestingly enough, when Harbaugh was asked by PFF which destination he preferred for his former player, he named Detroit and not Jacksonville.
Only the Atlanta Falcons had a worse pressure rate on defense than the Lions did a season ago. It seems only fitting that Aidan Hutchinson stays in Michigan to provide a spark to the kneecap-hungry Detroit defense.
Hutch’s pressure rate above expectation (10.9%) ranks second in the class and is nearly double that of Kayvon Thibodeaux’s third-place rate (6.6%), per Sports Info Solutions.
Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton was my pick for the Texans through my first three mock drafts, but the reality is starting to sink in that he will fall in Round 1. Reports are swirling that with his sluggish 40 time at his school’s pro day (4.70), he could fall out of being a top-10 selection.
But even though the rest of the media and I are higher on Hamilton — he’s No. 5 on my updated Big Board — real NFL teams are making the same mistake they did when Derwin James fell in the 2018 draft.
Instead of taking the do-it-all safety, the Texans pivot to a different defensive back who has seen his draft stock skyrocket throughout the predraft process.
Houston goes with cornerback Ahmad (Sauce) Gardner from Cincinnati.
General manager Nick Caserio comes from the New England Patriots system — notorious for valuing pass coverage in favor of pass rush — so the Texans opt for a lockdown cornerback.
Gardner never allowed a touchdown in coverage during his college career and gave up just 0.6 receptions per game — the best mark in the draft class.
The Jets have many holes on their roster, especially on defense, so they look to bolster that side of the ball with elite pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux. The Oregon product generated 48 pressures in 11 games his junior season — 4.4 per game, which ranked 10th among the 2022 edge class.
He also generated a 19% pressure rate — a metric that considers the percentage of pass rushes that resulted in a quarterback hurry, hit, knockdown, or sack (provided by Sports Info Solutions). Only Oklahoma’s Nik Bonitto boasted a higher pressure rate last season (22%).
Pairing prized free-agent acquisition Carl Lawson with Thibodeaux will help form a dynamic pass-rush duo for Gang Green.
Thibodeaux also checks off many of the prospect boxes that Joe Douglas typically weighs heavily. Thibodeaux went to a Power Five school and looks the part as an athletic specimen. His 4.58 40-yard dash ranks in the 93rd percentile, and his 10-yard split ranks in the 87th percentile.
He also showcased his athleticism at Oregon’s pro day on April 1, bolstering his case as the Jets’ pick at No. 4 overall.
The #Jets had their first in-person meeting w/ @oregonfootball EDGE rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux over the weekend & @PSchrags on @gmfb said "I heard it went awesome" + he was "spectacular" + "I would not be shocked if KT is the fourth overall pick"
LETS RIDE!pic.twitter.com/T9uz3iM0o4
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) April 18, 2022
Out with the old, in with the new. Big Blue cleaned house this offseason, hiring Brian Daboll as head coach and Joe Schoen as general manager. Both guys spent their last several seasons with the Buffalo Bills. Management/ownership understands they need to put Daniel Jones in a position to succeed this season to identify him as their long-term answer at quarterback.
The easiest way to achieve that goal is to add protection up front in the form of offensive lineman Evan Neal. The Alabama tackle finished top-10 in his draft class with the lowest pressure rate allowed (2.4%) as a full-time left tackle in his first season.
Neal should help fortify PFF’s third-worst offensive line, which will be without Nate Solder, Will Hernandez and Billy Price due to free agency. The Giants did add interior help through the veteran marketplace, but tackle is a must in the draft.
And Neal will be the pick for the Giants over Ikem Ekwonu or Charles Cross, the latter of whom was recently mocked to Big Blue by Schrager.
For starters, the Giants have a hole at right tackle — not necessarily left tackle. Andrew Thomas was a top-five pick in 2019 and graded out as PFF’s 12th-best pass blocker in 2021.
Neal is the only one of the consensus top three offensive linemen in this class who has actually played a full season at right tackle (2020).
And secondly, Neal fits the build of a Joe Schoen-type lineman better than the other two players. I believe this because the Bills drafted tackle Spencer Brown last season, and his measurables — height, weight, wingspan and arm length — match Neal’s to a tee.
The Bills drafted two OL last season that were both 6-foot-8 in Joe Schoen's last year as assistant GM.
Schoen – new Giants GM – is going to draft a OL at 5 or 7.
Probably going to be the one that's 6' 7½" and actually as real college experience playing RT
aka Evan Neal. pic.twitter.com/eqVlVAcnDy
— Andrew Erickson™ (@AndrewErickson_) April 20, 2022
The Crimson Tide tackle is also completely different from the Bills’ highest-drafted OL during Schoen’s tenure with Buffalo — Cody Ford in 2019. The Oklahoma product was a shorter tackle/guard at 6-foot-3 and didn’t test great in the short-area drills coming out as a prospect.
Neither Ekwonu nor Cross tested above the 50th percentile in the three-cone drill. Considering Ford has failed to live up to expectations for Buffalo — he’s now a backup — I feel confident that the Giants will shy away from linemen who closely resemble his prospect profile.
The Panthers’ offensive line was an absolute mess in 2021, allowing the league’s sixth-highest pressure rate. Taylor Moton is their best pass protector at right tackle, but left tackle needs to be improved from the hodgepodge unit of Cam Erving, Brady Christensen, and Dennis Daley from a season ago.
They improved the interior in free agency but still don’t have any in-house answers at tackle. With the sixth overall pick, Carolina is primed to take a franchise left tackle.
Ikem Ekwonu is that guy. Ekwonu allowed zero quarterback hits in 2021 and offers the versatility to also line up at guard. He’s also an absolute mauler in the run game — PFF’s fifth-highest-graded run blocker in 2021.
I’m not as convinced that the Panthers go with a quarterback at No. 6 overall because of how lackluster the class is. Baker Mayfield and Jimmy Garoppolo are better veteran options, and the Panthers can take on their salary cap hits.
Let's read the tea leaves
* Scott Fitterer traded back 4x in 2021, his first draft as a GM
* Panthers do not own a 2nd or 3rd round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft
* The Panthers are the only QB needy team with enough cap space for BM/JGYou think they are staying at 6 for a QB? ?
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) April 12, 2022
General manager Scott Fitterer also traded down plenty in his first year as general manager during the 2021 NFL Draft, giving the Panthers another “out” on a rookie QB this early. Fitterer also saw firsthand in Seattle how impactful poor OL play can be; Russell Wilson has been the most frequently sacked QB since entering the NFL 10 seasons ago.
I don’t think it’s far-fetched to think the Panthers could get similar offensive productivity with an experienced Sam Darnold plus Ekwonu at left tackle versus a liability at the position with a rookie quarterback.
The Giants cannot pass up on Jermaine Johnson from Florida State at pick No. 7. The Georgia transfer tied Aidan Hutchinson with 14 sacks to lead the 2022 NFL Draft class despite playing in fewer games.
The former Georgia edge defender averaged one sack per game and earned more offensive holding calls than any other pass rusher in the class.
All indications have been that Jameson Williams will go off the board in the top 10.
ESPN's Chris Mortensen is hearing that #Alabama Jameson Williams will be going in the top 10.#NFLRumors
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) April 15, 2022
He met with the Falcons at the Combine and is a logical fit for a team that has Auden Tate slated as the top WR on its depth chart. The Falcons are looking toward the future beyond 2023, which allows them the luxury to ease Williams back into football coming off a late-season ACL tear.
Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot comes from a Saints organization under Mickey Loomis that had zero issues investing high-end draft capital in wide receivers. Seems only fitting that the team formerly called home by Alabama wide receivers Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley acquires another member of the Crimson Tide.
A forward-thinking team doesn’t trade away a 33-year-old franchise quarterback unless it have a tentative contingency plan. And no, that plan does not feature Drew Lock as the Seattle Seahawks’ starting quarterback.
All the buzz out of Indianapolis was that Seattle loved Malik Willis, so I’d imagine that he is the rookie quarterback they envision selecting at this spot. Willis impressed teams at the Combine with his overall offensive knowledge, ability to retain offensive info, and play-calls for the position.
He also showcased his big arm at Liberty’s pro day with several NFL executives and coaches closely watching. Willis finished the 2021 season as PFF’s fourth-highest-graded passer on throws of 20-plus air yards.
His dual-threat ability — he averaged nearly 100 rushing yards per game over the last two seasons — mimics a younger Russell Wilson, so it’s no wonder Seattle is so high on the incoming rookie quarterback.
The Jets saw the Bengals’ offense take off in year two after they paired their second-year quarterback with a dynamic rookie wide receiver. If they want Zach Wilson to take a similar leap in year two, New York needs to give him more offensive weapons. And the fact that the Jets were all in on going after Tyreek Hill is a telltale sign that one of their first-round picks will be a WR.
Insert Drake London. The USC product boasts all the skills to be an alpha possession receiver at the next level.
The 6-foot-4, 219-pound towering wide receiver only played in eight games in 2021 due to an ankle injury but made every game count. He commanded a 38% target share and led all WRs in contested catches (19). The former Trojan’s 68% contested-catch rate ranked No. 1 in the class.
Last year’s leader in the same category? The Jets’ second-round pick, Elijah Moore (73%). And like Moore, London was a reception/yardage machine, catching 11 balls for 135.5 receiving yards per game.
He’s also been a force ever since he first stepped onto USC’s campus, as he hauled in five touchdowns and 567 receiving yards as a true freshman while sharing the field with future NFL wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Tyler Vaughns. It’s utterly impressive considering London was just 18 years old at the time.
Yet to turn 21 years old entering the NFL, Drake’s game as a big-bodied wideout echoes a spry Michael Floyd.
The Kyle Hamilton slide stops in the nation’s capital.
Hamilton is a top-end defensive talent and provides recourse against ever-evolving NFL offenses. With so much to offer — strong tackler, desired length/size, and coverage ability — he fits the profile for a team that is just looking to draft the best player available, which could also benefit from extra help in the secondary.
Ron Rivera’s defense — a scheme that values safety play in a defensive scheme more than most — is a perfect fit for the Notre Dame safety alongside Kamren Curl and Bobby McCain
Here is the best argument for the Commanders drafting Kyle Hamilton. https://t.co/z7vDGwHY1l
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) April 15, 2022
No safety forced more broken passes per game than Hamilton did in 2021.
The Vikings ranked fifth in most passing yards allowed this past season and have a glaring hole at cornerback. Patrick Peterson isn’t getting any younger and Mackensie Alexander remains unsigned. That leaves just Cameron Dantzler as a starter surrounded by less-than-ideal options.
The Vikings fill the void by selecting Derek Stingley Jr., who was seen as a can’t-miss option after his freshman season. The LSU product has regressed some the past two years, but the talent showcased in 2019 — PFF’s highest-graded corner — is worth it.
Anticipate that Minnesota probably has a solid read on Stingley’s profile heading into the draft, based on them hiring former LSU defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach Daronte Jones.
He also dismayed any doubt surrounding his current health after testing at LSU’s pro day. He ran a 4.44 40-yard dash (72nd percentile), jumped 38.5 inches in the vertical (80th percentile), and leaped 122 inches in the broad jump (51st percentile).
With their secondary shored up, the Texans look to the offensive side of the ball to bolster protection for second-year quarterback Davis Mills. With Laremy Tunsil locked in at left tackle, the Texans can draft Trevor Penning, who is more than capable of playing on the right side.
The team has been noncommittal about picking up the fifth-year option on OL Tytus Howard, so his days may be numbered. They also seem to prefer playing him at guard than at tackle, opening up the real chance this pick is indeed Penning at No. 13.
Penning’s 97.3 overall PFF grade and 99.9 run-blocking grade both ranked first in all of Division 1 college football in 2021.
Furthermore, I opted for Penning here over Charles Cross because Nick Caserio’s 2021 draft picks show a pattern of testing well in the three-cone drill.
Penning (98th percentile) displayed much better short-area quickness than Cross (40th percentile).
The Ravens drastically need to add depth in their cornerback room. They were decimated by injuries a season ago, losing both Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters to season-ending injuries. Jimmy Smith is turning 34 as a free agent, and Anthony Averett is a Raider.
Trent McDuffie was PFF’s fifth-highest-graded 2022 draft-eligible cornerback last year, allowing no more than 39 receiving yards in any game. With the aptitude to play both zone and man coverage, the former Washington Husky can become a significant immediate contributor to Baltimore’s secondary.
He sticks to wide receivers like glue, evidenced by his No. 1 rank in fewest yards after the catch allowed per reception (0.9) and third-ranked yards allowed per game (11.8), per Sports Info Solutions.
Howie Roseman is no stranger to selecting wide receivers early on, having selected one in the top two rounds over the last three seasons, two of which have been first-round picks.
WR is firmly back in play with one of the Eagles’ two 2022 first-round picks, and I have an inkling they will target one who can offer YAC ability like Garrett Wilson.
Wilson finished this past season third in broken tackle and missed tackle rate, per Sports Info Solutions.
2022 WR Class
Broken and Missed Tackles per 100 dropbacks per @SportsInfo_SIS
1. Velus Jones – 0.34
2. Skyy Moore – 0.32
3. Garrett Wilson – 0.29
4. David Bell – 0.27
—
43. Chris Olave – 0.05— Andrew Erickson™ (@AndrewErickson_) April 13, 2022
The Eagles finished second in screen pass rate in 2021.
Even with Michael Thomas back in the fold, there’s still a gaping hole at the wide receiver position in the Big Easy. Longtime general manager Mickey Loomis has had zero issues spending high-end draft capital on WRs in the past, making Chris Olave the selection here.
The former Buckeye doesn’t offer the same skill set as Thomas, but he can separate from defenders at an elite level downfield. Olave wrapped up his 2021 season in the 96th percentile in separation versus single coverage and caught seven touchdowns on throws of 20-plus air yards.
He further cemented himself as a top-20 selection by blazing a 4.39 40-yard dash (90th percentile) at the NFL Combine.
Olave draws parallels to Calvin Ridley with his route-running ability. But like Ridley coming out of school, Olave doesn’t offer much after the catch.
His forced broken and missed tackle rate ranked 43rd among 43 qualifying wide receivers in the class. His yards after the catch per reception (4.2) ranked 37th.
The Chargers made out like bandits when tackle Ra’Shawn Slater fell to them at No. 13 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, and they strike gold once again with Charles Cross falling into their laps at No. 17 overall.
The Mississippi State Bulldog was elite from Week 4 on as PFF’s second-highest-graded pass-blocker (87.6).
He also showed up against the most substantial competition, allowing just two combined pressures in four SEC matchups against Alabama, LSU, Texas A&M, and Auburn.
He’s an immediate upgrade over right tackle Storm Norton, PFF’s worst-graded pass-blocking tackle in 2021.
The crux of the Eagles’ problems on defense last season can be traced back to their porous linebacker play. T.J. Edwards is a solid starter, but he is still slow, and it’s bare-bones behind him on the depth chart, hence why Devin Lloyd is the pick. The Utah product is a do-it-all linebacker with the ability to cover tight ends, generate pressure, and play on all downs.
He finished the 2021 season with eight sacks and 90 solo tackles – ninth-most in the FBS. Lloyd should mitigate the damage that tight ends inflicted on the Philly faithful last year. He had the most pass breakups among draft-eligible weak-side linebackers.
The Saints needed to replace left tackle Terron Armstead after he got paid big money to sign with the Dolphins. Linebacker Kwon Alexander also remains unsigned, opening up the possibility that New Orleans drafts a linebacker.
With linebacker depth available in the later rounds, the Saints opt for offensive tackle Tyler Smith. The Tulsa product can be a future franchise left tackle.
He has played more than 1,700 snaps from the left side in his college career and finished 2021 as PFF’s fourth-highest-graded tackle. Smith also finished second in Sports Info Solutions’ expected points added on a per-game basis (3.4), trailing only Charles Cross.
The Steelers have not been shy about making their draft plans known to the media and the other 31 teams. Last year, everybody knew they were going to select Najee Harris, and this year it seems obvious they will draft a quarterback at some point — most likely at pick No. 20.
Head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert have been highly involved in pro days featuring this year’s top rookie quarterbacks.
So with the 20th overall pick, the Steelers select Matt Corral as their future franchise quarterback. Pour one out for Mitchell Trubisky.
Corral rallied Ole Miss to a 10-2 record while finishing third in the SEC in passing yards (3,343) and 11th in the nation in PFF passing grade from a clean pocket (91.6). Corral’s expected throw air time is the lowest in the class, which is a reflection of his quick release and imposing arm strength.
He also rushed for nearly 750 yards and 11 scores. It’s that dual-threat ability that fantasy football dynasty managers should be looking to invest in for years down the line. He could make some noise in an offense littered with playmakers.
Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada thrives on designing offensive plays around RPOs, bootlegs, and pre-snap motion, which aligns perfectly with what Corral did at Ole Miss.
Zion Johnson should be a solid starting guard from day one and would be an immediate plug-and-play option for the Patriots, who lost Shaq Mason and Ted Karras this offseason. Johnson allowed just two quarterback hits and six total pressures in his final college season.
The local B.C. Eagle tested exceptionally well at the NFL Combine, posting top marks in the shuttle (4.46, 93rd percentile), three-cone (7.38, 92nd percentile), bench press (38, 97th percentile), and vertical jump (32 inches, 91st percentile).
No Davante Adams. No Marquez Valdes-Scantling. No problem. Green Bay addresses its glaring hole at wide receiver by adding YAC god Treylon Burks.
The Arkansas Razorbacks wideout finished first in his class in yards per route run (3.57) while also ranking No. 1 in yards per route run when lined up outside (6.08) among all receivers. It’s an encouraging sign that a size-speed specimen delivered when aligned on the perimeter, as he spent 77% of his career in the slot.
His 8.5 yards after the catch rank 14th among 169 qualifying wide receivers (92nd percentile) over the past two seasons, which caters perfectly to the Green Bay offense.
The Pack finished third in total YAC in 2021.
The defensive line is a great area of need, with NT Corey Peters a free agent and OLB pass rusher Chandler Jones now in Las Vegas. The Cardinals were a bottom-10 run defense in terms of yards per carry in 2021, and Jones led the squad in total pressures.
At the next level, Jordan Davis can be an elite run-stuffer after wrapping up 2021 third in the class in defensive run-stop rate.
But he has the athletic profile to become an absolute game-wrecker versus the passing game. His 4.78 40-time at 341 pounds is the best weight-adjusted time among 487 interior defenders to run at the Combine.
Luckily for the Cowboys, the draft has plenty of interior offensive linemen available for them after they lost Connor Williams and La’el Collins this offseason.
Kenyon Green can start from day one at left guard after finishing 2021 as the highest-graded SEC guard in his draft class.
But what distinguishes Green is his versatility. The Texas A&M Aggie has experience playing every position across the offensive line other than the center position. That experience will make him a highly coveted target in the first round.
NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah has been one of the most accurate mock drafters in recent seasons due to how plugged in he is in NFL circles. He recently mocked Breece Hall to Buffalo at No. 25, as did NFL insider Peter Schrager. And I understand the process behind the selection.
The Bills don’t have many holes on their roster, so they can afford a luxury selection by taking a running back in the first round.
And it’s no secret that Buffalo’s front office has been trying to upgrade the position, specifically with a running back capable of excelling in the passing game. The Bills tried to sign J.D. McKissic this offseason and were heavily rumored to be in the market for Travis Etienne in the 2021 NFL Draft.
The fact that they are constantly sniffing around for other running backs despite having Devin Singletary on the roster suggests that Singletary’s late-season surge — he was the fantasy RB3 over the last six weeks — might not be sustainable.
Hall represents an immediate upgrade in all facets.
The Iowa State product measured in at 5-11 and 217 pounds at the NFL Combine, slightly different from his listed playing size in school (6-1, 210 pounds).
But his slightly stockier build did nothing to impede Hall’s Combine performance, because he lit the testing drills ablaze: 4.39 40-yard dash (93rd percentile), 40-inch vertical jump (94th percentile), and 126-inch broad jump (91st percentile).
Hall’s 116.85 size-adjusted speed score was nearly identical to that of former Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray.
Pairing Hall’s athleticism with an off-the-charts college production profile (over 4,500 yards from scrimmage and 50 touchdowns) makes him my 1.01 in dynasty rookie drafts.
Hall provides immediate fantasy football appeal, considering his abilities as a slick receiver out of the backfield. He had 82 catches over three seasons and just two drops in his last two seasons. He has the requisite size and tools to be a three-down running back who never leaves the field.
The Titans are still in dire circumstances at the WR position, with virtually no depth behind A.J. Brown and Robert Woods, and with Woods coming off a season-ending injury. They neglected to address WR last season with any high draft capital and won’t make the same mistake twice.
Tennessee adds Western Michigan wide receiver Skyy Moore to fill the void. It might seem like a reach here in the first round, but the Titans don’t pick again until 90. They remain aggressive to get their guy, who has skyrocketed up draft boards during the predraft process. If they can’t trade back, the Titans will have to snag him at 26.
His 3.40 yards per route run in 2021 ranked in the 99th percentile among 2022 draft-eligible wide receivers over the past three seasons. The slippery playmaker – tied for first in college football with 26 forced missed tackles – should hear his name called no later than the early second round after an impressive Combine outing.
Moore ran a 4.41 40-yard dash (82nd percentile) at 195 pounds. He also jumped 125 inches in the broad jump (77th percentile) and 34.5 inches (38th percentile) in the vertical jump.
His athletic numbers were better than expected, and the way he plays bigger than his measurables would suggest that he is eerily similar to former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith.
Titans general manager Jon Robinson has never been shy about investing high-end draft capital in the WR position, with his highest-drafted wideout (Corey Davis, fifth overall) also from the Western Michigan program.
Tampa Bay would be wise to plan ahead with defensive backs Sean Murphy-Bunting, Jamel Dean, Logan Ryan, Keanu Neal, and Mike Edwards hitting free agency in 2023.
Michigan safety Daxton Hill can line up all over the field. He played slot cornerback in 2021 after spending more time in the box and free safety as a sophomore.
Selecting the versatile safety also aligns with what Buccaneers GM Jason Licht has prioritized early in past drafts.
Lewis Cine has been rising up big boards across the media, supplanting Daxton Hill as the consensus No. 2 safety per Grindingthemocks.com — with some mock drafts putting him in the back of the first round.
There’s no doubt that Cine’s impressive Combine performance (95th percentile 40-yard dash, 96th percentile broad jump) jackrabbited his draft stock. Still, there’s reason to believe the well-rounded Georgia Bulldog should have been in top-tier consideration the entire time.
He’s such a refined tackler that he could easily carve out a role as box-stuffing safety. Keep tabs on his landing spot for your fantasy football IDP leagues.
Brian Gutekunst is no stranger to adding secondary pieces with premium picks, considering that three of the team’s six highest draft picks have been spent on defensive backs since 2018. If Cine is selected, it would be the second year in a row the Packers would have drafted from Georgia’s secondary after selecting Eric Stokes in Round 1 last year.
The Chiefs have to find a way to draft talent in the defensive trenches before the start of the 2022 season. Alex Okafor and Melvin Ingram are free agents. Defensive tackle Jarran Reed signed with the Packers.
Ingram was the team’s second-most-efficient pass-rusher behind Chris Jones and the highest-graded run defender. Reed played the most snaps along with the interior of the defensive line.
They add Devonte Wyatt with their second first-round selection to shore up the defensive line.
The Georgia Bulldog finished the 2021 season as PFF’s highest-graded interior defensive lineman and was the central force of the No. 1 defense in the nation. He’s been overshadowed by all the other talent for the Bulldogs entering the draft — most notably fellow DT Jordan Davis — but it’s undeniable that Wyatt was the better pass rusher at Georgia.
He is the only interior defensive lineman in the class to rank top-six in both PFF run and pass-rush grades last season. His true pass-rush grade ranked first on the Georgia defense.
With 4.77 40-yard-dash wheels (97th percentile) and an 111-inch broad jump (82nd percentile) to boot, Wyatt will have an immediate impact for Kansas City.
Two of the Chiefs’ starting cornerbacks from last season (Charvarius Ward and Mike Hughes) left the team in free agency. And two of the Chiefs’ safeties (Daniel Sorensen and Tyrann Mathieu) are long gone. Kansas City needs to fortify its secondary — specifically at cornerback — this offseason.
With the cornerback depth drying up, they select 5-11, 194-pound cornerback Kyler Gordon.
Gordon’s PFF coverage grade ranked fourth in FBS in 2021 (89.6) and was superior to that of his highly touted Washington teammate, Trent McDuffie (89.3).
Gordon was also elite in man coverage, allowing the nation’s second-lowest passer rating (12.8).
Expect Gordon to be in the Round 1 conversation after Washington’s pro day on March 29. His lackluster 4.52 40-yard-dash time at the Combine doesn’t accurately depict Gordon’s true athleticism. His impressive pro-day numbers prove that.
It’s also very likely Gordon goes on Day 1 after being invited to the draft in Las Vegas. Not all cornerbacks being mocked in this range were invited.
Purdue’s George Karlaftis can be the cherry on top for the Bengals’ defense up front. As a freshman in 2019, Karlaftis generated the 10th-most pressures in the FBS. After a truncated 2020 season due to COVID-19, the Boilermaker edge rusher finished 2021 11th in the nation in pressures per game (4.5) and fourth in team pressure share — a rate that captures individual pressures by the defender compared to the whole team.
Jared Goff will still be in the plans for the Lions in 2022 with a $15.5 million roster guarantee this season. It seems most likely he will be the opening day starter while the team grooms a rookie franchise quarterback behind him.
Goff has a potential out in his contract before the 2023 season. Detroit also desperately NEEDS a quarterback competition to stir up drama for HBO’s Hard Knocks.
With the fifth-year rookie quarterback option in mind, the Lions select Kenny Pickett — and his small hands — with the 32nd overall pick.
Pickett finished third in PFF passing grade from a clean pocket (94.3) and first in his class in adjusted completion percentage (79%) during his 2021 breakout season.
ROUND 2
Nakobe Dean’s speed is mesmerizing, but don’t forget about Georgia’s other starting linebacker, Quay Walker. The dude was born to tackle. His 4.3% missed tackle rate ranked fourth-best in the FBS and was superior to his teammates Dean (12.2%) and Channing Tindall (7.4%).
At 6-4 and 241 pounds, Walker’s days of bulldozing offenses are far from over.
He also fills a glaring linebacker need for the Jags. LB Foyesade Oluokun was added to replace former LB Myles Jack, but both guys were bottom-seven in PFF grading.
No linebacker epitomizes speed more than Nakobe Dean.
The Georgia Bulldog finished as PFF’s highest-graded linebacker on college football’s No. 1 defense in 2021. And although he is undersized at 6-0 and 225 pounds, he more than makes up for it with his sideline-to-sideline range. His speed also shows up when he rushes the passer, evidenced by his eight sacks and top-four PFF pass-rush grade (91.3).
The Lions were the only team that held a top-30 visit with Dean during the predraft process.
Based on Joe Douglas’ track record of drafting athletic players, the cornerback to keep tabs on landing with Gang Green is Kaiir Elam.
The Florida Gator allowed the nation’s third-lowest passer rating when targeted (18.3) as a true freshman in 2019. Facing SEC wide receivers for three straight seasons will help him make the transition to the NFL — as will his 4.4 speed.
With trade/cut rumors swirling around 2023 free agent CB James Bradberry (who carries a $21 million cap hit in 2022), Big Blue needs to add another cornerback.
Andrew Booth Jr. doesn’t have a signature calling card to his game because he is so well-rounded. He’s scheme-diverse enough to contribute to any defense.
The Clemson cornerback has spent most of his career in a zone coverage scheme while generating an elite sub-40 passer rating when targeted.
Booth Jr. recently underwent sports hernia surgery, which could cause him to fall to the back end of the first round after being pegged as a top-25 player throughout the predraft process.
While slightly undersized (5-10 and sub-180 pounds), Jahan Dotson packs a serious punch, as the Penn State product was a mega-producer in his final college season, earning an absurd 43% dominator rating.
He saved his best for last, finishing ninth in PFF receiving grade (87.2) and eighth in receptions among his 2022 draft-eligible classmates. Dotson’s sure hands — he had a 94th percentile career drop rate of 2% — will help him vacuum up targets at the next level, especially if he carves out a role as a team’s primary slot receiver.
#Texans, I’m told, want to add more receivers for 2nd-year QB Davis Mills. There’s no doubt Lovie Smith and the organization believe Mills has a real shot to be guy.
Jahan Dotson, John Metchie and Danny Gray are three terrific players that Houston likes.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 18, 2022
Dotson can help Davis Mills — a vastly underrated fantasy asset in 2QB leagues — take another step forward in Year 2.
Don’t be fooled by Perrion Winfrey’s DT designation. At 290 pounds, he is not a run-stuffing space eater who will stop the run game. However, he can wreak havoc on the interior versus slower guards.
Winfrey finished with the 13th-best PFF pass-rush grade among his 2022 draft class.
He also ran a 4.89 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine — 90th percentile.
The Bears are on the clock! And they can lock up their long-term option at the center position with Tyler Linderbaum. He has graded out as PFF’s No. 1 center in the nation over the last two seasons.
I’m hearing a lot of buzz that Tyler Linderbaum is going to fall into the 2nd round of the #NFLDraft. If that happens, he’d be a dream pick for Ryan Poles and the #Bears. Kick Lucas Patrick over to guard. Grab a WR at 48.
— Bryan Perez (@BryanPerezNFL) April 20, 2022
Linderbaum also owns the second-highest run-blocking grade among all offensive linemen, which bodes well in a run-heavy system. The dude is a mauler.
Big win for Ryan Poles in his first year as GM — addressing a need on the OL while also snagging the best player available.
After collecting just 32 pressures and six sacks during a three-year stint at Temple, Arnold Ebiketie was unleashed by Penn State in 2021. He converted his explosiveness — 38-inch vertical jump (91st percentile), 128-inch broad jump (95th percentile) — into 52 pressures, which ranked 12th in the class.
As PFF’s sixth-highest-graded pass rusher among draft-eligible edge rushers on true pass sets, Ebiketie won’t last long in the second round.
The Seahawks met with Ebiketie at the NFL Combine, and he helps fill the void on their defensive line after they finished with PFF’s third-worst pass-rush grade in 2021.
Seattle has been known to go “wild” with draft picks, so I could envision Ebiketie even being their first-round pick. What a world.
Abraham Lucas allowed zero sacks in his final season at Washington State while lined up at at right tackle. The 6-foot-6 Cougar has over 2,100 pass-play snaps on his college resume and has allowed just six quarterback hits.
He’s an experienced tackle who won’t feel out of place in today’s pass-happy NFL. Lucas’ short-area quickness (98th percentile three-cone, 97th percentile short shuttle) showcases his readiness for the next level.
Lucas helps plug the tackle hole on the Seahawks roster. He also met with Seattle at the Combine.
The Colts still need a long-term answer at left tackle. Eric Fisher remains unsigned, and the team signed tackle Matt Pryor to just a one-year deal. Adding a piece like Bernhard Raimann is the perfect way to bolster the position for the present and future.
The 6-foot-7 tackle went from playing tight end two years ago to being PFF’s third-highest-graded tackle in 2021 (94.6). His short-area quickness and burst (91st percentile 20-yard shuttle, 85th percentile three-cone drill, 97th percentile broad jump) give him a sky-high ceiling.
The Falcons aren’t in a position to win games anytime soon, so they can afford to take players who will “redshirt” during their rookie seasons.
David Ojabo enjoyed a breakout season with 11 sacks in 2021 after playing just 26 snaps in 2020. The considerable leap was unequivocally tied to Ojabo’s freakish athleticism, which regular football players just don’t have. His 4.55 40-yard dash ranks in the 96th percentile among edge defenders.
Unfortunately, Ojabo tore his Achilles at Michigan’s pro day, which is why he falls into Round 2.
Safety Jalen Pitre has spent most of the last two seasons in coverage from the slot, capped off by a 2021 campaign that saw him finish first in PFF run defense among all defensive backs in the nation.
His dual-threat ability as a box safety who can cover and make stops in the run game is rare in an undersized safety (5-11, 198 pounds). The smaller size does raise concerns about whether Pitre can keep up his tenacious play — he has a man-on-a-mission mentality — against larger NFL players. But at least he offers a floor as a slot defender.
His 6.74 three-cone time (88th percentile) illustrates his short-area quickness.
The Browns also showed last season in selecting undersized LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah that they don’t just value the size of the dog, but the size of the BITE in the dog.
Pitre brings that mindset to the table. He also gives Cleveland flexibility heading into 2023 with secondary pieces like Greedy Williams and Ronnie Harrison hitting free agency. Slot CB Troy Hill will be 32 years old and won’t be worth paying with Pitre offering a similar skill set at a fraction of the cost. Hill allowed the second-highest passer rating when targeted in the slot last season (130.1).
The Ravens are set with two starting tackles but could benefit from additional depth at the position with Ronnie Stanley coming off back-to-back seasons derailed by ankle injuries.
Daniel Faalele weighs 384 pounds and measures a towering 6-foot-8. He’s the “immovable object” meeting the “unstoppable force” John Madden preached about all those years.
The traits are there for Faalele to be a franchise tackle in the NFL, but he might need some seasoning. After all, he’s only been playing football since 2016 after spending most of his life in Australia.
But the growth Faalele has displayed — he improved his PFF blocking grade all three years at Minnesota — suggests he is just scratching the surface of his potential. Also, with his limited playing experience, Faalele is best suited to continue playing at right tackle to start as he did at the college level.
The Minnesota Golden Gopher didn’t post monster numbers rushing the passer in the Big Ten (38th in the class in pressures generated), but he graded extremely well in PFF’s PRP formula, which combines sacks, hits, and hurries relative to how many times a defender rushes the passer. Mafe’s 10.2 PRP ranked seventh in the class behind projected top-five picks Aidan Hutchinson and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
There’s reason to believe Boye Mafe could translate to a first-round-worthy pass rusher at the NFL level based on his uber-athleticism.
At the NFL Combine, Mafe ran a 4.53 40-yard dash (98th percentile), jumped 38 inches in the vertical (90th percentile), and leaped 125 inches in the broad jump (90th percentile), all while measuring in at 6-4 and 261 pounds. His profile bears a striking resemblance to Jadeveon Clowney when he came out of South Carolina.
Mafe also showed out at the Senior Bowl, posting the highest defensive grade in the all-star game (92.0).
New Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah seems primed to flip the Rick Spielman script on avoiding edge rushers/defensive linemen with high-end draft capital, with Adofo-Mensah’s roots tied to the Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers. He was part of the teams that drafted Solomon Thomas, Nick Bosa, and Arik Armstead in the first round.
Poor quarterback play kept Washington from being able to take a step forward in 2021. They had the league’s seventh-worst offense, per PFF. As the newly named Commanders, they needed to upgrade the position.
Carson Wentz is far from perfect, but he’s still an upgrade from what Washington was thrusting under center in 2021. But keep in mind that the Commanders can get out of Wentz’s contract in 2023, so they are still in the market to draft a signal-caller.
And the value is too good to pass up with Desmond Ridder at pick 47.
Ron Rivera is attending Cincinnati’s pro day. This is the only one of the four main QB sessions he's attended this week. Have mentioned previously Washington has interest in Desmond Ridder. It's also a quick trip from Ohio State, where many with the organization were yesterday.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) March 24, 2022
Ridder made a strong NFL push uring his senior season, leading Cincinnati to the College Football Playoff against Alabama. PFF’s seventh-highest-graded 2022 draft-eligible quarterback then turned heads at the 2022 Senior Bowl, showcasing accuracy and polish.
Ridder also offers juice with his legs, having rushed for over 2,700 yards during his four-year career (58 per game). His athleticism was at the forefront of his testing at the NFL Combine.
The Bearcats quarterback ran a 4.52 40-yard dash (96th percentile) and jumped a 36-inch vertical (92nd percentile) and 127-inch broad jump (98th percentile).
With speed and predictive passing metrics working in his favor — Ridder was a 97th percentile passer on early downs, per PFF (91.0) — the Cincinnati product possesses all the ingredients to become a fantasy-friendly quarterback at the next level.
The wide receiver room in Chicago remains thin, as a trio of Darnell Mooney, Byron Pringle, and Equanimeous St. Brown should not get anybody overly excited.
Chicago adds North Dakota State’s Christian Watson to fill the void.
Very interesting to hear specific names being dropped for once when involving #Bears draft coverage.
Tyler Smith, George Pickens, Christian Watson, and Alec Pierce were the names said to be “buzzing” in Chicago. https://t.co/ijkdmOIiMb
— Erik Duerrwaechter (@EDuerrwaechter) April 21, 2022
Watson was the talk of the town as a standout in the 2022 Senior Bowl. The North Dakota State prospect showed that his 35% dominator rating and No. 1-ranked 4.33 yards per route run were no fluke, even if they came against an easy schedule of opponents.
And his draft stock continued to ascend with a blazing 4.36 40-yard dash (92nd percentile) during Combine testing. That speed at Watson’s size is ludicrous.
Combine that with his 38.5-inch vertical (84th percentile) and 136-inch broad jump (98th percentile), and all that’s left is calling the dude a certified stud who has likely earned top-50 draft capital.
Drafting a future franchise quarterback is strongly in play for the Saints even though the team brought back Jameis Winston on a two-year deal. If anything, having a veteran like Winston gives Howell the opportunity to sit and learn — something he has never gotten the chance to do.
Howell earned the starting quarterback job at North Carolina as a 19-year-old true freshman and never looked back. He finished fourth in the FBS with 38 touchdown passes in his first season, putting himself on the NFL radar.
He followed up that impressive introduction with an even more dominant performance as a passer in 2020, finishing as the nation’s sixth-highest-graded quarterback (92.3) and fourth-best deep passer (98.0) in an offense littered with future NFL talent.
Howell was just one of two quarterbacks — Matt Corral was the other — the Saints had in for a private visit this offseason.
#Commanders, #Saints Had Large Presence At Sam Howell's Pro Day #NFLDraft
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) April 3, 2022
The Chiefs have a significant hole at wide receiver after losing Tyreek Hill, Byron Pringle , and Demarcus Robinson this offseason. The team signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling to stretch the field on the outside and JuJu Smith-Schuster to man the slot, but I doubt they are done adding to the position.
And what better way to do that — while also keeping your quarterback happy — than by drafting a stud wide receiver in the second round with George Pickens.
The Georgia Bulldog broke out as a true 18-year-old freshman, finishing 2019 as PFF’s 17th-highest-graded receiver in the nation (88.0) — ahead of future NFL wideouts Jerry Jeudy, Justin Jefferson, Devonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle.
His 2.64 yards per route run were identical to Jefferson’s. Pickens’ unbelievable first year generated a 27% dominator rating — the No. 1 age-adjusted mark among the WRs in this draft class.
Injuries plagued Pickens’ draft stock during the college season, but he looks to be fully healthy based on his testing at the NFL Combine. I will be drafting a lot of Pickens in my dynasty rookie drafts — even with his ADP on its way to the moon with Patrick Mahomes as his NFL quarterback.
Rodney McLeod signed with the Colts this offseason, leaving a hole at safety for the Eagles.
Jaquan Brisker can fill that hole operating close to the line of scrimmage in a hybrid linebacker-safety role. The Penn State safety led the 2022 draft class in snaps from the box while boasting PFF’s third-highest coverage grade (89.5).
DC Jonathan Gannon will want Brisker close to the ball on every down.
#Eagles eye by @ADiCeccoNFL: DC Jonathan Gannon is at Penn State, likely watching Jaquan Brisker, among others.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) March 24, 2022
Smells like a future IDP fantasy star.
Interior defense is a major need on defense after the Steelers had the league’s 32nd-ranked run defense in 2021.
That’s why adding an elite run stuffer like Travis Jones just makes sense. The burly UConn defensive tackle finished as PFF’s third-highest-graded interior player in 2021. Jones looks like the league’s next A-gap run-stuffing nose tackle with his impressive size (6-4, 326) and speed (88th percentile 40-time).
Roger McCreary graded out as the No. 1 cornerback in the nation in 2021 per PFF, forcing 13 incomplete passes while in coverage. And although he excels in press coverage, the rumor is that NFL teams view him more as a slot cornerback with his sub-29-inch arms.
That might knock him down in the draft based on teams that need a slot cornerback. But make no mistake: He will bring his top-tier coverage skills when lined up inside.
On 26 slot coverage snaps in 2021, McCreary allowed just one catch. It’s a small sample size, but McCreary’s work foreshadows a smooth transition to the slot.
Green Bay needs somebody inside to replace slot CB Chandon Sullivan, who recently signed with the Vikings.
Death, taxes, and New England drafting a prospect from Alabama.
The Patriots add much-needed speed and a well-rounded skill set in Christian Harris. The Crimson Tide linebacker blazed a 4.44 40-yard dash (97th percentile) and jumped 132 inches in the broad jump (98th percentile) at the NFL Combine to add to his draft stock.
Harris’ 1.5-yard average depth of tackle (seventh-lowest in the class) showcases his explosiveness and ability as a blitzer, which are just a few of the skills the versatile linebacker can offer to a Bill Belichick defense.
Nik Bonitto put together back-to-back seasons of elite pass-rushing production. In 2020, the Oklahoma Sooner finished first in PFF pass-rush grade and fourth in total pressures.
In 2021, Bonitto ranked third in PFF pass-rush grade and fourth in pass-rush win rate (29%).
The Bonitto addition helps mitigate the offseason loss of Chandler Jones.
Without much salary cap space, I’d imagine Big D looks to draft pass-rush talent after shoring up the offensive line.
Logan Hall has defensive tackle recognition across many publications, but he’s much more of a defensive end due to his pass-rushing skills. He has graded out as a top-five interior rusher among his draft-eligible classmates the last two seasons, per PFF.
NFL teams looking to generate pass rush up the middle would be wise to invest in the 283-pounder and lengthy 6-foot-6 Houston Cougar. Just don’t line him up over the center and expect him to be a true difference-maker in the run game.
Starting outside CB Levi Wallace signed with the Steelers this offseason, giving the Bills a prime reason to address the position. Stud CB Tre’Davious White is returning from a torn ACL, so it makes sense for the Bills to add depth through the draft.
Martin Emerson fits the profile of a lengthy cornerback due to his 96th percentile wingspan and 97th percentile arm length. He can get by with size on the outside against bigger-bodied wide receivers, but his lack of long speed (36th percentile 40-yard time) creates cause for concern against NFL speed demons.
But even so, three-plus years against the best wide receivers in the SEC will have Emerson up to the challenge.
The Falcons had the second-fewest explosive rushes come from the running back position in 2021 (21).
In his first year at Michigan State in 2021, Kenneth Walker III led his class in rushing yards (1,634), forced missed tackles (89), and explosive runs (46) en route to winning the Doak Walker Award – an honor bestowed upon college football’s best running back.
Walker possesses the skills to be an effective rusher at the next level, with the second-most missed tackles forced over the past two seasons (trailing only (Breece Hall) and third-most rushing yards after contact. Breaking tackles and creating after contact in college translates to the pros exceptionally well, as seen most recently with Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams.
Williams led the nation in missed tackle rate (48%) in his final season at North Carolina and would go on to lead the NFL in the same metric after his stellar rookie season.
At 6-4 and 283 pounds, DeMarvin Leal isn’t your prototypical defensive lineman. His tweener size makes him too small to be used strictly in the interior and too big to be a strict edge defender. His testing numbers — 5.0 in the 40 (13th percentile), a 27.5-inch vertical (fourth percentile), a 106-inch broad jump (seventh percentile), and a 4.49 shuttle (32nd percentile) — look mediocre when compared to the majority of NFL defensive ends.
The testing numbers look better when compared to 300-pound defensive tackles, but that doesn’t necessarily project to be Leal at the next level. With such a unique build, Leal’s projection with Green Bay will be generating pressure.
Ideally, he continues to rush the passer at an impressive size to overwhelm opposing offensive linemen the way he did in college.
Rob Gronkowski has been noncommittal about returning to football, and O.J. Howard signed with Buffalo in free agency. There’s a need for a tight end in Tampa Bay as a result, making Trey McBride the selection at 60.
McBride posted eye-popping numbers in 2021. The Colorado State Ram compiled 1,125 receiving yards, which comprised 37% of the team’s total passing yardage production. His sheer dominance and command for the football — second-highest target rate per route run (30%) — elevated him to a 94.7 PFF overall grade (the best among tight ends) and the John Mackey Award.
However, his senior year breakout wasn’t too surprising based on what he did in a truncated 2020 season. McBride had an absurd 71% dominator rating — which considers the number of touchdowns and receiving yards a player commands within his offense — while operating as the engine of the Rams’ offense in the four games played.
He even possesses under-the-radar upside because he can win downfield. McBride finished third in catches and fourth in yards on targets of 20-plus air yards. If he ends up with a big-armed quarterback, watch out.
Because McBride impressed at the Senior Bowl, he has a great chance to be the first tight end drafted. McBride looks the part of a high-floor, in-line tight end who can start from day one with his well-rounded skill set.
I don’t believe McBride will ever become super dynamic with the ball in his hands, but he can easily carve out a role as a solid PPR fantasy tight end because he commands targets.
The 49ers have gone defensive with their first selection in three of the last five drafts, so I assume they’ll look to add depth at the cornerback position after locking up their franchise quarterback in last year’s draft.
Signing Charvarius Ward to play opposite Emmanuel Moseley is excellent for the perimeter, but the slot cornerback role needs to be enhanced.
The highest cornerback drafted by the 49ers since 2017 was the 6-3, 198-pound Ahkello Witherspoon. Even with DeMeco Ryans as the defensive coordinator, I don’t expect the 49ers to shy away from utilizing long cornerbacks.
Last year’s third-round pick, CB Ambry Thomas, stands 6-0 with 79th percentile arm length. Defensive back prospect Tariq Woolen boasts 97th percentile arm length with 4.26 40-speed to boot.
Woolen is raw as a cornerback but boasts sky-high upside with his unmatched speed.
Brett Veach has drafted a defensive lineman in the top three rounds in three of the last five drafts. The Chiefs bolster their pass rush with San Diego State edge defender Cameron Thomas. The former Aztec led his class with 77 total pressures and 21 quarterback hits, with 12 sacks (sixth).
Protect Joe Burrow at all costs.
Jamaree Salyer allowed just four pressures on 577 snaps in 2021, cementing his status as the most efficient tackle in the Power 5 on a per-snap basis. With experience playing every position on the offensive line, Salyer’s versatility will be highly coveted by the Bengals.
The one position Denver didn’t address last year was tackle –– and it remains the top priority for the Broncos with their three Day 2 picks. Last year’s starters at RT, Bobby Massie and Cameron Fleming, are unsigned free agents. And they only added Billy Turner in free agency.
Source confirms Broncos working to bring in Tenn-Chattanooga G-C Cole Strange for top 30 visit. Zone teams like his athleticism at 6-5, 307. (1st by @JustinM_NFL). #9sports
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) April 6, 2022
Cole Strange was PFF’s highest-graded run-blocking guard in the FCS, operating heavily from a zone-running scheme. With impressive measurables (90th percentile short shuttle, 99th percentile broad jump), he could turn heads in the NFL if he plays up to the increased competition.
He has the ability and experience to play anywhere across the offensive line.
ROUND 3
Right guard Dylan Parham finished his senior year as the sixth-highest-graded pass-blocker in his class. But 2021 wasn’t even Parham’s best season, as the year before he graded out as a top-five offensive lineman while operating at right tackle.
Parham will be in the Day 2 discussion, but he needs to maintain his new weight. He weighed in at 311 pounds at the NFL Combine, which was 25 pounds heavier than his 285-pound listed playing weight at Memphis.
The extra pounds did not impact his testing; Parham blazed a 4.93 40-yard dash (95th percentile).
He’s a solid fit in Jacksonville as a guard/center after the team lost center Brandon Linder to retirement.
No cornerback graded top 45 for the Lions last season, per PFF. Cam Taylor-Britt fits the mold of a Brad Holmes draft target based on the latter’s track record of selecting players who test well in the 10-yard split.
Taylor-Britt’s 1.52 10-yard split ranks sixth-best in the class (74th percentile), to go along with a 4.38 40-time (89th percentile).
He also gets the Dan Campbell stamp of approval based on his physicality and no-fear mentality.
Safe to say Nebraska CB Cam Taylor-Britt came to compete at the #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/cZUbym0Cai
— Cole Topham (@HamAnalysis) February 1, 2022
Per Sports Info Solutions, Taylor-Britt allowed the third-fewest yards per snap in man coverage in 2021, tied with Trent McDuffie (0.4).
Jeremy Ruckert posted just a 9% dominator rating and averaged three targets per game at Ohio State. Primarily heralded as a blocking tight end, Ruckert won’t have much juice for fantasy without any worthwhile receiving chops.
Be mindful that Ruckert was playing alongside an elite group of wide receivers, so it’s not due to a lack of effort that his receiving numbers were so poor. He could climb the target pecking order if he lands on an NFL team without many proven pass catchers. Just don’t expect him to hit the ground running in Year 1.
Although landing on the Giants does give Ruckert the best chance to produce in Year 1, with TE Ricky Seals-Jones the only other player competing for snaps.
It wouldn’t be abnormal for Brian Daboll to connect with a guy like Ruckert; after all, Ruckert’s lack of production due to playing with elite talent around him is eerily reminiscent of Dawson Knox’s situation coming out of Ole Miss a few years ago.
There’s not much that Leo Chenal can’t do to disrupt an opposing offense. He finished first in PFF run defense and second in PFF pass-rush grade among all linebackers in the FBS. Micah Parsons finished first in those two categories in 2019.
Stick the off-ball linebacker in the box and watch him make plays. Just don’t rely on him in coverage.
Phidarian Mathis capped off his Alabama career with a career-high nine sacks in 2021. However, don’t expect Mathis to carry over his pass-rushing numbers from his final season. His poor testing numbers (fourth percentile vertical jump, sixth percentile 20-yard shuttle) don’t inspire confidence that Mathis will be a difference-maker against the pass.
He’s a seasoned interior tackle who can line up all over the defensive line and mainly contribute to stopping the run.
Keep an eye on Penn State LB Brandon Smith here as well. The Jets might not want to wait until Round 4 to draft him.
A major trend I noticed when studying Trent Baalke’s draft history was his targeting of defensive backs. He used a third-round pick or better on a safety/cornerback in six of seven drafts. Last season, the Jags drafted cornerback Tyson Campbell in Round 2 and defensive back Andre Cisco in Round 3.
They’ve met with safety prospect Kerby Joseph this offseason, and he fits the criteria of a Baalke target with 33-inch arms (90th percentile).
Joseph also earned PFF’s highest defensive grade at the safety position this past year due to his outstanding coverage skills. He allowed less than a 50% completion percentage when targeted and racked up five interceptions and four pass breakups on balls thrown in his direction.
The Chicago Bears have interviewed NFL draft prospect Luke Goedeke, firmly putting him in the conversation to end up in the Windy City.
PFF’s Doug Kyed named Goedeke as a player who could be drafted higher than the consensus thinks. His current EDP per Grindingthemocks.com is 82 overall.
If he is here at the top of Round 3, Chicago will pull the trigger. He’s got tackle/guard versatility and didn’t allow a sack all last season. Goedeke is also great in the run game, earning accolades as PFF’s sixth-highest-graded run-blocker in 2021.
Per Sports Info Solutions, Goedeke also had the lowest percentage of blown blocks on rushing attempts.
Rasheed Walker has met with the Seahawks on multiple occasions during the predraft process, as the team looks to entirely revamp its tackle position.
The Penn State product adds depth as a swing tackle with plus athleticism.
Chris Ballard understands the harmony required when debating a player’s fit vs. the best player available. For that reason, I expected Ballard to address the team’s flagrant lack of pass rush with an edge defender in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Myjai Sanders’ 20% true pressure rate, per Sports Info Solutions — the rate that isolates straight dropbacks, which are more likely to be similar across situations — ranks third-best in the class.
Terry Fontenot focused last year’s draft mostly on cornerbacks, defensive linemen, and offensive linemen, so that’s where I’d lean on them going once again with their roster in a total rebuild.
A.J. Terrell has emerged as a top-tier NFL cover man after finishing 2021 as PFF’s second-highest-graded cornerback. But other than veteran Casey Hayward, it’s bare-bones behind Terrell on the depth chart.
Hence why Jalyn Armour-Davis is the pick at 74. JAD gained plenty of experience playing press coverage in 2021 and possesses the tools to become a perimeter starter at the next level. He allowed just a 52.3 passer rating when targeted — ninth-best in his class among CBs with at least 300 coverage snaps.
Injuries have been a concern, but that matters not to the Falcons, who aren’t looking to win games in 2023.
Chad Muma led the nation in tackles from the linebacker position in 2021, finishing at PFF’s third-highest-graded linebacker. His tenacious and aggressive play led to 68 stops on defense — tackles that constitute a failed play on offense — which also ranked first.
With explosiveness to boot (94th percentile broad and vertical jumps) Muma is a heat-seeking missile ready to start for an NFL defense. He’s solid in all facets of the game.
Denver can’t afford to bypass the linebacker position in the draft with zero depth currently on the roster.
The Ravens — a franchise known for valuing safety play in a defensive scheme more than most — are a perfect fit for Nick Cross alongside newly acquired veteran safety Marcus Williams.
The Maryland safety boasts excellent range due to his 4.34 speed and explosiveness (92nd percentile broad jump).
Plus, Cross offers the ability to contribute in the run game, with experience operating in the slot and box. His 19% box rate ranked fourth-highest in his draft class.
Remember the name Troy Andersen. He blazed the fastest 40 time at the NFL Vombine among linebackers (4.42, 98th percentile) and will no doubt earn a role on special teams to start his professional career.
As a converted running back and quarterback (among other positions), Andersen finished with the second-most tackles in all of college football in 2021. Swiss army knife is an understatement for what this guy can offer to a depleted Vikings linebacker corps.
During the Browns’ drafts from 2016 to 2018 under Andrew Berry, the one common denominator was a focus on pass rush, with DEs chosen with Day 1 or Day 2 selections each season. It wasn’t until 2020 that Berry shifted the focus away from pass rush in favor of OL and DB.
With those positions in excellent shape, I’d estimate that Berry will be looking hard again at this pass-rush class based on how the team operated when he was the VP of player personnel.
Paschal was PFF’s fourth-highest-graded run defender on the edge in the nation last season, so he should help replace free agent Jadeveon Clowney. But the upside for more pass rush is there for Paschal based on his testing. The Kentucky product is explosive, boasting a 90th percentile vertical jump and 86th percentile broad jump.
Tom Telesco has drafted seven offensive linemen in the top three rounds — the most of any position.
After that, Telesco has invested many picks in linebackers, wide receivers, and running backs — not necessarily all high-end capital, but a plethora of dart throws.
Don’t be shocked if the Chargers add a speedy wide receiver with the 79th overall pick. Calvin Austin III fits the bill.
The 5-foot-8 wide receiver ran a 4.32 40-yard dash and jumped 135 inches in the broad jump — both of which rank above the 96th percentile. Considering that Austin was already a draft riser after a strong performance at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, the Memphis product is a no-doubt Day 2 selection.
Let’s not forget that the Chargers’ third-round pick last season, Josh Palmer, also saw his stock rise after a strong Senior Bowl.
Austin’s speed fits seamlessly into the Chargers’ WR room.
Thomas Booker has an athletic profile, as demonstrated by his NFL Combine testing. He was 80th percentile or better in the 40-yard dash, three-cone and 20-yard shuttle, capturing the attention of the NFL coaching staffs.
He also led the FBS in tackles and ranked sixth in run stops among his 2022 classmates.
Booker’s 80th percentile three-cone time surely won’t go unnoticed by Texans GM Nick Caserio, who has exhibited a pattern of drafting individuals who test well in that drill.
Don’t sleep on the Giants adding a running back. They’ve been noncommittal on Saquon Barkley long-term and have hosted a slew of RBs throughout the predraft process.
Big Blue adds Isaiah Spiller to help ease Barkley’s load, much to the dismay of all who play fantasy football.
As a true freshman in 2019, Spiller scored 10 rushing touchdowns and finished 16th in the nation in yards after contact per attempt en route to a 22% dominator rating. The power running back followed up his first year in impressive fashion with back-to-back seasons of 1,000 rushing yards and 100 missed tackles. Spiller also displayed receiving prowess, commanding at least an 8% target share and an average of 25 receptions per season.
With an all-encompassing skill set and desirable size (6-0, 217 pounds), Spiller should be a solid producer in the NFL. although his lack of top-notch speed could keep him from being elite. He had only eight carries of 20-plus yards in 2021.
Atlanta’s porous offensive line play — the Falcons had the second-worst PFF pass-blocking grade — suggests that they retool the offensive line to give newly signed Marcus Mariota a chance to succeed in his second stint under Arthur Smith.
Matt Ryan was pressured at the highest rate of any quarterback to play 17 games last season. Got to imagine they are honing in on depth at guard and center with their multiple Day 2 picks.
And there’s no better fit than Darian Kinnard, based on how solid he has been over the past three seasons. In 2019, the Wildcat offensive tackle graded top-10 at the position, per PFF, and he followed that up with back-to-back top-five grades the last two seasons.
Kinnard is an aggressive run blocker. He will likely move full-time inside to guard at the next level.
Only two edge players (Aidan Hutchinson and Nik Bonitto) earned a higher PFF pass-rush grade than Kingsley Enagbare in 2021. The South Carolina product’s pressure didn’t necessarily translate to many sacks (4). Still, his ability to win one-on-one matchups — he had the third-highest pressure win percentage – suggests he has a high pass-rush ceiling at the next level, especially considering he has been a top-tier rusher in the SEC for the past two seasons.
We are out of Round 2, so the Steelers can finally address the offensive line. They haven’t drafted an offensive lineman in the top two rounds since 2012.
Right tackle Max Mitchell was PFF’s highest-graded tackle in 2021 due to his impressive No.1-ranked grade as a run blocker (95.0). He’s a bit on the small size at 307 pounds, so it’s possible an NFL team kicks him inside to guard.
The former Ragin’ Cajun is a great addition for any team looking for depth on their offensive line in a zone running scheme.
Another Alabama player to New England? Yup.
WR and draft prospect John Metchie III visiting the #Patriots today.
He led the Crimson Tide with a 20% target share in 13 games before his injury in 2021.
Also looks damn fine catching balls from Mac Jones ?
My NFL comp: Eddie Royal pic.twitter.com/WD0od7FGxE
— Andrew Erickson™ (@AndrewErickson_) April 12, 2022
John Metchie III is the latest wide receiver to leave the Alabama Crimson Tide for the NFL after catching 96 balls for over 1,100 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in his final junior season.
It’s been a long-time coming for Metchie, because playing alongside future first-round picks Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, and Henry Ruggs made it nearly impossible for him to get playing time.
He got his first crack at legitimate playing time in 2020 after Waddle went down with an injury. However, Metchie was lackluster at best, taking a massive backseat to DeVonta Smith.
All eyes were on Metchie when Smith and Waddle moved on. And for the most part, he delivered. Metchie led Bama with a 20% target share in 13 games before his injury. He just happened to be overshadowed by Ohio State transfer Jameson Williams.
Still, Metchie has a nice skill set that will translate well into the NFL. He’s a savvy route runner who understands how to get leverage and create separation from defenders. His game reminds me of Eddie Royal’s.
He probably won’t ever be a true No. 1, but being a rock-solid No. 2 or slot option is very much in his range of outcomes.
In his three-year stint at UCLA, Sean Rhyan allowed just two sacks, but NFL teams may covet his strengths as a run-blocker more at the professional level. His PFF run-blocking grade ranked 11th best in the class last season.
His best fit would be with a team that runs gap concepts more frequently than zone. He probably will switch to guard based on his 14th percentile arm length.
Regardless, Rhyan helps bring depth to the Las Vegas line. The team re-signed Brandon Parker at right tackle, but he allowed the most QB pressures per game among qualifying tackles in 2021. Alex Leatherwood was equally as horrible at right tackle before moving inside to right guard.
What stands out about Steve Keim’s draft record is that he drafts a plethora of wide receivers in the early rounds. Arizona adds another dynamic pass catcher to keep Kyler Murray happy.
Alec Pierce helped take the top off defenses for the Cincinnati Bearcats in 2021, as evidenced by his 17.1 aDOT — the highest aDOT of any player in his class with at least 80 targets. Pierce averaged just over 100 air yards per game in his final season at Cincinnati.
I wasn’t expecting much from Pierce at the NFL Combine, so I was pleasantly surprised when he impressed me during the testing drills. A 4.41 40-yard dash and the No. 1 vertical jump (40.5, 93rd percentile) in the class imply that Pierce has the requisite athleticism to be a factor at the NFL level.
With projected Day 2 draft capital per Grindingthemocks.com, Pierce needs to be on your fantasy radar. His 19-year-old breakout age is also a factor that fantasy drafters should gravitate toward.
Dallas held a private workout with Sam Williams, so he’s a person of interest. The Ole Miss pass rusher finished with nearly one sack per game in 2021 (0.9), equal to Aidan Hutchinson. The guy also has freaky speed; he blazed a 4.46 at the NFL Combine (98th percentile).
Buffalo figures to be in the mix for upgrading its interior offensive line after it finished as PFF’s 27th-graded run-blocking unit. The Bills added Rodger Saffold at right guard for the upcoming season, but they might feel obligated to add more depth. Their 2019 second-round pick, Cody Ford, has failed to live up to expectations during three lackluster seasons.
The Bills also released starting guard/tackle Daryl Williams – although there are rumbles that he will return on a cheaper contract. Either way, OL looks to be strongly in play for the Bills on Day 2.
Nicholas Petit-Frere’s protection up front could use some work after the Ohio State tackle finished outside the top 50 in PFF pass-block grading. The game against Michigan was particularly bad, with Petit-Frere allowing eight pressures against a defense filled with NFL-caliber talent.
However, NPF’s impressive run-blocking — he ranked 15th in the nation in PFF run-block grade — will ensure he is valued by the Bills.
In his final season at USC, Drake Jackson didn’t post monster counting stats, but he was an efficient pass rusher. He finished 17th in PFF pass-rush grade among his classmates.
He’s a nonfactor in the run game but still has room to grow at just 20 years old. Jackson has the tools to be a difference-making edge defender but needs some grooming. With the Titans, he can be rotated on the defensive line.
The guy was also quoted saying he likes to “kill the quarterback” at the combine, so I’m sure his fellow defensive teammates will embrace him.
USC EDGE Drake Jackson prides himself on being a complete player. He said his favorite thing to do is to "kill the QB." Jackson had a formal meeting w/the #Titans. pic.twitter.com/REOa93W5L5
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) March 4, 2022
With Tampa not re-signing Ndamukong Suh, Jason Pierre-Paul and Steven McClendon in free agency, the Buccaneers need to add more youth across their defensive line alongside 2020 first-rounder Joe Tryon-Shoyinka.
Florida’s Zachary Carter finished with the fourth-highest pressure rate (12%) among defensive tackles in the 2022 class.
The UCLA tight end weighed in at 6-4 and 243 pounds at the NFL combine and tested exceptionally well — 122-inch broad jump (88th percentile), 4.69 40-time (70th percentile), 34-inch vertical (63rd percentile) and 7.05 three-cone (75th percentile).
Dulcich averaged 17.6 yards per reception over his four-year career at UCLA. In 2021, he ranked fourth in yards per reception (17.3).
It’s hard to watch Dulcich’s tape and not see hints of Dawson Knox. It will be fun to watch him streaking down the seam and catching passes from Aaron Rodgers.
93. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Ed Ingram (OG – LSU)
The San Francisco offensive line could take a small step backward in 2021 because the 49ers were unable to keep LG Laken Tomlinson and RT Tom Compton. There’s also ambiguity around Alex Mack’s future, making interior OL a priority for San Fran.
Ed Ingram finished as PFF’s 11th-highest-graded pass-blocker in the 2022 guard class. His experience in pulling makes him a great fit for the 49ers’ diverse run scheme. He has all the traits to be a starting-caliber NFL guard.
More weapons for Patrick Mahomes with the addition of mega-producer Jalen Tolbert.
The 6-1, 194-pound deep-ball specialist earned a career 31% dominator rating (top three in the class), factoring in a redshirt freshman season. Tolbert posted dominator ratings of 35%, 42%, and 42% from his sophomore year on. He torched defenses downfield as the nation’s leader in targets (99), catches (38), and receiving yards (1,402) on targets of 20-plus air yards.
Tolbert also boasts a 19-year-old breakout age; his profile stacks up with some top wideouts from this class. And although Tolbert doesn’t possess elite speed (57th percentile 40-yard dash time), he still understands how to get open deep. He’s similar to Adam Thielen in that fashion.
With a name like Coby Bryant, you are bound to be battle-tested. The Bearcats cornerback saw plenty of targets come his way over his four-year college career (270), with 75 coming this past season.
But give Bryant credit for showing up when teams tried to pick on him with Ahmad Gardner locking down the other side of the field. Bryant’s PFF coverage grade ranked eighth (85.0), just one spot behind Gardner.
Obviously, Bryant was facing opponents’ inferior receivers more often. But he at least showed he could be a solid No. 2 cornerback for an NFL team with a No. 1 already entrenched.
His well-rounded skill set (top-12 run defense and tackle grade) earns Bryant the “jack of all trades, master of none” mantra among his cornerback class.
He could easily push veteran Eli Apple for the starting perimeter job opposite Chidobe Awuzie.
The Vikings have had no issue investing Day 2 capital into the RB position (Jerick McKinnon, Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison). And the Broncos did just that last year in GM George Paton’s first draft with the team, selecting Javonte Williams in the second round (35th overall). Perhaps Paton’s former Minnesota ties to Dalvin Cook will be enough to have Denver select his brother, James Cook, in this year’s draft.
The younger Cook finished with the fifth-highest PFF receiving grade in 2021 among his draft class. He hauled in 27 of 30 targets for 274 receiving yards, including 112 in a College Football Playoff game against Michigan.
No linebacker graded top 45 for the Lions last season. per PFF. Even with Dean added earlier, Detroit still needs to add linebacker depth.
Brain Asamoah’s 2% missed tackle rate ranks first among the weak-side linebackers in the class.
Linebacker Kwon Alexander remains unsigned, opening up the possibility that New Orleans drafts a linebacker. Darrian Beavers earned a top-10 PFF pass-rush grade in 2021.
Khalil Shakir’s electric Boise State career hit its peak during his 2020 season, when he cultivated a whopping 46% dominator score – the second-highest single-season rating among the 2022 draft class. He finished that year as PFF’s ninth-graded WR (88.8), averaging over 100 receiving yards and 7.4 catches per game.
Shakir’s 2020 was a strong follow-up to his breakout sophomore campaign in 2019, when he hung a 22% dominator rating at age 19.
The Boise State slot wide receiver ended his college career on a high note as PFF’s third-highest-graded wide receiver (92.9) among his draft class.
As a strong favorite to carve out a role working inside for an NFL offense, Shakir could emerge as a Russell Gage-esque receiver who works well in fantasy PPR scoring.
Last season’s starting center, Bradley Bozeman, signed with the Panthers, thrusting former 2020 undrafted free agent Trystan Colon-Castillo into the starting center job. The Ravens could definitely benefit from adding to the position in the draft.
Houston’s Marcus Jones looks like a potential plug-and-play inside option. The undersized cornerback excelled playing in the slot — he allowed a 0.0 passer rating from the inside in 2021 — and offers kick return ability. Jones finished the 2021 season as PFF’s highest-graded returner in the country.
Defensively, Miami is in pretty solid shape. Linebacker is where the Dolphins can improve the most with one of their late-round draft picks.
The 2021 Georgia defense is no stranger to filling the draft with NFL talent, but Channing Tindall seems to be flying more under the radar than he should. The linebacker finished as PFF’s eighth-highest-graded linebacker in 2021 and tested off the charts at the Combine.
His 40 time and jumps are all ranked in the 95th percentile or better. Miami gets a steal with Tindall’s sure tackling and imposing presence outside the top 100 picks.
The Chiefs have taken an offensive linemen on Day 2 in each of the last two years. The trend continues with Marquis Hayes.
The Sooner’s 0.8% blown-block percentage (per Sports Info Solutions) is the third-best mark in the class.
Considering that the Rams went WR and LB with their top two picks in last year’s draft, I’d lean toward offensive tackle this year if they don’t draft a defensive back at 104.
Left tackle Zach Tom posted the lowest blown pass-block percentage (0.7%) last year despite 633 pass-blocking snaps.
Cornerback Joshua Williams’ 91st percentile arm length checks the box for what the 49ers’ brass is looking for at the position. The 49ers double down on cornerbacks with upside between Williams/Woolen, with the hope that at least one hits on his potential.
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by FantasyPros Staff | 2 min read
by FantasyPros Staff | 2 min read
by FantasyPros Staff | 2 min read
by FantasyPros Staff | 2 min read
Andrew Erickson is a fantasy football analyst at FantasyPros.
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