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NFL Draft Grades 2022 Analysis and grades for all 7 rounds in 2021 NFL Draft
A Jaguars fan in the crowd holds a DUUUVAL Draft sign during the team's NFL Draft party Thursday evening. Jacksonville Jaguar fans showed up at Daily's Place for the 2022 NFL Draft party which saw the Jaguars pick University of Georgia edge rusher Travon Walker as their first pick of the draft where the team had the first overall draft pick Thursday evening, April 28, 2022. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union] Jki 042822 Jags2022draftpa 11
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NFL Draft Grades 2022: Analysis and grades for all 7 rounds in 2022 NFL Draft

With the 2022 NFL Draft over, how did the draft classes for all the teams grade? Which teams impressed and who struggled?

By Ryan Gosling

NFL Draft Grades 2022 | AFC East

Here are the 2022 NFL Draft grades for the AFC East teams so far.

Buffalo Bills

  • Round 1, Pick 23: Kaiir Elam
    CB, Florida
    Grade: A+
  • Round 2, Pick 63: James Cook
    RB, Georgia
    Grade: C+
  • Round 3, Pick 89: Terrel Bernard
    LB, Baylor
    Grade: C+
  • Round 5, Pick 148: Khalil Shakir
    WR, Boise State
    Grade: A-
  • Round 6, Pick 180: Matt Araiza
    P, San Diego State
    Grade: A+
  • Round 6, Pick 185: Christian Benford
    CB, Villanova
    Grade: A
  • Round 6, Pick 209: Luke Tenuta
    OT, Virginia Tech
    Grade: C+
  • Round 7, Pick 231: Baylon Spector
    LB, Clemson
    Grade: B

The Bills were detracted a bit by their Day 2 selections. James Cook and Terrel Bernard could very well go on to be solid players, but both felt like slight reaches at their spots. That said, the Bills never had any egregious reaches, and they mostly came away with solid picks. Kaiir Elam was a great selection on the first night.

On Day 3, Khalil Shakir was a fantastic addition as a projected movement Z or slot receiver. Beyond that, Matt Araiza fills a need at punter if he can continue to improve his trajectory. Christian Benford is a massive sleeper at CB, with the tools to provide depth. All things considered, the Bills brought in a lot of talent here.

Overall Grade: B

To see a full analysis of the Bills draft class, check out the Bills 2022 NFL Draft grades.

Miami Dolphins

With four picks, the Dolphins were only able to do so much, but they still did more than most expected. And that’s even with the Skylar Thompson pick in Round 7, which was largely without purpose. The team’s other seventh-round pick, Cameron Goode, is an athletic linebacker with a versatile projection at the next level.

Channing Tindall came in a similar mold in Round 3, but his tackling ability downhill makes him an exciting run-and-chase LB. The best pick of this class might end up being Round 4’s Erik Ezukanma, who’s a perfect fit in Mike McDaniel’s offense. Everyone talks about Ezukanma’s contested-catch ability – which is very good – but he’s just as good of a RAC threat, with some of the best contact balance in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Overall Grade: B

To see a full analysis of the Dolphins draft class, check out the Dolphins 2022 NFL Draft grades.

New England Patriots

  • Round 1, Pick 29: Cole Strange
    G, Chattanooga
    Grade: D+
  • Round 2, Pick 50: Tyquan Thornton
    WR, Baylor
    Grade: C+
  • Round 3, Pick 85: Marcus Jones
    CB, Houston
    Grade: C
  • Round 4, Pick 121: Jack Jones
    CB, Arizona State
    Grade: B-
  • Round 4, Pick 127: Pierre Strong Jr.
    RB, South Dakota State
    Grade: B+
  • Round 4, Pick 137: Bailey Zappe
    QB, Western Kentucky
    Grade: B-
  • Round 6, Pick 183: Kevin Harris
    RB, South Carolina
    Grade: C+
  • Round 6, Pick 200: Sam Roberts
    DT, NW Missouri State
    Grade: A
  • Round 6, Pick 210: Chasen Hines
    G, LSU
    Grade: A-
  • Round 7, Pick 245: Andrew Stueber
    OT, Michigan
    Grade: B+

The Patriots will do things their own way. That’s always been the case, and few drafts have emphasized that more than this one. Cole Strange, Tyquan Thornton, and Marcus Jones were all sizable reaches relative to their expected landing spots. But all three have the upside to potentially be worth those picks.

Still, if we’re grading for perceived value in the present day, the Patriots get knocked a little bit. Day 3 didn’t help a ton. Sam Roberts and Chasen Hines were excellent picks late, and Pierre Strong Jr. provides a dynamic element to the RB room. But overall, the Patriots class could’ve covered more ground.

Overall Grade: C

To see a full analysis of the Patriots draft class, check out the Patriots 2022 NFL Draft grades.

New York Jets

The first-round picks will never stop being the most important picks. Luckily for the Jets, that’s where they did their best work in the 2022 NFL Draft. The trio of Ahmad Gardner, Garrett Wilson, and Jermaine Johnson II could provide absurd value, and all at premier positions. Although the Jets’ last pick came very early, in Round 4, they still managed to add more value and depth in the middle rounds.

Breece Hall is a great compliment to Michael Carter. Jeremy Ruckert is a strong addition to the TE room. Max Mitchell has immediate swing tackle ability, and could spot start in the future. And Micheal Clemons has high-end tools worth adding to the EDGE rotation. The Jets held strong through four rounds, and took a step forward in the process.

Overall Grade: A-

To see a full analysis of the Jets’ draft class, check out the Jets 2022 NFL Draft grades.

NFL Draft Grades 2022 | AFC North

Here are the 2022 NFL Draft grades for the AFC North teams so far.

Baltimore Ravens

  • Round 1, Pick 14: Kyle Hamilton
    S, Notre Dame
    Grade: A+
  • Round 1, Pick 25: Tyler Linderbaum
    C, Iowa
    Grade: A-
  • Round 2, Pick 45: David Ojabo
    DE, Michigan
    Grade: A
  • Round 3, Pick 76: Travis Jones
    DT, UConn
    Grade: A+
  • Round 4, Pick 110: Daniel Faalele
    OT, Minnesota
    Grade: B
  • Round 4, Pick 119: Jalyn Armour-Davis
    CB, Alabama
    Grade: A
  • Round 4, Pick 128: Charlie Kolar
    TE, Iowa State
    Grade: B
  • Round 4, Pick 130: Jordan Stout
    P/K, Penn State
    Grade: A
  • Round 4, Pick 139: Isaiah Likely
    TE, Coastal Carolina
    Grade: A
  • Round 4, Pick 141: Damarion Williams
    CB, Houston
    Grade: A-
  • Round 6, Pick 196: Tyler Badie
    RB, Missouri
    Grade: B+

John Harbaugh, take a bow. In fact, the whole Ravens scouting staff, take a bow. This was an extraordinary class from top to bottom. On paper, the Ravens won the 2022 NFL Draft. They hit a home run with their early picks, getting Kyle Hamilton, Tyler Linderbaum, David Ojabo, and Travis Jones. Then, they came out on Day 3 and added players like Jalyn Armour-Davis, Daniel Faalele, Isaiah Likely, Charlie Kolar, and Tyler Badie. Wide receiver is still a moderate need even after this massive haul, but there’s plenty to be excited about for the Ravens, regardless.

Overall Grade: A

To see a full analysis of the Ravens’ draft class, check out the Ravens 2022 NFL Draft grades.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals made the most of their opportunities on Day 3, after bolstering their defensive unit with three strong early-round picks. Assuming that they plan to play Cordell Volson at guard, he can be an absolute mauler on the interior. Tycen Anderson is another solid pick. Though a bit redundant at safety with the other talent present, he can be a high-level special teamer early on. And later on, Jeffrey Gunter profiled as one of the bigger steals in the class. He’s an athletic, high-motor edge rusher who can boost the team’s pass rush right away. With only six picks, the Bengals did almost as much as they could.

Overall Grade: A-

To see a full analysis of the Bengals’ draft class, check out the Bengals 2022 NFL Draft grades.

Cleveland Browns

  • Round 3, Pick 68: Martin Emerson
    CB, Mississippi State
    Grade: B-
  • Round 3, Pick 78: Alex Wright
    EDGE, UAB
    Grade: A
  • Round 3, Pick 99: David Bell
    WR, Purdue
    Grade: B-
  • Round 4, Pick 108: Perrion Winfrey
    DT, Oklahoma
    Grade: A
  • Round 4, Pick 124: Cade York
    K, LSU
    Grade: A+
  • Round 5, Pick 156: Jerome Ford
    RB, Cincinnati
    Grade: B
  • Round 6, Pick 202: Michael Woods II
    WR, Oklahoma
    Grade: B+
  • Round 7, Pick 223: Isaiah Thomas
    EDGE, Oklahoma
    Grade: A
  • Round 7, Pick 246: Dawson Deaton
    C, Texas Tech
    Grade: B

There was never a point in the Browns’ draft where it felt like they were off track. While there were picks that you could contest a bit, the Browns sought out optimal value at each selection. After a respectable early-round stretch that included Martin Emerson, Alex Wright, and David Bell, the Browns thrived in the final hours of the draft.

Perrion Winfrey may go down as one of the biggest steals in the class. He has the tools to dominate at 3-tech. Cade York gives the team a clutch kicker, while Jerome Ford is a fun addition to the RB rotation in Round 5. Isaiah Thomas is another fantastic value pick in Round 7, but overall an extension of what the Browns were able to do as a whole.

Overall Grade: B+

To see a full analysis of the Browns’ draft class, check out the Browns 2022 NFL Draft grades.

Pittsburgh Steelers

With just four additional selections on Day 3, the Steelers didn’t have too many opportunities to move the needle after a notable early-round slate that saw them add Kenny Pickett, George Pickens, and DeMarvin Leal. Nonetheless, the Steelers took that as a challenge and added a supremely dynamic weapon in Calvin Austin III.

A separation machine, Austin is a perfect fit for both the Steelers’ offense and Pickett’s style. Beyond that, Connor Heyward is a versatile fullback who can block and catch out of the backfield. And Mark Robinson is a potential hidden gem at LB. This class’ reputation largely hinges on Pickett, but he has the talent, and it appears as though the Steelers are equipping him with the necessary weapons to succeed.

Overall Grade: B+

To see a full analysis of the Steelers’ draft class, check out the Steelers 2022 NFL Draft grades.

NFL Draft Grades 2022 | AFC South

Here are the 2022 NFL Draft grades for the AFC South teams so far.

Houston Texans

Another team that will enter the 2023 QB1 sweepstakes, the Houston Texans addressed other needs. They banked on the upside of Derek Stingley Jr. with the third overall pick and added Kenyon Green at pick 15. Round 2 saw them drafting Jalen Pitre, a Swiss army knife who’s comfortable playing anywhere. They also added wide receiver John Metchie III, a super underrated but productive pass catcher out of Alabama. Metchie’s teammate, Christian Harris, was their third-round pick, and Houston added a powerful runner in Dameon Pierce. Thomas Booker, Teagan Quitoriano, and Austin Deculus don’t move the meter much, but they didn’t reach to get them.

Overall Grade: B+

To see a full analysis of the Texans’ draft class, check out the Texans’ 2022 NFL Draft grades.

Indianapolis Colts

  • Round 2, Pick 53: Alec Pierce
    WR, Cincinnati 
    Grade: A-
  • Round 3, Pick 73: Jelani Woods
    TE, Virginia 
    Grade: A+
  • Round 3, Pick 77: Bernhard Raimann
    OT, Central Michigan 
    Grade: A-
  • Round 3, Pick 96: Nick Cross
    S, Maryland
    Grade: A-
  • Round 5, Pick 159: Eric Johnson
    DT, Missouri State
    Grade: A
  • Round 6, Pick 192: Andrew Ogletree
    TE, Youngstown State
    Grade: A-
  • Round 6, Pick 216: Curtis Brooks
    DT, Cincinnati
    Grade: B
  • Round 7, Pick 239: Rodney Thomas II
    S, Yale
    Grade: B+

Athletic is a great way to describe the Colts’ first two days of the draft. Well, really Day 2, since they didn’t have a first-round pick. Alec Pierce, Jelani Woods, Bernhard Raimann, and Nick Cross all bring athletic upside to the table. Pierce and Woods are freaks downfield and are two of the best in contested-catch situations. They kept that theme going on Day 3 with Eric Johnson and Andrew Ogletree, two athletic but raw players. Curtis Brooks brings underrated power to the interior defensive line, and the Colts finished the draft with Rodney Thomas.

Overall Grade: A-

To see a full analysis of the Colts’ draft class, check out the Colts’ 2022 NFL Draft grades.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville started the first round by banking on the upside of Travon Walker and ended it with the proven experience of Devin Lloyd. With their offensive tackle situation more stable, they drafted Luke Fortner to help up the middle. Day 3 featured picks of Chad Muma, Snoop Conner, Gregory Junior, and Montaric Brown. The Jags have good potential, but they didn’t address Trevor Lawrence’s future protection, and they left their star quarterback with an overpaid Christian Kirk as the top option at wide receiver.

Overall Grade: C+

To see a full analysis of the Jaguars’ draft class, check out the Jaguars’ 2022 NFL Draft grades.

Tennessee Titans

The trade of A.J. Brown turned some heads and not exactly in a good way. Treylon Burks was taken with the pick they received to be essentially what Brown already was for the Titans. Roger McCreary has shut-down potential at corner when at his peak. Nicholas Petit-Frere felt like a reach in Round 3, but they added many analysts’ QB1 in Malik Willis. Tennessee bounced back on Day 3 by adding another powerful runner to their backfield in Hassan Haskins, and added a field stretcher in TE Chigoziem Okonkwo and a master route runner in Kyle Philips.

Overall Grade: B

To see a full analysis of the Titans’ draft class, check out the Titans’ 2022 NFL Draft grades.

NFL Draft Grades 2022 | AFC West

Here are the 2022 NFL Draft grades for the AFC West teams so far.

Denver Broncos

  • Round 2, Pick 64: Nik Bonitto
    LB, Oklahoma
    Grade: B-
  • Round 3, Pick 80: Greg Dulcich
    TE, UCLA
    Grade: B
  • Round 4, Pick 115: Damarri Mathis
    CB, Pittsburgh
    Grade: A
  • Round 4, Pick 116: Eyioma Uwazurike
    DT, Iowa State
    Grade: C+
  • Round 5, Pick 152: Delarrin Turner-Yell
    S, Oklahoma
    Grade: D
  • Round 5, Pick 162: Montrell Washington
    WR, Samford
    Grade: D
  • Round 5, Pick 171: Luke Wattenberg
    OL, Washington
    Grade: B-
  • Round 6, Pick 206: Matt Henningsen
    DT, Wisconsin
    Grade: B+
  • Round 7, Pick 232: Faion Hicks
    CB, Wisconsin
    Grade: B

The Broncos traded their first-rounder in a deal that landed them Russell Wilson. So that’s a win already. The 2022 NFL Draft class itself fell into place nicely as well. Nik Bonitto and Greg Dulcich can be contributors early at positions of need. On Day 3, picks like Matt Henningsen, Damarri Mathis, and Faion Hicks provided excellent value. And even the more unexpected picks, like Montrell Washington or Eyioma Uwazurike, had reasoning to support. Athleticism and physical upside are key denominators for this class. And many of these Day 3 picks may go on to exceed their billing.

Overall Grade: B+

To see a full analysis of the Broncos’ draft class, check out the Broncos’ 2022 NFL Draft grades.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs never strayed from the path of maximum value in this draft. The early-round haul of Trent McDuffie, George Karlaftis, Skyy Moore, Bryan Cook, and Leo Chenal speaks for itself. But on Day 3, the Chiefs didn’t stop. Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson, and Isaih Pacheco were all tremendous value gets at their respective spots. Meanwhile, Darian Kinnard presented a good buy-low opportunity at right tackle, and Nazeeh Johnson brings potential late. The Chiefs could have added a defensive tackle, but other than that, it’s hard to poke holes.

Overall Grade: A-

To see a full analysis of the Chiefs’ draft class, check out the Chiefs’ 2022 NFL Draft grades.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders started on a high note with Dylan Parham on Day 2. Day 3 was a bit more up-and-down. Zamir White was a decent addition in Round 4. In that same round, Neil Farrell was a scheme fit, but a sizable reach. The Raiders made up for it later, however, with Matthew Butler as an explosive and violent 3-technique. With a limited number of picks, Las Vegas’ class was never going to be ground-breaking. But it’s important to remember that they added All-Pro Davante Adams with their early capital. What they did on Day 2 and Day 3, in addition, is good enough, if unspectacular.

Overall Grade: B-

To see a full analysis of the Raiders’ draft class, check out the Raiders’ 2022 NFL Draft grades.

Los Angeles Chargers

  • Round 1, Pick 17: Zion Johnson
    G, Boston College
    Grade: A
  • Round 3, Pick 79: JT Woods
    S, Baylor
    Grade: C+
  • Round 4, Pick 123: Isaiah Spiller
    RB, Texas A&M
    Grade: A+
  • Round 5, Pick 160: Otito Ogbonnia
    DT, UCLA
    Grade: B
  • Round 6, Pick 195: Jamaree Salyer
    OL, Georgia
    Grade: A
  • Round 6, Pick 214: Ja’Sir Taylor
    CB, Wake Forest
    Grade: B+
  • Round 7, Pick 236: Dean Leonard
    DB, Ole Miss
    Grade: C+
  • Round 7, Pick 260: Zander Horvath
    FB, Purdue
    Grade: A-

The Chargers kicked off the draft on a strong note with Zion Johnson. They weren’t quite able to carry that momentum through the entire 7-round event, but they still came away with some nice picks. Isaiah Spiller was a steal in Round 4. Otito Ogbonnia was an excellent scheme fit later on. And Jamaree Salyer and Ja’Sir Taylor both provide great depth. The Chargers weren’t able to add a true right tackle, and they didn’t capitalize on the WR class. Nevertheless, they strengthened the roster with this group.

Overall Grade: B

To see a full analysis of the Chargers’ draft class, check out the Chargers ‘ 2022 NFL Draft grades.

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