College LSU SEC <\/strong><\/p>\nWe didn’t expect the Texans to go DB here but when you have as many roster holes as they have we guess it doesn’t matter where you start! We had Stingley going a little later in round one due to his injury record (3rd CB on our board) but their medical team know better than we do. CB was the Texans’ most glaring need but we expected them to address that with a later 1st round pick<\/p>\n
Our Grade B-<\/strong><\/p>\nMock Pick Evan Neal<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
4 New York Jets<\/h3>\n
Ahmad Sauce Gardner CB <\/strong><\/p>\nCollege\u00a0 Cincinnati AAC<\/strong><\/p>\nWe expected the Jets to go secondary early but had them going Safety with Kyle Hamilton. Sauce is a lockdown corner and if he comes close to replicating his college career in the NFL he will be a long time pro bowler. We had him going at 7.<\/p>\n
Our Grade A<\/strong><\/p>\nMock Pick Kyle Hamilton<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
5 New York Giants<\/h3>\n
Kayvon Thibodeaux DE <\/strong><\/p>\nCollege Oregon Pac-12<\/strong><\/p>\nGrabbing a top edge rusher is never a bad move when picking this high and he fills a position of need. Whether it was their main need is debatable and we think keeping Daniel Jones on his feet was their most glaring issue.<\/p>\n
Our Grade B+<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick Ikem Ekwonu<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
6 Carolina Panthers<\/h3>\n
Ikem Ekwonu OT <\/strong><\/p>\nCollege NC State ACC<\/strong><\/p>\nA great pick for whoever gets to start at QB, although it is doubtful he will be enough to turn Sam Darnold into a game-changer. We thought they might panic and go QB here. We ranked Evan Neal slightly higher just because of his performances against the better SEC defenses.<\/p>\n
Our Grade A-<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick Kenny Pickett<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
7 New York Giants<\/h3>\n
Evan Neal OT <\/strong><\/p>\nCollege Alabama SEC\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nWe had Big Blue going corner here, but only because we expected them to go OT with their first pick. Neal represents excellent value here and he should be a day one starter.<\/p>\n
Our Grade A+<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick Ahmad Sauce Gardner<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
8 Atlanta Falcons<\/h3>\n
Drake London WR <\/strong><\/p>\nCollege USC Pac-12<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Falcons receiving lineup was threadbare, to say the least, and as we expected they added another big target to go alongside Kyle Pitts. This duo will be a nightmare to defend in the red zone.<\/p>\n
Our Grade A<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick Drake London<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
9 Seattle Seahawks<\/h3>\n
Charles Cross OT <\/strong><\/p>\nCollege Mississippi State SEC\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nWith big question marks at QB Seattle did the best they could here and ensured that whoever gets the starting job as signal-caller has decent protection. We had Cross at No three on our OT board and had him going here.<\/p>\n
Our Grade A+<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick Charles Cross<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
10 New York Jets<\/h3>\n
Garrett Wilson WR <\/strong><\/p>\nCollege Ohio State Big Ten<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Jets needed another option at wideout and the only reason we didn’t have one pencilled in here was that we thought that Kayvon Thibodeaux might slide a little with this being his stopping point. Wilson was our No 2 receiver and this pick will make Zac Wilson very happy.<\/p>\n
Our Grade A-<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick Kayvon Thibodeaux<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
11 New Orleans Saints<\/h3>\n
Chris Olave WR\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nCollege\u00a0 Ohio State Big Ten\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Saints desperately needed a WR 2 to play opposite Michael Thomas and they traded up to make sure they got their man. The problem here is that maybe they didn’t get their man with Wilson going at 10. Our grade reflects the cost of trading up (a 3rd & 4th) which looks like a touch of panic!<\/p>\n
Our Grade B<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick Jameson Williams at pick 16<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
12 Detroit Lions<\/h3>\n
Jameson Williams WR <\/strong><\/p>\nCollege Alabama SEC<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Loins also moved up the board for a WR and again it looked like a knee jerk move. Still, Williams was the best remaining and definitely wouldn’t have been there at 32!<\/p>\n
Our Grade B<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick Trent McDuffie to the Vikings<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
13 Philadelphia Eagles<\/h3>\n
Jordan Davis DT <\/strong><\/p>\nCollege Georgia SEC\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nYet another trade! This one seemed like an overpay too as there was a good chance that Davis would still have been on the board at pick 15 given the Texans were most likely going to go OL. Still, he is an intriguing prospect and should anchor their interior line for many years. Our grade again reflects the cost.<\/p>\n
Our Grade B<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick we had the Eagles taking Derek Stingley at 15<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
14 Baltimore Ravens<\/h3>\n
Kyle Hamilton S <\/strong><\/p>\nCollege Notre Dame Ind. (FBS)<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Ravens probably couldn’t believe their luck after three teams traded up ahead of them and all passed on Hamilton! He is top 10 talent (we had him going at 4) and should contribute from day one.<\/p>\n
Our Grade A+<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick Tyler Linderbaum OC – who they got anyway at pick 25!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
15 Houston Texans<\/h3>\n
Kenyon Green OG <\/strong><\/p>\nCollege Texas A&M SEC<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Texans managed to trade down and probably get their intended target anyway. We thought they would have addressed the OL at pick three and go corner here however they switched the picks around. Kenyon Green looks good value around this mark being versatile enough to play multiple positions and should start week one. Their QB Davis Mills will like this pick.<\/p>\n
Our Grade B+<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick Andrew Booth CB at 13<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
16 Washington Commanders<\/h3>\n
Jahan Dotson WR <\/strong><\/p>\nCollege Penn State Big Ten\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nThe newly named Commanders did ok here, filling a need while adding some extra latter picks in a deep draft. Dotson is not the biggest WR but he is quick and should be a capable No 2 to Terry McLaurin.<\/p>\n
Our Grade B+<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick Garrett Wilson WR at pick 11<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
17 Los Angeles Chargers<\/h3>\n
Zion Johnson OG <\/strong><\/p>\nCollege Boston College ACC<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Chargers biggest need was Interior OL and they filled it nicely with Johnson. With Kenyon Green gone this was the obvious choice and he will instantly make their OL better.<\/p>\n
Our Grade B+<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick Kenyon Green OG<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
18 Tennessee Titans<\/h3>\n
Treylon Burks WR <\/strong><\/p>\nCollege Arkansas SEC\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nAnother trade which worked out well for both parties. The Titans moved on from WR A.J. Brown and picked up a 3rd round pick as well as filling the void. Treylon Burks could easily have gone higher on other years, but this was a deep WR class. He reminds us of Deebo Samuel and if he turns out to be anywhere near as good this will be a masterstroke. Time will tell but it is a gamble.<\/p>\n
Our Grade B-<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick We had Philly taking Devon Lloyd here<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
19 New Orleans Saints<\/h3>\n
Trevor Penning OT <\/strong><\/p>\nCollege Northern Iowa Missouri Valley (FCS)<\/strong><\/p>\nNew Orleans needed an OT to replace Terron Armstead who walked in free agency. It’s a big ask for any rookie and probably even more so for one who played at FCS level. We are not knocking Penning but rated him as more of a development pick than a day one starter who would have to replace a three-time pro bowler. It may be 2023 before we see the best of him.<\/p>\n
Our Grade C+<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick Bernhard Raimann OT<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
20 Pittsburgh Steelers<\/h3>\n
Kenny Pickett QB <\/strong><\/p>\nCollege Pittsburgh ACC\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Steelers needed a QB and Pickett is the most NFL ready of this year’s crop. Had Matt Corral not had off-field issues he could have gone here and we expected Pickett to be off the board by now.<\/p>\n
Our Grade B<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick Matt Corral (as we expected Pickett to be gone)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
21 Kansas City Chiefs<\/h3>\n
Trent McDuffie CB <\/strong><\/p>\nCollege Washington Pac-12\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Chiefs traded up with the Patriots to grab\u00a0 McDuffle and given there was little chance of him falling much further it was probably the right move. He will probably fill in as slot corner from week one and can cover outside too if needed.<\/p>\n
Our Grade A<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick Chris Olave to The Patriots<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
22 Green Bay Packers<\/h3>\n
Quay Walker LB Georgia SEC\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nThis was a marmite pick judging by some of the reactions on the Green Bay related FB Groups. However, given that the cream of this year’s wide receiver crop had gone it made sense to address the next biggest need. He played his part in Georgia’s National Title winning team and should find a fill-in roll in his rookie season.<\/p>\n
Our Grade B-<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick Treylon Burks WR<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
23 Buffalo Bills<\/h3>\n
Kaiir Elam CB Florida SEC<\/strong><\/p>\nAnother trade up and again, not one that was really necessary given Buffalo is not in desperate need of secondary cover. Still, he offers extra competition for the right corner position and he has the size & strength to make an impact.<\/p>\n
Our Grade B-<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick Breece Hall RB<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
24 Dallas Cowboys<\/h3>\n
Tyler Smith OT Tulsa AAC<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Cowboys needed an infusion of youth into their OL but we are not sure that Smith will be ready to play Left Tackle this year. He should slot in at Guard though while he learns the ropes.<\/p>\n
Our Grade C+<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick Nakobe Dean LB Georgia<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
25 Baltimore Ravens<\/h3>\n
Tyler Linderbaum C Iowa Big Ten\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nOnce again good things come to those who wait. The Ravens got this pick through the complex trade that took Marquis “Hollywood” Brown to the Cardinals and even after trading down again, they ended up with who we thought they should draft at 14! Lindenbaum looks like a future pro bowl centre and he should anchor their OL for many years to come. Possibly the best pick of round one.<\/p>\n
Our Grade A+<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick we had the Bills taking Breece Hall here<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
26 New York Jets<\/h3>\n
Jermaine Johnson II DE Florida State ACC\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Jats pulled off another trade to grab their 3rd first-round pick and didn’t give up too much to get it! Johnson was a bit off the radar playing with a mediocre Florida State but looks decent value here ( We had him going at 23 to the Cardinals). The Jets rebuild is progressing nicely.<\/p>\n
Our Grade A<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick we had the Titans taking OT Zion Johnston here.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
27 Jacksonville Jaguars<\/h3>\n
Devin Lloyd LB Utah Pac-12\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nYet another trade with the Jags giving up quite a bit to grab a player who may have slid a bit further than expected. He probably wouldn’t have fallen to 33 so pulling the trade was worth it given he fills a need. The grade partially reflects the draft picks given up.<\/p>\n
Our Grade B+<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick we had the Buccs going with David Ojabo DE.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
28 Green Bay Packers<\/h3>\n
Devonte Wyatt DT Georgia SEC<\/strong><\/p>\nAgain with no WR worthy of a 1st round grade the Packers filled a huge need, stopping the run and collapsing the pocket. Wyatt was one of the unsung heroes on the Georgia title-winning defense and will be a day one starter.<\/p>\n
Our Grade B+<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick Arnold Ebiketie DE.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
29 New England Patriots<\/h3>\n
Cole Strange OG Chattanooga SoCon (FCS)<\/strong><\/p>\nAfter trading down from 21 the Patriots made what was probably the most questionable pick of the 1st round. Cole Strange started all 11 games in 2021 and made the Senior Bowl however we doubt many teams had a 1st round grade on him. Knowing the Patriots he will be a future star, however, for now, we have a fairly modest grade on this pick.<\/p>\n
Our Grade C<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick We had the Chiefs taking Jordan Davis DL<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
30 Kansas City Chiefs<\/h3>\n
George Karlaftis DE Purdue Big Ten<\/strong><\/p>\nDecent pick for the Chiefs at the tail end of round one. He should start early given they don’t have much depth at RDE. We still think that Boye Mafe would have been a better pick though<\/p>\n
Our Grade B-<\/strong><\/p>\nMock pick Boye Mafe DE<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
31 Cincinnati Bengals<\/h3>\n
Daxton Hill S Michigan Big Ten<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Bengals had been busy in free agency so had the luxury of picking for depth rather than need. Their secondary is the only weak area and Hill is a solid pickup here. He plays safety but could fill in at Corner giving them plenty of options.<\/p>\n
Our Grade B+<\/strong><\/p>\nMock Pick Roger McCreary CB<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
32 Minnesota Vikings<\/h3>\n
Lewis Cine S Georgia SEC<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Vikings got this pick thanks to their earlier trade with the Lions. They made pretty good use of it adding what they will hope is Harrison Smiths’ replacement in a year or two.\u00a0 Sine was another unsung part of that Georgia defense and he will benefit greatly from playing alongside Smith.<\/p>\n
Our Grade B+<\/strong><\/p>\nMock Pick Lions taking QB Malik Willis<\/p>\n
So there we have it. No really bad picks in our opinion and a couple of teams really improved.<\/p>\n
Round One Statistics<\/h2>\n
A little bit of round one trivia<\/p>\n
SEC Dominates with 12 selections<\/p>\n
6 Wide Receivers taken<\/p>\n
Even split picks wise with 16 on offense & 16 on defense.<\/p>\n
18 of the 32 picks involved a trade, in one shape or form! Is that a record?<\/p>\n
Hoping for better luck<\/h3>\n
Only one QB was taken. When did that last happen? 1997 when Jim Druckenmiller<\/a> was drafter at 26 by the 49ers. His career stats were 239 yards with 1TD and 4 interceptions. Yikes, let’s hope Kenny Pickett does a bit better otherwise Pittsburgh will be looking for a new front office!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Round one is over and an exciting one it was too,\u00a0 with plenty of trades and QB selections being conspicuous by their absence. Overall though it was pretty well balanced with 16 selections on both the offense & defense and very few head-scratching picks (even New Englands was not awful).\u00a0 No one will know how…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":37045,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,2,3,7,34,24,29,39,108],"tags":[255],"class_list":["post-36954","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-afc-east","category-afc-north","category-afc-south","category-afc-west","category-nfc-east","category-nfc-north","category-nfc-south","category-nfc-west","category-nfl-draft","tag-2022-nfl-draft"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fiveminutesspare.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36954","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fiveminutesspare.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fiveminutesspare.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fiveminutesspare.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fiveminutesspare.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36954"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.fiveminutesspare.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36954\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37049,"href":"https:\/\/www.fiveminutesspare.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36954\/revisions\/37049"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fiveminutesspare.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37045"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fiveminutesspare.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36954"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fiveminutesspare.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36954"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fiveminutesspare.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36954"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
![\"Travon](\"http:\/\/www.fiveminutesspare.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2022\/04\/Travon_Walker_Jacksonville_Jaguars_DE-300x200.jpg\")