Grading All 32 NFL Teams’ 2022 Draft Classes

Image via Getty/David Becker

Grade: B+

Key Additions: WR Marquise Brown (via trade), TE Trey McBride, Edge Cameron Thomas, Edge Myjai Sanders

Knowing that 2022 was a make-or-break season for their front office and coaching staff, the Arizona Cardinals made one of the most aggressive and shocking trades of the draft. Arizona acquired speedy deep threat Marquise Brown for the 23rd overall pick, reuniting him with former Oklahoma teammate Kyler Murray. General manager Steve Keim then readdressed the playmaker corps by selecting top tight end Trey McBride in the late second-round.

Third-round edge defenders Cameron Thomas and Myjai Sanders were excellent values for a defense sorely needing pass-rushers. Arizona needed speed and upside on both sides of the ball. They balanced filling immediate needs with getting good value at those positions.

It’s concerning that Arizona waited until the last two rounds to add offensive line help. Their line is among the worst in the league and has just one player under contract beyond 2022.

Grade: B+

Key Additions: WR Drake London, Edge Arnold Ebiketie, QB Desmond Ridder, LB Troy Andersen

With needs all across the roster, Atlanta simply played the board in order to maximize their haul. Taking receiver Drake London over speedier options may be a bit risky considering the Falcons don’t have a franchise quarterback established just yet. However, he and Kyle Pitts should be a terrifying duo for smaller defenders.

Day 2 selections Arnold Ebiketie and Troy Andersen could change the face of the Falcons’ front seven. Ebiketie is a fantastic pass-rusher who fell because he’s too old for a first-rounder (he turns 24 this year). Andersen dominated the FCS level as both a quarterback and linebacker and possesses freakish athleticism.

Third-round quarterback Desmond Ridder is a wildcard for the offense. Atlanta will take a look at him in 2022 and determine whether he has the ability to become a star long-term. At-worst, he’ll be a high-end backup and Atlanta can add a higher pick to the mix in 2023.

Grade: A-

Key Additions: S Kyle Hamilton, C Tyler Linderbaum, Edge David Ojabo, DT Travis Jones, OT Daniel Faalele

Baltimore acquired more talent in their class than any team in the NFL. Each of their key additions can become starters within their first two seasons if the developmental curve is right. David Ojabo will spend 2022 coming back from a torn Achilles, but had top-15 talent prior to the injury.

One thing to note is the trade of Marquise Brown left the Ravens without a quality starting receiver. There’s now a ton of pressure on a cast of young, unproven playmakers. Moving Brown for a center while the team is working to extend Lamar Jackson and contend for a Super Bowl may prove to be a poor decision in the short-term.

Grade: B+

Key Additions: CB Kaiir Elam, RB James Cook, P Matt Araiza

Adding immediate contributors to a Super Bowl-worthy roster is difficult. Buffalo was able to get solid value with their first two selections. Florida cornerback Kaiir Elam is a perfect fit on this physical and fast defense, and finally fills the second cornerback role.

Buffalo was rumored to be interested in running back Breece Hall at No. 25. They wisely waited, and were rewarded with Georgia’s punishing tailback James Cook. He should earn carries quickly in his career since his peers in Buffalo are lacking dynamic talent.

We also must mention Buffalo added the “Punt God” Matt Araiza. Araiza is one of the most entertaining and powerful punters ever seen, and just makes Buffalo that much more likable. 

Grade: C-

Key Additions: OT Ikem Ekwonu, QB Matt Corral

Winning the draft with just two top-100 picks is difficult. Carolina raced to the podium to land their franchise left tackle at No. 6, and kept North Carolina’s Ikem Ekwonu local. He’ll be a solid mainstay for the next decade for the franchise.

However, their decision to draft quarterback Matt Corral in the third round instead of trading for a veteran is questionable. Either Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo would have been a more helpful investment in the short-term. And if Carolina moves for one of them later, the Corral pick would further be a wasted selection.

Grade: B+

Key Additions: CB Kyler Gordon, S Jaquan Brisker, WR Velus Jones

A quiet free agency caused some skepticism on what the Chicago Bears would be able to pull off in the draft. However, first-year general manager Ryan Poles did well considering he didn’t have a first-round pick to utilize. He added two standout starters for the secondary, a speedy receiver, and intriguing developmental offensive linemen.

Even if one or two of Chicago’s eight Day 3 picks stick on the roster for their full rookie contract, it’s a good return on investment for the Bears. Their defensive rebuild will be helped tremendously by second rounders Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker. The rest will just make Poles’ job easier in the coming years.

Grade: C

Key Additions: S Dax Hill, DB Cam Taylor-Britt

Coming off a tremendously productive free agency that helped the Bengals remake their offensive line, the draft was another opportunity to bolster an already quality roster. Cincinnati did well to stand pat at No. 31 and find an undervalued and versatile defensive back in Dax Hill. He’s able to play a variety of roles in a secondary that has playmakers already in place.

The rest of Cincinnati’s haul can be considered developmental at-best. Safety Cam Taylor-Britt may be able to play in the slot early in his career. Fourth-round lineman Cordell Volson can compete at left guard as a rookie as the Bengals have just one remaining starting role available.

Grade: C+

Key Additions: CB Martin Emerson, Edge Alex Wright, WR David Bell, DT Perrion Winfrey

The Browns have become extremely predictable with their draft preferences since general manager Andrew Berry took over. That’s not a bad thing since Berry favors young, athletic players due to the statistical odds of them becoming better players than older peers. The lone exception in his draft haul was third round receiver David Bell, who was extremely productive.

Cleveland may not get much of a return from this group in 2022. Martin Emerson and Alex Wright are developmental talents with great traits. Bell and defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey can potentially be third-down specialists with their specific skill sets (possession receiver and third-down pass-rusher). 

This was a good but not great class for a Browns team angling to return to the playoffs.

Grade: B

Key Additions: OL Tyler Smith, Edge Sam Williams, WR Jalen Tolbert

Dallas was so smitten with Tyler Smith’s ability to become a great offensive guard that they overlooked better, more impactful edge defenders who were still on the board. Smith will flourish in Dallas’ zone scheme thanks to his athleticism and nasty demeanor, but they failed to maximize their value. There will now be immediate pressure on second-round edge-rusher Sam Williams.

Williams is a fantastic but unrefined athlete. It’s debatable whether Dallas would’ve benefited more from a true middle linebacker like Devin Lloyd or Nakobe Dean and sliding Micah Parsons to the edge full-time, or this route. If Dallas chose wrong, they’ll regret not adding the obvious pick at the time.

Third-round receiver Jalen Tolbert was a great pickup for an offense looking to fill the third pass-catcher role. His 4.49 speed and solid leaping ability at 6’1” and 194 pounds makes him a good fit into Kellen Moore’s offense. Don’t be surprised if he earns a large role as a rookie.

Grade: C+

Key Additions: Edge Nik Bonitto, TE Greg Dulcich, CB Damarri Mathis

The Denver Broncos came into the draft with less needs than any team in the league. They’re well-balanced with young talent and veteran stars, allowing them to go for depth and upside picks. Second-year general manager George Paton was able to find a mixture of solid long-term gambles and immediate competent depth.

Their first three picks each have the chance to earn a part-time role in 2022. Oklahoma’s Nik Bonitto is especially notable because former first round pass-rusher Bradley Chubb is a free-agent at the end of the season. Bonitto has a huge opportunity to show he can fill Chubb’s shoes.

Grade: A-

Key Additions: Edge Aidan Hutchinson, WR Jameson Williams, Edge Josh Paschal, S Kerby Joseph

Grabbing edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson No. 2 overall was a no-brainer considering his high athletic ceiling and impressive motor. He’s a high-floor, solid-ceiling prospect who fits the Lions’ culture perfectly with his leadership and hustle. Detroit then added another high-character playmaker from a winning program when they traded up from No. 32 to No. 12 for receiver Jameson Williams. 

Williams was the best receiver in the class due to his blend of extreme speed, smooth route-running, and ability to get yards after the catch. Detroit will slowly bring him back from his torn ACL and maximize his return over time. The payoff will be massive.

The Lions continued their focus on high-level producers with great athleticism who can step in early in their career on Day 2. Kentucky’s Josh Paschal and Illinois safety Kerby Joseph fill immediate holes with several years of experience against elite competition.

Grade: B+

Key Additions: LB Quay Walker, DT Devonte Wyatt, OG Sean Rhyan, WR Christian Watson, WR Romeo Doubs

No one should be surprised the Packers passed on the opportunity to add a receiver in the first round. Instead, they bolstered their already solid defense with two immediate starters who will help raise the ceiling of the unit even higher. The Packers might have the NFL’s best defense in 2022.

Receiving additions Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs are impressive on paper but must show on-field development to be helpful. Watson is incredibly raw, so Doubs may outproduce him early on. Grabbing Sean Rhyan in the third-round will plug a starting guard spot.

Grade: B-

Key Additions: CB Derek Stingley Jr., OG Kenyon Green, S Jalen Pitre, WR John Metchie, RB Dameon Pierce

This is the first draft class in several years where the Houston Texans added players with solid upside. Derek Stingley is a gamble but has superstar potential. Both Kenyon Green and Jalen Pitre should be starters early on, with Green having an especially high ceiling at guard. 

Taking Metchie, off a torn ACL, over more explosive athletes at receiver was a missed opportunity. Fourth round rusher was a personal favorite of mine as a potential difference-maker after a promising career in a small role. Houston desperately needed pass-rush help, though, so taking Green over the more valuable position with stud prospects still on the board hurts their grade.

Grade: B

Key Additions: WR Alec Pierce, TE Jelani Woods, OT Bernhard Raimann, S Nick Cross

Feeling the urgency to push for a deep playoff run, Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard showed aggressiveness in this class by making trades with his first four selections. Though I’m unsure of Alex Pierce’s fit with Matt Ryan due to his linear speed and struggles finishing through contact, he was the best big receiver left on the board for the Colts. Indianapolis now needs Parris Campbell to finally stay healthy.

The rest of the Colts’ Day 2 picks were home-runs. Jelani Woods is a fantastic athlete who can block, making him an ideal second tight end. We could also see Bernhard Raimann and Nick Cross challenge for a role as rookies thanks to their elite athleticism and fit within the Colts’ schemes. 

Grade: B+

Key Additions: Edge Travon Walker, LB Devin Lloyd, C Luke Fortner, LB Chad Muma

This was one of the worst years in recent memory to have the top overall selection. There will be great players from this class but each of the top prospects had a major flaw that could potentially cause them to fall short of No. 1 overall pick expectations. The Jaguars bet on the upside and freakish length of Georgia’s Travon Walker.

Walker and Utah’s Devin Lloyd inject experience, athleticism, and leadership into this roster. Day 2 selections Luke Fortner and Chad Muma are also great athletes, making this a solid class for Jacksonville. It’s arguable whether the Jaguars should’ve invested so heavily into two linebackers and a center when they needed playmaking elsewhere, but the team had to shore up their awful defense.

Grade: A+

Key Additions: CB Trent McDuffie, Edge George Karlaftis, WR Skyy Moore

After a dreadful free agency period that left the Chiefs fading as a contender, they were able to grab excellent value and three potential early starters in the draft. General manager Brett Veach hasn’t done well in the draft since taking over in July 2017 but appears to have manipulated the board extremely well this year. The defense desperately needed high-level talent at corner and defensive end and they added just that.

Seeing Skyy Moore fall below several other receivers was shocking. Moore has the perfect skill set for today’s NFL with his elite short-area explosiveness and ability to change direction. There’s no replacing Tyree Hill with one player, but Moore will carve out a role early in a weak receiver room.

Grade: B

Key Additions: OG Dylan Parham, DT Matthew Butler, RB Zamir White

Trading their first two picks for All-Pro receiver Davante Adams limited the opportunities the Raiders could augment their upstart roster. That deal was worth it, and the Raiders proceeded to unearth value with their available choices. They found the balance between short- and long-term planning.

Guard Dylan Parham, rusher Zamir White, and defensive tackle Matthew Butler could either start or be a primary rotational player in 2022. Years of poor drafting in the early rounds under Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden could have devastated this roster, but the Raiders have some depth to be proud of. This team is ready for a playoff push.

Grade: C+

Key Additions: OG Zion Johnson, S J.T. Woods, RB Isaiah Spiller

The Los Angeles Chargers entered this draft with two clear needs along the right side of the offensive line. Taking right guard Zion Johnson in the first round was a smash hit that should lock down the position for his rookie deal. The Chargers, however, opted against adding a right tackle prospect who could compete for the job in 2022.

The only notable free agent right tackle still available is Bobby Massie, so it’ll be interesting to see whether they make a play for him.

The depth of the Chargers’ draft was otherwise decent. Backups J.T. Woods and Isaiah Spiller can be upgrades in relief roles right away but they have limited starting potential between them. Fifth-round nose tackle Otito Ogbonnia is a sleeper to overtake the starting role after Austin Johnson’s contract expires in 2023.

Grade: C

Key Additions: CB Troy Hill (via trade), OG Logan Bruss, CB Derion Kendrick

The best part of the Los Angeles Rams’ NFL draft weekend was their mocking video of their willingness to trade away picks. That’s not to say they didn’t do well with their picks, but it’s hard to land anyone guaranteed to become a starter with just one pick in the first three rounds. Seven of the eight Rams’ picks came on Day 3.

The best move the Rams made was re-acquiring cornerback Troy Hill. The veteran had signed in Cleveland in 2021 but the Browns opted to shed his salary. Los Angeles wisely picked him up for cheap to fill a key starting role.

Grade: C+

Key Additions: LB Channing Tindall, WR Erik Ezukanma

Stuck with just four selections entering the draft after previous trades had led to the mega-deal for Tyreek Hill, the Miami Dolphins simply had to make the most out of their options. Their final two selections came in the seventh-round. However, adding former Georgia linebacker Channing Tindall and Texas Tech receiver Erik Ezukanma are welcome additions.

Tindall was an underrated piece for Georgia. He’s a stellar athlete who can do it all, and likely would have stood out more if he wasn’t surrounded by an entire unit of future NFLers. Miami can unleash him as an inside linebacker or on third downs as a blitzer.

Ezukanma has special teams upside immediately but he’s also a vertical threat. Miami lost ace Mack Hollins this offseason, and Ezukanma is a similar player. He should make the team as the fourth or fifth receiver.

Grade: A-

Key Additions: S Lewis Cine, CB Andrew Booth Jr., LB Brian Asamoah

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah inherited a good Vikings team that needed to overhaul several defensive positions with youth. He accomplished that with this draft and the Vikings will benefit in 2022 and beyond. Trading down several times helped maximize his return on assets.

The immediate impact of adding Cine, Booth Jr., and Asamoah should be significant. These were key cogs on excellent defensive units, and embody the leadership and high football IQ Minnesota is prioritizing. Getting anything more out of this class would be gravy on top.

Grade: D+

Key Additions: OG Cole Strange, WR Tyquan Thornton, CB Marcus Jones

New England continued with their peculiar offseason after a terrible free agency period. The Patriots reached on their first two picks in order to add speed and athleticism at positions of need. Fourth-round selections of running back Pierre Strong Jr. and quarterback Bailey Zappe were even more questionable considering the roster’s depth at those positions.

There’s a lot riding on the two smaller cornerbacks the Patriots drafted. Houston’s Marcus Jones (5’8”, 174 pounds) and Arizona State’s Jack Jones (5’11”, 171 pounds) better become quality answers for new AFC East foes Tyreek Hill and Garrett Wilson, or else they’ll be the latest whiffs at cornerback on Bill Belichick’s resume.  

Belichick is a wizard of a coach but often outsmarts himself in the draft. Taking two rushers, two smaller corners, and three offensive guards total isn’t the recipe for the Patriots to improve.

Grade: A-

Key Additions: WR Chris Olave, OT Trevor Penning, CB Alontae Taylor

There wasn’t a team more bought-into this draft than the New Orleans Saints. They doubled down on their pre-draft trade with Philadelphia by moving up again from No. 16 to No. 11 in order to land receiver Chris Olave. Olave will be an excellent running mate next to fellow former Buckeyes receiver Michael Thomas but he cost the Saints several early picks over the next two years in addition to No. 11 when factoring in the Eagles deal.

Alas, pairing left tackle Trevor Penning with Olave solved the two enormous question marks on this offense. Both have immense skill sets to build around for now and the future. Second-round cornerback Alontae Taylor also has a pathway to earning the starting job across from Marshon Lattimore in the future.

Grade: B+

Key Additions: Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux, OT Evan Neal, WR Wan’Dale Robinson, CB Cordale Flott

The New York Giants took full advantage of having two top-10 picks in a class that only had a handful of elite prospects. Kayvon Thibodeaux was the best pure pass-rusher in this great edge class, and Evan Neal was the best overall blocker. Landing them with the fifth and seventh overall picks was massive for the Giants’ future.

The rest of the Giants’ draft was filled with some reaches. Head coach Brian Daboll must get the most out of the diminutive Wan’Dale Robinson to justify taking him over players with higher upside. George Pickens or Alec Pierce would’ve been better fits for a unit that already has Kadarius Toney and Sterling Shepard. 

Fourth-round cornerback Cordale Flott should prove to be a great value, though, as he profiles as an ideal fit in defensive coordinator Wink Martendale’s scheme.

Grade: A+

Key Additions: CB Ahmad Gardner, WR Garrett Wilson, Edge Jermaine Johnson II, RB Breece Hall

No one should be surprised to see the New York Jets named as the 2022 NFL Draft’s biggest winner after pulling off a haul with four players often mocked in the first-round. General manager Joe Douglas was able to address key needs on both sides of the ball without giving up future assets. The Jets consolidated their assets in order to make all seven of their picks by the middle of the fourth-round.

Their additions are impressive. Fourth overall pick Ahmad Gardner and 26th overall pick Jermaine Johnson are ideal fits into Robert Saleh’s system with their blend of size, explosiveness, and production. Both should start right away and make a Day 1 impact.

Offensive additions, namely receiver Garrett Wilson and rusher Breece Hall, were arguably the top playmaker at their respective positions. Wilson is a fantastic athlete with excellent quickness off the line and vertical explosiveness. Hall carried the Iowa State offense with his quality vision, elite speed, and ability to run through contact from would-be tacklers.

Grade: A+

Key Additions: WR A.J. Brown (via trade), DT Jordan Davis, LB Nakobe Dean, C Cam Jurgens

The other hands-down winner of the 2022 NFL Draft along with the New York Jets was the Philadelphia Eagles. The first-round started well enough with a slight trade up to secure massive defensive tackle Jordan Davis from Georgia. Davis, a monstrous presence at 6’6”, 341 pounds, has unbelievable disruption ability for someone his size.

Shortly after grabbing Davis, the Eagles struck gold Thursday night when they moved the 18th overall pick for Brown. After weeks of the Tennessee Titans shooting down speculation that star receiver A.J. Brown could even be available, the Eagles solved a huge question mark for their offense. Giving Brown a four-year, $1000 extension was the cherry on top for both parties.

Coming away with two playmakers wasn’t enough for general manager Howie Roseman. Day 2 additions Cam Jurgens and Nakobe Dean were steals in themselves. Jurgens is the perfect heir to Jason Kelce’s throne at center, as Kelce said himself. Dean, already familiar with finding success behind Davis, also fills a huge need at linebacker for the Eagles.

Grade: C+

Key Additions: QB Kenny Pickett, WR George Pickens, DL DeMarvin Leal, WR Calvin Austin III

No team had a more volatile class in terms of potential upside and downside than the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kenny Pickett is awfully similar to veteran Mitch Trubisky, and is an older rookie with a limited arm. It’s hard to see him becoming an above-average starter considering his limitations throwing beyond 10 yards with velocity.

George Pickens is a premier vertical threat with some character flags, and DeMarvin Leal is a talented big man who has an inconsistent motor. Mike Tomlin runs a tight ship in Pittsburgh. Either these guys will flourish under Tomlin or they’ll quickly lose their opportunities to play.

Grade: D+

Key Additions: Edge Drake Jackson, RB Tyrion Davis-Price, OT Spencer Burford

As soon as the San Francisco 49ers traded three first-round picks and a 2022 third round pick for the right to draft Trey Lance, pressure increased on the front office to maximize their usage of assets. With three picks in the top-100, it’s fair to wonder how well the 49ers executed that plan this year. Pass-rusher Drake Jackson was an analytical favorite, especially late in the second-round, but the rest of their haul prompted question marks.

Third round rusher Tyrion Davis-Price and receiver Danny Gray were huge reaches compared to their projected draft range. The saving grace in this class is fourth round lineman Spencer Burford. He’s a phenomenal athlete who could plug in at tackle or guard early in his career in this favorable scheme.

Grade: B

Key Additions: OT Charles Cross, Edge Boye Mafe, RB Kenneth Walker 

Barring a trade for a veteran quarterback in the coming months, Seattle’s 2022 draft class will be known for failing to come away with a quarterback. That might be fair depending on what happens in Desmond Ridder’s and Malik Willis’ careers, especially since they were third round selections. However, the Seahawks still added needed talent all across the roster.

Both tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas profile as strong pass-blockers but must prove they’re not soft Air Raid blockers. Edge rusher Boye Mafe has an intriguing skill set at a massive position of need for Seattle, and getting him at No. 40 is a great value. Day 3 cornerbacks Coby Bryant and Tariq Woolen are smart upside picks who could pay off extremely well if they hit.

The value of taking Kenneth Walker III in the second round is a big point of contention. Already with two quality backs, Seattle’s addiction to backs is a concern as they rebuild without Russell Wilson. They can’t win with their current passers.

Grade: B+

Key Additions: DL Logan Hall, OL Luke Goedeke, TE Cade Otton

The board fell perfectly for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to address key roster needs. Having Tom Brady puts an emphasis on filling needs over taking the best available talent. However, Tampa Bay married both philosophies when they traded for pick No. 33 to grab defensive lineman Logan Hall.

Hall is an explosive and versatile player who can start in Year 1. Fellow second rounder Luke Goedeke will also fight for a starting gig at guard after both Ali Marpet and Alex Cappa departed. Fourth round tight end Cade Otton should also earn some snaps as a blocker in 2022.

Grade: C

Key Additions: WR Treylon Burks, CB Roger McCreary, OT Nicholas Petit-Frere, QB Malik Willis

One year after watching Corey Davis depart in free agency, the Tennessee Titans traded star receiver A.J. Brown for the first round pick that became Treylon Burks. Losing a major part of the offense like Brown is disastrous for a team trying to compete right now, and there’s almost no way Burks will be ready to take over games in the manner as a rookie. Burks is a good prospect who can certainly find a high ceiling but he’s not a polished route-runner right now.

The Titans did well aside from losing Brown. Roger McCreary is a sticky cover corner who can immediately earn playing time in the Titans’ thin secondary. Powerful blocker Nicholas Petit-Frere has the size and raw talent that could allow him to blossom into a difference-making presence at right tackle.

The best move of Day 2 came when the Titans moved up to acquire quarterback Malik Willis. Willis is far too talented to have fallen this far. He’s a dynamic force who needs time to develop his accuracy and consistency, and will benefit from having a terrific leader in Ryan Tannehill ahead of him on the depth chart.

Grade: D+

Key Additions: WR Jahan Dotson, DT Phidarian Mathis

The beneficiary of New Orleans’ second aggressive trade up, Washington decided that the combination of wide receiver Jahan Dotson, the 98th overall pick, and 120th overall pick was better than either Chris Olave or Jameson Williams. Washington also selected defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis in the second-round.

Dotson fills a need at wide receiver next to Terry McLaurin. However, there was a clear drop off from the top four receivers of the class to Dotson. In prime position to get one of the elite playmakers with blazing speed, Washington went with the smaller, less-gifted athlete in Dotson.

The 5’10”, 178-pounder is small and his 7.28 3-cone time at the combine highlighted a limited skillset. Even if Dotson proves to be a good second option next to McLaurin, the physical upside is drastically higher for his peers. Washington took a second day talent in the middle of the first-round.

They reached again on running back Brian Robinson Jr. Robinson showed inconsistencies in pass blocking, average athleticism, and mediocre vision throughout his career. Taking a back in the third-round that lacks the traits to become more than a backup behind Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic is a wasted asset.