Linderbaum is about as perfect a fit for the run-first Ravens as you’ll see in the draft: a strong, fast mauler who can win at the line of scrimmage and downfield. Smith is a work in progress, though the hope here is that a strong Cowboys offensive line helps him to develop more quickly.Ģ5. The Packers, seemingly set at the linebacker spot with De’Vondre Campbell, picked a solid ‘backer in Walker, though there were better options- and positions- to take here.Įlam, who forced the second-most incompletions since 2020 against tough SEC competition, is a strong add to a secondary that features Tre’Davious White, Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. The Chiefs made up for the departure of Charvarius Ward, taking advantage of the cornerback depth in the draft to nab McDuffie, whose solid technique should make him a reliable starter from day one. Chiefs (From Patriots): CB Trent McDuffie
The Steelers opted for the more pro-ready 2022 NFL Draft option, Pickett rather than the risky upside play in Malik Willis. The Saints lost longtime tackle Terron Armstead in free agency and immediately found his replacement in Penning, who is a physical, sturdy pass protector.
11, trading away the chance at two higher ceiling prospects.Ī three-year starter at Boston College, Johnson can play both guard and tackle but figures to solidify the middle of the Chargers’ line.īurks, who is a menace after the catch, was the “consolation prize” for trading AJ Brown. The Commanders needed a receiver- and Dotson is a speedy playmaker who will make an impact- though Washington already had a chance at Jameson Williams or safety Kyle Hamilton at pick no. While perhaps a bit early to select Green here, his versatility will ensure he starts on day one for Houston.ġ6. Make no mistake, Green is a polished guard who will have no trouble translating to the NFL physically. Hamilton is a chess piece on defense- and he and Marcus Williams will give the Ravens a formidable secondary. The best safety in the draft, a consensus top-10 pick, fell all the way to Baltimore, who gladly scooped him up. Davis and Javon Hargrave in the middle is a nightmare for offensive lines. The Eagles found their successor to Fletcher Cox. Howie Roseman dealt a fair amount to get Davis in the first round but the man is an absolute load on the defensive line. If he gets- and stays- healthy, this first-round pick is going to age very well. He looked like the best wideout in the nation all year. 32 to nab Williams, who is on the fast track to getting healthy. The Lions traded all the way up from pick no. Lions (From Vikings): WR Jameson Williams His speed and crisp route running should complement incumbent Michael Thomas perfectly, but was the juice worth the squeeze?ġ2. 16, 98 and 120- to trade up for the right to take Olave. Wilson has very few weaknesses to his game, giving Zach Wilson his new number-one receiver.ġ1. In a pass-heavy league, the Jets got two cornerstones in Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson, who is the best all-around wideout in the draft. No matter, Seattle gets themselves a strong pass-blocker who is one of the more impressive prospects of the last several years. The Seahawks finally address the offensive line now that Russell Wilson is gone. He should form a strong 1-2 punch with Calvin Ridley- when he returns from suspension- though it was curious to see Atlanta pass on the more polished Garrett Wilson. London is a physical receiver who was one of the best in the nation at contested catches. Neal will be a book-end tackle alongside Andrew Thomas for years to come. Ekwonu’s mean streak and “controlled aggression” should rub off on a Panthers line that has lacked those traits in recent years.Īfter addressing the pass rush, New York upgraded on the offensive trenches with Neal, a mammoth of a man with a bevy of experience against the SEC’s best. Torn between a quarterback and cornerstone tackle, the Panthers chose the latter. Thibodeaux’s speed and power helped him secure the nation’s third-best pressure rate- and he’ll give New York a strong 1-2 punch with Azeez Ojulari on the outside. While it was surprising to see the Giants pass on Ikem Ekwonu, they weren’t going to let Thibodeaux, a former projected top overall pick, fall any further.