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The primary three rounds of the 2022 NFL draft are within the books.
There have been 9 draft-day trades within the first spherical, essentially the most within the first spherical because the draft expanded to a few days in 2010. Georgia grew to become the primary faculty in NFL draft historical past to have 5 defensive gamers chosen within the opening spherical. For the primary time, no operating backs or tight ends have been chosen in Spherical 1. And 9 groups had a number of first-round picks — essentially the most ever within the widespread draft period.
Ten groups made their first choose on Friday night time, together with the defending champion Los Angeles Rams. Quarterbacks Desmond Ridder (Falcons), Malik Willis (Titans) and Matt Corral (Panthers) have been all chosen.
The draft continues Saturday with Rounds 4-7 (midday ET, ABC/ESPN/ESPN App).
Try NFL Nation’s insights on each workforce’s draft picks, and comply with alongside as we add evaluation on Saturday. Plus: We have now updated depth charts for all 32 groups.
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ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
AFC EAST
Selecting Kaiir Elam makes all of the sense on the planet for the Payments. Cornerback was the most important space of want on the roster after shedding Levi Wallace in free company and with Tre’Davious White coming off a torn ACL in his left knee. Buffalo additionally needed to commerce up solely two spots to get the final participant with a first-round grade on its board. Elam will flip 21 in Could, and common supervisor Brandon Beane described him as having a “excessive ceiling.” Elam can have the chance to shortly earn the beginning job and make a direct influence on the Payments protection. Analysis of every Bills pick from Alaina Getzenberg
The Dolphins introduced their total corps of inside linebackers again this offseason, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a skinny group that would use a sideline-to-sideline defender. Enter: Channing Tindall. The previous Bulldog is likely one of the quickest linebackers on this draft and will contribute shortly. Particularly in a division that options one of the dynamic quarterbacks within the NFL within the Payments’ Josh Allen, it was essential for the Dolphins so as to add as a lot pace as attainable to the center of their protection. Analysis of every Dolphins pick from Marcel Louis-Jacques
Cole Strange initiatives to start out at left guard, and if he follows within the footsteps of 2005 first-rounder Logan Mankins (32nd) or 2016 third-rounder Joe Thuney (78th), this might be a stable choose that addresses one of many workforce’s apparent wants (albeit one created by buying and selling veteran guard Shaq Mason). Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy, a former New England scout, had recognized Unusual earlier than the draft as a great Patriots match. One query: Did the Patriots overdraft him? Unusual was considered by some draft analysts as a second- or third-round choose … which was really what was stated about Mankins again in 2005. Analysis of every Patriots pick from Mike Reiss
The Jets addressed a obvious want by scooping up a consensus top-four prospect in cornerback Ahmad Gardner, primarily based on rankings by draft specialists. You want prime corners, particularly in a division that features broad receivers Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The best choose would’ve been an edge rusher, however Aidan Hutchinson (Michigan) was gone. Travon Walker (Georgia) would’ve been a consideration, however he was off the board. Gardner is “not Jalen Ramsey,” one scouting supply stated, however he has the potential to be an excellent nook. The Jets have not had a shutdown nook since Darrelle Revis. Analysis of every Jets pick from Rich Cimini
AFC NORTH
The choice of Kyle Hamilton underscored what Ravens common supervisor Eric DeCosta has repeatedly stated: Baltimore takes the most effective participant accessible. After the Philadelphia Eagles swooped one spot in entrance of Baltimore to take Georgia defensive deal with Jordan Davis — a participant steadily linked to the Ravens — Baltimore drafted Hamilton although security was close to the underside of the workforce’s wants. The Ravens’ largest splash in free company was security Marcus Williams (five-year, $70 million contract). It is a steal by way of worth: Baltimore will get Hamilton, who was Mel Kiper Jr.’s No. Four prospect, at No. 14. He slid due to slower-than-expected occasions within the 40-yard sprint and the truth that groups usually do not draft safeties excessive within the first spherical. The Ravens at the moment are loaded within the secondary with Hamilton becoming a member of safeties Williams and Chuck Clark and cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters. Analysis of every Ravens pick from Jamison Hensley
By drafting security Daxton Hill, the Bengals picked up a place of want with a participant they weren’t anticipating to be accessible at No. 31. Even throughout pre-draft conversations, the Bengals instructed Hill they’d prefer to take him — if he was nonetheless on the board. Hill will give the Bengals plenty of schematic versatility, which is one thing that allowed defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to thrive in 2021. He entered Michigan as a security and performed some slot cornerback towards the tip of his time with the Wolverines. With Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell slotted because the beginning safeties, Hill can be utilized in dime packages and discover his footing within the NFL earlier than he takes on a full-time function. Analysis of every Bengals pick from Ben Baby
The Browns had obvious wants at broad receiver, defensive deal with and defensive finish (the latter at the very least till pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney re-signs). And but, Cleveland traded again out of the second spherical, then chosen a nook with its first choose of the draft within the third spherical. At first look, it is troublesome to see the place Martin Emerson suits in, at the very least within the quick time period. The Browns simply handed Denzel Ward an enormous extension and spent a first-round choose final yr on Greg Newsome II. In addition they have Greedy Williams and Troy Hill within the cornerback rotation. Within the QB-loaded AFC, you’ll be able to by no means have sufficient corners. The Browns are placing that concept to the check. Analysis of every Browns pick from Jake Trotter
The Steelers had their alternative of quarterbacks with the No. 20 choose, and so they went with essentially the most NFL-ready. Although Liberty’s Malik Willis doubtless has the next ceiling, the Steelers opted for Kenny Pickett, who Mike Tomlin stated has the very best ground. Pickett additionally believes he is a very good match with offensive coordinator Matt Canada, who recruited the quarterback to Pitt earlier than he departed to teach Maryland. However will Pickett become the following Steelers nice, and may he handle the strain that can include succeeding Ben Roethlisberger? And the way will the Steelers handle a quarterback room with the free-agency addition of Mitch Trubisky, in addition to Mason Rudolph? Analysis of every Steelers pick from Brooke Pryor
AFC SOUTH
Texans coach Lovie Smith made it clear he did not assume his protection might play the way in which he wished it to with out improved play at cornerback. By drafting Derek Stingley Jr., the Texans have instantly improved a secondary that struggled in 2021. Houston allowed the second-most yards per recreation final season and have been 29th in yards per go try allowed, based on ESPN Stats & Data information. Houston cornerbacks allowed 8.Three yards per try as the closest defenders in protection, the fourth worst, based on NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Smith has talked about how he and common supervisor Nick Caserio are on the identical web page and work properly collectively, and Smith will get a cornerback who will thrive in his defensive system on the prime of the draft. Analysis of every Texans pick from Sarah Barshop
Receiver Alec Pierce suits a place of want for the Colts, who hadn’t added anyone on the surface throughout the offseason after shedding Zach Pascal and with veteran T.Y. Hilton unsigned. Pierce can have a possibility to contribute immediately as a result of there’s a lot uncertainty behind Michael Pittman Jr. at receiver. Pierce, who’s 6-foot-3, had 52 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns final season at Cincinnati. The Colts have been nonetheless in a position to snag a receiver regardless of buying and selling again — they gave the Minnesota Vikings the No. 42 and No. 122 general picks for the Nos. 53, 77 and 192 picks. Analysis of every Colts pick from Mike Wells
The Jaguars needed to beef up a go rush that recorded 50 sacks over the previous two seasons, which was fewer than all however the Atlanta Falcons (47). Georgia’s Travon Walker had a career-high six sacks final season whereas spending nearly all of his time at defensive finish, however he additionally lined up at deal with and out of doors linebacker. Count on the Jaguars to make use of him equally below new defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell. Including Walker ought to assist defensive finish/linebacker Josh Allen too. He had 10.5 sacks as a rookie dashing alongside Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue, however he had 10 sacks in his previous 24 video games with out anybody else drawing consideration away from him. Analysis of every Jaguars pick from Michael DiRocco
Treylon Burks is a playmaker who will assist carry the burden of changing broad receiver A.J. Brown after he was traded to the Eagles on Thursday. At 6-foot-2, 225 kilos, Burks has a construct just like Brown’s. Burks is an enormous, sturdy receiver who will bounce off of tackles and be featured throughout the center. Coach Mike Vrabel likes broad receivers who make “fight catches” and get yards after the catch. That’s Burks’ calling card. Burks may also work on the surface and within the slot. He gives a big catch radius for quarterback Ryan Tannehill — which ought to assist enable him to have an early influence. Analysis of every Titans pick from Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
The Broncos waited till the final choose of the second spherical to make their first choice on this draft. They’ve been on the hunt for extra depth on the sting of their protection and get that in Nik Bonitto. He is explosive (4.54 within the 40 on the mix) with 32 tackles for loss in his profession with the Sooners. He wants extra power to set a persistently dependable edge within the run recreation however ought to contribute shortly as a nickel rusher. Analysis of every Broncos pick from Jeff Legwold
The Chiefs had a necessity at cornerback after shedding starter Charvarius Ward in free company. They felt strongly sufficient about Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie to maneuver up from the 29th choose and despatched the Patriots three draft picks for the privilege. McDuffie needs to be a starter from day one given the value the Chiefs paid to get him. Analysis of every Chiefs pick from Adam Teicher
The Raiders’ largest want coming into the draft was on the offensive line — did not matter whether or not at deal with or on the inside — and in Dylan Parham, Las Vegas has a flexible former highschool tight finish and linebacker who most likely finest interprets into a middle, which is fascinating in that the Raiders’ earlier regime anointed Andre James as its heart of the longer term final yr. And if Parham interprets as a guard, he brings athletic potential to a gaggle that features starters John Simpson and Alex Leatherwood — final yr’s first-round choose — in addition to Denzelle Good, who’s getting back from a torn ACL after being a starter in 2020. Analysis of every Raiders pick from Paul Gutierrez
GM Tom Telesco is not taking any probabilities in the case of defending third-year franchise quarterback Justin Herbert, who has demonstrated the expertise to take the Bolts deep into the playoffs. Final yr, Telesco used a first-round choose to pick out left deal with Rashawn Slater. Now, the 10th-year common supervisor stays within the trenches and picks up Zion Johnson, who can begin instantly at guard. With Johnson’s choice, it stays unclear who will begin at proper deal with, however there are alternatives between Storm Norton, who began 15 video games on the spot final season, and Matt Feiler, a 16-game starter final season at left guard who additionally gained expertise at proper deal with in Pittsburgh. Offensive linemen do not usually seize headlines in April, however two consecutive years of lineman picks might have the Chargers making information in late January. Analysis of every Chargers pick from Lindsey Thiry
NFC EAST
The choice of offensive lineman Tyler Smith appears extra for the longer term than it does for the current with government vp Stephen Jones saying he did not need to put “beginning proper now” on Smith’s plate. He could possibly be the left guard this yr if he beats out Connor McGovern. He could possibly be the swing deal with on recreation day behind Tyron Smith and Terence Steele. The final time the Cowboys used a first-rounder on an offensive lineman this late was in 2013 after they took Travis Frederick at No. 31. They knew he was a Day 1 starter and he made 5 Professional Bowls earlier than an early retirement. Analysis of every Cowboys pick from Todd Archer
Whoa! Did not anticipate that at choose No. 5. However the way in which the draft unfolded, it made sense for the Giants to seize Kayvon Thibodeaux, the Oregon edge rusher, with the highest three offensive tackles nonetheless on the board. Thibodeaux is an enormous persona, however the Giants aren’t involved about his motivation. In actual fact, common supervisor Joe Schoen talked about the Giants have been particularly impressed with Thibodeaux getting back from a reasonably critical ankle damage late within the season. That proved one thing to the Giants, who did intensive analysis on the polarizing prospect together with a FaceTime dialog with him this week. Analysis of every Giants pick from Jordan Raanan
The Eagles moved as much as choose Jordan Davis, the 6-6, 340-pound anchor of Georgia’s nationwide championship protection. Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon has been looking for a pure nostril deal with to function a menacing, block-occupying drive in the midst of his hybrid scheme, and he will get his man. With Fletcher Cox doubtlessly exiting Philadelphia after this season, this choice serves short-term and long-term wants. Analysis of every Eagles pick from Tim McManus
All offseason Washington coach Ron Rivera stated the Commanders needed to do two issues for quarterback Carson Wentz — shield him and add weapons. They added a weapon with receiver Jahan Dotson, a smaller however explosive playmaker. Washington wished to diversify its offense and may now use units with 4 receivers who can threaten a protection with Dotson, Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Dyami Brown. They might win some 4×100 relay races. There’s versatility in that group, too. Washington has had a boring and largely ineffective offense for the previous 4 years, partially as a result of it lacked robust quarterback play and sufficient weapons. It now has a greater quarterback and added a attainable playmaker with actually good arms. Analysis of every Commanders pick from John Keim
NFC NORTH
Ryan Poles’ first draft choose as Chicago’s common supervisor addresses a void within the secondary. The Bears must discover a starter reverse Jaylon Johnson at cornerback, and Kyler Gordon‘s exterior/inside versatility offers the Bears an intriguing choice. Gordon led Washington in go deflections and interceptions in 2021, beginning reverse first-round choose Trent McDuffie. The Bears allowed 31 passing touchdowns in 2021, which is tied for second-most allowed in franchise historical past (31 in 2015, 34 in 2014). In response to NFL Subsequent Gen Stats, a cornerback was the closest defender on 27 of the Bears’ 31 passing TDs allowed, essentially the most within the NFL. Analysis of every Bears pick from Courtney Cronin
Taking Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 2 choose makes excellent sense. The Lions want game-changers, particularly on protection. Hutchinson has all the pieces it takes to be one and an area fan base that ought to come together with him. It is a excellent choose to assist the Lions of their rebuilding course of. Detroit has completed within the backside 5 in strain proportion in every of the previous six seasons. Hutchinson ought to assist enhance that immediately. Analysis of every Lions pick from Eric Woodyard
As improved because the Packers protection was final season, it nonetheless had a obvious weak point: Inexperienced Bay allowed the third-most yards per rush final season (4.7). Quay Walker might assist. This additionally represents a unbroken shift in philosophy in the case of the center of the protection. For years, the Packers tried to get by with midround draft picks and reasonably priced free brokers at inside linebacker. However final yr, they introduced in De’Vondre Campbell (after which gave him a five-year, $50 million contract to maintain him this offseason) and now they’ve gone with a first-round inside linebacker for the primary time since A.J. Hawk in 2005. For a very good portion of final season, the Packers’ second inside linebacker was Krys Barnes, a former undrafted free agent. Analysis of every Packers pick from Rob Demovsky
The Vikings did not get the sort of slam-dunk worth you’d hope to get in trade for buying and selling down 20 spots within the first spherical, the place they took security Lewis Cine at No. 32. They in essence swapped first- and second-round picks with the Lions, going from No. 12 to No. 32 within the first and from No. 46 to No. 34 within the second, in trade for an early choose within the third spherical (No. 66 general). Finally, common supervisor Kwesi Adofo-Mensah determined he was higher off making the deal than turning it down, even when it wasn’t a rout on any commerce charts. Within the course of, he handed at No. 12 on a higher-regarded security in Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton. If nothing else, Adofo-Mensah left a transparent path for second-guessing his first draft choose. Analysis of every Vikings pick from Kevin Seifert
NFC SOUTH
Drake London is a good selection for the Falcons. Receiver is the most important place of want on offense — and second-biggest on the workforce behind edge rusher. With three edge rushers already off the board, it was extra logical for the Falcons to take who they imagine is the most effective participant at his place, moderately than the fourth-best participant at defensive finish and even the third-best offensive deal with, Charles Cross. London instantly turns into Atlanta’s No. 1 receiver and No. 2 pass-catching choice behind final yr’s first-round choose, tight finish Kyle Pitts. Analysis of every Falcons pick from Michael Rothstein
The Panthers did not attain for a quarterback, regardless of the necessity, as a substitute choosing offensive deal with Ikem Ekwonu. That they continued to construct from the within offensively confirmed a dedication to making a stable basis. Securing a left deal with, in spite of everything common supervisor Scott Fitterer has achieved throughout the offseason to repair a line that gave up 52 sacks final season, was the ultimate lacking piece. Analysis of every Panthers pick from David Newton
It’s important to love the choose of Chris Olave after screaming from the rooftops about New Orleans’ broad receiver want over the previous two months, proper? Sadly, the Saints needed to make two trades over the previous month to rise up to the 11th choose. However they did not quit an excessive amount of in Thursday night time’s commerce (sending picks No. 98 and No. 120 to the Commanders to maneuver up 5 spots). This was the Saints’ most obvious want after they completed 32nd within the NFL in passing offense final season, and the offense ought to look considerably higher as soon as QB Jameis Winston and WR Michael Thomas return from main accidents as properly. Analysis of every Saints pick from Mike Triplett
The Bucs wished to get youthful and faster with their inside go rush, and so they wanted a alternative for Ndamukong Suh. Logan Hall notched 7.5 sacks and a pressured fumble in 23 profession begins in school. Whereas most expertise evaluators have regarded Corridor as a defensive finish as a result of he has an uncommon physique sort at 6-foot-6 and 283 kilos, all however a kind of sacks got here lining up at defensive deal with. When Corridor has lined up on the surface, he is gained solely by beating tackles on the within. He is developed a very robust swim transfer, together with a bull rush, and a rip transfer, which he would not use almost as usually. His arm size (32 3/Four inches) is a priority, and he’ll want extra go rush strikes to win on the surface. Analysis of every Bucs pick from Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
Tight finish Trey McBride has the potential to be a great complement to Zach Ertz and Maxx Williams. He is confirmed he can produce. He was the Mackey Award winner because the nation’s finest tight finish and a first-team All-American after handing over a season that produced 1,121 yards on 90 catches. He’ll give coach Kliff Kingsbury choices throughout the passing recreation, whether or not that is on the road or out broad. He might see important motion early within the season relying on how properly Williams’ knee has recovered. Analysis of every Cardinals pick from Josh Weinfuss
The Rams added to an offensive line that misplaced two of the starters from their Tremendous Bowl LVI victory. Los Angeles led the NFL in go block win charge in 2021, based on ESPN Stats & Data analysis, however now not has left deal with Andrew Whitworth (retired) or proper guard Austin Corbett (signed with the Carolina Panthers). Final season, the Rams’ top-five offensive line mixture performed 717 snaps collectively, which was the fourth-most within the NFL, based on ESPN Stats & Data analysis. The Rams did not draft an offensive lineman in 2021 however added one other former Wisconsin lineman this yr, as Logan Bruss joins proper deal with Rob Havenstein and left guard David Edwards. He’ll determine into the guard combine with Bobby Evans, who was a third-round choose in 2019 and has began eight video games in three seasons. Analysis of every Rams pick from Sarah Barshop
That is the fourth time in six years the Niners have taken a defensive lineman with their first choose within the draft. In defensive finish Drake Jackson, the Niners hope to discover a long-term operating mate reverse Nick Bosa. Jackson, who is understood for his pace and athletic potential, had simply 12.5 sacks and 25 tackles in three seasons, so the manufacturing did not match the measurables, however Niners defensive position coach Kris Kocurek has a protracted historical past of getting essentially the most out of proficient gamers. There’s sufficient expertise on the defensive position that Jackson will not have big expectations instantly, which ought to enable him so as to add play power and approach within the meantime. Analysis of every 49ers pick from Nick Wagoner
The Seahawks have usually zigged when draft analysts anticipate them to zag, however offensive deal with Charles Cross was each an unsurprising choose and one who should not produce any actual objection. How might he? Seattle received one of many prime prospects at one of the precious positions in soccer — assuming the plan is to maintain him at left deal with — in part of the draft the place analysts typically projected him to be taken. And the Seahawks crammed what was simply their largest want. Final season’s beginning tackles (Duane Brown and Brandon Shell), are unsigned, and there is not a lot expertise among the many three tackles who have been already on their roster, Jake Curhan, Stone Forsythe and Greg Eiland, as they’re all getting into their second seasons. Analysis of every Seahawks pick from Brady Henderson
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