2022 NFL Draft: Live picks, grades for first round

The 2022 NFL Draft is formally right here, and all eyes are on Las Vegas, the place 32 gamers will grow to be first-round draft selections Thursday evening.

Observe each decide dwell right here and get quick response from FOX Sports activities NFL Draft analyst Rob Rang, who can be grading each selection. 

The draft is underway now and could be seen dwell on NFL Community, ESPN and ABC.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia, 6-foot-5, 272 kilos, 4.51 40-yard sprint

An distinctive prospect whose abilities had been hidden at Georgia as a result of opposing offenses had been unable to generate sufficient first downs to provide anybody a lot alternative to pad their statistics, Walker is already a star. With the items, motor and match on this Jacksonville scheme, he ought to ascend to superstardom early in his NFL profession. He and Josh Allen can be a formidable tandem for years. Grade: A

Notable Numbers: Recorded a sack in every of Georgia’s two School Soccer Playoff wins in 2021. Turns into the fifth No. 1 total decide from Georgia, tying the document for many No. 1 picks by any college.

Having a look at Jaguars’ No. 1 decide Travon Walker

Bucky Brooks breaks down recreation movie of Georgia defensive finish Travon Walker, the No. 1 total decide of the Jaguars. Brooks sees similarities to Rams star Aaron Donald.

2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan, 6-7, 268, 4.74

Neglect the short-arm narrative, Hutchinson was the perfect draft-eligible participant within the nation a yr in the past, basically keen the Wolverines to the Huge Ten Championship and a School Soccer Playoff berth along with his mixture of burst, energy and easy relentlessness. There’s not a greater match for Dan Campbell and blue-collar Detroit than Hutchinson, who virtually actually would have been the No. 1 total choice had the Lions owned the primary decide. Grade: A

Notable Numbers: Recorded 14 sacks in 2021 season, setting the Michigan single-season document. Completed second in Heisman Trophy voting.

Aidan Hutchinson to Detroit at No. 2

Bucky Brooks takes a have a look at Aidan Hutchinson, the extremely touted edge rusher from Michigan.

3. Houston Texans: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU, 6-0, 188, 4.45

The primary slight shock of the draft, however not one I’ll quibble with given the unbelievable pure cowl abilities Stingley presents. Lovie Smith is aware of an distinctive expertise when he sees it, and Stingley’s mix of fluidity, pace and ball-skills is particular. There isn’t a denying that his sturdiness considerations raised crimson flags — thus the marginally decrease grade — however Stingley is a future NFL interception chief. Grade: B+

Notable Numbers: Two-time first-team All-SEC choice (2019, 2020). Performed in solely three video games in 2021 season on account of Lisfranc harm. 

4. New York Jets: Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, Cincinnati, 6-3, 193, 4.41

With a nickname and persona like “Sauce,” Gardner was maybe destined for Broadway. Jets coach Robert Saleh probably noticed a sooner model of his former All-Professional cornerback Richard Sherman in Gardner, who didn’t permit a single landing reception over his faculty profession. Pairing Gardner with free-agent addition DJ Reed (Seattle) provides Saleh and the Jets the cornerback duo to take care of division rival Miami as one of many elite secondary pairings within the league. Grade: A-

Notable Numbers: Didn’t permit a single TD reception on 138 profession targets. The 2021 AAC Defensive Participant of the 12 months is the primary Cincinnati participant to be drafted within the first spherical since Bob Bell in 1971.

5. New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon, 6-4, 256, 4.58 

A projected top-five decide since dominating the Pac-12 as a real freshman, Thibodeaux is the flashy edge rusher the Giants have lacked since Jason Pierre-Paul left city. His pace and energy mixture subsequent to Leonard Williams provides New York the 1-2 punch up entrance to bully NFC East offensive strains. Like Sauce one choice earlier to the crosstown Jets, Thibodeaux has the flashy persona to excel within the massive market. Grade: A

Notable Numbers: Led Oregon with seven sacks in 2021 and was voted a unanimous All-American.

Kayvon Thibodeaux’s outlook

Geoff Schwartz analyzes Kayvon Thibodeaux’s strengths and what he’ll carry to the desk for the New York Giants.

6. Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State, 6-4, 328, 4.93

The Panthers had been thought more likely to commerce out of this choice provided that the membership shouldn’t be scheduled to pick out once more till the fourth spherical. Nevertheless, with their selection of the top-rated tackles obtainable, the membership fortified its entrance with the Ekwonu, whose mix of dimension, agility and energy tasks fantastically all throughout the road. 

Whereas a tad shorter than most like at deal with, Ekwonu is functionally larger than his 6-4 top suggests on account of his extraordinary wingspan. Offering Sam Darnold with higher safety (and anticipating a wholesome 2022 season from Christian McCaffrey) provides the membership its greatest probability to compete instantly. Ekwonu is the second native prospect chosen within the first spherical by Carolina, with the membership nabbing South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn a yr in the past. Grade: A-

Notable Numbers: Third NC State offensive lineman to be drafted within the first spherical (Jim Ritcher, Garrett Bradbury). Unanimous All-American in 2021.

Carolina takes Ikem Ekwonu

NC State offensive deal with Ikem Ekwonu’s can set the tone and terrorize defenses, based on Geoff Schwartz.

7. New York Giants: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama, 6-8, 345, 4.90 (Est.)

Huge Blue is again! The 2022 draft couldn’t have performed out higher for the Giants, who nabbed the perfect mixture of twitch and manufacturing of the sting rushers in Thibodeaux and now take the huge Neal two picks later. The duo will each actually and figuratively push one another because the Giants have fully revamped the road of scrimmage. Neal and Andrew Thomas at deal with permit the Giants to dwell as much as their moniker, with the behemoths giving Daniel Jones his greatest probability but at dwelling as much as his personal high 10 choice. Grade: A

Notable Quantity: 2021 consensus All-American and Outland Trophy semifinalist.

Giants land Evan Neal

Geoff Schwartz hits on every thing you must learn about Alabama offensive deal with Evan Neal, from his explosive contact capability to his dedication to the sport.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Drake London, WR, USC, 6-4, 219, 4.55 (est.)

Within the first stunner of the 2022 draft, the Falcons eschewed their league-worst move rush, as an alternative, nabbing the perfect jump-ball receiver to pair with final yr’s star Kyle Pitts. Typically in comparison with fellow NFC South star Mike Evans in Tampa Bay, London presents the physique management and powerful fingers to play the position of a safety blanket for Marcus Mariota (or a quarterback quickly to be chosen). Grade: B

Notable Quantity: Led Pac-12 in receptions (88) and receiving yards (1,084) in 2021, regardless of lacking the ultimate 4 video games on account of an ankle harm. Was named the 2021 Pac-12 Offensive Participant of the 12 months.

Drake London headed to Atlanta

Geoff Schwartz breaks down why he’s so excessive upon USC large receiver Drake London.

9. Seattle Seahawks: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State, 6-5, 311, 4.95

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 28: (L-R) Charles Cross poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell onstage after being chosen ninth by the Seattle Seahawks throughout spherical one of many 2022 NFL Draft on April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photograph by David Becker/Getty Pictures)

The Seahawks addressed the most important gap on their roster with Cross, whose preliminary quickness, lateral agility and stability made him essentially the most polished move blocker on this draft class. With the overwhelming majority of his run blocking popping out of the two-point stance at Mississippi State, Cross will want some work in Seattle’s anticipated run-first offense — however at simply 21-years previous, his upside is plain. Grade: B

Notable Quantity: First Mississippi State offensive lineman to be drafted within the first spherical since Derek Sherrod in 2011.

Seahawks get their offensive deal with

Geoff Schwartz examines Mississippi State offensive deal with Charles Cross as an elite 2022 NFL Draft prospect. Regardless of his expertise in an “air-raid” offense, Cross is the “final move protector.”

10. New York Jets: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State, 6-0, 184, 4.38

Jets common supervisor Joe Douglas lately said that he sees “greatness” in Zach Wilson’s future. By surrounding the younger quarterback with a pass-catcher of Garrett Wilson’s caliber, the QB’s job actually can be simpler. The Ohio State receiver presents the stickiest fingers of this class, with exceptional physique management to hover within the air and make circus catches look straightforward. Grade: B

Notable Quantity: Tied for second within the Huge Ten with 12 receiving touchdowns in 2021.

Jets take Garrett Wilson

FOX Sports activities’ Bucky Brooks breaks down the talents that put Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson on the high of the 2022 receiver class.

11. New Orleans Saints (from Washington Commanders): Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State, 6-1, 185, 4.39

Maybe pushed by the early run on receivers, the Saints boldly moved as much as nab the speedster Olave, whose elite pace and silky change of path makes him an distinctive deep menace. Olave will complement veteran Michael Thomas and assist quarterback Jameis Winston, one of many league’s higher deep-ball passers. The Saints can be criticized by many for the aggression of the commerce up, but this was anticipated and is in step with earlier daring strikes orchestrated by Mickey Loomis. Grade: B

Notable Quantity: Ohio State’s all-time chief in receiving touchdowns (35). Two-time first-team All-Huge Ten choice (2020, 2021).

Saints deal up for Chris Olave

Bucky Brooks breaks down the sport of Chris Olave, who’s headed to New Orleans after the Saints moved as much as No. 11.

12. Detroit Lions (from Minnesota Vikings): Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama, 6-2, 180, 4.34 (est.)

It is not usually that divisional rivals work collectively on trades within the first spherical — particularly when the transfer helps a franchise land a doable game-changer — however with receivers coming off the board with three of the earlier 4 picks, Detroit jumped up 20 spots to land Williams, essentially the most bodily gifted pass-catcher within the class. Williams will want time to get better from the ACL tear suffered within the nationwide title recreation, making Detroit’s commerce up that a lot bolder, however he’s the vertical playmaker to reap the benefits of Jared Goff’s contact deep. Grade: B-  

Notable Quantity: Led SEC in receiving yards (1,572) and receiving touchdowns (15) in 2021. First-team All-American in 2021. 

Lions commerce up for Jameson Williams

Geoff Schwartz breaks down Jameson Williams, the extremely expert large receiver from Alabama.

13. Philadelphia Eagles (from Houston Texans): Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia, 6-6, 341, 4.78

The Eagles began to fly a yr in the past when the membership switched extra to extra of a run-heavy method. With the addition of the huge Davis, opponents will not be capable of take that very same technique in opposition to Philadelphia. Whereas maybe not a traditional move rusher, Davis will get a robust push inside that ought to assist the Eagles’ speedy rushers on the surface. Groups will battle transferring him off the road of scrimmage. Grade: B+

Notable Numbers: Ran a 4.78 40-yard sprint on the NFL Mix, the quickest by any participant 330 kilos or heavier since 2006. Gained the Outland Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award in 2021.

Eagles land Jordan Davis

Geoff Schwartz is impressed with Jordan Davis, who was chosen thirteenth total within the 2022 NFL Draft by Philadelphia.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Hamilton, FS, Notre Dame, 6-4, 217, 4.59

Quicker on the sphere than in exercises on account of his instincts, Hamilton is the primary Irish defender drafted within the high 20 since 1994 (Bryant Younger). 

Notable Numbers: First Notre Dame defensive again to be chosen within the first spherical since Harrison Smith (2012). Consensus All-American in 2021.

15. Houston Texans (from Philadelphia Eagles): Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M, 6-4, 325, 5.24

A “set it and overlook it” guard with sufficient athleticism and expertise to slip exterior to deal with in a pinch. 

16. Washington Commanders (from New Orleans Saints): Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State, 5-11, 181, 4.43

A Tyler Lockett clone with glorious agility, pace and fingers, Dotson is a Day One difference-maker as a receiver and returner — however you’ll at all times want he was somewhat larger. 

Notable Numbers: Set Penn State single-game document with 242 receiving yards in opposition to Maryland in November 2021. First-team All-Huge Ten choice in 2021.

Jahan Dotson highlights

Take a look at Jahan Dotson’s three-touchdown efficiency in opposition to Maryland

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Zion Johnson, OG/C, Boston College, 6-3, 314, 5.18

The very blueprint of a longtime beginning inside lineman, Johnson is a block of granite with distinctive energy to bulldoze defenders on the level of assault, in addition to superb intangibles. 

Notable Quantity: First-Staff All-American in 2021. 

18. Tennessee Titans: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas, 6-2, 224, 4.55

A bodily mismatch on account of his bulk, subject pace and toughness, Burks is the closest factor this class has to Deebo Samuel. 

Notable Numbers: First Arkansas large receiver to be chosen within the first spherical since 2005 (Matt Jones performed QB at Arkansas however was drafted by the Jaguars as a WR). First-team All-SEC choice in 2021.

19. New Orleans Saints: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa, 6-7, 333, 4.89

Large, explosive and a bully whose best pleasure on the sphere is the chance to maul his opponent, Penning would be the first UNI Panther chosen within the first spherical of an NFL draft.  

Notable Numbers: First Northern Iowa participant to be chosen within the first spherical. First-Staff All-MVFC choice in 2021.  

Trevor Penning goes to New Orleans

Geoff Schwartz analyzes Trevor Penning, the bodily offensive lineman from Northern Iowa.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh, 6-3, 219, 4.73

Most polished passer of this class with the accuracy, consciousness and perspective wanted to earn a beginning position rapidly — however his small fingers and manufacturing previous to his breakout 2021 season are worrisome. 

Notable Numbers: Set Pittsburgh single-season information for passing yards (4,319) and passing TDs (42) in 2021. Second Pittsburgh QB to be drafted within the first spherical, becoming a member of Dan Marino (twenty seventh decide in 1983). At twentieth total, it marks the newest that the primary QB within the draft has been picked since 1997 (Jim Druckenmiller, first QB taken in 1997 Draft with the twenty sixth decide by the 49ers)

Steelers hold Kenny Pickett in Pittsburgh

Geoff Schwartz explains what the Steelers are going to get from Kenny Pickett, who was chosen twentieth total within the 2022 NFL Draft.

21. Kansas City Chiefs: (from New England Patriots): Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington, 5-11, 193, 4.44

Among the many most secure gamers on this class on account of his buttery easy athleticism, soccer IQ and dependable tackling.

Notable Numbers: Washington’s fifth first-round decide prior to now six drafts. First-team All-Pac-12 choice in 2021.

22. Green Bay Packers: Quay Walker, LB, Georgia, 6-4, 242, 4.52

An ideal instance of Georgia’s unbelievable expertise, Walker didn’t emerge as a full-time starter till 2021, however scouts consider his recreation interprets even higher to the NFL than faculty.

23. Buffalo Bills (from Baltimore Ravens): Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida, 6-2, 192, 4.39

Confirmed an thrilling mix of dimension, pace and manufacturing in opposition to elite competitors and has NFL bloodlines, however he coasted a bit in 2021, elevating crimson flags for some.

Notable Numbers: Son of former NFL security Abram Elam and nephew of former NFL security Matt Elam. Second-Staff All-SEC choice in 2020.

24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa, 6-5, 327, 5.02

Extra barroom brawler than composed blocker at this level, however the redshirt sophomore’s dimension, agility and aggression are thrilling starter traits.

25. Baltimore Ravens (from Buffalo Bills): Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa, 6-2, 302, 5.02

Extremely-quick, aggressive and technically refined, Linderbaum is a future Professional Bowler if drafted into the appropriate (zone) scheme, although his brief arms (31¼) do present up on tape in opposition to larger DTs. 

Notable Numbers: Rimington Trophy winner (first Iowa participant to win award) and unanimous All-American in 2021. 

26. New York Jets (from Tennessee Titans): Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State, 6-5, 260, 4.58

Surprisingly polished provided that he didn’t emerge as a full-time starter till 2021, Johnson was the perfect participant on the sphere within the ACC, in addition to the Senior Bowl. 

Notable Numbers: Led the ACC with 12 sacks in 2021 and was voted the convention’s Defensive Participant of the 12 months.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah, 6-3, 237, 4.66

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 28: Devin Lloyd poses onstage after being chosen twenty seventh by the Jacksonville Jaguars throughout spherical one of many 2022 NFL Draft on April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photograph by David Becker/Getty Pictures)

Do it-all linebacker whose profession stats (256, 43 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, 5 interceptions — three of which he returned for TDs) are like one thing out of a online game. 

Notable Numbers: Pac-12 Defensive Participant of the 12 months (first Utah participant to win the award) and first-team All-American in 2021.

28. Green Bay Packers: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia, 6-3, 304, 4.77

Overshadowed by teammates a bit till a spectacular week on the Senior Bowl, Wyatt is each slippery and gritty, projecting as Day One beginning three-technique defensive deal with. 

Notable Quantity: Second-Staff All-American in 2021.

29. New England Patriots: Cole Strange, C/OG, Tennessee-Chattanooga, 6-5, 305, 5.03

Fast and managed off the snap, Unusual latches onto defenders and exhibits tenacity, together with in opposition to high competitors on the Senior Bowl.

30. Kansas City Chiefs: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue, 6-4, 263, 4.78

Energy-packed rusher whose heavy, lively fingers and powerful soccer IQ make up for less-than-ideal twitch and pursuit pace. 

Notable Quantity: First Purdue participant to be chosen within the first spherical since 2011 (Ryan Kerrigan).

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Daxton Hill, FS, Michigan, 6-0, 191, 4.38

One of the best cowl security on this class, Hill’s pace and agility will permit groups to play him as a single-high or drop right down to deal with nickel duties — precious and uncommon flexibility in right this moment’s NFL. 

Notable Numbers: Led Michigan with eight move breakups in 2021. Youthful brother of Ravens RB Justice Hill. First-team All-Huge Ten choice in 2021.

32. Minnesota Vikings: Lewis Cine, FS, Georgia, 6-2, 202, 4.37

The right hammer on the again finish of Georgia’s historic and nationwide title-winning protection, Cine is pound for pound the most important hitter on this class — and he’s quick and instinctive, as properly.

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