Trading the 23rd pick to the Ravens for Marquise Brown was a wise move because he’ s better than every receiver in this draft class, and his relationship with Kyler Murray could win over the …
It’s too early to determine what a drafted player will be in the NFL, but it’s never too soon to evaluate whether a team addressed its needs or not in the 2022 draft. Take a look at how our NFL columnist grades each team’s draft, and forecasts what they should expect from their rookie class: Arizona Cardinals: B- Trading the 23rd pick to the Ravens for Marquise Brown was a wise move because he’s better than every receiver in this draft class, and his relationship with Kyler Murray could win over the disgruntled quarterback who is seeking a mega deal. Colorado State’s Trey McBride (pick No.55) was the best tight end in this class. However, everyone else was filler. Atlanta Falcons: B- The Falcons came into the draft with scraps at receiver, which explains why USC’s Drake London was their choice as the first wideout selected with the No.8 pick. But it’s surprising they didn’t add another receiver. Taking Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder in the third round was a wise move because Marcus Mariota hasn’t proven he’s a top-20 quarterback in the NFL. Another need filled was at the edge, with the selection of Arnold Ebiketie, one of the most underrated talents in the 2022 class. Baltimore Ravens: A The Ravens annually make the most of every selection, and this year was no different considering I love all 11 of their picks. Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton (No.14) was the best player in the draft in my opinion. Center Tyler Linderbaum (No.25) is a Day 1 starter. David Ojabo (No.45) was a top-15 talent in the draft who slid due to an Achilles’ injury he suffered at his pro day, and Travis Jones, Daniel Faalele, Jalyn Armour-Davis could all become starters by their second season. Buffalo Bills: A The Super Bowl contender added quite a few missing pieces during the draft. Former Gators standout Kaiir Elam gives them a man coverage cornerback with press ability to put across from Tre’Davious White. James Cook is a near-perfect fit for the outside-zone concepts the Bills use. Boise State’s Khalil Shakir was one of the best slot receivers in this draft and should help ease the offseason release of Cole Beasley, and adding Matt “Punt God” Araiza in the sixth round was genius and makes Matt Haack expendable. Carolina Panthers: C With the sixth pick the Panthers were able to get their left tackle of the future in North Carolina State’s Ikem Ekwonu, the most physically dominant offensive lineman in this class, and they were also able to grab Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral much later than expected with the 94th pick. The rest of their draft class was filler, and none of those selections will likely keep head coach Matt Rhule’s seat from getting hot. Chicago Bears: B- The trade that allowed Chicago to land quarterback Justin Fields last year prevented the Bears from having a first-round pick, but that didn’t stop Chicago from adding impactful players. Washington cornerback Kyle Gordon (No.38) and Penn State safety Jaquan Brisker (No.48) were two of the top-rated players at their position. And Tennessee receiver Velus Jones (No.78) was one of my favorite talents in this draft. All 11 picks should aid the Bears’ rebuilding process. Cincinnati Bengals: C- The Bengals placed an emphasis on adding defenders who can help Lou Anarumo’s unit tighten up with its first three picks. Michigan safety Daxton Hill (No.31), Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt and Florida defensive lineman Zachary Carter should all be able to carve out important roles as rookies. However, the Bengals should have selected an offensive lineman earlier than pick No.136, which was used on North Dakota State tackle Cordell Volson. Cleveland Browns: B The Browns didn’t have a pick until the third round because of the offseason trade that landed quarterback Deshaun Watson. They also failed to unload quarterback Baker Mayfield and his $19 million contract. But Cleveland did managed to add some talent on defense with their first two picks, adding cornerback Martin Emerson from Mississippi State (No.68) and Alex Wright from UAB (No.78). Selecting two receivers — Purdue’s David Bell and Oklahoma’s Michael Woods II — was wise, but Watson needs more playmakers. Dallas Cowboys: B The Cowboys are one of the best teams when it comes to talent evaluation, so don’t be surprised if Tulsa offensive lineman Tyler Smith, Mississippi pass rusher Sam Williams become immediate contributors, if not starters. And Wisconsin tight end Jake Ferguson (No.129), LSU’s Damone Clary (No.176), and Arkansas defensive tackle John Ridgway (No.178) are excellent value picks. Denver Broncos: B The offseason trade for Russell Wilson meant the Broncos weren’t on the clock until the end of the second round. Denver still managed to make two quality additions at areas of need, selecting Oklahoma pass rusher Nik Bonitto with the 64th pick, and then adding UCLA tight end Greg Dulcich, a potential Noah Fant replacement, at pick No.
