Ourlads Stories

Evaluating the 2022 NFL Draft

Tucker Maus and Jon Cooper

07/17/2026 4:53PM ET

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Every year here at Ourlads we evaluate each draft according to a set of criteria. This year we have modified that criteria to see how a draft ages. We’ve always felt you don’t know the real value of a draft for several years. We decided on a four-year window and are using the 2022 draft for the purposes of this article.

If a player was traded before the end of their rookie deal, we evaluated them on a case-by-case basis. For example, if a player was traded for a future 7th round pick, they would be considered to be cut for the purposes of this article. If a player is traded for more than their draft capital then they should be considered to exceed expectations and normally have starter value.

Criteria

First, we examined each individual player and classified them in six different ways: Pro Bowl talent, starter value, rotational/backup, reserve, other team, and “on the street”. Our criteria gives points for how the player meets expectations. Players drafted on the first or second day are normally expected to have starter value. After that, rotational/backup players are usually meeting expectations. A 7th round pick garnering postseason honors is an example of a player exceeding expectations. A player that is no longer on an NFL roster, or “on the street”, is considered a loss in value. A player that produces for another team still shows the pick has value, even if it’s not on the team that drafted him. These are the explanations and criteria for each category:

Pro Bowl Talent

These are players who have been selected for All-Pro, Pro Bowl, or won an award such as Rookie of the Year. We only counted the Associated Press All-Pro awards, and we included players who were first-team or second-team All-Pro. For the Pro Bowl, players who were not initially selected but considered as “alternates” who replaced players who didn’t participate, were not counted.

Starter Value

These are players who, on average, provided starter-level value to their team, but were not considered “all-stars”. Players who may not have been technically starters (playing the first snap in a game), but still played a significant amount of snaps, would be in this group as well. Lastly, we also included players who have missed a significant amount of games, but are starters when they are healthy. A player that

Rotational/Backup

These players did not play enough to be considered to have “starter value”, but they were important enough to be active on most game days since they were drafted. In addition, players who are primarily special teamers are included here, even if they do not play at all on offense or defense.

Reserve

These are players who were on the roster but either were rarely active and/or received few snaps. It’s exceedingly rare that a player will remain on the same roster for four years and consistently fall in this category.

Other Team

A player who produces for another team still shows the pick had value, even if it isn’t on the team that drafted him. When counting players who are with another NFL team, we are not taking into account where they have signed in the free agency period following the 2025 season. For example, Vikings WR Jalen Nailor was with the team from 2022-2025 and signed with the Raiders during the 2026 offseason. He is considered a “starter value” player and not listed as someone who landed with another team. Simply put, the player pretty much has to be traded or cut before the end of their rookie contract and land with another team to fit this criteria.

On the Street

These players aren’t currently signed by an NFL team. Similar to the “other team” category, we are not counting players who are currently free agents due to the expiration of their rookie deal following the 2025 season.

Color key and point values for draft class tables:

	Value	Points
	Pro Bowl talent	4
	Starter value	3
	Rotational/backup	2
	Reserve	1
	Other team	0.5
	On the street	0

In some cases we have adjusted a value up or down .5 as a subjective way of dealing with some that are in between categories and cases where a pick exceeds or fails to meet expectations based on where they’re drafted. A player who is a starter and is then traded would also be an example.

*Draft class tables were sourced from Pro Football Reference

Average NFL Team’s 2022 Draft

We looked at every team’s draft class in 2022 and ran the numbers to find how the average team fared with their selections. We use this as a baseline to compare each team’s draft class to, and find out whether or not they met expectations.

Average total draft picks: 8.19 selections
Players who were Pro Bowl talent: 0.69 players (8.4% of a given team’s selections)
Players who had starter value: 2.25 players (27.5%)
Players who were rotational pieces or backups: 1.19 players (14.5%)
Players who were reserves: 0.16 players (1.91%)
Players who are currently signed with another NFL team: 2.09 players (25.6%)
Players who are no longer in the league: 1.81 players (22.1%)

Arizona Cardinals: Grade D

The Cardinals had eight draft picks in 2022, but did not make a selection in the 1st round after trading it to the Ravens for wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown plus a 3rd round pick.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
2	55	Trey McBride	TE	66	Colorado State	Pro Bowl talent
3	87	Cameron Thomas	ED	58	San Diego State	Other team
3	100	Myjai Sanders	ED	20	Cincinnati	On the street
6	201	Keaontay Ingram	RB	21	USC	Other team
6	215	Lecitus Smith	OL	19	Virginia Tech	Other team
7	244	Christian Matthew	CB	20	Valdosta State	On the street
7	256	Jesse Luketa	ED	31	Penn State	Other team
7	257	Marquis Hayes	OL	0	Oklahoma	Other team

The Cardinals struck gold with their first pick Trey McBride who has been the Cardinals’ top receiving threat from 2023-25. He’s a definite Pro-Bowl talent and was the league’s best tight end in 2025 making first team All-Pro. After that, five are on other NFL teams, and two are no longer in the league. This class is well below average, but their lack of a 1st round pick as well as five of their selections coming on day 3 of the draft should be taken into account as well.

Atlanta Falcons: Grade C-

The Falcons had eight draft picks in 2022, including two 2nd rounders and two 3rd rounders. They had a greater amount of draft capital than the average NFL team this year.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
1	8	Drake London	WR	62	USC	Starter value
2	38	Arnold Ebiketie	ED	67	Penn State	Rotational/backup
2	58	Troy Andersen	LB	26	Montana State	Rotational/backup
3	74	Desmond Ridder	QB	25	Cincinnati	On the street
3	82	DeAngelo Malone	ED	58	Western Kentucky	Rotational/backup
5	151	Tyler Allgeier	RB	67	BYU	Rotational/backup
6	190	Justin Shaffer	OL	0	Georgia	On the street
6	213	John FitzPatrick	TE	33	Georgia	On the street

One out of Atlanta’s eight selections is of starter value, four are rotational players, and three are no longer in the league. Drake London is not technically in the “Pro Bowl talent” category, but he is as close as you can get in terms of statistics and the value he’s provided. Arnold Ebiketie was on the border of having starter value. Troy Andersen had starter value in his rookie year, but since then has dealt with numerous injuries resulting in limited playing time since 2023. DeAngelo Malone has played sparingly on defense but has contributed on special teams during all four years. Tyler Allgeier initially had starter value in his rookie year, but after that has been a rotational backup to Bijan Robinson. The other three players are no longer in the league. Desmond Ridder did play a decent amount for the Falcons, but never really developed.

Baltimore Ravens: Grade A

The Ravens had eleven picks including two 1st rounders and six in the 4th round. Three of their picks were compensatory picks. Ten picks were in the top 150. Having this amount of draft capital along with where the picks were made it easier to have a quality draft.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
1	14	Kyle Hamilton	S	64	Notre Dame	Pro Bowl talent
1	25	Tyler Linderbaum	OL	66	Iowa	Pro Bowl talent
2	45	David Ojabo	LB	32	Michigan	Rotational/backup
3	76	Travis Jones	DT	65	Connecticut	Starter value
4	110	Daniel Faalele	OL	66	Minnesota	Starter value
4	119	Jalyn Armour-Davis	CB	30	Alabama	On the street
4	128	Charlie Kolar	TE	47	Iowa State	Rotational/backup
4	130	Jordan Stout	PT	68	Penn State	Pro Bowl talent
4	139	Isaiah Likely	TE	63	Coastal Carolina	Starter value
4	141	Damarion Williams	CB	15	Houston	Other team
6	196	Tyler Badie	RB	20	Missouri	Other team

The Ravens got incredible value from this draft with three Pro Bowl talents and three other starters. Hamilton and Linderbaum are at the top of the heap at their positions and Jordan Stout has been consistently among the leaders in punting. Isaiah Likely, Travis Jones and Daniel Faalele all provided starter value by their second or third years. David Ojabo and Charlie Kolar had some injury issues but when healthy were consistent contributors. The proof in this draft can be seen in the contracts most of these players got in free agency in 2026. Linderbaum’s Raiders’ contract set a record for a center. Stout, Likely and Faalele followed John Harbaugh to the Giants and Ojabo and Kolar found new homes in Miami and Los Angeles. Only one player is on the street.

Buffalo Bills: Grade B

The Bills had a full complement of picks and did some trading to end up with no 4th round pick and three 6th round picks. This included a trade up from pick #25 to #23 in order to select Kaiir Elam in the 1st round.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
1	23	Kaiir Elam	CB	43	Florida	Other team
2	63	James Cook	RB	66	Georgia	Pro Bowl talent
3	89	Terrel Bernard	LB	58	Baylor	Starter value
5	148	Khalil Shakir	WR	62	Boise State	Starter value
6	180	Matt Araiza	PT	34	San Diego State	Other team
6	185	Christian Benford	CB	53	Villanova	Starter value
6	209	Luke Tenuta	OL	7	Virginia Tech	Other team
7	231	Baylon Spector	LB	29	Clemson	On the street

The Bills’ 1st round pick Kaiir Elam had a tumultuous career with the Bills as a starter before being benched in 2024. He was eventually traded in 2025. James Cook is the star of this draft as a productive Pro Bowl running back. Terrel Bernard, Khalil Shakir and Christian Benford are quality starters with all being somewhat unsung but quality players nonetheless. Matt Araiza’s rape allegation derailed his carreer causing his release. After the suit was dropped, he resurfaced with the Chiefs in 2024 and has been a quality punter since. This was overall a productive draft with only one player on the street.

Carolina Panthers: Grade D

The Panthers had only six picks with only two being in the top 100, missing their 2nd and 5th rounders.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
1	6	Ikem Ekwonu	OL	64	NC State	Starter value
3	94	Matt Corral	QB	0	Mississippi	On the street
4	120	Brandon Smith	LB	14	Penn State	On the street
6	189	Amare Barno	ED	29	Virginia Tech	On the street
6	199	Cade Mays	OL	52	Tennessee	Starter value
7	242	Kalon Barnes	CB	2	Baylor	On the street

Only 1st round pick Ikem Ekwonu provided starter value as four of the other five picks are on the street. Matt Corral was thought to be a potential starter but an injury sidelined him his rookie season. He was eventually waived and bounced around the NFL and USFL since. Cade Mays was initially a backup lineman but ended up starting a majority of games in 2024-2025. This draft was poor but the lack of picks above 120 made it difficult.

Chicago Bears: Grade C

The Bears did not have a 1st round pick but through trades accumulated eleven picks with the majority being on the third day including multiple 5th, 6th and 7th round picks.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
2	39	Kyler Gordon	CB	45	Washington	Starter value
2	48	Jaquan Brisker	S	52	Penn State	Starter value
3	71	Velus Jones Jr.	WR	37	Tennessee	Other team
5	168	Braxton Jones	OL	46	Southern Utah	Starter value
5	174	Dominique Robinson	ED	46	Miami (OH)	Rotational/backup
6	186	Zach Thomas	OL	17	San Diego State	Other team
6	203	Trestan Ebner	RB	17	Baylor	On the street
6	207	Doug Kramer	OL	18	Illinois	On the street
7	226	Ja'Tyre Carter	OL	13	Southern	Other team
7	254	Elijah Hicks	S	61	California	Rotational/backup
7	255	Trenton Gill	PT	42	NC State	On the street

Kyler Gordon has been a quality nickel back since he entered the league. He missed significant time with injury in 2025. Concussion issues prevented Jaquan Brisker from reaching his full potential with Chicago, but when he played he was a quality starter. Braxton Jones has been in and out as the left tackle and injuries have limited his value. Only backups Dominique Robinson and Elijah Hicks stayed with the team through four years. The others are either with other teams or on the street.

Cincinnati Bengals: Grade C

The Bengals had six selections, only missing their 6th round pick.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
1	31	Dax Hill	CB	54	Michigan	Starter value
2	60	Cam Taylor-Britt	CB	47	Nebraska	Rotational/backup
3	95	Zach Carter	DT	49	Florida	Other team
4	136	Cordell Volson	OL	50	North Dakota State	Starter value
5	166	Tycen Anderson	S	41	Toledo	Rotational/backup
7	252	Jeff Gunter	ED	10	Coastal Carolina	On the street

Dax Hill and Cordell Volson were the only players to provide starter value. Hill started at both free safety and corner over his career and has been a quality player. Even after an ACL injury in 2024 the Bengals exercised the fifth-year option on his contract showing the Bengals belief in him. Volson, after being a quality starter, missed the entire 2025 season with shoulder surgery. Cam Taylor-Britt saw ample time as a starter but was relegated to a backup role in 2025. Tycen Anderson and Jeff Gunter were primarily special teams players, with Gunter being demoted to the practice squad in 2023 and subsequently retiring in 2024.

Cleveland Browns: Grade D

After trades the Browns ended up with an interesting blend of picks including three in the 3rd round and multiple third day picks totaling nine selections.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
3	68	Martin Emerson Jr.	CB	50	Mississippi State	Starter value
3	78	Alex Wright	ED	51	UAB	Starter value
3	99	David Bell	WR	32	Purdue	On the street
4	108	Perrion Winfrey	DT	15	Oklahoma	On the street
4	124	Cade York	PK	23	LSU	On the street
5	156	Jerome Ford	RB	57	Cincinnati	Rotational/backup
6	202	Michael Woods II	WR	15	Oklahoma	Other team
7	223	Isaiah Thomas	ED	12	Oklahoma	On the street
7	246	Dawson Deaton	OL	0	Texas Tech	On the street

Only three of nine picks remained with the team with five picks on the street. Martin Emerson Jr. was a quality three year starter until he lost the 2025 season with an Achilles tear. Alex Wright has been a consistent starter on the edge for the Browns. Jerome Ford was mostly the third running back in his four years with the Browns. This was a poor draft not helped by not having a 1st or 2nd round pick.

Dallas Cowboys: Grade B+

The Cowboys had nine total draft picks, including four selections in the 5th round.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
1	24	Tyler Smith	OL	63	Tulsa	Pro Bowl talent
2	56	Sam Williams	ED	49	Mississippi	Rotational/backup
3	88	Jalen Tolbert	WR	55	South Alabama	Rotational/backup
4	129	Jake Ferguson	TE	64	Wisconsin	Starter value
5	155	Matt Waletzko	OL	11	North Dakota	Other team
5	167	DaRon Bland	CB	53	Fresno State	Pro Bowl talent
5	176	Damone Clark	LB	55	LSU	Other team
5	178	John Ridgeway	DT	49	Arkansas	Other team
6	193	Devin Harper	LB	12	Oklahoma State	On the street

1st round pick Tyler Smith has been one of the best guards in the NFL. Corner DaRon Bland coming out of the 5th round has to be considered one of the “steals” of this draft. After a record-setting 2023 season with five interceptions returned for touchdowns, injuries slowed him in 2024-25. This did not prevent the Cowboys from signing him to an extension. Jake Ferguson is a quality tight end and Sam Williams and Jalen Tolbert provided quality depth. Three other picks ended up with other teams and only 7th round pick Devin Harper is on the street.

Denver Broncos: Grade C-

The Broncos accumulated nine picks after trades but their first pick was at 64 and all but two were third day picks.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
2	64	Nik Bonitto	ED	64	Oklahoma	Pro Bowl talent
3	80	Greg Dulcich	TE	31	UCLA	Other team
4	115	Damarri Mathis	CB	43	Pittsburgh	On the street
4	116	Eyioma Uwazurike	DT	29	Iowa State	Rotational/backup
5	152	Delarrin Turner-Yell	S	31	Oklahoma	On the street
5	162	Montrell Washington	WR	22	Samford	On the street
5	171	Luke Wattenberg	OL	51	Washington	Starter value
6	206	Matt Henningsen	DT	34	Wisconsin	Rotational/backup
7	232	Faion Hicks	CB	4	Wisconsin	On the street

Nik Bonitto saved this draft from being an absolute disaster. He’s been a highly productive edge rusher developing into one of the best in the league by 2024. Only center Luke Wattenberg has been a starter. Eyioma Uwazurike and Matt Henningsen are defensive line backups while the rest of the draft is no longer with the team. Only Greg Dulcich is with another team after the Broncos waived him in 2024.

Detroit Lions: Grade B

After trades the Lions ended up with eight picks and two 1st rounders. The Lions had four picks in the top 100.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
1	2	Aidan Hutchinson	ED	56	Michigan	Pro Bowl talent
1	12	Jameson Williams	WR	50	Alabama	Starter value
2	46	Josh Paschal	ED	36	Kentucky	On the street
3	97	Kerby Joseph	S	55	Illinois	Pro Bowl talent
5	177	James Mitchell	TE	35	Virginia Tech	Other team
6	188	Malcolm Rodriguez	LB	50	Oklahoma State	Rotational/backup
6	217	James Houston	ED	37	Jackson State	Other team
7	237	Chase Lucas	CB	33	Arizona State	Other team

Aidan Hutchinson has been a Pro-Bowl talent since day one and only injuries have kept him from being among the most dominant edge rushers in the game. Jameson Williams has quietly been a quality receiver and the Lions picked up his fifth year option. Josh Paschal was a disappointment in an injury plagued career and was eventually released. He’s the only pick on the street as three others are with other teams. Malcolm Rodriguez was borderline starter value as he started as a rookie and played in sub packages after that. He has missed significant time with injury however.

Green Bay Packers: Grade A

Through wheeling and dealing the Packers accumulated eleven picks including four in the top 100 and four 7th round picks. The trade of Davante Adams to the Raiders netted a 1st and 2nd round pick.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
1	22	Quay Walker	LB	58	Georgia	Starter value
1	28	Devonte Wyatt	DT	57	Georgia	Starter value
2	34	Christian Watson	WR	48	North Dakota State	Starter value
3	92	Sean Rhyan	OL	47	UCLA	Starter value
4	132	Romeo Doubs	WR	59	Nevada	Starter value
4	140	Zach Tom	OL	55	Wake Forest	Starter value
5	179	Kingsley Enagbare	ED	68	South Carolina	Starter value
7	228	Tariq Carpenter	LB	17	Georgia Tech	On the street
7	234	Jonathan Ford	DT	13	Miami	Reserve
7	249	Rasheed Walker	OL	52	Penn State	Starter value
7	258	Samori Toure	WR	23	Nebraska	On the street

This has to be considered one of the Packers best jobs of drafting in recent years as the Packers got eight players with starter value. Only two of the 7th round picks are on the street. Devonte Wyatt and Christian Watson have developed into quality starters along with Quay Walker and Romeo Doubs. Both Walker and Doubs secured solid contracts in free agency. Sean Rhyan and Zach Tom anchor the Packers’ offensive line at center and right tackle and 7th round pick Rasheed Walker was a pleasant surprise becoming the eventual starter at left tackle. Kingsley Enagbare was an off and on starter during his Packer tenure. Jonathan Ford has had two stints with the Packers mostly as a reserve.

Houston Texans: Grade D+

Entering the draft the Texans were in a great spot with five picks in the top 100 including two in the top 15. They ended up with 9 picks overall.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
1	3	Derek Stingley Jr.	CB	54	LSU	Pro Bowl talent
1	15	Kenyon Green	OL	27	Texas A&M	On the street
2	37	Jalen Pitre	S	58	Baylor	Starter value
2	44	John Metchie	WR	45	Alabama	Other team
3	75	Christian Harris	LB	46	Alabama	Rotational/backup
4	107	Dameon Pierce	RB	43	Florida	Other team
5	150	Thomas Booker IV	DT	44	Stanford	Other team
5	170	Teagan Quitoriano	TE	40	Oregon State	Other team
6	205	Austin Deculus	OL	26	LSU	Other team

The 1st round defined this draft and was a mixed bag. Derek Stingley Jr. has been an outstanding corner and first team All-Pro in 2024 and 2025. Kenyon Green on the other hand had little success as a first year starter before missing 2023 with a shoulder injury and then traded to the Eagles in 2025. He has since been waived out of the league. Jalen Pitre has been a quality starter and Christian Harris has been productive on special teams. The other five picks are all still in the league on other teams but had minimal production as Texans.

Indianapolis Colts: Grade B+

Without a 1st round pick, the Colts were still able to accumulate four picks in the top 100 with two picks in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
2	53	Alec Pierce	WR	64	Cincinnati	Starter value
3	73	Jelani Woods	TE	19	Virginia	Other team
3	77	Bernhard Raimann	OL	61	Central Michigan	Starter value
3	96	Nick Cross	S	67	Maryland	Starter value
5	159	Eric Johnson	DT	51	Missouri State	Reserve
6	192	Andrew Ogletree	TE	44	Youngstown State	Rotational/backup
6	216	Curtis Brooks	DT	0	Cincinnati	On the street
7	239	Rodney Thomas II	S	68	Yale	Rotational/backup

The Colts got three starters out of this draft in Alec Pierce, Bernhard Raimann and Nick Cross. All have been productive players. Jelani Woods missed significant time with injury and was eventually waived. Eric Johnson saw minimal playing time in three seasons with the Colts and spent 2024 with the Patriots. Andrew Ogletree and Rodney Thomas ll have contributed as backups and on special teams. Only Curtis Brooks is on the street.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Grade B

The Jaguars ended up with 7 picks after trades including 4 in the top 100. After that it was the normal 5th, 6th and 7th round picks.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
1	1	Travon Walker	ED	63	Georgia	Starter value
1	27	Devin Lloyd	LB	63	Utah	Pro Bowl talent
3	65	Luke Fortner	OL	68	Kentucky	Rotational/backup
3	70	Chad Muma	LB	58	Wyoming	Other team
5	154	Snoop Conner	RB	8	Mississippi	On the street
6	197	Gregory Junior	CB	10	Ouachita Baptist	On the street
7	222	Montaric Brown	CB	52	Arkansas	Starter value

Travon Walker was the first player selected in the draft and has been more than a productive starter and had his option picked up. Their second 1st round pick, Devin Lloyd was also a solid player making the Pro Bowl in 2025 but the Jaguars valued Walker more as they did not pick up Lloyd’s option. Either way these were outstanding picks. After that only 7th round pick corner Montaric Brown provided starter value. Luke Fortner has been a backup and Chad Muma contributed on special teams but was waived prior to the start of the 2025 season. Snoop Conner and Gregory Junior were waived out of the league by 2023.

Kansas City Chiefs: Grade A

The Chiefs ended up with ten picks after trades and compensatory picks and found starter value with six picks including one Pro Bowler.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
1	21	Trent McDuffie	CB	56	Washington	Pro Bowl talent
1	30	George Karlaftis	ED	65	Purdue	Starter value
2	54	Skyy Moore	WR	53	Western Michigan	Other team
2	62	Bryan Cook	S	62	Cincinnati	Starter value
3	103	Leo Chenal	LB	65	Wisconsin	Starter value
4	135	Joshua Williams	CB	65	Fayetteville State	Rotational/backup
5	145	Darian Kinnard	OL	20	Kentucky	Other team
7	243	Jaylen Watson	CB	53	Washington State	Starter value
7	251	Isiah Pacheco	RB	51	Rutgers	Starter value
7	259	Nazeeh Johnson	S	29	Marshall	On the street

Trent McDuffie had an outstanding four year career with the Chiefs including Pro Bowl honors. In the end he netted another 1st round pick and three others in a trade with the Rams prior to the 2026 Draft. The Chiefs second 1st round pick George Karlaftis has been a steady starter on the edge and has his fifth year option picked up. Bryan Cook, Leo Chenal, Jaylen Watson and Isiah Pacheco have all been highly productive starters for the Chiefs. All four landed solid contracts with other teams in 2026. Skyy Moore was traded to the 49ers and Darian Kinnard was waived in 2024 but is still in the league. Joshua Williams has been a contributor as a backup and special team player. Only late 7th round pick Nazeeh Johnson is on the street.

Las Vegas Raiders: Grade D

The Raiders made a controversial blockbuster trade to the Packers sending their 1st and 2nd round picks to the Packers to acquire wide receiver Davante Adams. They ended up with six picks but only one in the top 100.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
3	90	Dylan Parham	OL	64	Memphis	Starter value
4	122	Zamir White	RB	45	Georgia	Rotational/backup
4	126	Neil Farrell	DT	19	LSU	On the street
5	175	Matthew Butler	DT	27	Tennessee	Other team
7	238	Thayer Munford	OL	51	Ohio State	On the street
7	250	Brittain Brown	RB	9	UCLA	Other team

Only 3rd round pick Dylan Parham has provided starter value as he started at right or left guard since day one. Zamir White has contributed on special teams and had some limited duty as a running back. The rest of the draft is no longer with the team and two are on the street. None of those picks provided much value to the Raiders though Thayer Munford did have some starts before being waived prior to the 2025 season.

Los Angeles Chargers: Grade D+

The Chargers had eight picks including three compensatory picks but had no 2nd round pick.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
1	17	Zion Johnson	OL	66	Boston College	Starter value
3	79	JT Woods	S	13	Baylor	On the street
4	123	Isaiah Spiller	RB	15	Texas A&M	On the street
5	160	Otito Ogbonnia	DT	41	UCLA	Rotational/backup
6	195	Jamaree Salyer	OL	64	Georgia	Rotational/backup
6	214	Ja'Sir Taylor	S	65	Wake Forest	Other team
7	236	Deane Leonard	CB	46	Mississippi	Rotational/backup
7	260	Zander Horvath	RB	15	Purdue	On the street

The Chargers’ 1st round pick Zion Johnson started all four years of his rookie contract with somewhat mixed results. He made the All-Rookie team but the Chargers did not pick up his fifth year option. Their 3rd and 4th round picks provided little value and were on the street by 2024. Otito Ogbonnia and Jamaree Salyer have been backups while Deane Leonard has played on special teams along with sub-package work. Ja’Sir Taylor did have some sub-package work before being traded to the Jets in 2025.

Los Angeles Rams: Grade C+

Through two blockbuster trades for Matthew Stafford and Von Miller the Rams were without a first and 2nd round pick. As a result of compensatory picks they had a total of eight picks.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
3	104	Logan Bruss	OL	11	Wisconsin	On the street
4	142	Cobie Durant	CB	61	SC State	Starter value
5	164	Kyren Williams	RB	55	Notre Dame	Pro Bowl talent
6	211	Quentin Lake	S	50	UCLA	Starter value
6	212	Derion Kendrick	CB	47	Georgia	Other team
7	235	Daniel Hardy	ED	40	Montana State	Other team
7	253	Russ Yeast	S	36	Kansas State	Other team
7	261	AJ Arcuri	OL	10	Michigan State	Reserve

Third round pick Logan Bruss played only eight games for the Rams (all in 2024) due to a series of injuries. He was waived in 2024. Fifth round pick Kyren Williams was a pleasant surprise and has been among the top NFL running backs. He made the Pro Bowl in 2023. Cobie Durant and Quentin Lake were key members of the secondary at corner and nickel. AJ Arcuri has bounced back and forth between the active roster and the practice squad with minimal playing time. The other three late round picks were eventually waived and signed by other teams. Yeast was a starting safety early in 2023.

Miami Dolphins: Grade D-

The Dolphins only had four mid-round picks in 2022 after trading the Kansas City Chiefs for wide receiver Tyreek Hill, with Miami giving up their 1st, 2nd, and 4th round selections, as well as future picks.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
3	102	Channing Tindall	LB	51	Georgia	Other team
4	125	Erik Ezukanma	WR	5	Texas Tech	On the street
7	224	Cameron Goode	ED	37	California	Rotational/backup
7	247	Skylar Thompson	QB	10	Kansas State	Other team

Channing Tindall was primarily a special teams player for the Dolphins before being waived prior to the 2025 season. Erik Ezukanma only played in five games in three seasons before being waived. Cameron Goode has mostly been a special teams player during his career with some defensive snaps in 2025. He spent some time on the practice squad and the injured list, missing the 2024 season. Skylar Thompson was the second or third quarterback along with practice squad duty before being waived and signed by the Steelers in 2025.

Minnesota Vikings: Grade D-

The Vikings had a total of four picks in the top 70, with two 2nd rounders as well as a 1st and 3rd. They had ten selections total in 2022.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
1	32	Lewis Cine	S	11	Georgia	On the street
2	42	Andrew Booth	CB	30	Clemson	On the street
2	59	Ed Ingram	OL	62	LSU	Other team
3	66	Brian Asamoah	LB	50	Oklahoma	On the street
4	118	Akayleb Evans	CB	50	Missouri	Other team
5	165	Esezi Otomewo	DT	21	Minnesota	Other team
5	169	Ty Chandler	RB	40	North Carolina	Rotational/backup
6	184	Vederian Lowe	OL	46	Illinois	Other team
6	191	Jalen Nailor	WR	55	Michigan State	Starter value
7	227	Nick Muse	TE	16	South Carolina	On the street

Lewis Cine, Andrew Booth, Ed Ingram, Brian Asamoah, Akayleb Evans, Esezi Otomewo, Vederian Lowe, and Nick Muse were all either cut or traded for little compensation before their rookie deals were up. The only two players who played with the Vikings all four years were two of their day 3 selections: Ty Chandler and Jalen Nailor. Chandler was a return man and rotational running back, only getting four starts during his career so far. Jalen Nailor didn’t play many snaps in his first two seasons, but in 2024 and 2025 he became a starter in 11-personnel. He signed a lucrative three-year $35 million contract with the Raiders before the 2026 season.

New England Patriots: Grade D-

The Patriots had three 4th round picks and three 6th round picks, giving them a total of ten selections in this year’s draft.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
1	29	Cole Strange	OL	44	Chattanooga	Other team
2	50	Tyquan Thornton	WR	42	Baylor	Other team
3	85	Marcus Jones	CB	48	Houston	Pro Bowl talent
4	121	Jack Jones	CB	59	Arizona State	Other team
4	127	Pierre Strong	RB	46	South Dakota State	Other team
4	137	Bailey Zappe	QB	15	Western Kentucky	Other team
6	183	Kevin Harris	RB	9	South Carolina	On the street
6	200	Sam Roberts	DT	20	NW Missouri State	Other team
6	210	Chasen Hines	OL	0	LSU	On the street
7	245	Andrew Stueber	OL	7	Michigan	Other team

Cole Strange had ample opportunities on the Patriots, starting 27 games in his first two seasons. He missed most of 2024 with injuries, and was cut before the 2025 season began. Almost all of the Patriots’ picks in this draft have landed with other teams or are no longer in the league, with the lone exception being 3rd round pick Marcus Jones. He has won first team and second team All-Pro for his abilities as a punt returner, but he also provides value as New England’s starting slot corner.

New Orleans Saints: Grade D+

The Saints traded several picks along with a future 1st rounder in order to double dip in the 1st round. They ended with only five selections, but three were in the top 50.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
1	11	Chris Olave	WR	55	Ohio State	Pro Bowl talent
1	19	Trevor Penning	OL	53	Northern Iowa	Other team
2	49	Alontae Taylor	CB	64	Tennessee	Starter value
5	161	D'Marco Jackson	LB	43	Appalachian State	Other team
6	194	Jordan Jackson	DT	22	Air Force	Other team

Chris Olave has easily been the Saints’ best receiver since entering the NFL. The team picked up his fifth-year option. He was selected as second team All-Pro in 2025. Trevor Penning did not play up to the level the Saints expected when trading up to select him. Penning was moved to guard in 2025, but he would be traded halfway through the season to the Chargers for a 6th round pick. Alontae Taylor was primarily a starter for four years as one of their top cornerbacks. He signed a three-year $58 million contract with the Titans after 2025. D’Marco Jackson and Jordan Jackson didn’t see much play with the Saints, but both have gone on to other teams and have seen more success.

New York Giants: Grade A

The Giants had collected a vast amount of draft capital in 2022, starting with pick #5 and pick #7 overall. They also had two 3rd round picks, two 4th round picks, and three 5th round picks. The Giants had a total of eleven selections in the draft and none of them were 7th round picks.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
1	5	Kayvon Thibodeaux	ED	53	Oregon	Starter value
1	7	Evan Neal	OL	29	Alabama	Reserve
2	43	Wan'Dale Robinson	WR	54	Kentucky	Starter value
3	67	Joshua Ezeudu	OL	33	North Carolina	Rotational/backup
3	81	Cor’Dale Flott	CB	53	LSU	Starter value
4	112	Daniel Bellinger	TE	62	San Diego State	Starter value
4	114	Dane Belton	S	66	Iowa	Starter value
5	146	Micah McFadden	LB	48	Indiana	Starter value
5	147	DJ Davidson	DT	47	Arizona State	Rotational/backup
5	173	Marcus McKethan	OL	16	North Carolina	On the street
6	182	Darrian Beavers	LB	2	Cincinnati	On the street

Kayvon Thibodeaux has been a four year starter and the Giants picked up his fifth-year option. Evan Neal has disappointed being a healthy scratch for most of 2025 and the Giants declined his fifth-year option. They did re-sign him to a minimum deal after new head coach John Harbaugh joined the team. Wan’Dale Robinson and Cor’Dale Flott have improved, both becoming productive starters by 2025. They were both signed to lucrative contracts by the Titans in 2026. Joshua Ezeudu has struggled with injuries and has been mainly a backup. Daniel Bellinger, Dane Belton, and Micah McFadden all provided starter value by the end of their rookie deals. DJ Davidson has mostly been a backup. Marcus McKethan and Darrian Beavers were waived prior to the 2024 season.

New York Jets: Grade A

The Jets had immense investments in this draft, with three 1st round picks, as well as a 2nd, 3rd, and two 4th rounders.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
1	4	Sauce Gardner	CB	59	Cincinnati	Pro Bowl talent
1	10	Garrett Wilson	WR	58	Ohio State	Pro Bowl talent
1	26	Jermaine Johnson II	ED	47	Florida State	Starter value
2	36	Breece Hall	RB	56	Iowa State	Starter value
3	101	Jeremy Ruckert	TE	58	Ohio State	Starter value
4	111	Max Mitchell	OL	45	Louisiana	Rotational/backup
4	117	Micheal Clemons	ED	65	Texas A&M	Starter value

Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson proved their worth, winning the Defensive and Offensive Rookie of the Year awards, respectively. Gardner was also first team All-Pro in his first two seasons. He would eventually be traded to the Colts in 2025, but the Jets received two future 1st round picks in exchange. Jermaine Johnson II started every game in 2023 and was a Pro Bowl alternate. His fifth-year option was picked up but he was traded before the 2026 season to the Titans for T’Vondre Sweat. Breece Hall has been solid as well, leading the team in rushing each year since he was drafted. He received a 3-year $43.5 million contract with the Jets following the 2025 season. Jeremy Ruckert and Micheal Clemons were serviceable, and Max Mitchell was a backup offensive lineman during his rookie deal.

Philadelphia Eagles: Grade B+

The Eagles only had five picks in this draft but still had their first three selections, which were all top 100 picks.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
1	13	Jordan Davis	DT	64	Georgia	Starter value
2	51	Cam Jurgens	OL	58	Nebraska	Pro Bowl talent
3	83	Nakobe Dean	LB	47	Georgia	Starter value
6	181	Kyron Johnson	ED	22	Kansas	On the street
6	198	Grant Calcaterra	TE	62	SMU	Rotational/backup

Jordan Davis was a rotational defensive tackle as a rookie before he was placed on IR. In the following three seasons, he has started in every game. Cam Jurgens didn't get to play much as a rookie either, but he has since developed into one of the better interior offensive linemen in the league. He was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2024 and 2025. Nakobe Dean has had some issues with injuries but he started almost every game in 2024 and half of the games in 2025. Kyron Johnson was a reserve player and special teamer his rookie year. He was demoted to the practice squad and then cut during 2023. Grant Calcaterra has had some value as a receiver over the years but has been a liability when blocking.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Grade C

The Steelers had at least one pick in every round except for the 5th round. They had a little bit less draft capital than the average team this year.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
1	20	Kenny Pickett	QB	36	Pittsburgh	Rotational/backup
2	52	George Pickens	WR	65	Georgia	Pro Bowl talent
3	84	DeMarvin Leal	ED	32	Texas A&M	On the street
4	138	Calvin Austin III	WR	48	Memphis	Starter value
6	208	Connor Heyward	TE	68	Michigan State	Rotational/backup
7	225	Mark Robinson	LB	46	Mississippi	On the street
7	241	Chris Oladokun	QB	4	South Dakota State	Other team

Kenny Pickett was the primary starter for two seasons before the Steelers decided to move on. A pick swap was made with the Eagles in exchange for Pickett. George Pickens started games for the Steelers and was their receiving yards leader in 2023 and 2024. However, he repeatedly had maturity issues, which led to him being traded before the 2025 season. Though Pickens wasn't with the team that drafted him, he was a Pro Bowler and won second team All-Pro in his first year with the Cowboys. DeMarvin Leal was depth on the defensive line until being waived in 2025. Calvin Austin III missed his rookie year with an injury, but he has been a borderline starting receiver the last two seasons. Connor Heyward has played in every game as a hybrid tight end/fullback. Mark Robinson and Chris Oladokun were waived during their rookie deals.

San Francisco 49ers: Grade D+

The 49ers lost their 1st round pick after trading up for Trey Lance in 2021. They did have two 3rd round picks and three 6th round picks, however.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
2	61	Drake Jackson	ED	26	USC	Other team
3	93	Tyrion Davis-Price	RB	8	LSU	On the street
3	105	Danny Gray	WR	13	SMU	Other team
4	134	Spencer Burford	OL	56	UTSA	Starter value
5	172	Samuel Womack III	CB	46	Toledo	Other team
6	187	Nick Zakelj	OL	29	Fordham	Reserve
6	220	Kalia Davis	DT	33	Central Florida	Rotational/backup
6	221	Tariq Castro-Fields	CB	12	Penn State	Other team
7	262	Brock Purdy	QB	49	Iowa State	Pro Bowl talent

Drake Jackson was a rotational player as a rookie but missed half of 2023 and all of 2024 due to injuries. He was then waived following the 2024 season. Spencer Burford started at right guard during his first two seasons before being relegated to a backup role in 2024. Tyrion Davis-Price, Danny Gray, Samuel Womack III, and Tariq Castro-Fields were all released from the team early on. Nick Zakelj filled a reserve role on the offensive line. Kalia Davis barely played in his first few seasons but started every game in his fourth year. The selection of Brock Purdy as Mr. Irrelevant was the saving grace of this draft class.

Seattle Seahawks: Grade A

The Seahawks had above average draft capital with nine total picks, including the #9 overall pick and two consecutive early 2nd round picks.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
1	9	Charles Cross	OL	62	Mississippi State	Starter value
2	40	Boye Mafe	ED	65	Minnesota	Starter value
2	41	Kenneth Walker	RB	58	Michigan State	Starter value
3	72	Abraham Lucas	OL	46	Washington State	Starter value
4	109	Coby Bryant	CB	58	Cincinnati	Starter value
5	153	Riq Woolen	CB	64	UTSA	Pro Bowl talent
5	158	Tyreke Smith	ED	3	Ohio State	Other team
7	229	Bo Melton	WR	38	Rutgers	Other team
7	233	Dareke Young	WR	42	Lenoir-Rhyne	Rotational/backup

Charles Cross has been Seattle’s stalwart left tackle all four years so far in his career, which is why they picked up his fifth-year option last year and then gave him a $100 million extension this offseason. Boye Mafe, Kenneth Walker, Abraham Lucas, and Coby Bryant all provided significant value to the team, as long as they stayed healthy. Riq Woolen was a Pro Bowl cornerback as a rookie taken in the 5th round. All of the Seahawks’ first six picks signed huge contracts following their rookie deals. Tyreke Smith and Bo Melton both were waived early on and landed with other teams, while Dareke Young was primarily a special teamer throughout his four years with the Seahawks.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Grade A-

The Bucs traded out of the 1st round to accrue more draft capital, making eight picks by the end of the draft. Five of the players had starter value, one was rotational, and two landed on the street.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
2	33	Logan Hall	DT	66	Houston	Starter value
2	57	Luke Goedeke	OL	52	Central Michigan	Starter value
3	91	Rachaad White	RB	67	Arizona State	Starter value
4	106	Cade Otton	TE	63	Washington	Starter value
4	133	Jake Camarda	PT	38	Georgia	On the street
5	157	Zyon McCollum	CB	60	Sam Houston	Starter value
6	218	Ko Kieft	TE	53	Minnesota	Rotational/backup
7	248	Andre Anthony	ED	0	LSU	On the street

This was a really solid draft with a lot of players who have been big contributors to the team. Logan Hall was a good complement to Vita Vea, starting in most games from 2023-2025. Goedeke has been Tampa Bay’s starter at right tackle all four seasons of his rookie deal. Rachaad White has played the most snaps among Bucs’ running backs the last four years, but Bucky Irving has outplayed him when healthy. Otton has been their primary starter at tight end and Zyon McCollum has developed into their top cornerback. Ko Kieft has played more of a rotational role at tight end, while Jake Camarda and Andre Anthony are both no longer in the NFL.

Tennessee Titans: Grade D

The Titans had one pick in each round, except the 7th. They also had a second pick in the 3rd, 4th, and 6th rounds. Three picks are out of the league and four are on other teams. Only one was a rotational/backup player and one had starter value.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
1	18	Treylon Burks	WR	35	Arkansas	Other team
2	35	Roger McCreary	CB	61	Auburn	Rotational/backup
3	69	Nicholas Petit-Frere	OL	34	Ohio State	On the street
3	86	Malik Willis	QB	22	Liberty	Other team
4	131	Hassan Haskins	RB	44	Michigan	On the street
4	143	Chig Okonkwo	TE	68	Maryland	Starter value
5	163	Kyle Philips	WR	13	UCLA	On the street
6	204	Theo Jackson	S	57	Tennessee	Other team
6	219	Chance Campbell	LB	4	Mississippi	Other team

Treylon Burks has struggled with injuries so far, and the Titans opted to waive him during the 2025 season. Roger McCreary started a lot for the Titans, especially in his first two seasons. His playing time started to decrease in 2024-2025 until ultimately he was traded to the Rams for negligible compensation. Petit-Frere started at right tackle during over half the games through 2024, but he was released following the 2024 season. Malik Willis, Hassan Haskins, Kyle Philips, Theo Jackson, and Chance Campbell all played sparingly for the Titans before being waived or traded. Fourth rounder Chig Okonkwo was the best player out of Tennessee’s draft selections, becoming their number one tight end in his sophomore season.

Washington Commanders: Grade C-

The Commanders had a typical amount of draft capital with a pick in the first five rounds. They also had a second 5th round pick and two 7th round picks. Several of these selections ended up being traded before the end of their rookie contracts with the team for less value than where they were drafted.

Round	Pick	Player	Pos.	Games	School	Value
1	16	Jahan Dotson	WR	63	Penn State	Starter value
2	47	Phidarian Mathis	DT	29	Alabama	Other team
3	98	Brian Robinson Jr.	RB	58	Alabama	Starter value
4	113	Percy Butler	S	63	Louisiana	Rotational/backup
5	144	Sam Howell	QB	20	North Carolina	Other team
5	149	Cole Turner	TE	23	Nevada	Other team
7	230	Chris Paul	OL	34	Tulsa	Starter value
7	240	Christian Holmes	CB	30	Oklahoma State	On the street

Jahan Dotson started most games in each of his first two seasons with the Commanders, but never took the leap that one would hope for with a 1st round wide receiver. Phidarian Mathis didn’t start any games for Washington but was a rotational piece in his second and third years. He was ultimately waived before the 2025 season. Brian Robinson Jr. was the team’s leading rusher in his first two seasons before having a down year in 2024. He was traded to the 49ers for a 6th round pick before the 2025 season. Percy Butler has been a consistent rotational player on defense and has played significantly on special teams. Sam Howell was the starting quarterback in 2023 but was traded to the Seahawks following the season. Chris Paul is the only other notable pick who was more of a backup in his first three years, becoming the starter at left guard in 2025.