NFL Draft 2022 Instant Reactions – Part 1

The 2022 NFL Draft is officially underway. Here at Faceoff Sports Network, we’re getting our team together to break it down for you as it moves along. We’ll give our thoughts on each pick as well as a grade on a scale of 1-10. Let’s dig right in.

Round One

1.01 Travon Walker (Jaguars)

Travon Walker started moving up the charts after his incredible performance at the NFL combine, but his tape reveals more than just the numbers. Jacksonville needs to add foundational pieces on both sides of the ball, and Walker brings a level of versatility that few other players in this class possess. He can line up anywhere in the front seven and is sure to be an NFL starter for the next decade. Grade – 9.5

1.02 Aidan Hutchinson (Lions)

Hutchinson has the production that bodes well at the next level. When your comp is “More athletic lost Bosa brother” you know you’re doing pretty well. Easily one of the best motors in the draft, Hutchinson remains in Michigan as he gets to anchor the edge in the Motor City for years to come. Grade – 9.5

1.03 Derek Stingley Jr. (Texans)

The Houston Texans find themselves in a similar position as many of the teams at the top of the first round. They need talent throughout their roster. Derek Stingley Jr. fell recently in the rankings due to injury concerns, but watching his performance quickly reveals his upside as an NFL cornerback. Stingley was defending players such as Justin Jefferson as a rookie cornerback and winning. Stingley will bring some much-needed competency to the Houston defensive back unit. Grade – 9.5

1.04 Ahmad Gardner (Jets)

Ahmad Gardner gave up no touchdowns during his college career. Past that you have a lengthy, physical corner who fits the Robert Saleh 3-High scheme. Consistency was big for him there. The top cornerback on my board, going as the second cornerback is an automatic win. He will need to work on his agility at the next level as some of his game does rely a bit much on being grabby. With the receiver quality in the division getting an upgrade, the Jets react in an appropriate and well-timed manner to reduce the threat. Grade – 9.75

1.05 Kayvon Thibodeaux (Giants)

We might look back on this draft in five years and see Kayvon Thibodeaux as the steal of the draft. The New York Giants ended up in a prime position, where they could make this pick with the assurance that an offensive tackle would still be available for them, a significant need for their run and pass game. That enabled them to make a quality investment on the defensive side of the ball with arguably the most NFL-ready defensive end of this year’s class. Thibodeaux received criticism regarding his love of football, but I don’t know how you watch him play and think, “eh, we can pass on him.” Grade – 10

1.06 Ikem Ekwonu (Panthers)

The North Carolina State star is going to remain in the Tar Heel state for the foreseeable future. The Carolina Panthers were rumored to be targeting a quarterback with their first pick, which would have been a significant reach given this quarterback class. Instead, they went with Ikem Ekwonu, investing in the offensive line with a player who will be a foundational piece for them for years to come. The Panthers have made several moves in the wrong direction over the past couple of years, but this was a pick to turn the tides. Grade – 10

1.07 Evan Neal (Giants)

Evan Neal the lengthy prospect out of Alabama is larger than anyone who is reading this now, and easily most of the NFL as well. The Giants and Joe Schoen now fortify their trenches. While Daniel Jones may not be there next year, the next decade will go to Evan Neal & Thibodeaux in a classic iron sharpens iron kind of moment. This bodes well though for Saquon Barkley owners as Neal should do well. His run blocking could be improved but all in all, this is an absolute upgrade for New York. Grade – 9

1.08 Drake London (Falcons)

Full disclosure, I’m a Falcons fan and wanted them to do one thing, build on defense or build in the trenches. So I’m low on this pick. This receiver class is way too deep to be taking a receiver with the eighth pick. I wanted Atlanta to take Kyle Hamilton here and build one of the best defensive back units in the league between him and A.J. Terrell. I have nothing against Drake London, he is a great player. But a receiver at eight is just not the move to me. Grade – 4

1.09 Charles Cross (Seahawks)

The last of the Big-3 (Literally) gets picked by Seattle. The fit is curious as he played in a passing offense. Will Pete Carroll finally let Drew Lock cook? In all seriousness, this bodes better for Bryce Young than it does most of your fantasy football players this year. The talent is there with Cross with his stellar feet and a great base for pass protection. He also adapts well to protection changes as well as stunts. Grade – 8

1.10 Garrett Wilson (Jets)

Wilson is the most complete receiver in this draft. He is a master of smooth transitions, playing well off of his opponent for setups. He should end up quickly as the WR2 in this class. With the Jets’ offense not being the most explosive, expectations will need to be kept lower. Corey Davis is out of guaranteed money next year, and Elijah Moore managers are ride-or-die. Wilson to Wilson and another time New York sets up 1st round picks of theirs across from their classmates. For redraft, this doesn’t move the needle for me. In dynasty, Wilson should be given plenty of opportunity for targets early on in Mike LaFleur’s offense. Grade – 9

Continue to Part 2

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