2022 NFL DRAFT – DAY TWO @ronacesports
Earlier I posted my round one impressions, which can be found by browsing the NFL content page. This is my full, round two (and beyond) NFL Draft Report, In this report I summarize what happened for each team in round one and speculate on what they should, and might do in round two.
BONUS ADDITION: For the 13th year in a row, I will include a column entitled “Experts Say”. I’ll be referring to four different analysts that have day two mocks. The mocks I chose are from those who I trust in the field. Absolutely no fluff mocks or “TV” analyst mocks were included. Last year I used five mocks from the underground sources I value, but this year I found only four before needing to finish the day two article. I complete my analysis before I compile what the five analysts say, as I do my part independently and don’t want to be initially influenced. For purposes of this report, my analysts will be called “experts”. I don’t expect perfect matches, but my experts should be able to hone in on team needs and hopefully, player value.
I’ll now go pick by pick, with early impressions from day one, coupled with looks for day two. Feel free to have this report handy while viewing round two to see how everything plays out! There’s even a place where you can insert the actual pick!
33: Tampa
Round one impression: No pick. Traded pick 27 to Jacksonville for this pick and picks 106 and 180. Having the 1st pick on day two and day three is a real perk, as the Bucs get extra time to survey the best players left on the board.
Round two look: I go OL or CB with this pick. OG (Kinnard or Salyer) is the bigger need, but OT or CB offer value as well.
“Experts Say”: It’s all DL say my mockers. Two votes for Logan Hall and two votes for Travis Jones. Hall has a beginning of round two grade for me and maybe Tampa is looking at succession planning along the DL, which I wrote about a couple of hours ago, but down at pick 60. I’d still go OL or CB.
THE PICK:
34: Minnesota
Round one impression: Minnesota traded their original pick (12) to the Lions, and pick 46, to get in return picks 32, 34 and 66. It was a steep move down, although there was not really any value at CB or LB at that point. The Vikings took safety Lewis Cine at pick 32. Safety was need area #2 on my board, and Cine’s draft range was right around this spot.
Round two look: Passive as usual, CB and LB are my top areas of need, followed by RG. LB Dean was a 1st round talent on my board. I’d go here or CB.
“Experts Say”: Two CB’s (Booth, Gordon get votes, along with Hall and WR George Pickens. I’ll endorse either CB selection.
THE PICK:
35: Tennessee
Round one impression: Tennessee was a potential trade up candidate in the draft but it was strange how they did business on Thursday. They handed Philly their top WR, A.J. Brown, plus pick 101 to go up to pick 18. They next traded out of pick 26, giving up that pick and pick 101 to obtain picks 35, 69, and 163. Poised to criticize them for the move, they turned around and took my pre-draft #2 WR in Treylon Burks with pick 18. He’s an entirely different WR, but I think he’s very good. Of course, all they’ve done so far is trade a WR and obtained a WR, so the next draft picks better be good.
Round two look: OL, CB and LB are in play. Dean is the only LB I would consider. OG and RT are the offensive needs.
“Experts Say”: Both Willis and Ridder got QB votes, along with my top remaining OT (Raimann) and LB Dean. I could see them looking at Willis, with the other two mock players more than acceptable options for this spot.
THE PICK:
36: NYG
Round one impression: Guess what! With no OL off the board, the NYG did the right thing, going edge with Kayvon Thibodeaux at pick #5. He fits with this new staff. I also like the pick of versatile OT Evan Neal at 7. This is a very nice start.
Round two look: Wanting personally to wait for QB until 2023, DB, LB and DT remain as needs. The Bradberry situation still looms. CB, LB Dean or perhaps DT Logan Hall or another interior DT could be considered.
“Experts Say”: Three votes were given to CB’s who have appropriate grades on my board, with the other vote for LB Dean. The NYG are on their way to making significant improvement based on their round one picks, and this focus would remain spot on.
THE PICK:
37: Houston
Round one impression: Maybe this works out, but a bad team taking a risk on a player with such limited tape is a red flag in my eyes. The ceiling for CB Derek Stingley, drafted 3rd, is sky high. Let’s hope it works. What happened next was stunning. Houston traded back, going from 13 to 15, 124, 162 and 166 in a trade with the Eagles. I’ve never seen the Texans get so much draft value. They took a good OG in Kenyon Green at 15, although his true draft range was in the mid-20’s. His versatility gives the team options along the OL.
Round two look: I’m not done at DB, and pass rusher would fit as well. With so many needs, WR and OL also have major voids. I’d wait on the RB need. Four edge rushers fit here, as do three CB’s.
“Experts Say”: Three votes for RB Breece Hall, and one for a late 3rd round DL. As said above (well before looking at the mocks) I would wait on the RB selection. Then again, Houston does things their way, and maybe the mockers know that.
THE PICK:
38: NYJ
Round one impression: Not only did the Jets have picks 4 and 10, they traded into the 1st round for another pick, getting picks 26/101 for picks 35/69/163 in a fair trade. The Jets correctly took CB Gardner early, and then, closed out of the top OL, correctly went for stud WR Garrett Wilson at 10. The remaining early needs were edge rusher and OL. I don’t know as I write this why top 15 edge rusher Jermaine Johnson dropped on the board, but the Jets stopped the slide with pick 26. Well done!
Round two look: Next up should be OL, with LB Dean another option if he’s still available. The OL was picked clean in round one, but even though it might be a minor reach at pick 38, you have to protect your young QB.
“Experts Say”: Votes include two for OT Raimann, a later rated safety, and LB Dean. The mockers read my mind.
THE PICK:
39: Chicago
Round one impression: No pick. They lost the pick in the move to get QB Justin Fields a year ago.
Round two look: Good morning, Chicago. The value is at WR, and I have six guys remaining with 2nd round grades! Pass rusher is the next option they could consider.
“Experts Say”: Votes are twice for WR Pickens, and once for a decent edge rusher and a late 3rd round CB. We’re all on point.
THE PICK:
40: Seattle
Round one impression: No one ever really knows who Seattle will draft, but they stayed on point getting pass protector Chris Cross at pick 9. There are some things he needs to clean up, but the focus and draft value was fine.
Round two look: Would Seattle move UP to get QB Willis? It’s worth the risk for me. If they wait on QB, hoping for Mayfield, Jimmy G or someone else, then another OT, edge rusher, LB or DB are in play. Yes, this team has more needs than usual.
“Experts Say”: Two votes for Willis and one each for Ridder and Matt Corral tells me the pulse seems to be for this team to address their need at QB. This seems logical, but Seattle also has been known to do things their own way in the draft.
THE PICK:
41: Seattle
Round one impression: See pick 40, above.
Round two look: See pick 40, above.
“Experts Say”: Three votes total for a pair of edge rushers that have this draft range, and one vote for CB Gordon, who has late 1st, early 2nd round range. Clearly, the combination of picks suggested for Seattle would be acceptable in my eyes.
THE PICK:
42: Indy
Round one impression: No pick. The Carson Wentz disaster cost them a 1st round pick.
Round two look: Let’s say hello to GM Ballard, who until last year was on a massive role with draft clout. WR and OL are my top two needs, and like I said above, six WR’s have a 2nd round grade on my need board. LT and RG need upgrades. TE is next.
“Experts Say”: An amazing three votes for WR Skyy Moore, and one vote for Christian Watson, another WR. I have both players as acceptable 2nd round choices, with Watson rated a bit higher.
THE PICK:
43: Atlanta
Round one impression: WR was Atlanta’s #2 need on my board behind about 22 edge rushers. At pick 8 they took WR Drake London. He easily had a top 15-20 grade, and wins with leverage and route smarts, but not speed. It’s not a bad pick at all, but one I would not have made.
Round two look: 18 sacks in 17 games. Previous to that, you were a bottom three sack team for the past decade. If this pick isn’t for an edge rusher, then I give up.
“Experts Say”: Two votes for injured edge rusher David Ojabo, one vote for edge rusher Mafe, and one vote for QB Corral. Atlanta is not likely playoff bound this year. Ojabo had a draft range for 15-25 on my board pre-injury. Go get him and prep him for 2023. That would be exciting!
THE PICK:
44: Cleveland
Round one impression: No pick. That pick was one of many picks traded to obtain QB Watson.
Round two look: LB, WR and OL are my top three areas of need for Cleveland. Unfortunately, my board after Nakoke Dean contains only round three LB’s. WR might offer the most value at pick 44. Don’t rule out Cleveland going UP in the draft.
“Experts Say”: Edge rusher Drake Jackson has a 3rd round grade on my board but he received two votes. Mafe and the higher rated Logan Hall got the other votes as obviously, the mockers see pass rush as the top need. Given the decent ratings of Mafe and Hall, I won’t complain much if they go in this direction, but what LB’s and WR’s are they missing out on if they go this way?
THE PICK:
45: Baltimore
Round one impression: Sitting at pick 14, everyone was waiting for the Ravens to draft DT Jordan Davis. Instead, Philly traded up to get him. Baltimore rebounded by drafting instinctive safety Kyle Hamilton. Speed is an issue, and that caused the draft drop for the once top five talent, but this is an upgrade for a team that faltered defensively in 2021. In a more than mild surprise, the Ravens traded away starting WR Marquise Brown to Arizona and their pick 100 to get pick 23. Baltimore traded that pick to Buffalo, getting pick 25 and pick 130 in return. In the end, the Raven’s got OC Tyler Linderbaum and pick 130 for Marquise Brown and pick 100. Linderbaum fits a need, but Baltimore now has a WR void that needs to be fixed.
Round two look: I’ve heard plenty of praise for the Ravens so far. They drafted two solid players, but edge rusher needs remain, and suddenly the need of WR has been escalated. Both positions remain well-stocked with round two talent.
“Experts Say”: DT Travis Jones got two votes, with a WR and a CB getting the other votes. The Jones tab is likely a reaction to the Ravens being leapfrogged by Philly for DT Davis. I’m not a huge fan of Jones so I would probably go in a different direction.
THE PICK:
46: Detroit
Round one impression: This pick took only a minute to get to the podium. Edge rusher Aldon Hutchinson to the Lions at #2 was easy. Now the hard decisions begin. The Lions made a stunning move up the draft board, trading 32, 34 and 66 to get picks 12 and 46. The trade was surprisingly fair on both sides, but who was the target at 12? Luckily, it was not a QB. WR Jamison Williams comes off a serious injury but once healthy, he’s got top tier potential and the Lions have a glaring WR need.
Round two look: I’m okay NOT going for a QB at this point, especially since the roster is incomplete and gone are picks 32, 34 and 66, traded as noted above for an impact WR and this pick. I’m not opposed to added another edge rusher, but if safeties Brisker or Cook are available, I’m probably looking in that direction.
“Experts Say”: Sam Howell gets a vote, as does Willis, so QB is being touted. The other votes are for DB Cross and CB Booth. Ok, Lion fans, agree or disagree? I’m more interested in safety or another edge rusher.
THE PICK:
47: Washington
Round one impression: There were nine trades in the 1st round. Washington moved from pick 11 to 16, also securing picks 98 and 120 from the Saints. I like the trade value but the drop from WR Williams to the player they chose, Jahan Dotson is relativity significant. OL and DB make more sense, as did going for WR Burks. Let’s see what they do with the extra picks.
Round two look: The OL is a mess, and if they didn’t go safety Hamilton at pick 11, then OL was the way to go at pick 16. Both DB and (multiple) OL needs remain. I’m concerned as to what they might do in this spot.
“Experts Say”: More QB fodder, with Howell and Ridder noted, along with LB Dean and safety Cross. Dean would be a value play at this point. If he’s gone, I stick to my OL need.
THE PICK:
48: Chicago
Round one impression: See pick 39, above
Round two look: This HAS to be for a WR if they didn’t go there at pick 39. Going pass rusher and WR at 39/48 would be ideal.
“Experts Say”: The votes include two for safety, one for WR Watson and one for a DT. Let’s make sure WR is addressed.
THE PICK:
49: New Orleans
Round one impression: That the Saints traded away picks is no surprise. Luckily, they tend to pick talented players when they move up in the 1st round. They traded picks 16, 98 and 120 to get to pick 11, where they took the talented and smooth Chris Olave (WR). He climbed up draft boards and the Saints didn’t want to miss out on him. They stayed at pick 19 and instead of flirting with picking a QB, went to my 2nd area of need (behind WR), selecting the next best OT on the board, Trevor Penning. The Saints get credit once again for adding two safe, and stout draftees.
Round two look: Luckily the needs are small, because the team has this pick, and only two day three picks left in the tank. I’d either go with another WR or look at the best available defensive player (draft dropper) on the board. Okay, with RB Kamara in some legal trouble, what about looking at one of the top two RB’s on the board (Hall or Walker) if they are available?
“Experts Say”: Two votes are for safety, with QB Ridder and RB Kenneth Walker the other projections. I like Walker and he’s ahead of Breece Hall on my pre-draft RB board. He would be on my radar screen depending on how the board plays out.
THE PICK:
50: Kansas City
Round one impression: There was no way KC was sticking with 12 selections on their draft board. They traded picks 29, 94 and 121 to move up to pick 21. With WR already gutted in terms of value, they correctly went CB with Trent McDuffie. That was proper draft range value. KC stayed at 30 and selected edge rusher George Karlaftis. He’s highly rated on my board, yet I thought (as others did) that they would go heavy on speed (edge rusher Mafe). This was a need area, and I love the fact that they took a player with a solid work ethic, but I probably would have looked WR or DT.
Round two look: Armed with ten remaining picks that they do not need to stick with, KC should be a candidate to trade UP from this spot. WR needs are obvious at this point. I’d trade up to get one. The only other choice here is for a run stopper.
“Experts Say”: Three votes for WR, although one of the votes is for a day three guy. The other vote is interesting as it’s for injured edge rusher Ojabo. Go get a WR here, although Ojabo would be a value play at this spot.
THE PICK:
51: Philly
Round one impression: Philly is always interesting on draft day. For the 3rd time in the last four seasons, the Eagles traded UP to rob a team of their presumed target player. The Eagles moved from 15 to 13 to grab talented DT Jordan Davis before Baltimore could take him. This is actually my #1 area of need for the Eagles, but some may be wondering if they really wanted WR Jamison Williams, who was taken at pick 12, right at the time Philly was executing the trade. Philly’s answer? It was a good one, as they traded pick 18 and pick 101 to Tennessee to get their current #1 WR, A.J. Brown. Fascinating!
Round two look: Did GM Howie Roseman sleep last night? Cover safety and edge rusher are next on my list. The top cover safeties may be gone, with former CB Alontae Taylor an intriguing 3rd round possibility (just not at pick 51). Philly likes to stockpile DL to use in a rotation, so edge rusher or OLB might be the way they look.
“Experts Say”: It’s all defense, with edge, LB and two votes for CB. One of the CB’s, Marcus Jones is painfully short but offers elite return skills. Let’s see if they even keep this pick!
THE PICK:
52: Pittsburgh
Round one impression: Speechless? QB Kenny Pickett, selected with pick 20 has experience, accuracy, poise, and a low floor. The hometown product also has a low ceiling, and as I’ve said, hasn’t played in true, after Thanksgiving conditions where his hand size (lots of NCAA fumbles) might come into play. Mike Tomlin spent countless amount of time with every QB prospect, and maybe this is as much an indictment on Malik Willis as it is an endorsement of Pickett. That we’ll find out down the road.
Round two look: No one is better and drafting WR’s than this team. This is a prime spot to get one, although more OL talent would not be a bad 2nd option. A 3rd option is DB, but that’s one area the Steelers have had some misfires.
“Experts Say”: LB, safety, and two CB projections. I’d try to go offense 1st, as this area has let them down in the recent past.
THE PICK:
53: Green Bay
Round one impression: Hey, it started bad, but then it actually and finally got good! One week ago, LB Quay Walker was expected to be drafted around pick 40. Today, his draft prop range was 22.5 to 26.5. He even beat that, going 22nd. This is the 3rd time in a row GB has chosen a player who had a meteoric draft position rise out of nowhere. LB was need #3, behind WR and DL. The best DL on the board was DT Devonte Wyatt, who would have been a top 15 pick if not for some troubling off-field issues. GB took him at pick 28, finally acknowledging their longstanding rush D issues. Wyatt is a true run stopper.
Round two look: GB currently has picks 53 and 59. They’ve addressed needs two and three on my board, so now it’s time to (finally) look WR. If they stay at these picks, I’d do NOTHING ELSE except add a WR and an OL. Will they target a specific WR?
“Experts Say”: Four votes, for opinions. TE McBride is interesting, as this is his range. Edge rusher Mafe would have some value, but I’d go in a different direction. WR Shakir has a late 3rd round grade but might move up if paired with Rodgers (person-team fit). The suggested OT has late 3rd round value. I’ll likely prefer that they stick with going WR or OL in this spot.
THE PICK:
54: New England
Round one impression: NE apparently had a player in mind, and didn’t mind dropping back before selecting OG Cole Strange at pick 29. They picked up picks 94 and 121 as well in the trade from original pick 21. They missed out on OC Linderbaum and OT Tyler Smith, but likely only cared about versatile OG/OT Kenyon Green, who went before his expected draft range. Strange had a pre-draft range of 50-60 on my board, so this is a bit of a reach for the 1st round, but he’s solid, smart, and very strong.
Round two look: Wait, NE is participating in this draft? I won’t pretend to know exactly what position they are targeting, but again, this team values positional versatility and change of direction skills (cone drill). Round two has occasionally been the place where they have had serious issues drafting players of value. For fans of this team, let’s hope that can be fixed.
“Experts Say”: It’s all LB, with Wyoming’s Muma, Tindall and two votes for the violent Leo Chenal the choices. All three guys have slightly lower value than this pick slot. We’ll see what NE thinks (I’d trade up, they have plenty of draft capital).
THE PICK:
55: Arizona
Round one impression: My best guess was that WR Burks was the guy Arizona targeted in this draft. He went early (18), and the Cardinals pivoted, trading pick 23 to Tennessee for pick 101 and starting WR A.J. Brown. I view Brown as an upgrade to departed WR Kirk and also better than what they could have obtained in this draft. GM Keim is one of my favorites and I think he got value here, and pick 101 is an added asset.
Round two look: Almost every remaining bolded need on my board is on the defensive side of the ball. I don’t think there will be much 2nd round value left at LB, so CB is my next look. I expect there to be 1-2 options at pick 55. OL could be considered.
“Experts Say”: Four votes, four different positions. OG Kinnard has proper draft value. The DT and CB noted have 3rd round value. WR Thornton seems like overkill at one position. Again, I’d look defense first.
THE PICK:
56: Dallas
Round one impression: Dallas talks a big game but they haven’t been big in the 1st round trade market most of the last decade. Needing OL, they did about the best they could do by taking OT Tyler Smith at 24. Smith had a very late 1st round or early 2nd round grade, but was next man up for availability.
Round two look: After addressing need #1, Dallas might next go to my clear #2 need, that being safety. I wouldn’t be that upset if they double up along the OL (OG), or restocked the DL. There’s also going to be intriguing options at TE by this time.
“Experts Say”: Three votes for DT or DE, plus UCLA TE Dulcich.
THE PICK:
57: Buffalo
Round one impression: Whew! Many said RB, but when the dust settled, Buffalo moved up four spots to secure CB Kalir Elam. CB was by far their most critical area of need. The move up two spots (to pick 23) cost them pick 130. I personally doubt that Dallas would ever have looked CB at 24, but comparable CB’s Booth (injuries) and Gordon (slower) were obviously not close enough on their personal draft board or the Bills would have waited.
Round two look: The only remaining bolded need on the board is OL. I noted how hard Buffalo was scouting RB’s. I also discussed how they could trade UP to get one. I’m not opposed to them getting a top tier RB or an impact TE in this spot.
“Experts Say”: Apparently, its RB time, as the votes are Walker times two, Spiller and Breece hall. If they can’t find a fit at OL then ok, let’s allow a RB selection here.
THE PICK:
58: Atlanta
Round one impression: See pick 43, above
Round two look: I think they may be in play for QB here, or at pick 43, but is that wise? This team needs so much, including more WR’s, safety help, RT, and LB. Oh, and by the way, they still need at least 21 edge rushers (not kidding). Help!
“Experts Say”: Two LB’s get votes, along with RB Walker and CB Corral. Make sure edge rusher has been addressed, and then please, draft real football talent and not developmental talent this high in the draft.
THE PICK:
59: Green Bay
Round one impression: See pick 53, above
Round two look: See pick 53. I expect a trade up for WR. If that doesn’t happen, yes, get a WR and restock your OL.
“Experts Say”: It’s all WR, with Tolbert twice, Pierce and Watson the guys. Watson at 59 is the best value, but all are fine.
THE PICK:
60: Tampa Bay
Round one impression: See pick 33, above
Round two look: Again, it’s OL and CB for me at picks 33 and here at 60. I know they could also look at DL, as with DT Suh’s situation in limbo, succession planning should start soon. These are the only positions I’d look at.
“Experts Say”: Two votes for an interior OL, and two voted for TE McBride. McBride is good, but for THIS team I go OL.
THE PICK:
61: San Francisco
Round one impression: No pick. The 1st round pick was used to go up and draft QB Lance in the 2021 draft.
Round two look: SF was so close to getting to, and possibly winning last year’s Super Bowl. Now looming over them is the Deebo Samuel situation and the Jimmy G situation. I FULLY expect the 49ers to move up in this round, perhaps with a move well into the top part of the round. Bolded needs (in order) are interior OL, LB, CB and safety. WR is not a need if Deebo stays. Either DB slot looks to be the most likely trade up spot in terms of value, but let’s see what happens at the top of the round.
“Experts Say”: Two votes for rounds 3-4 CB’s, one vote for a round 3-4 center, and one vote for a day three DT. I can’t endorse any of the players noted (CB Woolen, CB Taylor-Britt, OC Jurgens, DT Clemons) at least at pick 61. Jurgens is the most intriguing. I think a trade up will be in the works.
THE PICK:
62: Kansas City
Round one impression: See pick 50, above
Round two look: See pick 50, above. I don’t expect KC to stand pat in this 2nd round.
“Experts Say”: Two DL are noted, along with a safety and an interesting WR. I like John Metchie, and this would be a nice person-team fit.
THE PICK:
63: Cincinnati
Round one impression: I wanted a CB, preferably Elam or Gordon to fill their clear top need area. OL was the weak link in the Super Bowl, but that area had been addressed three times in free agency. Elam was gone, but Cincy went for versatile safety Dax Hill instead of Gordon. Hill has incredible speed and cutting skill for safety and is the best “cover” safety in the class.
Round two look: Traditional CB might still get a look, especially if my top choices remain on the board. In fact, I have six rated CB’s that fit in the 2nd round. The OL could still use another starter, and a run defender is clearly another area of need. I think there’s enough talent available to fill one of these needs at pick 63 with a player that has proper draft value.
“Experts Say”: Two votes for OL, both along the interior and both could eventually start at center, a position of need. DL Pascal is lower rated. The other vote is for edge rusher Ojabo. Again, that would be a value pick this low in the draft.
THE PICK:
64 Denver
Round one impression: No pick. Used as part of the trade to get QB Russell Wilson. This pick was from the Von Miller trade.
Round two look: Will Denver stay at pick 64? I’m not sure they are that patient of an organization. Edge rusher, TE and CB are my clear top three needs. The best of the edge rushers will require a trade up. TE McBride would be an exciting fit, and that could require a trade into the mid-to-late 40’s. Some good CBs will also require a trade up, but some CB’s will be here at 64.
“Experts Say”: LB Muma gets two votes, along with LB Troy Anderson and OT Lucas.
THE PICK:
Below is the list of teams currently without picks in round two. They will be listed in draft order using the same recap and evaluation process as the teams above.
65 (and 70): Jacksonville
Round one impression: The Jags need plenty of players, and they opted for top tier potential, taking edge rusher Travon Walker with the #1 overall pick. We’ve never seen someone with this little game tape go 1st overall, but 2021 was a special season for him. Jacksonville traded picks 33, 106 and 180 to Tampa for pick 27, which they used to select LB Devin Lloyd. This was good value, but I hate that they parted with pick 106, as the start of the 4th round is a great place to find hidden gems.
Round three look: Do you want to keep QB Lawrence upright? At least one of these picks MUST be for the OL. WR and DB could be secondary looks.
“Experts Say”: Four of the choices (combining 65 and 70) are for DB’s, with decent safety Cook getting two of the votes. OT Lucas, OG/OC Goedeke, DT Winfrey and CB Taylor-Britt get the other votes. Please protect your QB investment.
THE PICK:
79: LA Chargers
Round one impression: OT Penning was higher rated, but not by much over my #1 OG Zion Johnson. Both players were used on the left side in college. Interestingly enough, LA’s need is on the right side. This was my #1 area of need for the Chargers.
Round three look: LB and stud DT are next on my list. I think they can get a properly rated LB at this spot, and just like LB, two-down run stopers tend to fall on draft day. This means the Chargers should easily find value for one of their next need areas.
“Experts Say”: Two votes for OT, one vote for WR Shakir and one vote for Alabama RB Robinson. I’m looking elsewhere.
THE PICK:
86: Las Vegas
Round one impression: No pick. They lost both their 1st and 2nd round picks in the trade for WR Adams.
Round three look: I have two choices here: OL or impact LB. Picking this far out, I’m guessing what’s left will be someone with more of a developmental skill set. If lucky, maybe someone will fall through the cracks and be here at pick 86. For the record, Vegas has spent a considerable amount of time looking at CB’s, and far less time on OL prospects. That concerns me.
“Experts Say”: Two votes for day three DT’s, plus one vote for LB Chenal and one vote for CB Coby Bryant. Chenal might fit.
THE PICK:
102: Miami
Round one impression: No pick. They used the pick as one of many to obtain WR Tyreek Hill.
Round three look: Miami re-shaped their roster this offseason with a definite 49er slant to it. The staff is far more offensive-minded than the previous (Flores) staff, so I’d pay attention to defensive needs at this spot. I show OLB is primary need #1, ahead of adding a center. The draft team remains, and they’ve been pretty on point in the past when addressing area of need.
“Experts Say”: The OL rules, with three of four selections. A lower rated edge rusher rounds out the list. One guy, OG/OC Fortner can play center. Maybe he fits, but I’d still take a hard look at LB.
THE PICK:
104: LA Rams
Round one impression: No pick. Both their 1st and 2nd round picks were trade for players who contributed to their Super win.
Round three look: Barring a trade up, the LA Rams will be the last team to enter the 2022 draft. Wouldn’t it be wild if their 1st pick is for a punter (Matt Araiza)? My top three needs are multiple OL, CB and edge rusher.
“Experts Say”: Two interior OL get votes, one of them being UCLA’s Rhyan, who I noted in my pre-draft article that they had an interest in. LB and CB were the other votes.
THE PICK:
Heading into Friday, the Carolina Panthers are currently without picks in rounds two and three.
137: Carolina
Round one impression: Needing desperately to move back from pick 6, the Panthers probably received some lowball offers and refused them. Considering how many trades were made after the top ten selections, Carolina should have tried harder. I implored them to do a series of mini-trades, even if it was for lesser value, since they have more needs than draft picks. Regardless, going OL with OT Ickeu Ekwonu was the right move, as OL is a clear vital need.
Round four look: I will research WHY Carolina was unable and/or unwilling to trade back from pick 6, but regardless, here they are with a pick near the back end of the 4th round. As I’ve written and said, I think Carolina won’t wait until this pick, and that means I expect them to trade a high 2023 draft choice to get a day two pick. The needs are many. A trade up could yield a quality TE, a draft dropping edge rusher, or a WR. At THIS point, there is no need to draft a QB, but yes, it will take 2023 draft capital to get Baker Mayfield or Jimmy G. If they stay here, a rated TE or WR might offer the most bang for their buck.
“Experts Say”: No one on my esteemed list offered a pick for Carolina.
THE PICK:
ENJOY DAY TWO OF THE NFL DRAFT!
You can find my full, team by team NFL draft preview at linktr.ee/sportswageru Just click on NFL Draft Guide.
Visit me on twitter @ronacesports where I provide thoughts about all things football, including day of game quick previews and post-game recaps.
