First Round Draft Grades
The NFL Draft season may be my favorite week of the football year. While we may not get to see the hard hitting action we crave throughout the offseason, it’s a beautiful sight to behold as we get to witness the dreams of a few hundred kids come true. Each of these players are looking to take their talents to the next level and by extension, lead their new franchises to glory. Unfortunately not all picks are created equal. Here are Truth Serum Football’s Draft Grades for the first round of the 2022 football class.
1. Jaguars: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Jordan Grade: B
I don’t love this pick. I think Hutchinson would have been safer and I think there are a handful of guys that would have been less of a gamble than Travon. It’s hard not to drool over the potential here, but I think the Jags may have been better served with Hutch or an OL.
Travis Grade: B+
While I don’t necessarily hate the pick I just don’t think it was the best pick that could’ve been made here. Trent Baalke apparently fell in love with them long arms. The Jaguars do however get a defensive lineman who can line up anywhere on the line and that kind of versatility should be applauded.
2. Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Jordan Grade: A+
The Lions were in dire need of pass rush help and have to be thrilled that the consensus top prospect fell into their laps. Add in the fact that he played college in state and this was a no brainer. He will be an instant impact player and is probably the safest pick in this draft. Homerun pick here.
Travis Grade A
My personal opinion is that this should have been the first pick and the Jaguars might look back on this one as one of their biggest blunders in their recent history. Hutch has been nothing but a machine at Michigan. He should be an excellent pass rusher for Dan Cambell’s defense to deploy.
3. Texans: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Jordan Grade: B
I don’t think this was the biggest need for Houston, I also don’t think this was BPA or even the best CB available for Houston to draft. But if they hit the player who was absolutely lights out in LSU’s championship run then this was a great selection.
Travis Grade B
I’m not so sure he is the top choice at CB, but I would trust in Lovie Smith to at least push him in the right direction and for him to have an immediate impact in the NFL. He should be an excellent fit in Lovie’s system and he has a good track record of CB’s from his days in Chicago as HC.
4. Jets: Ahmad "Sauce'' Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Jordan Grade: A+
Sauce is arguably the best pick in the draft and the JETS just got him at pick 4. In a division that sees Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle twice each in a season it only makes sense to have a really good lockdown cover corner.
Travis Grade B+
For a CB to never give up a touchdown in his entire collegiate career is immaculate. Sauce was my CB1 in this class and could honestly end up being the one we look back on and say he should've been the first overall selection. The Jets killed this draft and Gardner was the secret sauce in this Big New York Apple pie.
5. Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
Jordan Grade: A+
He is the best pure pass rusher in this draft. If his “character concerns” weren’t present he would probably have been a Jaguar. Thibs has a chance to be special on the EDGE and the Giants will be better in week one because he is on the field. It may have made more sense to draft an OL but we’ll get to that here in a minute.
Travis Grade B
A lot of analysts had him pegged as the first overall selection up to two weeks before the draft. There were whispers about character concerns looming and he dropped a few spots because of it. Overall I like the pick, but if these character concerns are a real thing than this pick could up as a really bad pick.
6. Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
Jordan Grade: B-
Icky was in the discussion to go number one overall in the draft. The Panthers desperately need the help on their line. Icky wasn’t my favorite lineman in this draft but it’s hard to not love this pick for them.
Travis Grade B-
While I like that Carolina grabbed an offensive lineman instead of reaching for QB, I don’t like that it was Ikem here over Evan Neal. He is definitely a force in the run game and is best suited at Guard.
7. Giants: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Jordan Grade: A+
Did the Giants just land the best offensive and defensive linemen in this draft?!?!?! It’s hard to mess up having picks 5 and 7 in the first, but the Giants not only didn’t screw it up, they came away as arguably the biggest winners of Round 1. Neal should slide right in for the next decade on this Giant’s OL. Ridiculous value with this pick.
Travis Grade A
Evan Neal was projected to be the first overall pick in the months leading up to the draft. Falling into the laps of the New York Giants is a crime. He is just a mass of humanity and will be living it up on the highlight reel for years to come. He will be a very good pass protector for Daniel jones.
8. Falcons: Drake London, WR, USC
Jordan Grade: A+
I am definitely going against the grain here but I love the pick of London. I know that having Mariota limits his immediate upside but this guy makes all the catches and is an absolute beast after the catch. He has some Keenan Allen and Mike Evans in him. I think he will be the perfect compliment to Ridley and Pitts in 2023. Atlanta just needs to find the QB of the future.
Travis Grade B
While his physical attributes are something to marvel at, we still have a lot of unanswered questions. Him being the highest rated contested catcher isn’t necessarily a great sign. WRs have been winning more with route running and speed on the outside. Mike Evans is the comp and those shoes are probably too big to fill.
9. Seahawks: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi St.
Jordan Grade: B
I bet Russell Wilson is thrilled his Hawks FINALLY Got him some offensive line help. Oh…..Wait. In all seriousness this pick is a long time coming and much needed in Seattle. He needs to improve in the run game but he should help to keep Ew Lock, or any other QB they end up starting, on his feet.
Travis Grade B
This is more of a good team move than a franchise altering one. He should fill in nicely at tackle and hopefully develops into something special that the Seahawks can use when their next franchise QB arrives in 2023 or beyond.
10. Jets: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio St.
Jordan Grade: A
The Jets may have not gotten Deebo, but they did get arguably the best WR in this draft. While I like London just a little bit more, it’s hard to find too many flaws in Wilson’s game.
Travis Grade B-
While he might be the most versatile WR and maybe even the best one in the draft, I just don’t understand the appeal of bringing in a carbon copy of the same receiver you already have on the roster. Maybe this has more to do with something futuristic being worked out with San Francisco or another team for a veteran pass catcher. Time will tell.
11. Saints (from Commanders): Chris Olave, WR, Ohio St.
Jordan Grade: C-
I love Olave. I don’t love trading a draft full of picks for him though. Olave is probably the safest WR in this draft and will be a starter from the jump, however, the Saints are way more confident in their current window than what I am.
Travis Grade C
Predraft I would have told you this was the safest WR in the draft. But when you essentially traded a boat load of picks to move up to 11 you better make it count. I can’t quite bring myself to go C-, but I am half tempted to. Now they pay Honey Badger when they could have drafted Kyle Hamilton in the same spot.
12. Lions (from Vikings): Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Jordan Grade: A-
I am not the biggest Jameson Williams guy, however, the Lions practically gave up nothing to move all the way from the end of the first back up to the twelve spot. Jameson will make quite the 1-2 punch with Amon Ra when he does finally get on the field.
Travis Grade C
I get the appeal here, I really do. He’s fast, he’s got great route running, and he’s explosive. I’m in the same boat with the other two WRs getting taken this high. I think the Lions went up too high on this one, but I absolutely get the appeal.
13. Eagles (from Texans): Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Jordan Grade A-
Wow! The Eagles made their first big splash of the night taking massive DT Jordan Davis off the board. Davis is sure to wreak havoc early and often for the Eagles. He’s a bigger, faster Vita Vea. Let that sink in.
Travis Grade B+
This was the right player, right time, right need, situation. The Eagles defense needs to build for the future on all three levels and Jordan Davis will help to build that plan into fruition This DT is a 340 pound nasty beast who will be a force for years to come.
14. Ravens: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Jordan Grade: A+
The Ravens got themselves an absolute gem with Kyle Hamilton. Hamilton has linebacker size, defensive back speed, and elite instincts. He is the perfect modern safety with his ability to get after the Quarterback, take away the middle of the field, and be a ballhawk. There aren’t many, if any, holes in Hamilton’s game.
Travis Grade A
What in the hell were other teams thinking about letting Hamilton drop to 13? Baltimore just got the closest thing they’ve had to Ed Reed since he left. Nobody will ever replace Reed, but this was PFF’s highest graded player coming out and it will be interesting to see what he can do against some of these elite QBs in this tough division.
- Texans (from Eagles): Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M
Jordan Grade: B
They decided not to draft Icky with three but scratch the OL itch with Kenyon Green. Green is a versatile lineman who can play Guard or Tackle and should help to protect Davis Mills in his sophomore campaign.
Travis Grade B+
Houston was just looking for the best player available at this point and may very well have got him. He is great inside and out and should be a good bet to keep Davis Mills upright this season.
16. Commanders (from Saints): Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn St.
Jordan Grade: D
Dotson is a good WR who will bring some speed to this Commander's offense. Landing the extra picks are nice, but to me I would have rather stayed put and taken Olave at 11.
Travis Grade D
I hate the landing spot and not the player. Dotson getting taken before Burks was a crime. I get the appeal of him, I really do, but to get yourself a big body slot guy would have been a lot more helpful to Carson Wentz and company in the short term.
17. Chargers: Zion Johnson, G, Boston College
Jordan Grade B
What do you get the Quarterback who has everything? How about another first round offensive lineman? Johnson is another versatile line player who can play basically any spot on the line in a pinch.
Travis Grade B
This offensive line was already coming together to be formidable last year. I really like what they are doing with this team this offseason on both ends of the ball. The protection of Justin Herbert is paramount right now.
18. Titans (from Eagles) Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Jordan Grade F
Treylon Burks is not AJ Brown. I get the Titans didn’t want to pay him and I get that Burks comps to AJ Brown. But I can’t help but feel this is a monumental step in the wrong direction for a squad that still had some Super Bowl aspirations. I don’t hate Burks. I just hate everything that Tennessee did here. Someone get Henry out of there.
Travis Grade B-
Will it surprise me if he’s the most productive rookie in year one? No. He’s not as fast or versatile as AJ Brown was and I don’t think of him as a replacement for him per se. He played a majority of his college snaps in the slot. He does do some wide back stuff which is gaining popularity among teams in the NFL, but this was definitely a loss and reach by Tennessee here.
19. Saints: Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa, OT
Jordan Grade B+
Trevor Penning is a mauler and fills a major hole for the Saints. Penning is really light on his feet for as large as he is and is an absolute bully. He has phenomenal balance and moves fluidly. This was a really good pickup for New Orleans.
Travis Grade B
He’s a versatile lineman, on the left side, who could eventually pop out to play that all important LT spot. They had a big hole there after Terron Armstead left in free agency.
20. Steelers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Jordan Grade: B+
There are Quarterbacks in this class who may offer more potential long term. But potential doesn’t always pan out. Kenny Pickett is the most NFL ready and if Trubisky falters he will be there to take the reins. He landed in the perfect spot.
Travis Grade B
His hands are small, his play is not. He is the right quarterback in the best situation. He can take the year and learn behind Mitchell Trubisky while under the tutelage of Mike Tomlin.
21. Chiefs (from Patriots): Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Jordan Grade: B-
The Chiefs moved up to get McDuffie and he should be a plug and play option at CB. He’s a versatile defender who will be able to play man and zone. He is a good tackler and makes good reads in coverage.
Travis Grade C+
In a division that has some of the best lead offenses and elite to very good wide receivers, this was a good pick for a team in need.
22. Packers: Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
Jordan Grade: B-
I don’t love this pick for the Packers. Walker is a solid prospect and a very good tackler but seems to struggle in coverage. He did put up good stats for National Champion winner Georgia but only during his Senior season.
Travis Grade B+
It was surprising to see Green Bay pass on another wide receiver in the first round again. Honestly, I didn’t like the options here either. Reuniting Walker and Campbell could be a nice 1-2 punch on their defense. Quay is a sneaky pick here and I wouldn’t be shocked if he ends up being ROY. That’s high praise.
23. Bills (from Ravens via Cardinals): Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Jordan Grade: B-
Elam is a good cover corner who is long and has ideal size. He gets beat a little too often by speed guys, but also has a knack for making plays on the ball. He obviously fills the biggest need for the Bills and should slot in very nicely next to Tre White.
Travis Grade B
Elam is a big, tall, physical CB that will nicely compliment Tre Day once he is healthy. He is very fast for his frame. The more tape that I watch the more intriguing of a prospect he is for me.
24. Cowboys: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa
Jordan Grade: D-
This is probably my Cowboy bias coming out but I hate this pick. I know we need a tackle, but there were better players picked on day 2 than Smith at the position. He commits too many penalties and has technique issues. What could go wrong?
Travis Grade D+
I only give it a D+ instead of an F on the basis that at least they drafted for need. Was it the right decision to reach on a player that could have potentially been there a round later? You tell me. Read next pick for more.
25. Ravens (from Bills): Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Jordan Grade: B+
Linderbaum is a little undersized and may get beat by some of the larger DT’s he faces but that’s about the only thing to have concern with. Linderbaum is a pro ready prospect and former wrestler, who has phenomenal technique and great explosion. He should be an asset to the run heavy attack of the Ravens. Great pickup here.
Travis Grade A-
Dallas really passed on this dude and for what reason? This cornfed Iowa boy is a big, strong, physical specimen. Iowa has a great history of producing productive offensive linemen that tend to stick around for long productive careers. 7-10 Pro Bowl nods is very doable for a guy that should have been selected in the top 15.
26. Jets (from Titans): Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
Jordan Grade: A
Many projected Jermaine Johnson to be a top 10-15 pick so for the Jets to swoop in and land him at 26 is a huge win for a franchise who has already drafted two starters in the first round. Johnson should be a third day one starter and should be a great run defender on this level.
Travis Grade B
Once again the Jets are KILLING this draft with yet another player on the defensive side of the ball. For a player the Jets nearly picked at ten to fall to them at pick 26 is an absolute steal.
27. Jaguars (from Buccaneers): Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Jordan Grade: B+
The Jags traded back into the first and stopped the slide of Devin Lloyd. Many have Lloyd as the top LB prospect in this draft. I didn’t love the Walker pick, but I do love this one. Both should have immediate impact on this Jags defense.
Travis Grade C
I don’t exactly know what he brings to the table on the defensive side of the ball other than being a versatile defender. I don’t trust in Jacksonville utilizing him to the best of his abilities. To me he’s JAG.
28. Packers: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
Jordan Grade: B-
The Packers again decided not to pursue a WR here and instead opted to help out the defense. Wyatt is a high motor DT who has great quickness and explosion. He can be overpowered by bigger offensive linemen and will need to work on his pass rush moves at the next level.
Travis Grade B
Green Bay is building another level on their defense and I don’t hate it. He should be a big presence in the middle of that DL. He’s a mass of humanity. Green Bay hasn’t had had this since Raji was there.
29. Patriots (from Chiefs) Cole Strange, G, Chattanooga
Jordan Grade: D-
Cole Strange should replace Shaq Mason on the Pats offensive line but I can’t help but feel this was a reach. I believe Strange would have gone on day 2 and I think the Pats could have potentially traded back and still snagged their guy.
Travis Grade F
Billy really knows how to mess up first round picks. I’ll leave it at that.
30. Chiefs: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
Jordan Grade: A
I love this pick by the Chiefs. Karlaftis should help their pass rush needs immediately. Karlaftis is explosive and powerful and he popped on tape by overwhelming blockers off the line. Karlaftis is one of my favorite picks in the first round.
Travis Grade B+
I really like what I have seen on film. I had him pegged as a top 20 player predraft so snagging him at 30 is obvious value. This division is full of talent, especially on the offensive side of the ball. You need someone to generate pressure on Herbert, Wilson, and Carr. Kalraftis fills that need for them opposite Frank Clark.
31. Bengals: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
Jordan Grade: B
I like this pick for Cincinnati. I was really hoping Linderbaum would fall to them but Daxton Hill is a versatile defender who can line up all over the secondary.
Travis Grade C+
He’s a corner who can play outside or nickel. Cincinnati getting torched in the Super Bowl was no accident and there was really no need for them on the offensive side of the ball that made sense. Getting Dax Hill here was an obvious remedy for their secondary.
32. Vikings (from Lions): Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Jordan Grade: A
This is one of my favorite players from this class. Cine will slot in next to Harrison Smith and provide some smash mouth hits on the field. Vikings fans will love seeing him light up opposing offensive players. He is a beast at working the run game but is also a sound coverage player as well. He is a natural leader and someone who I expect to be a future Pro Bowl caliber safety.
Travis Grade D+
What in the holy living hell were the Vikings thinking? I get moving back to get a safety later, but you could’ve easily had the best safety in this class at your original pick. Instead they gave their division rival a versatile, explosive, dynamic receiver who will burn their defense for years to come. Come on man. Do better. By the way, I don’t hate Cine , I just hate how they arrived here.
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