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The first round in the 2022 NFL Draft is over. There were many firsts. Nine draft-day trades were made, which was the highest number since 2010, when the draft lasted three days. Georgia was the first NFL draft school to have five defensive players chosen in the initial round. In Round 1, no tight ends or running backs had been selected for the first-time in NFL draft history. The common draft era saw nine teams have multiple first round picks, which is the most in history.
Due to so many teams having multiple picks on Thursday, a record number of 10 teams missed the chance to join in the fun. The teams will all make their first picks in Rounds 2, or 3, of the NFL draft Friday night (7 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN/ESPN App).
NFL Nation has insights from all teams that were drafted on Day 1 and you can follow our analysis as we add analysis as the teams make their first selections. Plus: updated depth chartsAll 32 teams.
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ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
AFC EAST
Choose Kaiir ElamBills fans will find it alluring. After losing, Cornerback was the most critical position on the roster. Levi WallaceFree agency and with Tre’Davious WhiteAfter sustaining a torn left ACL, he was able to play. Buffalo had to trade only two spots in order to acquire the last player on its board with a first-round Grade. Elam will be 21 years old in May. Brandon Beane, general manager of the Bills, described Elam as having a “high ceiling”. Elam will have the chance to quickly win the starting job, and immediately make an impact on the Bills defense. Analysis of every Bills pick from Alaina Getzenberg
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Cole StrangeHe will start at left guard and, if he chooses to follow in the footsteps Logan Mankins (32nd), or 2016’s third-rounder, he will. Joe ThuneyThis will be a solid selection (78th), and it will address one of the team’s obvious needs (albeit one made by trading veteran Guard). Shaq Mason). Jim Nagy was the senior bowl director and a former New England scout who identified Strange before the draft to be an ideal Patriots player. One question: Was Strange overdrafted by the Patriots? Some draft analysts viewed Strange as a second or third round pick. This is what Mankins was told back in 2005. Analysis of every Patriots pick from Mike Reiss
The Jets were able to address a critical need by signing a consensus top-four cornerback prospect. Ahmad GardnerBased on draft experts’ rankings. Top corners are essential, especially in a division with wide receivers Stefon Diggs, Tyreek HillAnd Jaylen Waddle. The ideal pick would have been an edge rusher. Aidan Hutchinson(Michigan), was gone. Travon Walker(Georgia), would have been considered, but he was not on the board. Gardner is “not Jalen RamseyAccording to one source, he is a potential corner player. Since Darrelle Revis, the Jets haven’t had a shut-down corner. Analysis of every Jets pick from Rich Cimini
AFC NORTH
Selection of Kyle HamiltonEric DeCosta, Ravens general manager, has said repeatedly: Baltimore takes only the best player. After the Philadelphia EaglesTo take Georgia’s defensive tackle position, he took one spot in front Baltimore Jordan DavisBaltimore drafted Hamilton, a player often linked to the Ravens. Safety was not the most important need for the team. Safety was the biggest splash of free agency for the Ravens. Marcus WilliamsFive-year contract worth $70 million. This deal is great value. Baltimore gets Hamilton, Mel Kiper Jr.’s number one. 4 prospect at No. 14. Because he was running slower than expected in the 40-yard run and because teams don’t usually draft safetyties high in their first round, he slid. Hamilton and Williams are joining the Ravens’ secondary roster. Chuck ClarkCornerbacks Marlon HumphreyAnd Marcus Peters. Analysis of every Ravens pick from Jamison Hensley
By drafting safety Daxton HillThe Bengals landed a player they were not expecting to be available at No. 31. Hill was open to Hill’s offer even in pre-draft conversations. Hill will allow the Bengals to have a lot of flexibility in their schematics, which will be a huge advantage for Lou Anarumo as defensive coordinator. He came to Michigan as a safety, and he also played some slot cornerback with the Wolverines. With Jessie Bates IIIAnd Vonn BellHill is the starting safetyties. He can be used for dime packages to find his footing in NFL before taking on a full-time position. Analysis of every Bengals pick from Ben Baby
The Browns were in dire need of wide receiver, defensive line and defensive tackle (the latter being the least important until pass rusher). Jadeveon Clowney re-signs). Cleveland was able to trade out of round two and then select a corner in round three with its first draft pick. It’s not easy to see exactly where it is. Martin EmersonAt least for the moment, fits in. Browns just handed Denzel WardA massive extension was granted and he spent a first round pick last year. Greg Newsome II. They also have Greedy WilliamsAnd Troy HillCornerback rotation. There are never enough corners in the QB-loaded AFC. That theory is being tested by Browns. Analysis of every Browns pick from Jake Trotter
Steelers had the option of choosing from a number of quarterbacks to replace their No. They chose the NFL-ready quarterback with the No. 20 pick. Liberty’s Malik WillisSteelers chose to have a higher ceiling than likely, Kenny PickettMike Tomlin claimed that Pickett has the highest floor. Pickett also feels he’s a great fit for offensive coordinator Matt Canada who recruited Pickett to Pitt just before he was appointed to coach Maryland. Pickett will he be able to develop into a great Steelers player? Can he handle the pressure of succeeding Ben Roethlisberger’s position? How will the Steelers manage a free-agency quarterback room? Mitch TrubiskyAlso, Mason Rudolph? Analysis of every Steelers pick from Brooke Pryor
AFC SOUTH
Lovie Smith, Texans’ coach, stated that he did not believe his defense could play as well without better play from the cornerback. Drafting Derek Stingley JrThe Texans have made significant improvements to a secondary that had struggled in 2021. Houston allowed the second-most yards per game last season and were 29th in yards per pass attempt allowed, according to ESPN Stats & Info data. According to NFL Next Gen Stats the Houston cornerbacks gave up 8.3 yards per attempt. They are the fourth worst in coverage. Smith spoke about how he and Nick Caserio get along well and Smith is able to draft a cornerback who can thrive in his defensive system. Analysis of every Texans pick from Sarah Barshop
Receiver Alec PierceColts need him because he fits the bill. Colts had not added anyone to the team during the offseason, after losing. Zach PascalAnd with veteran T.Y. Hilton unsigned. Pierce will be given an opportunity to participate immediately, as there is so many uncertainties. Michael Pittman Jr. at receiver. Pierce is 6’3″ and had 52 receptions for 884 yard and 8 touchdowns in Cincinnati last season. The Colts managed to trade back a receiver, but they were able to still grab a receiver. Minnesota VikingsThe No. 42 and No. 42 and No. 53, 77, and 192 picks. Analysis of every Colts pick from Mike Wells
The Jaguars needed to improve their pass rush, recording 50 sacks in the last two seasons. This was less than any other team. Atlanta Falcons (47). Georgia’s Travon WalkerHe had six sacks, a record-setting performance. However, he was primarily a defensive end. But he also played outside linebacker and tackle. He will be used similarly by the Jaguars under Mike Caldwell as defensive coordinator. Walker’s addition should improve the defensive linebacker/end position. Josh Allen too. As a rookie running alongside, he had 10.5sacks Calais CampbellAnd Yannick NgakoueHe did, however, have 10 sacks in his 24 previous games without anyone drawing attention to him. Analysis of every Jaguars pick from Michael DiRocco
Treylon BurksA playmaker who can help replace wide receivers A.J. BrownHe was traded to Eagles on Thursday. Burks is 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds. His build is similar to Brown’s. Burks is a strong, large receiver who can bounce off tackles and be featured in the middle. Mike Vrabel loves wide receivers that make “combat catch” and get yards after the catch. Burks is known for this. Burks can also play on the outside or in the slot. For quarterbacks, he provides a large catch zone. Ryan TannehillThis should allow him to make an immediate impact. Analysis of every Titans pick from Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
The Broncos held off until the end of the second round to draft their first pick in this draft. They’ve been looking for more depth in their defense and have finally found it. Nik Bonitto. He’s explosive, with 4.54 yards in the 40 at combine, and 32 tackles to his credit with the Sooners. Although he needs to be stronger to provide a consistent edge in the running game, he can contribute quickly as a nickel rusher. Analysis of every Broncos pick from Jeff Legwold
After losing their starter, the Chiefs felt they needed a cornerback. Charvarius WardFree agency. They were strongly influenced by Washington cornerback Trent McDuffieTo move up from the 29th, the Patriots received three draft picks in exchange. McDuffie should be a starter right away, given the amount the Chiefs paid to acquire him. Analysis of every Chiefs pick from Adam Teicher
The Raiders had a huge need for offensive line players, regardless of whether they were at tackle or interior. Dylan ParhamLas Vegas is home to a former high school tight end, linebacker, and tight end who can be adapted into a center. This is interesting considering the Raiders’ past regime. Andre JamesIts center of the futurity last year. Parham, who can be translated as guard, brings athleticism and intelligence to a group that also includes starters John SimpsonAnd Alex LeatherwoodLast year’s first-round selection, as well Denzelle GoodAfter being a 2020 starter, who is now returning to a torn ACL? Analysis of every Raiders pick from Paul Gutierrez
When it comes to protecting the third-year franchise quarterback, GM Tom Telesco won’t take any chances Justin HerbertHe has shown the ability to lead the Bolts into the playoffs. Telesco used a first round pick last year to select left tackle Rashawn Slater. The general manager for the 10th year remains in the trenches, and continues to pick up. Zion JohnsonJohnson, who can immediately start at guard. Johnson’s selection makes it uncertain who will start at right tackle. But there are other options. Storm NortonThe spot was held by, who played 15 games there last season. Matt FeilerA 16-game starter at left guard last season, who also gained experience in right tackle in Pittsburgh. Although offensive linemen are not often the focus of media attention in April, two consecutive years with lineman picks could make the Chargers headlines in January. Analysis of every Chargers pick from Lindsey Thiry
NFC EAST
Selection of offensive lineman Tyler SmithThis seems to speak more about the future then it does the present. Stephen Jones, executive vice-president, stated that Smith didn’t want “starting right away”. If he beats out, this could make him the left guard in 2011. Connor McGovern. He could be the swing handle on game day behind Tyron SmithAnd Terence Steele. The Cowboys have not used a first rounder to this extent on an offensive-lineman since 2013, when they took Travis Frederick at No. 31. They knew he was an active Day 1 player and he played in five Pro Bowls before he retired early. Analysis of every Cowboys pick from Todd Archer
Whoa! I didn’t think that would happen at pick No. 5. The Giants were able to grab the draft because of the way it was laid out. Kayvon ThibodeauxThe Oregon edge rusher with the top three offensive tackles remaining on the board. Thibodeaux is a huge personality, but the Giants have no concerns about his motivation. Joe Schoen, the general manager of the Giants, said that Thibodeaux had been a big surprise after he returned from a very serious ankle injury late last season. The Giants were impressed by Thibodeaux’s return from a serious ankle injury late in the season. They conducted extensive research and even had a FaceTime conversation this week. Analysis of every Giants pick from Jordan Raanan
The Eagles were promoted to select Jordan DavisThe anchor of Georgia’s national championship defense at 340 lbs, and at 6-6 and 340 pound. Jonathan Gannon, Eagles defensive coordinator, has been looking for a pure nose tackle to be a menacing and block-occupying force in his hybrid scheme. He finally finds his man. With Fletcher CoxThis selection can be used to exit Philadelphia after the season. It serves both short-term as well as long-term goals. Analysis of every Eagles pick from Tim McManus
Ron Rivera, the Washington Coach for Offseason, said that the Commanders needed to do two things in order to be a good quarterback. Carson WentzThey added weapons and protected him. They also added a receiver to the weapon. Jahan DotsonThe smaller but equally explosive playmaker is the. Washington wanted to diversify his offense so now it can use sets with four receivers that can threaten Dotson’s defense. Terry McLaurin, Curtis SamuelAnd Dyami Brown. They could win 4×100 relay races. They have a lot to offer. Washington’s ineffective offense over the past four seasons was due in large part to its inability to have a strong quarterback and adequate weapons. It now has an improved quarterback and a playmaker who may have really great hands. Analysis of every Commanders pick from John Keim
NFC NORTH
Ryan Poles’s first draft selection as Chicago’s general manger addresses a gap in the secondary. The Bears must find an opposite starter. Jaylon Johnsoncornerback, Kyler GordonThe Bears are intrigued by’s ability to play both outside and inside. Washington’s pass interceptions and deflections were led by Gordon in 2021. This was the same team that selected Gordon in the first round. Trent McDuffie. In 2021, the Bears allowed 31 touchdown passes, tied for second place in franchise history (31 in 2015, 34 2014). NFL Next Gen Stats revealed that the Bears allowed 31 passing touchdowns in 2021, with a cornerback being the closest defender. This was the most NFL-wide. Analysis of every Bears pick from Courtney Cronin
Take Aidan HutchinsonThe No. 2 pick makes perfect sense. The Lions require game-changers, particularly on defense. Hutchinson is a great player and has a loyal fan base. This is an ideal pick for the Lions’ rebuilding efforts. The pressure percentage has been low in Detroit in all six seasons. Hutchinson can help to improve this immediately. Analysis of every Lions pick from Eric Woodyard
Although the Packers defense was better than ever last season, Green Bay still showed a serious weakness. Green Bay allowed only 4.7 yards per rush. Quay WalkerCould be of assistance. This represents a shift in defense’s middle line of attack philosophy. The Packers had tried for years to be able to afford midround draft picks, and relatively inexpensive free agents at inside linebacker. They brought in a new team last year. De’Vondre CampbellThe team then offered him a 5-year, $50M contract to keep him here in the offseason. And now they’re going with an inside linebacker as their first round pick since A.J. Hawk in 2005. In 2005, Hawk was the Packers’ second interior linebacker. Krys Barnes, an ex-undrafted agent. Analysis of every Packers pick from Rob Demovsky
The Vikings were not able to trade down 20 spots in round one, which would have been a great deal. Instead, they received safety Lewis CineAt No. 32. The Lions were effectively their second-round picks. They went from No. 12 to No. 32 in the second and from No. 46 to No. 36 to No. 66 overall). Kwesi Adomo-Mensah, the general manager, decided it was better to make the deal than reject it, even though it wasn’t a terrible trade. He passed the test at No. 12 on a safety that is more highly regarded in Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton. Adofo-Mensah’s clear trail was a good example of how to second-guess your first draft pick. Analysis of every Vikings pick from Kevin Seifert
NFC SOUTH
Drake LondonFalcons are making a smart choice with receiver. Receiver is the largest position on offense, and the second-largest for the Falcons after edge rusher. Three edge rushers were already on the team, so it was easier for the Falcons not to select the fourth-best defensive end player or the third-best offensive tackle. Charles Cross. London becomes Atlanta’s No. 1 immediately 1 receiver and No. 2 receivers and No. Kyle Pitts. Analysis of every Falcons pick from Michael Rothstein
The Panthers chose to go with offensive tackle instead of a quarterback despite their need. Ikem Ekwonu. They continued to build offensively from the inside, a sign of their dedication to building a solid foundation. After all the work that Scott Fitterer, the general manager, did in the offseason to repair a line that allowed 52 sacks, the last piece missing was securing a left guard. Analysis of every Panthers pick from David Newton
The choice of the selections must be loved Chris OlaveAfter yelling from the rooftops about New Orleans’ wide receiver shortage over the past two-months, what’s the point? To get to the 11th pick, the Saints had two trades to make in the last month. They didn’t give in to Thursday night’s trade (sending picks no. 98 and No. 120 to the Commanders in order to move up five places). After finishing 32nd in the NFL for passing offense last season, this was the Saints’ greatest need. The offense will look much better now that QB is back. Jameis WinstonWR Michael ThomasYou can also recover from major injuries. Analysis of every Saints pick from Mike Triplett
The Bucs needed to be younger and more efficient in their interior pass rush. They needed a replacement. Ndamukong Suh. Logan HallIn 23 college career starts, Hall had 7.5 sacks as well as a forced fumble. Hall is regarded as a defensive-end by most talent evaluators because of his unique body size at 6’6 and 283 pounds. All but one of those sacks were lining up at the defensive tackle. Hall won’t win if he lines up on the sidelines. Hall has a strong swim move as well as a bull rush and a rip, but he doesn’t use it nearly as often. His arm length of 32 3/4 inches is a concern. He’ll need to use more pass rush moves outside. Analysis of every Bucs pick from Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
Tight end Trey McBrideIt has the potential to be a great complement to Zach ErtzAnd Maxx Williams. He’s proved he can produce. He won the Mackey Award for the best tight end in the country and was a first team All-American. His season produced 1,121 yards from 90 catches. Kliff Kingbury will have options in his passing game with him, whether he’s out wide or on the line. Williams’ knee health will determine whether he is able to play in significant games early in the season. Analysis of every Cardinals pick from Josh Weinfuss
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The Niners took a defensive lineman with the first pick of the draft for the fourth consecutive year. In defensive end Drake JacksonThe Niners want to find Nick Bosa a long-term running mate. Jackson, known for his speed, athleticism and ability to tackle, only had 12.5 sacks, 25 tackles, and 3 TDs in three seasons. But, Niners defensive coach Kris Kocurek is a veteran of getting the best from talented players. Jackson doesn’t need to have high expectations right away because there’s so much talent on the defensive side. This should allow Jackson to improve his play strength as well as technique. Analysis of every 49ers pick from Nick Wagoner
Although draft analysts expected the Seahawks to zig, they have often zigged when in reality they should zag. However, offensive tackle has been a consistent theme. Charles CrossIt was an obvious choice and shouldn’t have any objection. It’s hard to believe it could be. Seattle signed one of the best prospects at the most important position in football, assuming that he will be kept at left tackle. This is the part of the draft in which analysts expected him to be taken. The Seahawks were able to fill their greatest need. The Seahawks’ starting tackles last season (Duane BrownAnd Brandon Shell), are unsigned,And there’s not much experience among the three tackles who were already on their roster, Jake Curhan, Stone Forsythe and Greg EilandThey are all in their second seasons. Analysis of every Seahawks pick from Brady Henderson