2022 NFL Draft tracker: Complete results, list of picks for Round 1
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The next generation of pro football is here. This year, the 2022 NFL Draft takes place in Las Vegas with the best players college football has to offer hearing their names called.
Defense was the theme at the top of the draft, with the first five straight picks going to defensive players before a quartet of blue-chip wide receivers and one elite quarterback rounded out the top 20 selections.
Where are the best players headed to start their NFL careers?
Scroll through to see every pick made in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
2022 NFL Draft tracker: Complete results from Round 1
1. Jaguars: Travon Walker
Where he plays: Edge
School: Georgia
NFL Draft scouting report: "Walker is a big, rugged run-stopper with the playing style and body type to play as an even- or odd-front end. He consistently outreaches blockers to take control at the point of attack and sets firm edges despite playing with limited knee bend.
"He has quick-shed ability to make plays near his gaps and could see an increase in production if allowed to play in a scheme that asks more of him than Georgia did from a play-making perspective.
"He has the strength and length to plow through overmatched pass protectors but will need to improve his skill level to consistently find the quarterback as a pro. Walker's blend of explosiveness and aggression could help push his draft stock beyond his tape grade."
2. Lions: Aidan Hutchinson
Where he plays: Edge
School: Michigan
NFL Draft scouting report: "Defensive end prospect with a can't-miss combination of football character, skill and physical traits who is more likely to contend for occasional Pro Bowls than become an All-Pro playmaker.
"Hutchinson's strength and flexion allows him to drop a deep anchor and set a very firm edge, and that is unlikely to change as a pro whether he's used in 4-3 or 3-4 fronts.
"He can be too mechanical, engaging in cursory contact rather than using his hands to whip the man in front of him quickly. Hutchinson is an instinctive rusher, assailing the pocket with a non-stop barrage of activity.
"His hands are skilled and efficient to grease the edge while fluid counter steps open inside paths to the pocket. He needs to add a few more items to his rush menu in order to maintain his rush production against NFL tackles.
"Hutchinson is scheme versatile and should be a very good starter with a very high floor, but his ceiling might not be as elevated as some of the talent he's been compared to."
3. Texans: Derek Stingley, Jr.
Where he plays: Defensive back
School: LSU
NFL Draft scouting report: "Uniquely gifted cornerback with rare blend of size, speed and explosiveness that will have teams willing to judge his upside off of tape from two seasons ago. Stingley played in just 10 games over the last two years, offering flashes of his upside rather than sustained play. Regardless of season, he's long, loose and extremely athletic.
"Elite speed and ball skills give him a chance to thrive as a bump-and-run corner capable of shadowing top talent around the field. He allows some separation from off-man but bursts to close distance instantly. He's well-suited for a variety of zone coverages but needs to play with much better zeal and toughness in run support.
"Stingley will likely measure and test like Marshon Lattimore, Patrick Peterson and Antonio Cromartie (depending on his weight), but he needs to find that breakthrough 2019 form in order to reach his potential as a lock down cover talent."
4. Jets: Ahmad Gardner
Where he plays: Defensive back
School: Cincinnati
NFL Draft scouting report: "Long, lean and linear, Gardner's physical and football growth are on full display when comparing his 2019 tape to 2021. He's highly competitive with a confidence level that will be labeled as cocky by some evaluators. "Sauce" uses length and hand activity to impose his will on the release and stall the route on the tarmac.
"Staying connected to the route is a priority, which leads to grabbing when he feels it slipping away but that can be corrected by improving his footwork and trusting his technique. His movements lack fluidity, but he's urgent and aggravating in man-to-man, which could become a deterrent for NFL quarterbacks scanning to his side of the field if he can avoid a big spike in penalties as he adjusts to NFL officiating. Gardner has the traits and demeanor to become a highly effective CB1 within his first couple of seasons."
5. Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux
Where he plays: Edge
School: Oregon
NFL Draft scouting report: "Enticing edge defender whose game is fueled by traits and power over skill and instincts at this juncture of his career. Thibodeaux is hardly a finished product, but has pro-ready attributes that should help him acclimate quickly. He's a plus run defender who punches above his weight at the point of attack with heavy hands and a sturdy base.
"He has some suddenness in tight quarters and above-average pursuit speed, which should keep the tackles for loss rolling in throughout his career. Thibodeaux rushes with effort, up-field burst and play-through power that should bring reasonable sack/pressure production. However, he needs to add some go-to moves and more skilled hands to his bag if he is to affect the quarterback more frequently and reach his lofty potential as a standout, two-way edge defender."
6. Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu
Where he plays: Offensive tackle
School: NC State
NFL Draft scouting report: "A gentleman in class and killer on the grass, Ekwonu goes from amiable to angry once he steps foot on the field. He's a long-limbed athlete and scheme-diverse run blocker with the potential to win with positioning or force. He has a highlight reel full of violent strikes and finishes but needs to cut his aggression with a little more control.
"The pass protection has seen rough patches over the last two years and that might continue until his hands and feet start working in unison. Punch timing and independent hands should bring immediate improvement, but getting him to play with better focus and control in his pass sets will take time. The football character and urgent field demeanor make it easier to grade the traits and anticipate him landing closer to his ceiling than his floor as either a guard or tackle."
7. Giants: Evan Neal
Where he plays: Offensive tackle
School: Alabama
NFL Draft scouting report: "Three-year starter with rare combination of measurables, talent and pedigree. Neal has experience against the best competition the college game has to offer. He has started at both left and right tackle and should project on the left side if he can continue to manage his weight. While he has flashes of greatness on tape, he doesn't always maintain that level throughout a game.
"Intensity and consistency are two areas that will be key in matching performance with profile. Technique has been drilled into him and Neal plays with good fundamentals across the board. He's well-versed and capable in a variety of run schemes and has correctable areas of improvement in pass protection. Neal will come into the league as a good NFL starter, but greatness will require additional attitude and action."
8. Falcons: Drake London
Where he plays: Wide receiver
School: USC
NFL Draft scouting report: "Big, long possession receiver with the ability to play outside or from the slot. London lacks desired top-end speed and separation quickness to open clear throwing windows but plays a mature, savvy brand of ball. The game slows down for him when the ball comes out.
"London was a top-flight basketball player so angles to the ball, body positioning and high-pointing come very naturally to him, turning a 50-50 ball into a 70-30 advantage. While he has the size and skill to dominate the catch phase, his one-speed route-running and lack of separation burst means a career full of contested catches. London's pro career would benefit from playing with a diverse receiving corps that allows play-callers to play to London's strengths."
9. Seahawks: Charles Cross
Where he plays: Offensive tackle
School: Mississippi State
NFL Draft scouting report: "Two-year starter who plays with a high level of consistency from game to game, no matter the opponent. Cross is an average athlete but he's strong, plays to his length and has sticky, strong hands. Despite limited starting experience, he's well-schooled and knows how to play.
"He has average slide range, so edge rockets are going to beat him to the top of the rush at times, but he does a nice job of utilizing length and footwork to recover when beaten. He plays with strong, inside hands and a broad, powerful core. He's an ace at neutralizing power rushers and is above average in sustain and finish modes as a drive blocker. Cross' play strength, hand placement and body control should allow for a relatively smooth transition into the league, where he can become a good, long-time starter at either tackle position."
10. Jets: Garrett Wilson
Where he plays: Wide receiver
School: Ohio State
NFL Draft scouting report: "Wilson's game is lacking in polish, but some scouts believe his play strength and run-after-catch ability make him a more valuable draft commodity than Ohio State teammate Chris Olave. He's a linear, inside/outside receiver with trouble eluding press cleanly and is very inefficient with routes over the first two levels.
"His long speed is good, but the acceleration burst is what makes him such an effective separator in space. He might not be smooth getting there, but he has eye-popping ball skills when it's time to go make a play. Wilson needs to work on his ability to consistently uncover on all three levels, but he has the traits to become a very good WR2 if he tightens up areas of concern."
11. Saints: Chris Olave
Where he plays: Wide receiver
School: Ohio State
NFL Draft scouting report: "The quiet storm of the Ohio State wide receiver corps, Olave is smooth, steady and makes things happen. His movements are fluid and easy from snap to the catch and all points between. He's fast but efficient and plays with the bend and foot agility to uncover on all three levels.
"Olave possesses natural, well-rounded ball skills but needs to add play strength to ward off the physical challenges that are headed his way. His play traits should allow for success beyond the scheme and talent advantages surrounding him at Ohio State. He is an inside/outside hybrid appealing to offenses looking for a field-stretcher with the ability to take on a sizable catch load."
12. Lions: Jameson Williams
Where he plays: Wide receiver
School: Alabama
NFL Draft scouting report: "Linear route-runner with electric long speed to impact a game as a home-run hitter or decoy drawing defenders away from other elements of the offense. Williams ruins man coverage but faces some limitations.
"He has issues getting off press cleanly and might require some scheming to help get off the mark cleanly against certain corners. Catch toughness can be inconsistent when contested or in heavily trafficked areas.
"He has all the juice to find consistent separation on vertical, over and post/corner routes and could see monstrous production if paired with a high-end talent at quarterback. The ACL tear could play a role in determining his ultimate draft destination, but it's unlikely to change his game."
13. Eagles: Jordan Davis
Where he plays: Defensive tackle
School: Georgia
NFL Draft scouting report: "Beefy, mountainous nose tackle with the size, power and will to clog the drain and alter the offense's desire to run between the tackles. Davis has anchor and quick-shed talent to eviscerate single blocks and successfully occupy double teams, allowing linebackers to thrive in pursuit of ball-carriers.
"He plays upright, lacking agility and reactive quickness to mark up a stat sheet with any consistency, but that's not what he's asked to do. Davis won't be as effective against outside-zone teams and won't offer much rush, but he could become one of the league's best run-pluggers as soon as he takes the field."
14. Ravens: Kyle Hamilton
Where he plays: Safety
School: Notre Dame
NFL Draft scouting report: "High-impact safety with unique blend of traits and characteristics that make him a bit of a unicorn at the position. Hamilton has the eyes and speed to play over the top, the strength and toughness to play near the line, and coverage length to guard elite pass-catching tight ends who often mismatch opposing defenses.
"It's rare to find such a ferocious striker and intimidator who has the football intelligence and athletic prowess to go make plays in the passing game, but Hamilton provides it all. He thrives playing downhill or sinking into a robber alignment on the back-end but will have occasional missteps in coverage when in retreat from his pedal.
"Hamilton has the traits and football character to transition from standout college moments to a standout pro career as a future Pro Bowler with All-Pro potential."
15. Texans: Kenyon Green
Where he plays: Offensive line
School: Texas A&M
NFL Draft scouting report: "Guard prospect with NFL-ready frame who plays with an impressive level of consistency as a run blocker. Green moves defenders from Point A to Point B against their will, using hand technique and road-grading leg drive.
"He possesses adequate foot quickness to operate in a variety of run schemes, but needs to eliminate his tendency to grab when his opponent is slipping away from the block. He has pop and anchor in pass protection, but lacks recognition and mirror technique needed to be at his best against athletic interior rushers.
"While Green has some areas to improve, his run blocking can be dominant, which gives him a chance to become a good starter very quickly."
16. Commanders: Jahan Dotson
Where he plays: Wide receiver
School: Penn State
NFL Draft scouting report: "Finesse wideout with good speed and great athleticism who is fully operational on all three levels of the field. Dotson's passing scheme was well-designed and allowed for clear access to space for most of the season.
"His route-running is smooth but features speed changes and his in-air athleticism and ball skills look effortless. His confidence and competitiveness are just average against physical coverage and he's likely to see a lot more press looks as a pro.
"Dotson has inside/outside starting talent but a lack of physicality could prevent him from taking over games at the same rate we saw at Penn State."
17. Chargers: Zion Johnson
Where he plays: Offensive guard
School: Boston College
NFL Draft scouting report: "The phrase 'phone booth guard' was made for Johnson thanks to his wide, girthy frame and immense playing power. Johnson has experience at tackle, but he's clearly an interior blocker on the next level.
"He has knock-back pop at the point of attack with the ability to win the block in a test of strength. In space, his limitations become obvious. He'll need to fit into the right scheme that takes advantage of what he does well and diminishes the athletic limitations.
"He has a ceiling of starting guard in the NFL, but his ability to deal with the athleticism of NFL defensive linemen on all three downs is a concern both as a run blocker and in pass protection."
18. Titans: Treylon Burks
Where he plays: Wide receiver
School: Arkansas
NFL Draft scouting report: "Big, smooth and natural, Burks possesses the versatility to operate from wherever you want and get to wherever you need no matter the competition.
"He's a mismatch receiver combining size, strength and competitiveness similar to the Titans' A.J. Brown, but his speed testing at the NFL Scouting Combine did not meet expectations. Arkansas benefited by putting the ball in his hands from a variety of alignments and there is no reason to believe NFL play-callers won't benefit from doing the same.
"The tape is extremely exciting with real NFL skills jumping off the screen, but his potential to become a high-volume, three-level target is a little more cloudy after a relatively disappointing showing at the combine."
19. Saints: Trevor Penning
Where he plays: Offensive tackle
School: Northern Iowa
NFL Draft scouting report: "Three-year starter at left tackle with outstanding measurables on a low-cut, well-built frame. Penning plays with a level of disgust for anyone lining up against him and seeks out violent block finishes when possible.
"He's athletic enough to block on the move and has the potential to shine as a powerful drive blocker. Size, length and know-how have been more than enough to ward off FCS pass rushers, but he needs to operate with better inside-out positioning while developing much firmer edges to succeed against a more talented group of quarterback hunters.
"Penning has both traits and toughness but the tape can leave you wanting just a little more from him. He should become an instant starter at left or right tackle but the jump in competition will take time to navigate."
20. Steelers: Kenny Pickett
Where he plays: Quarterback
School: Pittsburgh
NFL Draft scouting report: "Pickett has five years of game experience and four years of starting experience for Pitt. He's a fairly toolsy pocket passer with good mobility. He operated in a passing scheme featuring vertical concepts that created big-play opportunities but left food on the plate when he failed to play chess against the back-end of the coverage.
"Pickett works with average anticipation but drives the ball with good velocity, which should help him shine in pre-draft passing drills. Pickett's touch and placement need work, but his accuracy stats were damaged by an inordinate amount of drops throughout his career.
"The top indicator for future success or failure will likely rest in a team's ability to build Pickett's trust, poise and discipline from the pocket. He can make all the throws, but he'll only be able to execute against disguised fronts and NFL pressure if he's willing to hang in and win with his eyes first. He carries a boom/bust label, but the 2021 tape and productivity showed off his potential to become a good starter in time."
21. Chiefs: Trent McDuffie
Where he plays: Cornerback
School: Washington
NFL Draft scouting report: "Three-year starter whose average size is overshadowed by skillful ruggedness, allowing him to contest throws from a variety of coverages. He's an elite competitor with a route-hugging mentality fueled by body control, foot agility, aggression and burst.
"He's a pesky press-man defender with the tools to excel in zone. He's willing to fly downhill and hit anybody near the football. He keeps his eyes on the prize and has an itchy, twitchy trigger to close throwing windows and make plays on the ball.
"He lacks lockdown traits but has lockdown talent and his competitive energy is contagious. He can play outside or from the slot and carries a very high floor with the potential to become one of the league's top corners at some point during his first contract."
22. Packers: Quay Walker
Where he plays: Linebacker
School: Georgia
NFL Draft scouting report: "Walker had to wait his turn at Georgia, but he has become a well-schooled, instinctive linebacker ready for the NFL game. He has good size and clear eyes from the second level, with a talent for recognizing play design.
"He plays disciplined, team-oriented football but is unlikely to become a top-level playmaker as a pro. His chase speed and body control are just average when ranging to tackle or covering in space. Walker is dependable and consistent and projects as a good backup with eventual starter potential at inside linebacker."
23. Bills: Kaiir Elam
Where he plays: Cornerback
School: Florida
NFL Draft scouting report: "Elam is the next up in a long line of talented Florida cornerbacks, but he failed to play his best football in his final collegiate season. He is patient and strong to mirror and impede releases but inconsistent staying connected to the early stages of the route.
"He plays with good awareness in zone and has the twitch and length to make plays on the throw when squatting in space. He was beat on deep patterns against Alabama, Arkansas and Georgia, which might have led to excessive grabbing and an overall lack of trust in his technique on the 2021 tape.
"He plays big at the catch point but smaller in run support. Elam has early CB3 and eventual CB2 value as a press and zone corner."
24. Cowboys: Tyler Smith
Where he plays: Offensive tackle
School: Tulsa
NFL Draft scouting report: "Power merchant who plays the game with a field demeanor that can work in his favor on one play and against him on the next snap. Smith is able to displace defenders as a run blocker despite lacking proper hand usage for leverage.
"He's explosive and athletic but struggles to sustain and finish what he starts. He's too quick to discard any semblance of technique in favor of bear-hugging the opponent and drawing a penalty. A move from tackle to guard would allow teams to feature his downhill power in the rushing attack while reducing exposure in pass protection.
"The holes in his game can all be filled if he accepts coaching and brings it to the field on Sundays. There is some bust potential present, but the ceiling could draw a team to him on Day 2 of the draft."
25. Ravens: Tyler Linderbaum
Where he plays: Center
School: Iowa
NFL Draft scouting report: "Linderbaum has Pro Bowl potential but needs to be matched with a move-based rushing attack. He has the foot quickness and GPS to consistently find top positioning in the first phase of the block.
"He plays with leverage and body control to sustain and keep the running lane open. However, his size will make block finishing somewhat hit or miss and he will need help against some of the bigger defenders lining up across from him.
"Teams with certain size standards might pass on him but his tenacity and talent make him a can't-miss prospect if matched in the right scheme."
26. Jets: Jermaine Johnson
Where he plays: Defensive end
School: Florida State
NFL Draft scouting report: "Ascending edge prospect. Johnson has NFL traits and the potential to keep getting bigger and better as a pro. He is a one-year full-time starter with an underdeveloped pass rush and occasional lapses in awareness, but both areas should be correctable with more coaching and game experience.
"He's more instinctive and consistent as a run defender, but his length and relentlessness are excellent building blocks for challenging protection. Johnson's blend of strength and athleticism should make him a firm edge-setter and playmaker near the line of scrimmage for odd or even fronts. He has the traits, athleticism and talent to project as a top-40 pick with a bright future."
27. Jaguars: Devin Lloyd
Where he plays: Linebacker
School: Utah
NFL Draft scouting report: "Highly productive and highly physical, Lloyd could create interesting discussions in draft rooms as teams work through his process versus production. Lloyd can be a little inconsistent with early diagnosis and fit recognition and unorthodox in how he flows to the football.
"With that said, he has a stat sheet full of production in every major category, including 43 tackles for loss over the last three seasons. He plays with the willful demeanor of an NFL alpha linebacker and is sneaky talented as a rusher either blitzing or aligning off the edge.
"Lloyd will make plenty of plays and should become a good starter as an inside or strong-side linebacker, but inconsistent process could limit his consistency."
28. Packers: Devontae Wyatt
Where he plays: Defensive tackle
School: Georgia
NFL Draft scouting report: "Highly active defensive tackle with decent strength. Wyatt is made for movement and disruptions. He helped himself in 2021 with better tape both against the run and as a pass rusher.
"His lateral quickness is useful in beating zone blocks and in sliding across the front in a game-based pass rush. Wyatt has adequate strength but struggles to withstand a second blocker. The traits are average, but the effort is consistent and Wyatt should fit nicely as a rotational, gap-seeking three-technique with disruptive flashes."
29. Patriots: Cole Strange
Where he plays: Offensive line
School: Chattanooga
NFL Draft scouting report: "Highly experienced interior lineman who does a nice job of staying on schedule. He shines over the first two phases of the block, which means he gains early positioning and gets into the sustain phase with proper hand usage and footwork.
"He will lose a tug-of-war battle as a pure man-to-man blocker, but wins with lateral quickness and an understanding of angles as a move blocker. A snappier pass punch is needed to prevent sub-package rushers with hand talent from bypassing him too easily.
"His frame and play strength are a little below average, but he has done some snapping in practice, so he could land as a future starting center for a zone-happy rush offense."
30. Chiefs: George Karlaftis
Where he plays: Edge
School: Purdue
NFL Draft scouting report: "Edge defender with good power and a relentless motor to keep the heat on offensive counterparts throughout the game. Karlaftis' best production came in 2019, as he missed half of Purdue's 2020 season and saw teams focus more energy toward stopping him in 2021.
"He's a lift-and-leverage run defender at the point of attack but fits into a "team defender" column more than "premium run-stopper" category. He's a force-based rusher with anchor-busting power and the ability to get to his counters when the rush begins to stall.
"With just two full seasons under his belt, there will be more development headed Karlaftis' way. He's a future starter as a strong-side defender in an even or odd front."
31. Bengals: Daxton Hill
Where he plays: Safety
School: Michigan
NFL Draft scouting report: "Hybrid safety/nickel with an outstanding blend of speed, explosiveness and coverage versatility. Hill is a smooth, twitchy athlete who is unencumbered in his coverage movements.
"He's rangy playing over the top, has the eyes and burst to play zone, and the oily hips and length to shade bigger slots in man coverage. He can trigger quickly downhill to cut off angles in run support but his play demeanor is more run-and-cover than run-and-hit near the line.
"Hill has premium athletic traits, enticing coverage talent and the ability to make plays on the ball from anywhere he is aligned. He's sure to be a coveted target for defenses trapped in pass-happy divisions."
32. Vikings: Lewis Cine
Where he plays: Defensive back
School: Georgia
NFL Draft scouting report: "Cine plays with a willing aggressiveness that fit right in with Georgia's talented stop unit. He plays with an urgent, downhill approach, which leads to memorable collisions but he's not always under control in getting there.
"He doesn't have desired mass and stopping power for his style of play, but the work gets done. Cine lacks range and instincts to play over the top and is better suited to split safety and down safety alignments.
"He can handle man coverage underneath but doesn't have the hips to swing and sway with talented receivers down the field. Cine has future starting potential as a zero flinch safety, but has limitations for defenses to consider."
How did each college football conference make out in the NFL Draft this year?
1. SEC — 7
2. Big Ten — 4
T-2. ACC — 4
4. Pac-12 — 1
T-4. AAC — 1
T-4. Conference-USA — 1
T-4. Missouri Valley, FCS — 1
T-4. SOCON FCS — 1
T-4. Notre Dame — 1
10. Big 12 — 0
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