2022 NFL Draft grades for each Spherical 1 choose: Two A’s for Giants and a D for the Patriots

Welcome to our pick-by-pick first-round grades of the 2022 NFL Draft. From Aidan Hutchinson to Kayvon Thibodeaux to Jordan Davis, we’ll analyze each single choice because the motion unfolds Thursday night time.

For these of you who suppose we should always wait a couple of years earlier than grading the picks, we disagree. NFL groups should make choices underneath uncertainty. So we should always consider them primarily based on what we all know on the time of the choose. The grades under will mirror not solely the standard of the prospects but in addition the method — in different phrases, whether or not it’s a smart use of sources given the state of the franchise.

Having mentioned that, be happy to report me to Old Takes Exposed in a pair years when these look silly.

Stats are courtesy of The Beast or Professional Soccer Focus until in any other case famous.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia

There’s no denying Walker’s upside. He’s 6-foot-5, 272 with 35½-inch arms. He ran 4.51 and is the most effective athlete amongst edge defenders on this class. Walker has the instruments to be dominant in opposition to the run. The query is how he’ll develop as an edge go rusher. Walker totaled 9.5 sacks in 36 video games (15 begins), and the advanced stats were unkind.

It’s truthful to query the Jaguars’ course of right here. Their No. 1 objective this offseason ought to have been to place Trevor Lawrence for fulfillment. They may have very simply spent this choose on a high-ceiling left deal with to guard Lawrence for the subsequent 4 to 5 years. As an alternative, they determined to retain Cam Robinson, who has been common to below-average, signing him to a three-year, $54 million deal.

If Walker hits, it’s simple to see his path in direction of turning into one of many NFL’s high defensive gamers. However given the dearth of pass-rush manufacturing and the truth that he didn’t line up as a pure edge in faculty, there are extra questions on him than we usually see with No. 1 picks.

As regular, the Jaguars made this extra difficult than it wanted to be. This grade has extra to do with their course of than about Walker’s potential as a prospect.

Grade: C

2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan

The Lions won’t have been anticipating him to be there at No. 2, however when the Jaguars went with Walker, this in all probability grew to become a simple resolution.

Hutchinson (6-foot-7, 260), a Michigan native, was a extremely productive faculty participant with 14 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss final season. He tasks as somebody who ought to be capable of line up at completely different spots and rush the passer whereas additionally being disruptive in opposition to the run.

Hutchinson won’t be as flexible as a number of the edge rushers who normally get drafted this excessive, however given his athletic testing, it’s in all probability a mistake to counsel that he has a low ceiling. His three-cone time on the mix ranked within the 99th percentile for edge rushers.

It is a nice final result for the Lions. They only want blue-chip gamers. Hutchinson performs a premium place and fills a giant want space for them.

Grade: B+

3. Houston Texans: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Stingley (6 toes, 190) made 25 begins for the Tigers, though he was restricted to only three video games final yr due to a Lisfranc harm. He totaled 26 passes defended and 6 interceptions, and opposing quarterbacks accomplished simply 41.1% of their passes when focusing on him.

The Athletic’s Diante Lee made a robust case for Stingley as the highest nook within the draft. He has elite cowl abilities and isn’t even 21 years outdated.

The Texans are one other staff that simply wants blue-chip gamers. They shouldn’t be drafting for Lovie Smith’s scheme as a result of, let’s be trustworthy, there are not any ensures past 2022 for Smith.

Drafting Stingley carries some danger, on condition that final yr didn’t go nice for him. However I’ve no difficulty with swinging for a house run at a premium place right here.

Grade: B

4. New York Jets: Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

The Jets may have gone in plenty of completely different instructions — offensive deal with, edge, nook. In the long run, they settled on Gardner (6-foot-3, 190).

He began 28 video games in three seasons for the Bearcats. Opposing quarterbacks hardly ever threw his approach, and after they did, Gardner made them pay. He had 9 interceptions and 27 passes defended and by no means allowed a landing! In response to Sports activities Data Options (SIS), Gardner allowed 0.1 yards per protection snap final season — by far the most effective mark within the nation.

Gardner has measurement, velocity, competitiveness and manufacturing. He has an opportunity to emerge as among the best gamers from this draft class. It is a superb choice by the Jets and fills a significant want at a premium place.

Grade: B+

5. New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon

Thibodeaux (6-foot-4, 254) was a productive faculty participant with 19 sacks and 35.5 tackles for loss in 32 video games. He’s a plus athlete and was a staff captain final yr.

SIS tracks fast strain charge (how typically a go rusher produces strain in 2.5 seconds or much less) and true strain charge (how typically a go rusher produces strain on straight dropbacks). Thibodeaux was high 5 in each classes final yr and ranked increased than each Hutchinson and Walker.

In the course of the pre-draft course of, there have been imprecise references to groups being turned off by Thibodeaux’s persona. However coaches should not certified to be psychologists. Their job is to, nicely, coach. It is a nice signal that the Giants’ new regime understands that.

The very best model of Thibodeaux might be some mixture of Khalil Mack and Jadeveon Clowney. There are not any ensures, however he has the instruments to become a real game-wrecker. At No. 5, the Giants get a high-ceiling prospect at a premium place who may have simply gone No. 1.

Grade: A

6. Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

Ekwonu (6-foot-4, 310) began 31 video games — 27 at left deal with and 4 at left guard — throughout his three faculty seasons. He performs with a nasty streak and ought to be an impressive run blocker from day one.

Ekwonu wants to scrub up some points in go safety (PFF charged him with 10 sacks allowed up to now two seasons), however there’s no denying his upside. Ekwonu ought to have the flexibility to play guard or deal with.

This doesn’t clear up the Panthers’ quarterback drawback, however left deal with has been a catastrophe for them for years. Ekwonu is a tone-setter, and he performs a premium place. The Panthers nonetheless have lots to determine, however Ekwonu is a superb choose.

Grade: B+

7. New York Giants: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Neal (6-foot-8, 337) began 40 video games for Nick Saban — 15 at left deal with, 13 at left guard and 12 at proper deal with. He was sturdy (missed only one recreation, and that was due to COVID-19) and dependable. Per The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, Neal bought referred to as for only one penalty final yr. And he allowed simply two sacks on 650 pass-blocking snaps.

The Giants can begin Andrew Thomas at one deal with spot and Neal on the different. Neal has confirmed how versatile he will be and has the upside to be an All-Professional.

With Thibodeaux and Neal, this couldn’t have labored out a lot better for the Giants.

Grade: A

8. Atlanta Falcons: Drake London, WR, USC

London’s measurement (6-foot-4, 219) separates him from the opposite high vast receivers on this class. A favourite of The Athletic’s Nate Tice, London caught 88 balls for 1,084 yards and 7 touchdowns final yr.

The questions are whether or not London will be capable of persistently separate in opposition to NFL corners and whether or not he’s able to producing explosive performs. London didn’t run on the mix or at USC’s Professional Day. He averaged a pedestrian 12.3 YPR final season.

London is a polarizing prospect. Given how younger he’s (turns 21 in July), there’s actually room for improvement. Possibly London will emerge as some model of Mike Williams or Allen Robinson. But when I’m taking a large receiver within the first spherical, I wish to be bought on velocity and separation. I’m not there with London.

This might be one which makes me look silly down the highway, however I’d have most well-liked Jameson Williams or Garrett Wilson right here if the Falcons wished to go vast receiver.

Grade: C-

9. Seattle Seahawks: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Cross (6-foot-5, 307) began 22 video games at left deal with up to now two seasons in Mike Leach’s pass-heavy scheme. Per Brugler, 78.9% of Cross’ faculty snaps have been pass-blocking performs. Final yr, Cross allowed simply two sacks and no QB hits on 719 pass-blocking snaps. Despite the fact that Cross didn’t run block lots, he seemed able to growing there.

The Seahawks went into the draft with arguably the worst deal with scenario within the NFL. Right here, they get an excellent prospect who performs a premium place. They’ve lots of work to do, however this can be a step in the correct course.

Grade: B

10. New York Jets: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

Wilson (6 toes, 183) caught 70 balls for 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns final yr. He ran a 4.38 40 and averaged 15.4 YPR throughout his faculty profession.

Wilson possesses two traits that ought to assist him discover success: He can create separation, and he can run. Brugler in contrast him to CeeDee Lamb, whereas others have pointed to Stefon Diggs.

A part of the Jets’ objective on this draft needed to be to proceed to place items round Zach Wilson. Garrett Wilson now joins Corey Davis and Elijah Moore at vast receiver. That’s a pleasant group.

I like each of the Jets’ picks within the first spherical.

Grade: B+

11. New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

The Saints gave up a third-round choose (No. 98) and a fourth-round choose (No. 120) to maneuver up from 16 to 11 and take Olave.

Olave (6 toes, 187) was persistently productive over the previous three years for the Buckeyes. In 47 profession video games (25 begins), he piled up 176 catches for two,711 yards and 35 touchdowns.

Olave has two issues going for him: He can run and he can separate. Olave is taken into account one of many extra polished route-runners on this yr’s class. He’s not going to do lots after the catch (simply 9 damaged tackles in his complete profession, per PFF), however Olave could make large performs on the skin. He tasks as one of many vast receivers who ought to be capable of contribute immediately.

Having mentioned that, I don’t like this course of for the Saints. This transfer represents an overconfidence of their means to guage expertise and an inaccurate evaluation of their possibilities of contending in 2022. They misplaced key gamers in left deal with Terron Armstead and security Marcus Williams in free company. Malcolm Jenkins retired.

The Saints are working in “win now” mode after they shouldn’t be. Olave may very nicely have an amazing profession, however that is dangerous course of.

Grade: D

12. Detroit Lions: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

The Lions gave up picks 32, 34 and 66 to amass 12 and 46 from the Minnesota Vikings.

Williams (6-foot-2, 179) was one of the vital electrifying gamers within the nation final yr, catching 79 balls for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns in his first season at Alabama after transferring from Ohio State.

Williams, who averaged 19.9 YPR in opposition to SEC competitors, tasks as a game-changing vertical risk. One of many solely strikes in opposition to him is that he suffered a torn ACL within the nationwide championship recreation in January and figures to overlook a part of his rookie season.

I’m usually in opposition to buying and selling up for non-quarterbacks, however the Lions basically made this transfer for a third-round choose and a choose swap within the second.

Williams’ ceiling is as excessive as any pass-catcher within the draft. He was my favourite vast receiver on this class. The Lions couldn’t resist. Undecided I’d have been capable of both.

Grade: B

13. Philadelphia Eagles: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

The Eagles gave up a fourth (124) and two fifths (162 and 166) to maneuver up from 15 to 13.

Davis (6-foot-6, 341) is without doubt one of the most intriguing gamers within the draft. He received the Chuck Bednarik Award as faculty soccer’s finest defensive participant final yr. Then he blew up the mix, working the 40 in 4.78 seconds and delivering one of the vital spectacular athletic testing performances we’ve ever seen.

So what’s the issue? Davis had simply two sacks final yr, and Georgia took him off the sphere in apparent passing conditions. He averaged simply 25.2 snaps per recreation.

The case for Davis: If a staff can unlock his go rush, he has the ceiling of a real game-wrecker and among the best defensive gamers in soccer. But when that doesn’t occur, you’re spending a first-round choose on a participant who won’t impression the sport on third down or within the remaining two minutes of shut video games.

I modified my thoughts on Davis 100 instances through the pre-draft course of. However I’ve no difficulty with the Eagles taking a giant swing right here, given the upside.

Grade: B

14. Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Hamilton (6-foot-4, 220) has uncommon measurement for a security and confirmed off excellent vary throughout his 19 faculty begins. He lined up at free security and robust security for Notre Dame, whereas additionally logging greater than 200 snaps within the slot.

The very best model of Hamilton can be a supersized Tyrann Mathieu who can line up all around the protection and use his smarts and instincts to create chaos. Hamilton ran a gradual 40 time (4.7) at his Professional Day, however he timed in at 4.59 on the mix. He missed six video games final yr due to a knee harm.

The Ravens have been affected person and landed a terrific prospect. I really like the match between participant and staff right here.

Grade: A

15. Houston Texans: Kenyon Inexperienced, OG, Texas A&M

Inexperienced (6-foot-4, 323) began 35 video games — 17 at left guard, 15 at proper guard, two at proper deal with, one at left deal with — in three seasons for the Aggies. Inexperienced is a mauler within the run recreation, and he allowed only one sack on greater than 700 pass-blocking snaps within the final two years.

Inexperienced’s versatility is a giant plus, and on condition that he simply turned 21 in March, there’s motive to consider he has loads of room to enhance.

The Texans acquired a fourth and two fifths by transferring again. I believe Inexperienced is a superb prospect. However should you’re a Houston fan, you’re in all probability questioning whether or not you might need been higher off staying put and taking Davis or Hamilton relatively than an inside offensive lineman.

Grade: C

16. Washington Commanders: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

Dotson (5-foot-11, 178) began 38 video games for the Nittany Lions and was prolific final yr with 91 catches for 1,182 yards and 12 touchdowns. He ran a 4.43 and confirmed on movie that he can separate — whether or not lined up on the skin or within the slot.

Dotson catches every little thing, is fearless in the course of the sphere and has excellent consciousness and instincts. He doesn’t make lots of people miss with the ball in his arms, and at 178 kilos, his play energy within the NFL is a query. However Dotson profiles as one of many vast receivers from this class who ought to be capable of contribute immediately.

Washington traded again from 11 to 16, picked up a third- and a fourth-round choose and landed a gifted vast receiver prospect. Good job by them.

Grade: B

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Zion Johnson, OG, Boston Faculty

Johnson (6-foot-3, 312 with 34-inch arms) may ultimately emerge as the most effective offensive lineman from this class. He started his profession at Davidson earlier than catching on at Boston Faculty the place he began 30 video games — 18 at left guard, 12 at left deal with — in three seasons.

Per PFF, Johnson allowed simply three sacks on greater than 1,000 pass-blocking snaps. He didn’t miss a recreation in 5 years, bought referred to as for only one penalty final season and has glorious athleticism.

The Chargers’ objective must be to guard Justin Herbert in any respect prices. This choose received’t be a headline-grabber, however it makes loads of sense.

Grade: B+

18. Tennessee Titans: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

The Titans traded A.J. Brown to the Eagles for this choose and a third-round choice (No. 101).

Burks (6-foot-2, 225) is a participant who has drawn comps to Brown. However he’s not a prototypical exterior vast receiver. Per Brugler, 82.9% of Burks’ faculty snaps got here within the slot, inline or within the backfield.

However he was one of many nation’s most enjoyable gamers to observe. He caught 66 balls for 1,104 yards and 11 touchdowns final season and had monster video games in opposition to SEC competitors. Per SIS, Burks completed first amongst all vast receivers in yards per route run.

The knocks on Burks are that he had an underwhelming mix (ran 4.55) and is a work-in-progress as a route-runner. However the upside is tantalizing.

Having mentioned that, it’s powerful to make sense of the Titans’ timeline. They’re rolling with Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry subsequent season, however now they’re relying on a rookie vast receiver. Wouldn’t they’ve been higher served rewarding Brown with the contract he had earned?

I like Burks as a prospect, however I’m undecided these maneuverings made sense for them.

Grade: C

19. New Orleans Saints: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

Penning (6-foot-7, 325) began 33 video games — 31 at left deal with, one at proper deal with, one at proper guard — up to now three seasons. He has uncommon measurement and athleticism. Penning had essentially the most spectacular athletic testing amongst offensive tackles on the mix. And he allowed simply two sacks on greater than 650 pass-blocking snaps up to now two seasons.

He didn’t persistently face top-level competitors, and Penning’s aggressiveness bought him into bother at instances. Per PFF, he had 34 penalties in his final 31 video games.

After having misplaced Terron Armstead, the Saints wanted to discover a left deal with. The traits are there for Penning to become a top quality starter.

Grade: B

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

The Steelers wasted no time discovering their successor to Ben Roethlisberger. Pickett (6-foot-3, 217) made 49 profession faculty begins, however it wasn’t till final season that he seemed like a first-round prospect. Pickett accomplished 67.2% of his passes for 4,319 yards, 42 touchdowns and 7 interceptions in 2021.

Accuracy was a energy for Pickett final yr as he ranked first in completion share over expectation. He additionally confirmed the power to make second-reaction performs.

The questions going ahead will probably be whether or not he can function shortly from the pocket and whether or not the improvisational performs will nonetheless be out there to him in opposition to NFL-level defenders.

I felt like Malik Willis provided extra upside, however loads of folks appreciated Pickett extra. Once you don’t have a quarterback, you possibly can just about all the time justify taking a swing on one. If it doesn’t work out, you strive once more. It is a superb swing by the Steelers.

Grade: B

21. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

The Chiefs moved up from 29 to 21 and gave up a 3rd (No. 94) and a fourth (No. 121).

McDuffie (5-foot-11, 193 with 29 3/4-inch arms) won’t have the scale or ball manufacturing we regularly see from first-round nook prospects, however his résumé is his movie. McDuffie gave up simply 111 yards complete in 11 begins final season, and he ranked third amongst corners in yards per protection snap, per SIS.

McDuffie completed his profession with two interceptions and 10 passes defended in 28 video games, however groups hardly ever threw his approach. Per PFF, he performed simply 60 snaps of true man protection final season.

I don’t love the Chiefs’ course of right here. Their key to success is offensive effectivity. Right here, they commerce for an undersized nook with restricted ball manufacturing and restricted man protection reps.

McDuffie can cowl and deal with. He may develop into a superb participant. However I don’t suppose I’d have been this aggressive to land him right here.

Grade: C-

22. Inexperienced Bay Packers: Quay Walker, LB, Georgia

Walker (6-foot-4, 241) is a enjoyable addition for Inexperienced Bay. He has size and might actually transfer. Walker’s 4.52 40 ranked within the 91st percentile for off-ball linebackers.

He began 17 video games for Georgia and had 67 tackles final season. Walker is hard, can defeat blocks within the run recreation and has the measurables to become an asset in zone protection.

On the floor, this would possibly really feel like a little bit of a attain, however Walker is a formidable prospect, and it’s not a stretch to suppose his finest soccer might be forward of him.

Grade: B

23. Buffalo Payments: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

The Payments jumped up from 25 to 23 and gave up a fourth-round choose (No. 130).

Elam (6-foot-2, 191) began 27 video games at Florida and carried out at a excessive stage. Per SIS, Elam completed second behind solely Ahmad Gardner in yards per protection snap allowed final season. He completed his faculty profession with 26 passes defended and 6 interceptions. Elam ran a 4.39 on the mix.

The Payments had an apparent want at nook, they usually get a feisty, aggressive prospect who can play man or zone. Brugler in contrast Elam to Tampa Bay’s Carlton Davis.

Buffalo will get a high-upside prospect who performs a premium place and fills a right away want. That’s a win.

Grade: B+

24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa

Smith (6-foot-5, 324 with 34-inch arms) began 23 video games at left deal with. He carried out nicely as a run blocker and gave up simply two sacks in additional than 800 pass-blocking snaps.

Smith performs with a nasty streak and possibly has the flexibility to slip inside to protect. He’s not a completed product and will expertise some rising pains as a rookie. Brugler referred to as Smith “extremely uncooked” and had him ranked fiftieth on his large board.

There’s no denying Smith’s upside, however this seems like a little bit of a attain.

Grade: C+

25. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Linderbaum, OC, Iowa

The Ravens moved again a pair spots and picked up a fourth-round choice from the Payments in return.

Linderbaum (6-foot-2, 296) began 35 video games at heart for the Hawkeyes and received the Rimington Award (given to the nation’s high heart) final yr. He gave up simply two sacks on greater than 1,200 pass-blocking snaps in his profession.

Ravens GM Eric DeCosta has referred to as the draft a “luck-driven course of” and he’s undoubtedly conscious that heart traditionally has a robust hit charge within the first spherical.

We will debate positional worth with facilities, however Linderbaum’s athleticism provides him a excessive ceiling, and this fills a necessity for the Ravens.

Grade: A-

26. New York Jets: Jermaine Johnson, Edge, Florida State

The Jets traded a second-round choose (35), a third-round choose (69) and a fifth-round choose (163) for this choose and a third-rounder (101).

Johnson transferred from Georgia to Florida State final yr and went off for 12 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in 12 begins.

He’s an older prospect (turned 23 in January), and on a per-snap foundation, Johnson ranked twenty eighth amongst edge defenders in fast strain charge and twenty second in true strain charge.

However given his manufacturing as a full-time participant final yr and his athletic profile, Johnson may emerge as among the best go rushers from this draft class. This was an affordable commerce up for the Jets.

Grade: B

27. Jacksonville Jaguars: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

The Jaguars gave up the thirty third choose (second spherical), 106th choose (fourth spherical) and one hundred and eightieth choose (sixth spherical) to maneuver up right here and take Lloyd.

Lloyd began 32 video games at Utah and stuffed up the stat sheet final yr, totaling 110 tackles (22 for loss), eight sacks, 10 passes defended and 4 interceptions. By way of measurables, at 6-foot-3 with 33-inch arms, he resembles Fred Warner. The Athletic’s Diante Lee described Lloyd as extra “superb” than “good” in protection.

Lloyd’s success may rely lots on scheme match. If the Jaguars permit him to do some little bit of every little thing — play the run, rush the passer, cowl — he may become one of many extra enjoyable gamers from this draft class. However from a positional worth perspective, it’s truthful to query the knowledge in buying and selling up for an off-ball linebacker who turns 24 in September.

Grade: C

28. Inexperienced Bay Packers: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

Wyatt (6-foot-3, 304) began 25 video games for Georgia and performed nicely, however there are some apparent issues.

One, he had simply 5 sacks in 49 profession video games. Two, he was arrested and charged with three misdemeanors in February 2020 after an altercation with a girl at her condominium. The chargers have been in the end dropped. And three, he’s already 24 years outdated.

When the Packers traded away Davante Adams, they appeared like a lock to draft a large receiver within the first spherical. However that didn’t occur. Possibly Wyatt will work out nice for them, however taking him right here seems like an pointless gamble.

Grade: C-

29. New England Patriots: Cole Unusual, OG, Chattanooga

Unusual (6-foot-5, 307) is without doubt one of the greater surprises within the first spherical. He began 44 video games in faculty — 42 at left guard, one at left deal with and one at heart.

Brugler had Unusual ranked as his 73rd total prospect. Sean McVay thought Strange might be available at No. 104.

Let’s be clear: Unusual would possibly find yourself being a Corridor of Fame participant. The draft is tough, and we shouldn’t make certain about something. Having mentioned that, on the very least, it feels just like the Patriots misinterpret the market and will have moved down once more for extra picks whereas nonetheless drafting Unusual on Day 2.

As an alternative, they used their first-round choice on a soon-to-be 24-year-old inside offensive lineman. I’m completely happy to look silly with this grade a pair years from now, however I don’t get it.

Grade: D

30. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs: George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue

Karlaftis (6-foot-4, 266) had 14.5 sacks, 30.5 tackles for loss and 4 compelled fumbles in 27 profession begins. He completed within the high 10 amongst edge defenders in each fast strain charge and true strain charge final season.

Karlaftis wins with energy, however on condition that he’s solely 21 and put up above-average testing numbers, there’s motive to consider he can add extra to his repertoire within the NFL.

The Chiefs wanted so as to add extra go rush, and Karlaftis at 30 seems like fairly good worth.

Grade: B

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Dax Hill, S, Michigan

The phrase versatility will get thrown round an excessive amount of this time of yr, however it applies to Hill (6 toes, 191). In 33 video games for Michigan, he performed each as a slot nook and a split-field security. Hill had glorious ball manufacturing final yr with 11 passes defended and two interceptions in 14 begins. He ran a 4.38 on the mix.

Hill checks so many containers. He’s rangy, explosive, aggressive, versatile and sturdy. This seems like a “finest participant out there” choose for the Bengals. I really like Hill’s slot in Cincinnati. He ought to contribute instantly and has the upside to be a cornerstone of that protection for years to come back.

Grade: A

32. Minnesota Vikings: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

The Vikings traded 12 and 46 for 32, 34 and 66.

Cine (6-foot-2, 199) began 27 video games at Georgia. Final yr, he led the staff in tackles (73) and had 10 passes defended and an interception. He lined up largely as a free security within the Bulldogs’ scheme.

Cine is a tricky, bodily security who performs with large vitality. He dedicated only one penalty all of final season, per Brugler. He examined as a top-three athlete amongst this yr’s security class. And Cine didn’t miss a recreation up to now three seasons.

I really like what Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah did right here. He learn the market nicely, picked up extra draft capital and bought one in all my favourite defensive gamers on this yr’s draft.

Grade: A

(Illustration: Wes McCabe / The Athletic; picture: Ben Liebenberg through Related Press)