One of the most anticipated parts of the off-season is officially in the books, as the 2022 NFL Draft has officially concluded. NFL organizations added young talent to their squad, but which teams made the biggest improvements? Which teams added talent to get them to the next level? Were there teams that drafted players that made fans scratch their heads? This installment of the 2022 NFL Draft grades features an in-depth breakdown of every team in the AFC East.
2022 NFL Draft Grades: AFC East
Buffalo Bills: A-
Players added: Kaiir Elam, James Cook, Terrel Bernard, Khalil Shakir, Matt Araiza, Christian Benford, Luke Tenuta, Baylon Spector.
Sensing that the pool of first-round cornerbacks was about to dry up, the Buffalo Bills traded their fourth-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens to move up two spots to select Florida cornerback Kaiir Elamat number 25 on Thursday. With star cornerback Tre’Davious White rehabbing a torn ACL he suffered last season and there now being an opening opposite White after Levi Wallace’s departure, the Bills selecting a cornerback seems very logical.
On Day 2, it was clear general manager Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott wanted to improve their running game by selecting Cook, the younger brother of Vikings running back Dalvin Cook. Drafting Bernard answered the Bills need for depth at linebacker. The Bills made a nice value selection with Shakir, who can help fill the slot void after Cole Beasley’s departure.
The most interesting selection on Day 3 was San Diego State’s Matt Araiza, who is nicknamed “Punt God” because of his booming leg. They also added another defensive back who could contribute on special teams in Christian Benford, regarded as one of the best small-school cornerbacks in the country.
Miami Dolphins: C
Players added: Channing Tindall, Erik Ezukanma, Cameron Goode, Skylar Thompson
The Miami Dolphins traded three of their top-four draft picks to the Kansas City Chiefs in a trade to get Pro Bowl receiver Tyreek Hill. They also dealt their fifth-round pick in a recent trade that sent DeVante Parker to the New England Patriots for a 2023 third-rounder. Because of those trades, the Dolphins had just four picks in the 2022 NFL Draft.
In the third round, they selected Georgia linebacker Channing Tindall, who was a role player on Georgia’s national championship team. He is very athletic, and has great chase speed and tackling ability. In the fourth round, they took the Texas Tech wideout Erik Ezukanma, a three-year starter with excellent body control and the ability to get on top of corners.
New England Patriots: C
Players added: Cole Strange, Tyquan Thornton, Marcus Jones, Jack Jones, Pierre Strong, Bailey Zappe, Kevin Harris, Sam Roberts, Chasen Hines, Andrew Steuber.
The New England Patriots traded down in the first round to gain picks. Cole Strange is a solid player who will probably be exactly that in the NFL for a decade but he was not expected to be selected in the top 50, much less in the first round. Tyquan Thornton’s speed was coveted, but trading a pick to get him in the top 50 was surprising.
Jack Jones is another small but feisty corner who could beat out veterans who underperformed last year. Bailey Zappe, a quarterback, is a director from the pocket with nice anticipation and a bit more zip in his arm than he is given credit for. Sam Roberts is a decent defensive line sleeper pick as he creates consistent pressure up front. The athletic Chasen Hines and sturdy Andrew Stueber could be good finds late in the draft.
The Patriots taking two running backs is a bit puzzling, as well as them drafting more offensive linemen compared to addressing their massive need at linebacker at least once during the draft.
New York Jets: A
Players added: Ahmad Gardner, Garrett Wilson, Jermaine Johnson, Breece Hall, Jeremy Ruckert, Max Mitchell, and Michael Clemons.
In their first four picks, the New York Jets selected four of the top players listed at their position in Ahmad Gardner, Garrett Wilson, Jermaine Johnson, and Breece Hall. The biggest gift for the Jets was when Johnson fell a bit after being projected by many as a top-12 pick. When Johnson did drop, the Jets traded the 35th, 69th, and 163rd picks to the Tennessee Titans for the 26th and 101st selections. As an edge setter, run defender, leader, and energy giver who never slows down, Johnson should add a lot of value early in New York.
The Jets were wheeling and dealing on Day 2 as well, as they opened that day by sending the 38th and 146th picks to the New York Giants to move up to number 36, where they selected Hall, the former Iowa State running back. Hall’s agility and ability to create yardage in just about any situation were tough to ignore. Jeremy Ruckert and Max Mitchell have a chance to see some regular playing time in 2022, while Michael Clemons, despite a few red flags, projects as a rotational NFL end who can play in either even or odd fronts.
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