Luckett's NFL Draft Takeaways: AFC

A crazy three-month process officially ended on Saturday in Las Vegas. After much time spent on guesswork and projections, we saw all 262 picks take place in the mega-event. There were many twists and turns.

We had surprise picks. There were crazy announcements. Saturday was an absolute marathon. In the end, 262 football players achieved a lifetime goal by hearing their names called in the NFL Draft. The official starting point of the 2022 season is in the books, and now it’s time to look at each draft class.

We were locked in here at KSR throughout the process and ended the crazy season by consuming every pick throughout the three days from the comfy confines of my couch. As has been a yearly tradition for the Twitter followers of yours truly, I have previously fired off quick reactions for all 32 teams and their draft hauls. For 2022, I’ve decided to expand.

It’s time for some quick reactions to the best non-game event on the calendar. Let’s begin with the AFC as the Cincinnati Bengals look to defend their crown this fall.

Bengals bet on traits

• 1 (31): Dax Hill (S, Michigan)
• 2 (60): Cam Taylor-Britt (CB, Nebraska)
• 3 (95): Zach Carter (DL, Florida)
• 4 (136): Cordell Volson (G/T, North Dakota State)
• 5 (166): Tycen Anderson (S, Toledo)
• 7 (252): Jeffrey Gunter (EDGE, Coastal Carolina)

After filling holes on offense in free agency, the defending AFC North champs went defense-heavy in the draft. Cincinnati has a roster in good shape as there is a chance none of these picks will be day one starters, but the additions fill roles. Dax Hill is a versatile defensive back with big-time speed that can excel as a box safety in subpackages. Cam Taylor-Britt tested well and had good ball production at Nebraska. Tycen Anderson has a chance to be a real special teams weapon with nickel versatility. The left guard spot is a huge question as Cordell Volson will get a chance to compete, but the Bengals added some needed younger pieces to add depth to the pass coverage and pass rush on defense. All of these players tested well as the Bengals are committed to getting faster.

Bills add instant help

• 1 (23): Kaiir Elam (CB, Florida)
• 2 (63): James Cook (RB, Georgia)
• 3 (89): Terrel Bernard (LB, Baylor)
• 5 (148): Khalil Shakir (WR, Boise State)
• 6 (180): Matt Araiza (P, San Diego State)
• 6 (209): Luke Tenuta (T, Virginia Tech)
• 7 (231): Baylon Spector (LB, Clemson)

The Buffalo Bills are entering the year with what looks like the best roster in the NFL, and the AFC East franchise added two prospects that should help enhance that 53-man group. Kaiir Elam will step in and start at cornerback with a top-50 recruit pedigree along with high-level play in spurts at Florida. James Cook was RB1 on my board, and the Georgia product will add top-flight pass-catching value to go along with underrated rushing production. Terrel Bernard and Baylon Spector were both productive for big programs. Matt Araiza has an absolute boot that can give the team a huge field position advantage in cold weather climates. Khalil Shakir adding help in the return game could give the team a boost.. The Super Bowl contender got better immediately in the draft.

Broncos add quality depth

• 2 (64): Nik Bonitto (EDGE, Oklahoma)
• 3 (80): Greg Dulcich (TE, UCLA)
• 4 (115): Damarri Mathis (CB, Pittsburgh)
• 4 (116): Eyioma Uwazurike (iDL, Iowa State)
• 5 (152): Delarrin Turner-Yell (S, Oklahoma)
• 5 (162): Montrell Washington (WR, Samford)
• 5 (171): Luke Wattenberg (C, Washington)
• 6 (206): Matt Henningsen (iDL, Wisconsin)
• 7 (232): Faion Hicks (CB, Wisconsin)

Denver went all-in and traded for Russell Wilson to create win-now mode out at Mile High. Due to the trade, the franchise did not have any top-50 picks. That’s a tough spot to be in, and the best thing a team can do is add depth at that point. Nik Bonitto has a high ceiling as an edge rusher, and Greg Dulcich had a case to be the best tight end in the class. The UCLA product will help fill a hole left by Noah Fant in the Wilson trade. After that, the Broncos took a lot of swings on day three picks. Damarri Mathis is intriguing as a press-man corner with great speed.

Happy Birthday, @Marri863 🥳

Whoever selects Damarri Mathis in the 2022 @NFLDraft will be very happy 🏝#H2P pic.twitter.com/BnT2m4gfox

— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) April 12, 2022

Browns draft was highlighted by fallers

• 3 (68): Martin Emerson (CB, Mississippi State)
• 3 (78): Alex Wright (EDGE, UAB)
• 3 (99): David Bell (WR, Purdue)
• 4 (108): Perrion Winfrey (iDL, Oklahoma)
• 4 (124): Cade York (K, LSU)
• 5 (156): Jerome Ford (RB, Cincinnati)
• 6 (202): Michael Woods II (WR, Oklahoma)
• 7 (223): Isaiah Thomas (EDGE, Oklahoma)
• 7 (246): Dawson Deaton (C, Texas Tech)

At one point in the draft process, both David Bell and Perrion Winfrey looked like early day two selections. However, each dropped on draft weekend, and the Browns pounced on day three. General manager Andrew Berry was also hindered by a lack of picks due to a QB trade but seems to have added some real pieces. Both Martin Emerson and Jerome Ford have solid tape. Cade York has a big leg and should upgrade the kicking game immediately. There is some boom or bust factor with this draft, but that is the game you play without any early picks.

Chargers give Justin Herbert some more help

• 1 (17): Zion Johnson (iOL, Boston College)
• 3 (79): JT Woods (S, Baylor)
• 4 (123): Isaiah Spiller (RB, Texas A&M)
• 5 (160): Otito Ogbonnia (iDL, UCLA)
• 6 (195): Jamaree Salyer (iOL, Georgia)
• 6 (214): Ja’Sir Taylor (CB, Wake Forest)
• 7 (236): Deane Leonard (CB, Ole Miss)
• 7 (260): Zander Horvath (RB, Purdue)

The other Los Angeles franchise has its cornerstone piece with Justin Herbert, and general manager Tom Telesco is doing a good job of supporting the young star. That showed up again in the draft as the Chargers took the top guard in the class at No. 17 overall as Zion Johnson will likely be an instant starter. Meanwhile, Isaiah Spiller is a sturdy tailback that can contribute. The Chargers checked offensive boxes in the draft after bolstering the defense in free agency.

Chiefs upgrade defense but find value on offense

• 1 (21): Trent McDuffie (CB, Washington)
• 1 (30): George Karlaftis (EDGE, Purdue)
• 2 (54): Skyy Moore (WR, Western Michigan)
• 2 (62): Bryan Cook (S, Cincinnati)
• 3 (103): Leo Chenal (LB, Wisconsin)
• 4 (135): Joshua Williams (CB, Fayetteville State)
• 5 (145): Darian Kinnard (G/T, Kentucky)
• 7 (243): Jaylen Watson (CB, Washington State)
• 7 (251): Isaih Pachecho (RB, Rutgers)
• 7 (259): Nazeeh Johnson (S, Marshall)

Despite losing Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins, the focus remained on improving the defense in Kansas City. General manager Brett Veach filled holes by adding a high floor cornerback (Trent McDuffie) and powerful pass rusher (George Karlaftis) who could both start immediately. Bryan Cook will also push for time at safety. However, the strength of the draft could come from the depth of the class. Skyy Moore fell out of the top-50, and the Chiefs added a player with vertical playmaking skills to the offense. Darian Kinnard was an All-American who is a great scheme fit for offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. The Kentucky product could be a valuable rotation piece as a rookie. The Chiefs addressed their needs.

Colts trust their draft board

• 2 (53): Alec Pierce (WR, Cincinnati)
• 3 (73): Jelani Woods (TE, Virginia)
• 3 (77): Bernhard Raimann (T, Central Michigan)
• 3 (96): Nick Cross (S, Maryland)
• 5 (159): Eric Johnson (iDL, Missouri State)
• 6 (192): Andrew Ogletree (TE, Youngstown State)
• 6 (216): Curtis Brooks (iDL, Cincinnati)
• 7 (239): Rodney Thomas (S, Yale)

General manager Chris Ballard is not afraid to take some risks. For the second offseason in a row, the Colts traded for a quarterback as the AFC South franchise is trying to win now as Matt Ryan takes over. That philosophy stays true in the draft. Without a top-50 pick, the Colts went swinging for the fences. Alec Pierce, Jelani Woods, and Bernhard Raimann each bring great positional athleticism to the team as the Colts are banking on development. Elsewhere, this franchise took some pretty big swings on some FCS prospects. Boom or bust class, but bet on Nick Cross finding a permanent home in the Indianapolis secondary.

Dolphins play it smart in light draft

• 3 (102): Channing Tindall (LB, Georgia)
• 4 (125): Erik Ezukanma (WR, Texas Tech)
• 7 (224): Cameron Goode (LB, California)
• 7 (247): Skylar Thompson (QB, Kansas State)

Miami is ready to win now with head coach Mike McDaniel, and that means light draft capital after a big trade and free agency period. The AFC East contender had zero top-100 picks but still found a way to find a potential starter. Channing Tindall got lost in the shuffle at Georgia, but the off-ball linebacker could start as a rookie and be productive. Cameron Goode had great testing numbers, and Skylar Thompson is a wide zone scheme fit at quarterback. Quiet draft for Miami, but finding a potential starter in Tindall gives them some good vibes heading into rookie mini-camp.

Jaguars add multiple starters

• 1 (1): Travon Walker (EDGE, Georgia)
• 1 (27): Devin Lloyd (LB, Utah)
• 3 (65): Luke Fortner (C, Kentucky)
• 3 (70): Chad Muma (LB, Wyoming)
• 5 (154): Snoop Conner (RB, Ole Miss)
• 6 (197): Gregory Junior (CB, Ouachita Baptist)
• 7 (222): Montaric Brown (CB, Arkansas)

Jacksonville is in rebuild mode, and the Jaguars got some help. Expectations will be high for Travon Walker, but both Devin Lloyd and Luke Fortner should join him as year one starters at leadership positions on each side of the ball. Chad Muma is also an intriguing prospect, and Snoop Conner brings downhill physicality at tailback. The worst team in the NFL got better.

Jets continue impressive talent acquisition

• 1 (4): Sauce Gardner (CB, Cincinnati)
• 1 (10: Garrett Wilson (WR, Ohio State)
• 1 (26): Jermaine Johnson (EDGE, Florida State)
• 2 (36): Breece Hall (RB, Iowa State)
• 3 (101): Jeremy Ruckert (TE, Ohio State)
• 4 (111): Max Mitchell (T, Louisiana)
• 4 (117): Michael Clemons (EDGE, Texas A&M)

The book is still out on Zach Wilson in New York, but general manager Joe Douglas is quickly building a name for himself as a solid talent accumulator. That was on full display in the draft. The Jets land a potential lockdown cornerback with Sauce Gardner in the top-five and get WR1 Garrett Wilson.

Garrett Wilson: 157.3 passer rating when targeted vs. man coverage (1st among FBS WRs)pic.twitter.com/kSgeK4yXYk

— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) April 28, 2022

Jermaine Johnson can help the pass rush with strong speed to power moves. Both Max Mitchell and Jeremy Ruckert are exciting wide zone scheme fits. Grabbing Breece Hall at No. 36 was early, but he is a highly productive player with good traits and pass-catching ability. Expectations should be high for any draft class with four top-40 picks, but the Jets seemed to have exceeded expectations. The roster is coming together nicely for Gang Green.

Patriots have a questionable draft

• 1 (29): Cole Strange (iOL, Chattanooga)
• 2 (50): Tyquan Thornton (WR, Baylor)
• 3 (85): Marcus Jones (CB/KR, Houston)
• 4 (121): Jack Jones (CB, Arizona State)
• 4 (127): Pierre Strong Jr. (RB, South Dakota State)
• 4 (137): Bailey Zappe (QB, WKU)
• 6 (183): Kevin Harris (RB, South Carolina)
• 6 (200): Sam Roberts (iDL, Northwest Missouri State)
• 6 (210): Chasen Hines (iOL, LSU)
• 7 (245): Andrew Stueber (G/T, Michigan)

After a solid draft in 2021, the Patriots seemed to go back in the wrong direction. Cole Strange has a great chance to be a solid pro, but New England could have made a move to get him in round two instead of spending first-round capital on the FCS prospect. Both Marcus Jones and Tyquan Thornton have playmaking traits, but there is a size issue. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Andrew Stueber is a good pro, and the run game remains important as the franchise is investing in tailback again. The early returns are not great on this haul for a franchise that needs to add some more high-level starters.

Raiders find quality in limited draft capital

• 3 (90): Dylan Parham (iOL, Memphis)
• 4 (122): Zamir White (RB, Georgia)
• 4 (126): Neil Farrell Jr. (iDL, LSU)
• 5 (175): Matthew Butler (iDL, Tennessee)
• 7 (238): Thayer Munford (G/T, Ohio State)
• 7 (250): Brittain Brown (RB, UCLA)

The Raiders waited a long time to make their first selection under new general manager Dave Ziegler, but the AFC West franchise did some good things. Dylan Parham brings positional athleticism, and Zamir White should be a good fit in the power scheme head coach Josh McDaniels is bringing from New England. Matthew Butler was a solid find in round five as a powerful three-technique. The Raiders added depth to a playoff roster.

Ravens deliver again

• 1 (14): Kyle Hamilton (S, Notre Dame)
• 1 (25): Tyler Linderbaum (C, Iowa)
• 2 (45): David Ojabo (EDGE, Michigan)
• 3 (76): Travis Jones (iDL, UConn)
• 4 (110): Daniel Faalele (T, Minnesota)
• 4 (119): Jalyn Armour-Davis (CB, Alabama)
• 4 (128): Charlie Kolar (TE, Iowa State)
• 4 (130): Jordan Stout (P, Penn State)
• 4 (139): Isaiah Likely (TE, Coastal Carolina)
• 4 (141): Damarion Williams (CB, Houston)
• 6 (196): Tyler Badie (RB, Missouri)

Baltimore has long had a reputation for having the best drafting front office in the NFL. That has continued under general manager Eric DeCosta. The Ravens took advantage of fallers with high-level production as Kyle Hamilton and Tyler Linderbaum should be instant starters. David Ojabo was a first-round talent who fell due to an Achilles injury, and Travis Jones is an explosive interior rusher. Daniel Faalele is a great power run scheme fit, and Charlie Kolar helps fill out an offense that wants to get tight end heavy. With 10 top-150 picks, a franchise should add a bunch of good players, and the Ravens checked that box. If Ojabo hits, this draft could be a home run.

David Ojabo hitting the Maxx Crosby eurospin on a guy that I think will be a starter in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/OSQokxFaHg

— Mike (@bengals_sans) April 29, 2022

Steelers take some big swings

• 1 (20): Kenny Pickett (QB, Pittsburgh)
• 2 (52): George Pickens (WR, Georgia)
• 3 (84): DeMarvin Leal (iDL, Texas A&M)
• 4 (138): Calvin Austin III (Slot/PR, Memphis)
• 6 (208): Connor Heyward (FB, Michigan State)
• 7 (225): Mark Robinson (LB, Ole Miss)
• 7 (241): Chris Oladokun (QB, South Dakota State)

In the final draft for general manager Kevin Colbert, Pittsburgh took some big swings. The Steelers are rolling the dice with Kenny Pickett at quarterback, and the super senior with off-platform playmaking skills will compete with Mitchell Trubisky in training camp. George Pickens was a great round two selection who will become another valuable option for the organization at receiver. Meanwhile, Calvin Austin III was a much-needed speed addition. There are still offensive line questions, and the team could’ve used some talent at cornerback, but this draft will ultimately be determined a success or failure by the production of Pickett.

Texans have rock solid draft

• 1 (3): Derek Stingley Jr. (CB, LSU)
• 1 (15): Kenyon Green (iOL, Texas A&M)
• 2 (37): Jalen Pitre (S, Baylor)
• 2 (44): John Metchie III (WR, Alabama)
• 3 (75): Christian Harris (LB, Alabama)
• 4 (107): Dameon Pierce (RB, Florida)
• 5 (150): Thomas Booker (EDGE, Stanford)
• 5 (170); Teagan Quitoriano (TE, Oregon State)
• 6 (205): Austin Deculus (T, LSU)

The Texans entered the draft with the worst roster in football. General manager Nick Caserio had to add quality over flash. Houston accomplished the mission. Derek Stingley Jr. gives the defense a potential cornerstone. Jalen Pitre, John Metchie III, Christian Harris, and Dameon Pierce form a solid young core to rebuild around. The Texans could have as many as six rookie starters as this organization took a step in the right direction.

Titans draft got weird

• 1 (18): Treylon Burks (WR, Arkansas)
• 2 (35): Roger McCreary (CB, Auburn)
• 3 (69): Nicholas Petit-Frere (T, Ohio State)
• 3 (86): Malik Willis (QB, Liberty)
• 4 (131): Hassan Haskins (RB, Michigan)
• 4 (143): Chigoziem Okonkwo (TE, Maryland)
• 5 (163): Kyle Phillips (WR, UCLA)
• 6 (204): Theo Jackson (S, Tennessee)
• 6 (219): Chance Campbell (LB, Ole Miss)

The Titans began the draft by trading star wideout A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles, and it was going to be hard to escape that. Yet, general manager Jon Robinson seemed to manage the middle rounds well. After adding Treylon Burks and Roger McCreary at positions of need, Tennessee jumped at the chance to develop Malik Willis behind Ryan Tannehill. Hassan Haskins is a perfect replacement for D’Onta Foreman. Chigoziem Okonkwo adds athleticism to the tight end position. Both Theo Jackson and Chance Campbell were highly productive SEC players who could grow into roles. The Titans had a good draft but were overshadowed by the blockbuster trade that puts an immediate spotlight on Burks.