NFL Analysis
2/26/25
19 min read
Re-Drafting 2022 NFL Draft After 3 Years
There's nothing easier to have hindsight on in sports than the outcome of the NFL Draft. Sometimes, it's easy to get the immediate response to picks wrong, but a re-draft is possible within one year of any given draft. Generally, the most impactful players show that ability early in their careers and certainly within their first three years.
We're three full seasons removed from the 2022 NFL Draft, so we're re-drafting one of the more debated classes in recent memory. There were zero blue-chip quarterback prospects, and the 2022 class was seen similarly to the 2025 NFL Draft class due to the lack of obvious star power. Still, the 2022 class has produced seven All-Pro appearances and 16 Pro Bowlers.
It's not the most impressive class, but some of the more accomplished players failed to make it into a complete first-round re-draft. We undertook the challenge of turning back the clock to use what we knew today, as each team was on the clock.
Some franchises pivoted with their picks and passed on their original selection, while others had to scramble to find the best talent left.
Which teams hit the jackpot, and which ones would be worse off today if our 2022 NFL re-draft came to fruition?
Re-Drafting the 2022 NFL Draft
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Original Pick: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
The Jacksonville Jaguars' decision to go with NFL Combine darling Travon Walker looked disastrous after Year 1, but their original pick has looked better as he's gained experience.
Still, it's impossible to say the Jaguars got it right. Aidan Hutchinson is one of the premier pass-rushers in the league, dominating every pass-rush advanced metric available to us. With 28.5 sacks through 39 games, he'd be the easy top pick.
2. Detroit Lions: Sauce Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Original Pick: Aidan Hutchinson
Even after a bit of a down season in 2024, Sauce Gardner should still be considered one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. His first two years were as good as anyone in the league, and he has the frame, physicality, and playmaking to continue being a threat for offenses to account for over the next half-decade.
Detroit could taken a second-tier pass-rusher instead, but the talent drop-off from Gardner to the next edge is big.
3. Houston Texans: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Original Pick: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Selecting between a more consistently good player vs. someone who fluctuates a bit but has bigger impact plays is a tough call. Derek Stingley Jr. needed a year to adjust to the NFL but has since embraced comparisons to Xavien Howard.
He'd be a good re-draft option, but I favor Trent McDuffie's consistency. Plus, it's impossible to shake off how well McDuffie played in Kansas City's 2023 Super Bowl run.
4. New York Jets: Brock Purdy, QB, Iowa State
Original Pick: Sauce Gardner
Of course, the New York Jets would hate to lose their defensive foundation in Gardner, but Brock Purdy would be the best quarterback the franchise has had since Joe Namath. That might seem extreme, but their incredibly bad run of signal callers is that dismal.
Purdy almost surely doesn't replicate his success from San Francisco, but he's a high-floor player who would bring stability to the position while the Jets continued to build its roser. Purdy would've easily beaten Zach Wilson out for the starting gig in 2022 as well.
5. New York Giants: Tyler Smith, OL, Tulsa
Original Pick: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
Things get really interesting at this point. The New York Giants hit relatively well with Kayvon Thibodeaux, but this is a class where the defensive talent vastly outmatched the offensive line talent.
New York missed on Evan Neal, devastating the offense for years to come. Thus, getting Tyler Smith to play right tackle or guard would've served them much more. However, they will also take Smith before Carolina can since the Panthers needed a blocker as well.
6. Carolina Panthers: Charles Cross, OT, Washington State
Original Pick: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
The Carolina Panthers' original selection of Ikem Ekwonu was always questionable because of his struggles in pass protection at tackle. Those concerns have played out as expected, and he'd be best served to kick inside to guard.
Knowing this, Carolina would pivot to the best pure blindside tackle, Charles Cross. Cross is the better value and long-term option, a natural finesse left tackle.
7. New York Giants: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Original Pick: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
It's not a huge deal for the Giants to swap the positions addressed with their selections. Walker, the No. 1 pick, goes before Thibodeaux because he's starting to put those immense tools together.
Thibodeaux is a good player, but Walker's physicality, durability (he's played six more games), and impact in the run game give him a very slight nod.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Drake London, WR, USC
Original Pick: Drake London
Drake London is slightly behind Garrett Wilson in receptions and yards through three seasons, but the fit between the Atlanta Falcons and London makes sense to keep in place.
The Falcons opted for a big-bodied threat who moved unusually well and dominated at the catch point. London has delivered on the hype and expectations, and both players ended up being massive hits for their respective franchises.
9. Seattle Seahawks: Zach Tom, OT, Wake Forest
Original Pick: Charles Cross
Watching Cross go off the board early would give the Seattle Seahawks a headache, but this tackle class ended up being quite good. Zach Tom has been brilliant with Green Bay as a former fourth-round pick, posting an elite pass-blocking efficiency mark as a right tackle.
It's a bummer Seattle doesn't have an ideal left tackle replacement for Cross, but maybe Tom would've thrived as a blindside blocker if given the chance. The rest of Tom's resume is good enough to trust.
10. New York Jets: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Original Pick: Garrett Wilson
Wilson is one of the most dynamic and threatening young talents in the league. Producing three straight seasons with at least 83 receptions and 1,042 yards despite playing in a turbulent situation is an ode to his versatility and pure talent.
Giving Purdy a No. 1 receiver is slightly more important than replacing Gardner, but Stingley would definitely be a consideration nonetheless.
11. New Orleans Saints: Derek Stingley, CB, LSU
Original Pick: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Chris Olave has been awesome for the New Orleans Saints, but his health is now a concern for his future outlook. With New Orleans able to keep a local star in Louisiana, pivoting to Stingley is a reasonable decision.
The Saints had a good cornerback room, but their roster deterioration during the last few years makes it easier to justify taking a longer-term outlook. If Olave comes back healthy and can stay on the field, this pick might flip back the other way in the future.
12. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
Original Pick: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Detroit's bold move up from No. 32 to No. 12 for Jameson Williams hasn't quite panned out as hoped, but he at least started showing signs of growth in 2024. In our re-draft, the Lions added Sauce Gardner earlier but missed on Hutchinson. With Kayvon Thibodeaux available, it's not a hard sell for Detroit to land its new primary pass-rusher.
Thibodeaux is a good three-down player who hasn't quite become a perennial Pro Bowl producer, but the talent is there for him to reach that high of a ceiling.
13. Philadelphia Eagles: Tyler Linderbaum, OL, Iowa
Original Pick: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
The Philadelphia Eagles built their Super Bowl-winning roster with the trenches being the focus every offseason, and that strategy continues in our re-draft.
Jordan Davis has been better than his pedestrian numbers suggest, but it's hard to pass on an All-Pro-caliber center in Tyler Linderbaum. Linderbaum is a fantastic asset in the run game and would've been able to play guard while Jason Kelce was still on the roster.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Kerby Joseph, SAF, Illinois
Original Pick: Kyle Hamilton, SAF, Notre Dame
Kyle Hamilton has been everything the Baltimore Ravens hoped for, but Kerby Joseph is coming off an even better season. Like Hamilton, Joseph splits time between the box, slot, and single-high safety.
His career passer rating allowed (66.3) and 2024 missed tackle rate (6.3%) make Joseph arguably the best safety in the NFL. It's hard to justify taking Hamilton when his passer rating allowed is 20 points higher, and his missed tackle rate is double Joseph's.
15. Houston Texans: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Original Pick: Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M
Olave doesn't fall too far despite his concussion history, and that's because he's still one of the more impressive young receivers in the league. In 2022, the Houston Texans offense desperately needed playmaking, and not much has changed since then after injuries ravaged the group in 2024.
Olave's a terrific three-level threat who keeps defenders on their heels. Plus, we would've eventually seen Olave reunite with C.J. Stroud in Houston.
16. Washington Commanders: Kyle Hamilton, SAF, Notre Dame
Original Pick: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
I knocked Hamilton a bit under the Baltimore pick, but staying in the DMV area makes sense. The Washington Commanders have had some good safety play during the years, but they've not been nearly as dynamic and threatening as Hamilton can be.
Washington's three-safety looks with Bobby McCain and Kamren Curl would've been stout against the run and capable of slowing passing games.
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
Original Pick: Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College
Despite boasting the length and strength motto that seemed to project so well to the next level, Zion Johnson has just been a decent player in the NFL.
The Los Angeles Chargers would've changed their pick if given the chance, and Bernhard Raimann would've solved a few headaches. A fantastic right tackle after development, Raimann's presence would've had a domino effect in 2024, as the Chargers could've selected Malik Nabers instead of Joe Alt.
18. Tennessee Titans: George Pickens, WR, Georgia
Original Pick: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
There have only been a couple of clear busts to have come off the board by this pick, but Treylon Burks has the only claim to have been effectively traded for A.J. Brown.
The Tennessee Titans hoped Burks' athleticism would translate as Brown's did, but he's been a total mess. Instead, taking George Pickens would've helped the team more. Pickens has some limitations, and his attitude can be grating, but he's at least a solid No. 2 receiver.
19. New Orleans Saints: Luke Goedeke, OT, Central Michigan
Original Pick: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Trevor Penning was one of the more controversial prospects in the class because he had the raw power and athleticism to be great, but his technique and aggressiveness were huge weaknesses.
He's struggled so far, so swapping him for a more efficient and reliable prospect would've worked nicely for the Saints. Luke Goedeke is another good former Central Michigan star who has one of the stronger analytical profiles of all young tackles in the league.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: DaRon Bland, CB, Fresno State
Original Pick: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt
While DaRon Bland's historic 2023 season with nine interceptions and five pick-6s grabbed headlines, he's been a reliable presence beyond just forcing turnovers.
His playmaking is rare and incredibly valuable, but he's also an active run defender and versatile option who can play inside or outside. Pittsburgh's lacked athleticism like this at cornerback for years, and pairing him with Minkah Fitzpatrick would be especially fun.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
Original Pick: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Losing out on McDuffie is devastating, but the Kansas City Chiefs' decision here would be to pivot to re-acquiring their other first-round pick.
George Karlaftis isn't good in the run game, but his first step and power complement Chris Jones better than any option on the board. He doesn't finish sacks as well as he should, but he creates pressure. It helps that Steve Spagnuolo knows how to account for his run-game deficiencies as well.
22. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Original Pick: Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
While Quay Walker has been a steady tackler, there's not a lot else he provides Green Bay. The writing is on the wall, and this was a missed pick. Instead of investing in linebackers here, going with Jordan Davis gives Green Bay an upgrade on its next pick.
Davis' stellar run defense and occasional pass rush have given him immediate value since joining the league, compared to Devonte Wyatt's inability to stay on the field on run downs.
23. Buffalo Bills: Christian Benford, CB, Villanova
Original Pick: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
The Buffalo Bills missed on Kaiir Elam but essentially got a first-round value by taking Christian Benford in the sixth round. We'll simply swap those picks in this re-draft. Benford has been a revelation during the last two years when Buffalo desperately needed someone to emerge at the position.
A top-notch tackler with good ball skills, Benford is the most reliable slot defender in the NFL.
24. Dallas Cowboys: James Cook, RB, Georgia
Original Pick: Tyler Smith, OG, Tulsa
There's a bit of the chicken-to-the-egg situation regarding what to do with Dallas's pick. It could take another blocker who is nowhere as good as Tyler Smith or add a much-needed playmaker.
With James Cook proving to be so efficient and explosive, he gets the nod. Having an elite offensive line matters, but it didn't help the Cowboys enough during the last three seasons. Maybe Cook would've been more impactful.
25. Baltimore Ravens: Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma
Original Pick: Tyler Linderbaum, OC, Iowa
The Baltimore Ravens love edge-rushers who force pressures and move well, so it's surprising they didn't have Nik Bonitto higher on their board in 2022.
Bonitto doesn't hold up well in the run game, but he's a unique player because he's an excellent pass-rusher and coverage option. The 240-pounder would be fun to see in one of the more creative defenses in the NFL.
26. New York Jets: Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin
Original Pick: Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
He's not talked about as much as some of the other defenders in this group, but when Leo Chenal is on the field, the Kansas City Chiefs see a huge boost from the unit.
One of the best athletes in the class at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Chenal is rock-solid in run defense, producing an elite seven percent missed tackle rate in the last two years. Jermaine Johnson's torn Achilles injury obviously comes into play here, too.
27. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
Original Pick: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
The Jaguars didn't miss on Devin Lloyd, but it's hard to justify taking an off-ball linebacker over a similar talent at a more valuable position.
Kyler Gordon recovered from an awful rookie season to become a steady coverage threat from the slot. A reliable tackler who allowed more than 38 yards in a single game only twice last season, Gordon would infuse needed energy into this secondary.
28. Green Bay Packers: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Original Pick: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
Year 1 was rough for Lloyd, but Jacksonville figured out he operates better as a weak-side option compared to a middleman. The Green Bay Packers could've replicated that plan, and they would've been rewarded in this re-draft.
Lloyd had a stellar 2024 season as a run defender because his missed tackle rate plummeted from 11.1 percent to 4.5 percent. He's not an asset in the passing game, but he's still more playable than Walker is.
29. New England Patriots: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State
Original Pick: Cole Strange, OG, Chattanooga
Ekwonu hasn't been great with Carolina, but he's also been miscast as a left tackle. Instead of letting him fall out of the first round completely, it's more reasonable to place him in a better position to succeed.
The New England Patriots reached on Cole Strange and received uneven play. Ekwonu projects better inside where his lack of flexibility and speed isn't as exposed, and would likely be at least an average or better guard.
30. Kansas City Chiefs: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
Original Pick: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
There's not a cornerback available who can play well inside and outside like McDuffie has for the Chiefs, so a complete pivot for a playmaker is in order.
Isiah Pacheco was a nice find as a seventh-round pick, but Breece Hall has totaled almost 300 more rushing yards and nearly 750 more receiving yards in two more games played. He's a true three-down star who still has years of high-level play coming, whereas Pacheco's future is likely that of a backup.
31. Cincinnati Bengals: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
Original Pick: Daxton Hill, DB, Michigan
The Cincinnati Bengals' effort in rebuilding their defense has come at no small expense, but missing on guys like Dax Hill proved it's not about simply throwing a ton of picks at a unit and hoping it works.
Knowing that, the Bengals lean even more into its offense. Hayden Hurst was fine but replaced later, whereas Trey McBride has become a difference-making option at tight end. He's fifth in receiving yards in the class.
32. Minnesota Vikings: Dylan Parham, OG, Memphis
Original Pick: Lewis Cine, SAF, Georgia
The Minnesota Vikings have had some major hits in recent drafts, but their first two picks in the 2022 class were big misses.
Lewis Cine and Ed Ingram haven't panned out at all. Instead, going with a solid guard replacement in Dylan Parham would've given this roster even more juice in the run game. Parham has played center and left guard over his first two years but really settled in as a quality right guard this past year.
