NFL Draft 2022: 10 best players available after Round 1

2. WR John Metchie III (Alabama)

For the third consecutive year, there were at least five wide receivers selected in the first round of the NFL draft. That’s a first when it comes to the common era of the draft which dates back to 1967. And if John Metchie III or another wideout would have gotten the nod, it would have tied the NFL record for the most wide receivers (2004) selected in the first round.

The former Crimson Tide standout shouldn’t be around too long on Friday night. He played in only four games in 2019. But the past two seasons, he appeared in 13 contests each year. And he comes off a year in which he finished with 96 receptions for 1,182 yards and eight touchdowns – all career-bests.

1. LB Nakobe Dean (Georgia)

There were five members of the defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs’ defensive unit chosen in the first round on Thursday night. That quintet did not include linebacker Nakobe Dean, which was somewhat of a surprise.

“Explosive, three-down linebacker with the demeanor and quickness to become a volume tackler while holding down third-down duties at a high level,” explains NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “Dean’s play recognition is a work in progress, which limits reaction time and forces him to deal with more blockers than he’ll see as he gains more experience. He might lack measurables, but he has the toughness and technique to see a boost in his performance once his play becomes more proactive.”