2022 NFL Draft grades: Biggest winners and losers

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 28: Kyle Hamilton poses onstage after being selected 14th by the Baltimore Ravens during round one of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

NFL Draft Grades – AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

Few teams in the league draft better than Baltimore, which took advantage of a slide from Kyle Hamilton to land a potentially generational talent at safety. The trade of Hollywood Brown to Arizona created another first-round pick which produced center Tyler Linderbaum, who could be a 10-year starter along the Ravens’ offensive line. Stashing Michigan’s David Ojabo, who was likely a first-round pick before tearing his Achilles tendon, was tremendous value while Travis Jones should fill a big hole along Baltimore’s defensive line as well.

Grade: A

Cincinnati Bengals

It was weird to watch Cincinnati spend three of its six picks on safeties, including Michigan’s Daxton Hill in the first round, which could speak to a lack of confidence in the ability to reach a long-term deal with Jessie Bates. Needs at cornerback and linebacker were ignored in the process while only one offensive lineman was picked in the fourth round. The reigning AFC champions certainly didn’t help their chances of maintaining the high ground in the conference here.

Grade: D

Cleveland Browns

The Browns dealt their top two picks away to help land Deshaun Watson but they still landed a nine-man draft class thanks to five picks in the third and fourth rounds. Those picks helped add depth at need areas, with Alex Wright and Perrion Winfrey bolstering the defensive line while David Bell should be a contributor at wide receiver as a rookie. Given the limitations that Cleveland put on itself with the Watson deal, this class is extremely solid.

Grade: B-

Pittsburgh Steelers

Much like New England a year ago, Pittsburgh didn’t panic to get the quarterback it wanted, sitting at No. 20 to snag Kenny Pickett as the likely heir to Ben Roethlisberger. Following that up with two receivers in their next three picks, headlined by George Pickens in Round 2, is smart to help prop up Pickett and give him a good chance of future success. DeMarvin Leal is a good value play for the defensive line in the third round but the Steelers could have used some secondary depth as well.

Grade: B

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