2022 NFL Draft grades: Biggest winners and losers
NFL Draft Grades – NFC North
Chicago Bears
Down a first-round pick after trading it to secure Justin Fields’ services last year, the Bears surprisingly opted not to use either of their two second-round picks to help their young quarterback. Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker should offer some help to the Chicago secondary but neither position was a glaring need compared to what would help Fields develop. The Bears did add receiver Velus Jones, who was a reach in the third round, and some developmental linemen on Day 3 but this overall class is underwhelming.
Grade: D
Detroit Lions
The Lions sprinted their card to the podium when the Jaguars passed on Aidan Hutchinson, which was a smart move since the Michigan defensive end will be a pillar of the Detroit defense for years. Trading up to snag Jameson Williams lands an exceptional talent in Detroit but the cost of giving up multiple picks for a receiver rehabbing a torn ACL seems a big excessive. This was a solid class for the Lions, who deserve credit for staying away from a weak quarterback crop and keeping their powder dry for a pick in a better class next season.
Grade: B
Green Bay Packers
The receiver run in Round 1 left Green Bay in a position to either reach for the seventh best receiver on the board or address other needs. The Packers chose Door B, landing Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt to their defense while trading up to snag North Dakota State’s Christian Watson on Day 2 as Aaron Rodgers’ newest weapon. Third-round offensive lineman Sean Rhyan could also start at right tackle as a rookie, which would add even more value to a deep class.
Grade: B-
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings traded back from 12 to add extra picks, which enabled them to address some critical holes in their secondary. Lewis Cine should be a Day 1 starter in Minnesota while Clemson’s Andrew Booth offers a chance at long-term stability at cornerback, a position that the Vikings have had trouble filling for a long time. Minnesota did reach a bit at guard for Ed Ingram in the second round, who does fill a need but could likely have been had later in the draft.
Grade: B+