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2022 NFL Draft winners: 10 teams that crushed it

By Russell S. Baxter

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)
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) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 30: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Panthers in action during the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Heinz Field on October 30, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 30: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Panthers in action during the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Heinz Field on October 30, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

6. Pittsburgh Steelers

What you talkin’ about Willis? All puns aside, some would say that there was plenty of smoke coming out of the Steel City when it came to the 20th overall pick. It appeared that general manager Kevin Colbert and head coach Mike Tomlin had set their sights on a quarterback with the retirement of 18-year pro Ben Roethlisberger.

But instead of opting for Liberty’s Malik Willis, the Black and Gold stayed local and opted for University of Pittsburgh product Kenny Pickett. The Steelers also needed to replenish their wide receiving corps – now minus Juju Smith-Schuster, James Washington and Ra-Ray McCloud – and hope second-round pick George Pickens (George) and fourth-round choice Calvin Austin III (Memphis) can fill the bill.

And sixth-round fullback Connor Heyward (Michigan State) is the younger brother of All-Pro defensive lineman Cameron Heyward.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It’s been quite a few months for a team that won Super Bowl LV in 2020 but was knocked out of the playoffs on the final play of the game by the eventual champion Rams in 2021. Bruce Arians retired and Todd Bowles is the new head coach. Tom Brady retired and then changed his mind as he returns for his 23rd NFL season.

The Buccaneers traded out of the first round on Thursday night but would address all three aspects of the club. That includes punter Jake Camarda (Georgia) in the fourth round. Elsewhere, versatile defensive end Logan Hall (Houston) is a little insurance up front if Ndamukong Suh doesn’t return.

Elsewhere, second-round guard Luke Goedeke (Central Michigan) could take over for retired Ali Marpet. Tight end O.J. Howard signed with the Bills and Rob Gronkowski hasn’t made a decision regarding 2022, hence the fourth-round choice of Cade Otton (Washington).

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