NFL Draft 2022- Best Value Picks
GEORGE KARLAFTIS | KANSASCITY CHIEFS- ROUND 1 (30)
A few months ago, Purdue EDGE George Karlaftis was viewed as a potential top 10 pick and one of the best pass rushers in the draft, but during draft night, Karlaftis fell out of the top 25 and the Kansas City Chiefs were there to swoop in for his services. The Chiefs needed help at EDGE opposite Frank Clark and Karlaftis could step in day 1 and be a contributor for the Chiefs defense.
ANDREW BOOTH JR. | MINNESOTA VIKINGS- ROUND 2 (42)
Clemson CB Andrew Booth Jr. was one of the more consistent CBs in college football and constantly ranked in the first round. Minnesota had a big need at this position and adding Booth Jr. to the group with former All-Pro Patrick Peterson certainly is a great landing spot.
JAQUAN BRISKER | CHICAGO BEARS- ROUND 2 (48)
Many thought the Bears would address OL or WR with their first two picks but instead upgraded their secondary with CB Kyler Gordon with their first second round pick followed up with the better value pick in S Jaquan Brisker. The former Nittany Lion is a versatile CB who should have no problem fitting in nicely across from Eddie Jackson.
TRAVIS JONES | BALTIMORE RAVENS- ROUND 3 (76)
The Baltimore Ravens are known for having strong defensive lines and this year will likely be no different. This year they grabbed a great value pick in Connecticut’s Travis Jones who was one of the biggest risers this year at DL and will have excellent mentors and DL teammates in Calais Campbell and Michael Pierce.
NAKOBE DEAN | PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- ROUND 3 (83)
Georgia LB Nakobe Dean was wildly regarded as one of the gems on the defensive side in this year’s draft but after he fell out of the first round it was apparent that he was going to be a steal for some team. Enter the Philadelphia Eagles. Philly draft Dean’s Georgia teammate, Jordan Davis, less than 24 hours prior to night 2 of the draft and GM Howie Roseman decided it was time for Dean’s draft fall to end in the third round which may down when its all said and done as one of the best value picks of the draft.
MALIK WILLIS | TENNESSEE TITANS- ROUND 3 (86)
No pick was more surprising this year than the Tennessee Titans drafting QB Malik Willis in the third round after most in the media believed him to be a lock first round pick. The Liberty QB has all the tools to be a starting caliber QB in the NFL so for the Titans to get him in the third round and develop as a backup in his rookie year behind Ryan Tannehill is a great fit for Willis.
DARIAN KINNARD | KANSAS CITY CHIEFS- ROUND 5 (145)
Rounding out the list is Kentucky OL Darian Kinnard who was one of the better RT in college football the last couple years and viewed as a starting caliber player who should’ve gone in the first three rounds. Fast forward to the draft and Kinnard falls all the way to the fifth round where the Chiefs once again nab a quality OL who may end up as a starter by the end of the 2022 season.