Dane Brugler’s ranking of his favorite 2022 NFL Draft classes from 1 to 32 – The Athletic

This is my spin on grading the 2022 NFL Draft hauls for each team. Instead of handing out letter grades, I power ranked the 32 clubs based on my favorite draft classes, from best to worst.

In all honesty, I like what most of these teams did. But somebody has to be 1, and somebody has to be 32.

This was a challenging, subjective exercise because there was something I liked about every draft class. But ultimately, the results came down to two categories: quality of talent added and the value of where players were taken.

Teams with more draft picks (especially in the top 100) had an obvious advantage while teams (like the Dolphins and Rams) without the draft capital are predictably toward the bottom of the list.

1. New York Jets

Favorite pick: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

The Jets made seven picks in this year’s draft, and I think they nailed each one, making it tough to narrow down my favorite pick from the class. But I have to go with my top wide receiver and the new Wilson-to-Wilson connection for the Jets.

The top priority for the Jets this offseason was to add an offensive playmaker at receiver, and Wilson makes the playbook come alive. He plays much bigger than he looks with elite body control and catch point skills, while also creating space before and after the catch.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Micheal Clemons, Edge, Texas A&M

The Jets only picked twice on Day 3, but they landed a pair of quality players. At 263 pounds with near 35-inch arms, Clemons looks like he is straight out of central casting, using his forward lean and strike power to create leverage points and rush opportunities. There are some similarities to John Franklin-Myers, who was also a fourth-round pick.

2. Kansas City Chiefs

Favorite pick: Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan

Not only did the Chiefs have plenty of draft capital, they also capitalized on their picks. This answer could easily be Trent McDuffie or George Karlaftis or Bryan Cook or Leo Chenal, but of the 262 total picks in this year’s draft, Moore to Kansas City was easily one of my favorites.

Moore is a different style of receiver than Tyreek Hill, so it isn’t an apples-to-apples replacement. But Moore is outstanding in the quick game to be a catch-and-run threat or can win vertically down the field. My No. 39 overall player, Moore has large, accepting hands with the speed and competitive profile to be a playmaker with Patrick Mahomes.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Darian Kinnard, OT/G, Kentucky

On the final day of last year’s draft, the Chiefs landed a steal with Trey Smith, a mauling guard from the SEC. A similar situation happened this year with Kinnard who could has easily been drafted on Day 2 but slipped a little because of his sloppy tendencies. Nonetheless, Kinnard is a bully who can see playing time at tackle and guard.

3. Baltimore Ravens

Favorite pick: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

I feel like I say it every year — good players just fall to the Ravens, which isn’t a coincidence. Both Hamilton and Linderbaum were dinged by evaluators throughout the draft process for maybe not matching ideal position norms. But they are two of the best football players in this draft.

I expected Linderbaum’s lack of length and position flexibility to knock out him of the first round, but Baltimore didn’t let that happen. The Ravens want to be the best rushing team in the league, and it will be interesting to see if/how they adjust their blocking scheme to maximize the strengths of Linderbaum, who has the ceiling to be an elite run blocker in the NFL.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota

The first of six fourth rounders for the Ravens, Faalele is a massive blocker at 6-8 and 384 pounds, but with questionable range because of his size. It is reminiscent of when Orlando Brown Jr. slipped into the laps of the Ravens in the third-round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Brown obviously out-played his draft spot, and Faalele might be able to do the same in Baltimore.

4. Detroit Lions

Favorite pick: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Aidan Hutchinson, my No. 1 player in the draft, was a no-brainer pick and gives Detroit a pass rusher with double-digit sack potential. But my favorite pick is Williams, who has truly special speed and gives Detroit the big-play threat it has been missing since Calvin Johnson (with all due respect to Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones and others).

Originally slotted to pick at No. 32, the Lions jumped up 20 spots to No. 12 to nab Williams, who was the fourth receiver drafted in a five-pick stretch. Coming off the ACL injury, he likely won’t be ready until mid-season, but the Lions aren’t in a position where they need to rush him back. I love the potential impact from Williams.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Malcolm Rodriguez, LB, Oklahoma State

A four-year starter at Oklahoma State, Rodriguez was a high school quarterback who made the transition to safety and then linebacker in Stillwater. Though he doesn’t have ideal size by NFL standards, his key-and-diagnose skills are outstanding with the instincts to put himself in position to make plays. With the Lions’ linebacker situation, Rodriguez will be a tough player to keep off the field as a rookie.

5. Philadelphia Eagles

Favorite pick: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

The Eagles drafted only five players, but they also used one of their first-rounders to trade for veteran receiver A.J. Brown, which is why they belong in the top five. In the second round, they were torn between Jurgens and Dean, and they went with the interior blocker, who was my No. 49 overall player and a good value there.

But to their surprise, Dean was still available in the mid-third round, and general manager Howie Roseman seized the opportunity. I was told by multiple teams that they dinged Dean for “minor knee and pectoral” issues, but neither were considered long-term problems. With his play speed and diagnose skills, Dean was more than worth the risk at that point in the draft.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Kyron Johnson, Edge, Kansas

A surprising combine snub, Johnson lit up his pro day (4.40 40-yard dash, 6.98 three-cone, 39.5-inch vertical) and continued to build upon the momentum he created at the Senior Bowl. Yes, he is undersized, but he will be a star on special teams while defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon figures out the best way to utilize his speed in the Eagles’ front seven.

6. Jacksonville Jaguars

Favorite pick: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

I have been a Travon Walker truther since the fall so I had no issues with the Jaguars drafting him at No. 1 overall. But the value of where they landed Lloyd (my No. 9 overall player) makes him my favorite pick of Jacksonville’s haul. The Utah product is a true four-down player who can make plays in coverage, vs. the run and as a blitzer. After stealing Muma in the third-round, the Jaguars landed linebacker prospects with high-impact potential.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Gregory Junior, CB, Ouachita Baptist

The Jaguars’ cornerback depth chart is far from settled, and there is a path for Junior to see playing time early in his career. He plays with outstanding mirror-and-match skills and balance in his transitions. Despite being a combine snub, Junior didn’t look out of place vs. better competition during Senior Bowl practices.

7. Seattle Seahawks

Favorite pick: Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State

I really like what the Seahawks did at offensive tackle, landing their left tackle (Cross) and right tackle (Lucas) for the present and future. But my favorite pick was Walker, who was my top-ranked running back in this year’s draft class. As Seattle figures out the long-term vision at quarterback, they will be relying on the running game and Walker has the instinctive ability to create yardage and be a playmaker.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA

At 6-4 and 205 pounds with 4.26 speed, Woolen is a unicorn — one of a kind. And based on those rare traits alone, I expected Woolen to be gone on Day 2. But because he is so raw as a player, he slipped into Day 3. Woolen likely won’t see extensive action in Year 1 or maybe even Year 2 so there is patience required with him. But toward the end of his rookie contract, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he is a legitimate starter for Seattle.

8. Atlanta Falcons

Favorite pick: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

I really like what the Falcons did in the first three rounds. London and Kyle Pitts are athletic big men who will be tough to cover. Ebiketie gives the Falcons a legitimate pass rush threat. Andersen is raw, but a super athlete with a high ceiling once he develops. But I have to go with Ridder. The Falcons passed on the temptation to draft a quarterback in the first two rounds, but in the third round, the value was well worth the selection. And it doesn’t stop the Falcons from addressing the position in the early rounds next year if that is the best direction for the franchise.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Tyler Allgeier, RB, BYU

Based on team fit and value, Allgeier to Atlanta is one of my favorite Day 3 picks this year. Although his burst is average, he runs with an instinctive feel and quick feet for a bigger back and shows the passing game potential to be an every-down back. Allgeier’s tape is very similar to James Conner when he was coming out of Pittsburgh.

9. Houston Texans

Favorite pick: Christian Harris, LB, Alabama

Although there are youthful areas of his game that need cleaned up, Harris has the speed and multidimensional skill set to quickly develop into an impact starter. A high school defensive back, he started right away as a linebacker for Nick Saban and his intangibles and ability are what made him one of the best stack linebackers in this class.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Dameon Pierce, RB, Florida

The Texans were expected to draft Breece Hall at No. 37 before the Jets leapfrogged them to nab the Iowa State running back. Houston waited until the fourth to land Pierce, who has a pro skill set with his run instincts and finishing skills. He should be a better pro than college player and is a reliable option (no fumbles, no drops and few mental mistakes on tape).

10. New Orleans Saints

Favorite pick: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

The Saints were hoping to leave the first round with a playmaking pass-catcher and left tackle of the future — and that is exactly what they did. After moving up for Olave, the Saints had to cross their fingers that Penning would last to No. 19, and he did. Though a few rough patches should be expected early, Penning has an outstanding combination of size, length, power, athleticism and intelligence — he just needs additional coaching to be more consistent with his technique and timing.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: D’Marco Jackson, LB, Appalachian State

The Saints had only two picks on Day 3, but Jackson has several traits that fit what Dennis Allen covets for his defense. He plays with the instant reactor, downhill speed and alpha attitude that will make him an immediate special teamer and back-up with potential to be more.

11. Los Angeles Chargers

Favorite pick: Zion Johnson, OG/C, Boston College

Though I was a little surprised the Chargers passed on Penning, I had the Chargers nabbing Johnson in my final mock draft because the pairing makes perfect sense. After drafting one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL two years ago, the Chargers found their left tackle in the first round last year and now add a versatile guard-center. Johnson is plug-and-play thanks to his movements, play strength and intelligence.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Jamaree Salyer, OG, Georgia

I knew I was higher than most on Salyer pre-draft, but I’m still shocked he fell all the way to the sixth round. Some teams believe he is too much of a tackle-guard tweener, and medicals are a part of his fall as well, Salyer was rarely beaten on tape, allowing only one sack in his career (to Alabama’s Will Anderson). At worst, he should provide immediate offensive line depth.

12. New York Giants

Favorite pick: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

I thought several of the Giants’ selections, especially on Day 2, were slight reaches, but they knocked it out of the park adding two cornerstone players in the top 10. My No. 3 overall player, Neal is a ready-made lineman with functional experience at left and right tackle, giving the Giants options as they find the best fits for him and Andrew Thomas.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Micah McFadden, LB, Indiana

Indiana was a tough watch last season, but McFadden was one of the few bright spots. Though I have some questions about him in coverage, he has outstanding downhill instincts and is arguably the best blitzing linebacker in this class. It also helped that he posted a 6.88 three-cone and 4.62 40-yard dash at Indiana’s pro day.

13. Buffalo Bills

Favorite pick: Khalil Shakir, WR, Boise State

Considered a borderline top-100 pick, Shakir slipped to the Bills in the fifth round and he should be an immediate contributor. He plays with outstanding gear-control to create pockets of separation, especially out of the slot where he can find open zones. Shakir will be tough to keep off the field and could share slot snaps with Jamison Crowder as a rookie.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Baylon Spector, LB, Clemson

A former safety, Spector has some tweener traits, but he was a draftable prospect because of his instincts and athleticism. I was really impressed with his balanced movements to hold up in space and break down as a tackler. Spector will be a tough guy to cut in training camp.

14. Cincinnati Bengals

Favorite pick: Daxton Hill, CB/S, Michigan

The appeal with Hill is his versatility to play anywhere in the secondary. He can attach himself to slot receivers as a nickel, play more of a two-safety look, and he could realistically line up outside with his above-average athleticism. One scout told me that Hill will be the best defensive back out of Michigan since Charles Woodson, and it is hard to disagree.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Tycen Anderson, S, Toledo

A steal in the fifth round, Anderson has an intriguing cornerback-safety background with the speed (4.36 40-yard dash) and length (33-inch arms) that defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo values in his scheme. There are several different directions the Bengals could go in their secondary after the 2022 season, and Anderson helps give them options.

15. Denver Broncos

Favorite pick: Nik Bonitto, Edge, Oklahoma

My No. 65 overall prospect, Bonitto went exactly where I think he should have and landed in a great situation. Though there are some questions about his ability to hold up vs. the run, there are zero concerns about his disruptive athleticism to force the quarterback to move his feet. Bonitto goes to a scheme where he won’t need to start, but can be productive as a subpackage player.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Damarri Mathis, CB, Pittsburgh

The Broncos hit a home run in the first round last season with Patrick Surtain II, but the rest of the cornerback depth chart is somewhat in flux. Mathis has only average size, but his speed, explosive lower body and competitive nature are traits worth betting on at the position. He was a steal in the fourth round.

16. Dallas Cowboys

Favorite pick: Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama

Tolbert fell almost a full round later than where I had him ranked and goes to a Cowboys offense where he could make an immediate impact. Though he doesn’t have elite breakaway speed, he has terrific tracking and adjustment skills to be a playmaker, not too dissimilar from Michael Gallup, another third-rounder of the Cowboys a few years back.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: John Ridgeway, NT, Arkansas

After four years at the FCS level, Ridgeway transferred to the SEC for the 2021 season and played at a high level vs. the run. A former high school champion wrestler, he is burly, long and strong with the base power to stand up double teams and be a dependable early-down player — exactly what the Cowboys needed on their defensive line.

17. Carolina Panthers

Favorite pick: Ikem Ekwonu, OT/G, NC State

The Panthers didn’t have many early picks, but landing my No. 2 overall player at No. 6 overall gives them a substantial boost. Ekwonu is a Charlotte native who gets to play in front of his home crowd and provides the Panthers with a Day 1 starter at left tackle who also has upside. It won’t take long for him to establish himself as one of the best offensive players on the Panthers’ roster.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Amare Barno, Edge, Virginia Tech

Though still very raw as a football player, Barno has rare speed and get-off for a near-250 pounder (4.36 40-yard dash, 1.49 10-yard split). Time will tell if he can develop into an every-down type of edge rusher, but his athleticism and length (34-inch arms) can be an asset as a subpackage rusher.

18. Minnesota Vikings

Favorite pick: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

The Vikings traded away from an opportunity to draft Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton, but they still landed one of the best safeties in the draft. Cine is a do-everything safety and on a loaded Georgia defense last season, he led the team in tackles and passes defended. I want to see him back more plays on the ball, but he is an enforcer vs. the run and an ascending talent in coverage.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Akayleb Evans, CB, Missouri

Though Minnesota was able to nab a sliding Andrew Booth because of injury concerns, they also landed a steal in the fourth round with Evans. Only one interception in five seasons is bothersome, but there are only so many cornerback prospects with his blend of size (6-feet-2, 32-inch arms) and speed (4.46 40-yard dash). Evans has starting upside.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Favorite pick: Logan Hall, DL, Houston

I love what the Buccaneers did in the first two rounds. Goedeke is an outstanding fit with his personality and on-field ability, giving Tampa position flexibility across the line. But I give the edge to Hall as my favorite pick for the Buccaneers. At 6-6 and 280 pounds, he provides inside-outside versatility on the defensive line and is just starting to scratch the surface of his immense potential.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Cade Otton, TE, Washington

If not for a foot injury that prematurely ended his senior year and sidelined him for the draft process, Otton would have been a lock Day 2 draft pick. He is a sound blocker and underrated receiver who wasn’t able to fully blossom in the Huskies’ anemic offense the past two seasons. This pick will age very nicely.

20. Indianapolis Colts

Favorite pick: Bernhard Raimann, OT/G, Central Michigan

Raimann is a developmental 25-year old blocker, so it isn’t a mystery why he fell on draft day. But several teams made a mistake by letting him fall this far, something the Colts aren’t disappointed about. Raimann has only been playing on the offensive line for two seasons and is still learning, but his coordination and movements are impressive for a man his size. It also helps that he has top-notch character and coachability.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Eric Johnson, DT, Missouri State

The Colts had four picks on Day 3, and all four were non-combine prospects. My highest-ranked non-combine player in the draft was Johnson, who made a name for himself at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and Senior Bowl. He can win with athleticism or power and will continue to get better with NFL coaching. Johnson is an ascending player.

21. Washington Commanders

Favorite pick: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

It sounds hyperbolic, but Dotson has the best catch radius and ball skills of any sub-5-11 wide receiver that I have scouted in recent memory. He reminds me a lot of Diontae Johnson with his movements, except Dotson is much more reliable at the catch point. My only problem with this pick? They traded away from several higher-ranked receivers like Chris Olave and Jameson Williams because of their desire to add more draft capital in the third and fourth rounds. Time will tell if that was the right move.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina

Percy Butler was one of my favorite Day 3 safeties in this class, and he will provide immediate production on special teams. But I have to go Howell here because if the Carson Wentz experiment goes south quickly, the chants for Howell will become louder and louder throughout the season. And if Howell gets his chance, the might not give up the job.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers

Favorite pick: George Pickens, WR, Georgia

Pickens was considered a borderline top-50 prospect for most teams, although he was also off several other boards because of character concerns. But he landed in a great situation where he won’t be expected to be a starter from Day 1 and will be allowed to develop while also providing spurts of production. There is no franchise in the NFL with a better track record of turning Day 2 receivers into high-level starters.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis

I don’t think the Steelers went into this year’s draft with the priority of doubling up at receiver. But when Austin fell to them in the fourth round, it became a no-brainer situation. Though he doesn’t have ideal size at 5-8 and 170 pounds, Austin has elite speed and burst, and my favorite part of his game is how quickly he transitions from receiver to runner. His punt return skills will also be the key to him seeing early action.

23. Tennessee Titans

Favorite pick: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

Twitter’s love for Willis was way over the top throughout the draft process, but he became an intriguing value outside of the first round, and the Titans landed him in the mid-third round. He goes to a great situation where he won’t be expected to see the field in 2022 or even 2023. But Willis will be given the opportunity to develop at his own pace, which is exactly what he needs.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Kyle Philips, WR, UCLA

The Titans drafted a pair of slot receivers in this class, albeit with very different play styles. Though the Titans are hoping that Burks grows into A.J. Brown’s role, Philips is strictly an underneath target who can find open zones for quick-hitters. What he lacks in long speed, he makes up with his electric footwork and short-area burst.

24. Chicago Bears

Favorite pick: Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State

It is fair to criticize the Bears for not adding an offensive playmaker in the second round, but Chicago added a pair of promising defensive backs, and Brisker was outstanding value at No. 48 overall. Arguably the best all-around safety in the draft, Brisker has speed, toughness and smarts and can wear several different hats in the secondary.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Doug Kramer, C, Illinois

I really like what the Bears did on Day 3. Braxton Jones has starting upside, and Dominique Robinson can end up being a productive nickel rusher. But I’m giving the edge to Kramer, who just has that “make-it” competitive streak that will keep him on the active roster. Born and raised in Illinois, this was the final line of my Kramer report: “he is quick, smart and the type of grinder capable of carving out a multi-contract NFL career.”

25. San Francisco 49ers

Favorite pick: Drake Jackson, Edge, USC

I have been singing the praises of Gray the past few months — he will be the steal of this year’s wide receiver class. But I’m giving Jackson the edge here because of his upside rushing the passer for a scheme that prioritizes disruptive fronts. He will need some time to develop his body, but he is a loose, athletic player who can make plays vs. the run and as a rusher.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Tariq Castro-Fields, CB, Penn State

Although his tape was very up and down, Castro-Fields has the talent that should have landed him somewhere in the top 200 picks. His aggressive nature is what creates the volatility but he has size, speed and tools that will help him compete for early playing time.

26. Cleveland Browns

Favorite pick: Alex Wright, Edge, UAB

I sent Wright to the Browns in my third-round mock draft because he checks a lot of boxes that the Cleveland front office wants at that point in the draft. Though still a work-in-progress in several areas of playing the position, he is young (21 years old), long (34-inch arms) and athletic with impressive movement skills for his size. There is a good chance the Browns add a free agent edge rusher (Jadeveon Clowney?), and Wright is penciled in as the starter in 2023.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Isaiah Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma

Although he won’t offer much deception with his rush plan, Thomas has heavy hands to be a stout edge defender who can also win with speed-to-power as a rusher. He has the skills to work himself in to the defensive end rotation as a rookie, which might be his ceiling, but he can outplay his seventh-round landing spot.

27. Green Bay Packers

Favorite draft pick: Zach Tom, OT/C, Wake Forest

It will be interesting to see how the Packers’ offensive line comes together in training camp, especially with a versatile talent like Tom added to the mix. I don’t want to put too much expectations on him, but there are some similarities to David Bakhtiari when he was coming out of Colorado.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Samori Toure, WR, Nebraska

The third wide receiver drafted by the Packers in the class, Toure has the talent to out-play Doubs and possibly compete with Watson for early playing time. The Montana transfer averaged 19.5 yards per catch in 2021 and tested well above average, which matches the tape. Toure’s phone was blowing up in the later rounds with teams hoping to sign him as a free agent, and the Packers decided to bypass the competition and make him a draft pick.

28. Arizona Cardinals

Favorite pick: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

The Cardinals’ first three picks were drafted almost exactly where I had them ranked in my top 100: McBride (drafted No. 55, ranked No. 62), Thomas (drafted No. 87, ranked No. 88) and Sanders (drafted No. 100, ranked No. 100). So I’ll stick with my highest-ranked of the group as my favorite pick. McBride doesn’t have true dynamic qualities, which is why I didn’t think he would be a top-50 pick. But he is dependable and will be a first-down machine for Kyler Murray and that offense.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Marquis Hayes, OG, Oklahoma

This was almost my choice for “favorite pick” because of the remarkable value. A third-rounder on my board, the Cardinals landed him in the late seventh round. It’s very possible I am off on my evaluation, but I saw a mauling blocker on tape, one who also has the smooth movements and instincts to hold up in the NFL as both a run blocker and pass protector. I graded him as a player who could eventually compete for a starting job.

29. Las Vegas Raiders

Favorite pick: Dylan Parham, OG/C, Memphis

Despite not having a top-80 draft pick, the Raiders still came out of this weekend with a quality haul. Parham, who was my No. 72 overall prospect, reminded me a lot of Shaq Mason, a player with whom new Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels is very familiar. Parham logged double-digit starts at left guard, right guard and right tackle in college, but many believe center will be his best long-term position.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Neil Farrell, DT, LSU

For a 330-pound nose, Farrell carries his weight surprisingly well with the snap quickness to create an immediate surge off the ball. Everything clicked for him as a senior when he set career-bests in production and snaps played. He should be a rotational nose as a rookie and has the potential to be much more.

30. New England Patriots

Favorite pick: Marcus Jones, CB, Houston

I loved the Cole Strange pick, even if the Patriots reached and took him much earlier than they probably had to. But Jones was my favorite pick of New England’s class. The No. 70 overall player on my board, I was worried that he might freefall in the draft because he is small (5-8, 174 pounds) and is coming off double shoulder surgery. However, he still went in the third round, which is a testament to his talent as a cornerback and return man.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Chasen Hines, OG, LSU

The Patriots have a decent track record of developing Day 3 linemen, and Hines could be next if he keeps his weight under check. He flashes explosive traits for a 330-pounder on short and long pulls and has spent time at all three interior line positions.

31. Los Angeles Rams

Favorite pick: Kyren Williams, RB, Notre Dame

An all-purpose weapon in college, Williams was one of the best third-down backs in this draft class, which is his projected role with the Rams as he shares time with Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson. Although he might not have elite long speed, Williams is dynamic in the passing game and will bring leadership to the Rams locker room.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Daniel Hardy, Edge, Montana State

Montana State produced two of the freakiest athletes in this year’s draft class. Everyone knows about linebacker Troy Andersen, but Hardy has impressive athleticism as well. Although he is somewhat of a tweener at 6-2 and 235 pounds, he ran a 4.64 40-yard dash with a 40-inch vertical and 6.71 three-cone, which was the best three-cone among every edge rusher and linebacker in this class.

32. Miami Dolphins

Favorite pick: Channing Tindall, LB, Georgia

Tindall is still very much a work-in-progress and likely won’t make a substantial impact on defense as a rookie. But he should make an immediate impact on special teams and has the explosive speed to push for starting reps down the road.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Erik Ezukanma, WR, Texas Tech

Ezukanma is a big-bodied target with only average speed, but he has terrific play strength and showed key improvements last season on 50-50 balls, maintaining his focus in a crowd. The Dolphins have an explosive wide receiver depth chart, and Ezukanma gives them more of a power forward who can win at different levels of the field.

(Illustration: Wes McCabe / The Athletic; photo: Jeff Speer / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)