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WCG’s lead draft analyst shares his redraft for the 2022 NFL Draft.
The general consensus is that it takes three years before one can analyze an NFL Draft pick and determine whether the selection was good or not.
For many different reasons — the NFL learning curve, working one’s way up the depth chart, etc. — it can take some prospects longer than others to get used to the NFL game. Likewise, some hot starters can end up getting figured out, making their careers more of a flash in the pan.
The 2022 NFL Draft class just saw its players wrap up their third year in the big leagues. There’s still a lot that can change between now and the end of these players’ careers, but at this stage, we have a solid understanding of which picks aged well, and which ones don’t look so good in hindsight.
Factoring in the wonderful power of hindsight to determine which players and positions each teams should’ve targeted, here is our 2022 NFL Redraft.
1. Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
After a slow start, the Jaguars have ended up with nice production out of Travon Walker. However, Hutchinson has 4.5 more sacks in 10 fewer games. He’s been the top edge rusher to come out of a talented 2022 draft class of defensive linemen.
Original pick: Travon Walker
2. Lions: Sauce Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
With the Lions missing out on Hutchinson here, they make up for it with the chance to bring in Gardner, who was a first-team All-Pro in each of his first two seasons in the league.
Original pick: Aidan Hutchinson
3. Texans: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
The Texans didn’t make a bad pick taking Derek Stingley Jr. at No. 3, but there’s slightly better value at cornerback elsewhere. McDuffie is a two-time All-Pro and an elite level cornerback.
Original pick: Derek Stingley Jr.
4. Jets: Brock Purdy, QB, Iowa State
Since the Jets took Zach Wilson the year before, they were obviously never going to draft a quarterback in Round 1. Knowing what we know now, however, grabbing a steady starter in Purdy would’ve been a massive upgrade.
Original pick: Sauce Gardner
5. Giants: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
A two-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro in just three seasons, one could argue that Hamilton is already the best safety in the NFL.
Original pick: Kayvon Thibodeaux
6. Panthers: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
With 10 interceptions, 31 pass deflections and a first-team All-Pro to his name within his last two seasons, Stingley has turned into one of the top defensive backs in the game.
Original pick: Ikem Okwenu, OT, NC State
7. Giants: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
The Giants had the right idea taking an offensive tackle at No. 7; they just took the wrong one. Cross took a massive leap in 2024, grading at 82.3 by PFF for the season.
Original pick: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
8. Falcons: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Looking back on it,...
