NFL Draft 2022 - Round 3

Fortner profiles as a strong all-around blocker with natural leadership and smarts. He has a good chance to start right away and snap to Trevor Lawrence, replacing retired Brandon Linder.

Grade: B

Asamoah was attractive because of his flashy speed and quickness that allow him to make plays, but he still could round out his game to be more than a rotational player at first. He should work behind Eric Kendricks and Jordan Hicks at first.

Grade: B-

(from DET)

Ezeudu profiles as a limited interior backup and may struggle with more powerful defensive linemen in the NFL. After the great pick of Evan Neal to start at right tackle in the first round, this is a pure depth-related selection for a Day 3 prospect.

Grade: C

The Browns needed a big, strong corner option to complement their other cover men given the size and strength challenges related to the AFC North wide receiver competition.

Grade: B

(from HOU)

Petit-Frere is a great value pick here as he could potentially start right away at right tackle and be groomed to take over for Taylor Lewan at left tackle, given he’s adept at both positions because of his strength-agility balance. At worst, he will be a valuable swing backup as a rookie.

Grade: A

(from NYJ)

The Jaguars catch a talented second-round faller but it’s a bit of a curious pick behind free-agent prize Foyesade Oluokun and first-round rookie Devin Lloyd. Muma is built to play inside so he’ll back them both up with coverage and pass-rush skills built for third-down work.

Grade: B

(from CAR)

The Bears did recognize their need for more speedy playmaking at wideout to complement Darnell Mooney and give Justin Fields a field-stretcher, but this is a bit of a head-scratcher for a mid Day 3 prospect. Jones burst well after the catch but needs work to be trusted in an expanded capacity.

Grade: C-

Lucas is a natural pass protector who can handle either tackle or guard well but could use some work on his run blocking. He still has a shot to start at right tackle opposite first-round rookie Charles Cross.

Grade: B

The Colts saw Jack Doyle retire and needed a complement to Mo Alie-Cox in 12 personnel sets under Frank Reich. Woods stands out for his size and physicality and has a lot of room to grow as a receiver and in-line blocker.

Grade: B

(from WAS)

The Falcons ended up preferring Ridder over Malik Willis and couldn’t pass up on taking the second QB off the board given his arm, athleticism, leadership and intangibles profile is ideal to groom alongside Marcus Mariota. Watch out for him competing and winning the job and becoming an absolute steal in the Dak Prescott-Russell Wilson vein.

Grade: A

The Texans had a massive void in the middle of Lovie Smith’s 4-3 defense and needed to tap into a sideline-to-sideline playmaker with great range, speed and quickness along with reliable coverage ability for their zone scheming.

Grade: A+

(from DEN)

The Ravens continue a strong draft by working on a replacement for Calais Campbell, going into his Age 36 season. Jones also brings a massive frame with strength to overpower blockers from the 3-4. He can also help out at nose when needed.

Grade: A

The Colts can replace Eric Fisher with an intriguing product from the same program. They can tap into the Austrian import's immense physical and athletic upside.

Grade: A

(from MIN)

The Browns got enamored with Wright’s immense raw explosive skills as a pass rusher, but he’s limited to a situational player until he can round out his game. His value was that of a mid Day 3 pick.

Grade: C

The Chargers make a reach in a deep safety class for depth behind Derwin James and Nasir Adderley. He’s got speed and versatility but needs to work on all aspects of his game to be consistent in coverage and run support.

Grade: C

Dulcich is a nice addition to give Russell Wilson another dynamic hybrid target after parting with Noah Fant in the Wilson trade with the Seahawks. He offers that same kind of speed and quickness for the position.

Grade: A

(from HOU via NO)

The Giants didn’t address cornerback early and had to add some depth to the position but this late selection means they will probably keep James Bradberry. Flott is more of a developmental size-speed prospect in coverage.

Grade: C

(from MIA)

Malone will be an immediate asset vs. the run in Dean Pees’ 3-4 alignment to complement second-round rookie Arnold Ebiketie and is still tapping into his explosive pass-rush upside.

Grade: B

(from IND)

Despite some rumblings of medical concerns, the Eagles had to stop Dean’s fall given how good of a fit he was for their defense. The active playmaking leader of the Bulldogs' national championship unit can make plays anywhere they want with his speed, quickness and coverage skills. His impact just might come inside in 2023 as he is eased in rotationally behind T.J. Edwards, Kyzir White and newcomer pass rusher Haason Reddick.

Grade: A+

The Steelers also catch a falling star who has some good inside pass-rushing pop to complement the rest of their strong options in their front seven, first as a situational rookie.

Grade: A

Jones offers that ideal Bill Belichick versatility to play outside or inside as they try to replace the production of J.C. Jackson in coverage. Jones can be an explosive ballhawk in the unique Tyrann Mathieu vein.

Grade: A

The Titans, like the Falcons with Ridder, end Willis’ ridiculous slide from first-round consideration given his strong arm and massive athletic upside. Ryan Tannehill proved in the playoffs he has a limited ceiling and Willis has a chance to displace him by 2023, when Tennessee isn’t as attached to Tannehill’s contract.

Grade A+ 

(from LV)

The Cardinals saw Chandler Jones leave and also up front they also have been disappointed in Zach Allen. This pick is a great value that also fills a key need to replenish the pass rush. Thomas is a versatile sack artist who will work well producing situationally before rounding out his game vs. the run.

Grade: A

The Cowboys get back some wide receiver depth after trading Amari Cooper and not bringing back Cedrick Wilson behind CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup. Tolbert is another intriguing big-play threat with his size-speed combination and could start in time in 11 personnel outside.

Grade: A

The Bills get some speedy depth to help their second-level pass coverage. Bernard can also help on special teams but he’s not a reliable asset against the run.

Grade: C

The Raiders needed some powerful interior run blocking and Parham can deliver just that. He also offers rare agility for the position. He can start right away at either guard or center.

Grade: A

(from TEN)

The Buccaneers brought back Leonard Fournette and Giovani Bernard and also have Ke’Shawn Vaughn still in the mix, but they land the versatile White for complementary swing depth for either power or receiving situations.

Grade: B-

The Packers needed to address their interior blocking in front of Aaron Rodgers and their running game. Rhyan has a strong, powerful frame to be an immediate run-blocking asset. Don’t be surprised should he straight right away at right guard.

Grade: A

Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers have an addiction to backs of various sizes with the athleticism and quickness to perform well in their zone-blocking scheme. After finding Elijah Mitchell and also taking the big Trey Sermon in last year’s draft, this was a bit of a superfluous pick on a deep Day 3 talent.

Grade: D

The Panthers weren’t in position to catch a falling Ridder or Willis with their limited draft capital but Corral fell into their range to trade up here. The arm and athletic upside was worth it to give them a rookie option to compete to push Sam Darnold.

Grade: B

(from NE via KC)

The Bengals needed to replenish depth behind D.J. Reader and B.J. Hill and tapping into Carter’s strength and length makes sense. Carter flashes some big-time disruptive moves to wreak havoc in the backfield.

Grade: B

Cross has good speed and instincts built for the Colts’ defense. He is a strong upfield player in run support and also produces getting after the QB as a blitzer. He should have a shot to replace Khari Willis as a starter next to newcomer Rodney McLeod.

Grade: B+

(from DEN via LAR)

The Lions needed some safety and nickel depth, but Joseph doesn’t offer much vs. the run with his strength lying in making plays in coverage.

Grade: C

The Commanders didn’t have a glaring need in the backfield with Antonio Gibson being backup by receiving J.D. McKissic and swingman Jarret Patterson, but choose to get a little stronger in the pure power rushing attack with the bruising Robinson to relief Gibson and help take more pressure off Carson Wentz.

Grade: B-

(From NO)

The Browns were smart to jump on wide receiver value to further boost Deshaun Watson’s targets away from Amari Cooper. Bell has intriguing physicality, speed and quickness, making him an appealing after-the-catch and field-stretching burst option.

Grade: A

(NFL’s 2020 Resolution JC-2A awarded picks)

Sanders has some freakish physical tools with which to get after the quarterback and can be an asset situationally helping fellow third-round rookie Cameron Thomas rev up their pass rush.

Grade: A

(from BAL as part of Marquise Brown trade)

(NFL’s 2020 Resolution JC-2A awarded picks)

Although Ruckert blocked mostly in college, he looked better and more reliable while receiving. He’s a pretty good value here, but the average grade comes from the fact he was really a superfluous depth pick given the team signed both C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin in free agency.

Grade: C

(from TEN via PHI as part of AJ Brown trade via NO)

(NFL’s 2020 Resolution JC-2A awarded picks)

Tindall’s calling card was flat-out speed, combined with great range and finishing ability whenever getting a chance to produce in the Bulldogs’ loaded national championship defense. He fills a big need for the Dolphins and is a great value.

Grade: A

(NFL’s 2020 Resolution JC-2A awarded picks)

The Chiefs were smart to get some help in the middle between Nick Bolton and Willie Gay. Chenal matches his big frame with strength and power, making him a force against the run. He’s also effective flying upfield as a blitzer.

Grade: A-

(NFL’s 2020 Resolution JC-2A awarded picks)

While ideal interior blocking target Cole Strange was long gone to the Patriots in the first round, the Rams stick to their plan and land a much-needed guard to complement another Badger, David Edwards. Bruss is strong and technically sound, a solid first pick of the draft for Sean McVay and Les Snead. 

Grade: B

(NFL’s 2020 Resolution JC-2A awarded picks)

The 49ers dug a little deep for another offensive skill player, enamored this time by agility and versatility to make some plays after the catch. Gray is still a developmental project as he works to get stronger and show more reliable hands.

Grade: C

(NFL’s 2020 Resolution JC-2A awarded picks)