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Re-Drafting the 2022 NFL Draft After Early Training-Camp Action

Kristopher Knox

Can you feel the excitement, football fans? The NFL preseason is set to begin with Thursday's Hall of Fame Game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars. Training camps are in full swing, and the regular season is only weeks away.

We now have a better understanding of what teams will likely be in 2022 than we did a few months ago. Injuries, offseason performances and unexpected developments have changed the landscape since April's draft, and it's fair to wonder if any teams wish they would have gone a different route in Round 1.

That's a hypothetical exercise we're here to tackle.

Looking at strengths, weaknesses, offseason developments, training-camp reports and any relevant team-specific factors, we'll examine what this year's first round might look like if franchises knew everything they do now. To be clear, we're not throwing out predraft evaluations.

We''ll be using the predraft order here, meaning that trades made before opening night will be included but those made on draft day will not.

Once again, the Jaguars are on the clock.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

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Original Pick: Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia

New Pick: Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia

The Jaguars bet on upside when they took Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker first overall. The 21-year-old is loaded with athletic potential—he ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at the combine at 6'5" and 272 pounds—but produced just 9.5 sacks in college.

Outsiders can certainly question the decision to draft a player who didn't consistently dominate at the college level and wasn't a full-time starter until last year. However, this was a gamble for the long term. Nothing Walker has done thus far has given the Jaguars any reason to second-guess their wager.

"Outside linebacker Josh Allen spoke after practice and continued to praise No. 1 overall selection Travon Walker's work ethic and ability," J.P. Shadrick of the team's official website wrote during early training camp. "Walker certainly looks the part so far."

This was a traits-based upside selection. Here, the Jags stick with their plan.

2. Detroit Lions

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Original Pick: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan

New Pick: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan

Like the Jaguars, the Detroit Lions selected a pass-rusher who could become a long-term building block, taking Michigan product and Plymouth-born Aidan Hutchinson.

Hutchinson has been a highlight of early Lions camp.

"He just...he pops," head coach Dan Campbell said, per Kyle Meinke of MLive. "To watch him just continue to work and go through it, I'm telling you, every day he just gets a little bit better, and that's all you care about, is that you just see a little bit of improvement every day."

Hutchinson, who tallied 14.0 sacks in 2021 alone, should provide the defense with an immediate spark and a long-term boost off the edge. Detroit, which logged the third-fewest sacks (30) last season, could certainly use it.

The Lions drafted Hutchinson to fill a need, and the rookie has done nothing to suggest he won't do exactly that. Once again, the team selects the Ted Hendricks Award winner.

3. Houston Texans

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Original Pick: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

New Pick: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

The Houston Texans raised a few eyebrows when they selected former LSU standout Derek Stingley Jr. third overall. It wasn't that Stingley didn't have the talent or upside—he was the fourth-ranked prospect on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's final big board—it was that he carried health concerns.

Stingley appeared in only three games last season because of a foot injury and ultimately underwent surgery.

While Houston hasn't gotten an extensive look at Stingley yet, they do believe that he's on track to play in Week 1.

"Whenever a player is coming out with a major injury, this ramp-up period, that's what it's for," head coach Lovie Smith said, per ESPN's D.J. Bien-Aime. "We're going to ease him into it. He's healthy, seeing him run around. We had him doing a few plays. ... So he's on schedule."

Stingley projects as a generational cover corner, and with no injury setbacks on his short NFL resume, the Texans have no reason to pivot on their selection.

4. New York Jets

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Original Pick: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

New Pick: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Like the Texans, the New York Jets took an early gamble on a cornerback who could become a longtime cornerstone. Cincinnati's Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner wasn't rated as highly as Stingley—he was the 11th-ranked prospect on the B/R board—but he should fill a major need.

Last season, the Jets ranked 30th in pass defense, 32nd in total defense and 32nd in points allowed.

Gardner is already impressing in training camp, and while he hasn't locked up a starting job just yet, it's likely to happen before Week 1.

"It's one of those things you'll know when you know," head coach Robert Saleh said, per The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt "[Gardner is] doing a good job. We'll know when we know."

New York's defense was a major disappointment in 2021 and not what fans expected under Saleh, who previously served as the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator. Lockdown cover corners aren't easy to find, but Gardner has the potential to be one and to change New York's defensive fortunes in a hurry.

5. New York Giants

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Original Pick: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon

New Pick: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon

We promise that changes are coming. For now, though, the top five falls as it did in April.

Oregon pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, the top-ranked prospect on the B/R board, has all the talent and tools needed to become a perennial Pro Bowl pass-rusher. While he's adapting to the pro game, he can still make an immediate impact as a run-stopper.

"Though a pass-rusher first and foremost, Thibodeaux also has the right traits—speed, length and enough anchor—to contribute in the run game right away," Derrik Klassen of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "He can rip through the backfield as well as stand up a blocker in his gap and set the edge."

Alongside Leonard Williams and Azeez Ojulari, Thibodeaux has the potential to give New York a ferocious pass rush and defensive front. The Giants should feel fortunate that he lasted until the fifth pick. It happened again in the redraft, and New York should be happy to repeat its selection.

6. Carolina Panthers

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Original Pick: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

New Pick: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

When the Carolina Panthers went on the clock at No. 6 overall, they had their pick of offensive linemen. They settled on NC State's Ikem Ekwonu.

Things play out the same way in our redraft. The Panthers should feel good about their choice based on the workmanlike attitude Ekwonu has approached training camp with.

"Everyone has to earn that right to be out there Week 1, myself included," Ekwonu said, per Augusta Stone of the team's official website. "Regardless of draft status or vet status, everyone's got to earn their spot. I'm looking forward to [it] each and every day."

The Panthers are hoping that either Sam Darnold or recent trade acquisition Baker Mayfield can emerge as a long-term starter under center. Having quality bookend tackles will help ensure success—or at least a fair evaluation of Darnold and/or Mayfield.

Ekwonu has the potential to be that quality left tackle opposite standout starter Taylor Moton.

7. New York Giants (from Bears)

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Original Pick: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

New Pick: Drake London, WR, USC

We finally have our first change of the redraft.

This switch has nothing to do about the potential or performance of former Alabama tackle Evan Neal, who still projects as a future star at the position. Instead, the Giants go in a different direction to provide an offensive spark.

Despite a scheme change under new head coach Brian Daboll, the offense, which ranked 31st in both yards and points last season, has continued to underwhelm in camp.

"Don't care that it's early. This is bad," Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News tweeted. "And it's no stretch to envision Brian Daboll and the Giants trying Tyrod Taylor (or Jimmy G) if Daniel Jones' first-string offense doesn't pick it up."

If there were a quarterback prospect worthy of the No. 7 pick, he would make sense here. There isn't, however, so New York takes USC wideout Drake London.

London, the fifth-ranked prospect on the B/R board, can be an immediate difference-maker. Despite appearing in only eight games last season (ankle injury), he caught 88 passes for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns.

We have little doubt that Neal will be a successful pro, but in the redraft, London gets the call one slot earlier than he went in April.

8. Atlanta Falcons

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Original Pick: Drake London, WR, USC

New Pick: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

With the seventh pick as our first pivot point, the trickle-down begins at No. 8.

This is where the Atlanta Falcons originally made London the first receiver off the board. It was a logical choice with No. 1 wideout Calvin Ridley suspended indefinitely for gambling on NFL games.

With London gone, the Falcons turn to Ohio State's Garrett Wilson, who was the second receiver taken in April and who, like London, could quickly emerge as Atlanta's next top wideout.

"Garrett Wilson is a dynamic receiver who has the lateral quickness and explosiveness to take any throw or handoff the distance," Nate Tice of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "His foot speed and balance let him consistently miss the first defender with the ball in his hands."

The Falcons traded quarterback Matt Ryan in the offseason, and they have stated that Marcus Mariota is the initial starter over rookie third-round pick Desmond Ridder.

There's no telling what Atlanta can expect from Mariota and its offense in 2022, but the tandem of Wilson and 2021 first-round pick Kyle Pitts would at least give the 28-year-old quarterback a pair of big-play targets to lean on.

9. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver)

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Original Pick: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

New Pick: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

The dominoes continue falling at No. 9, where the Seattle Seahawks opt for Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal instead of Charles Cross.

This isn't a knock on Cross, who was the 13th-ranked prospect on the B/R board. However, Neal is the sort of high-floor lineman the rebuilding Seahawks should be quick to snatch up.

"Neal's blend of physical traits, polish despite limited time at one position and youth make him an immediate-impact starter at either left or right tackle with Pro Bowl potential if he can play with better overall posture and hand placement in the run game," Brandon Thorn of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.

Seattle no longer has a franchise quarterback after trading Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. Its 2022 focus will be on building for the future and finding pieces who can contribute long-term.

The Giants passed on Neal in the redraft. Seattle stops his slide just two spots later.

10. New York Jets (from Seattle)

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Original Pick: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

New Pick: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

With Wilson already off the board in the redraft, New York turns to his college teammate Chris Olave.

The Jets are looking to put reliable, big-play weapons around second-year quarterback Zach Wilson, and Olave fits the bill. In 2021, he caught 65 passes for 936 yards and 13 touchdowns and averaged an impressive 14.4 yards per catch.

In April, the New Orleans Saints traded up to No. 11 to snag Olave. Based on reports out of camp, it was a wise decision.

"His play on the field has spoken volumes. He's surely done his part to make the Saints' decision to trade up in the draft to get him look like a wise choice," Rod Walker of NOLA.com wrote. "All those concerns in recent years about the Saints’ lack of receivers looks like a thing of the past now with Olave onboard alongside Michael Thomas and free-agent signee Jarvis Landry."

With Wilson unavailable, the Jets are happy to take Olave a spot earlier than he actually went.

11. Washington Commanders

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Original Pick: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State (by New Orleans Saints)

New Pick: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

With the Saints not trading up for Olave, the Washington Commanders stay put at No. 11 and grab Mississippi State's Charles Cross.

Washington is rolling with trade acquisition Carson Wentz at quarterback, and if the Commanders hope to get the most out of him, they need better protection. The team allowed 43 sacks last season, a bottom-10 mark.

Cross could contribute sooner rather than later, potentially either replacing Samuel Cosmi at right tackle—if he can make the transition from left to right—or as a 2023 replacement for Charles Leno Jr.

The 30-year-old Leno will carry a cap hit of $12.5 million in 2023 with no dead money remaining on his deal, according to Spotrac.

"Overall, Cross has a strong case for being the most polished and talented pass-blocker in the draft despite only 22 starts under his belt," Thorn wrote. "He brings starter-level play strength and physicality as a run-blocker, making him an immediate-impact starter."

In April, Washington traded down and grabbed wideout Jahan Dotson to aid Wentz. Here, it looks to anchor his offensive line instead.

12. Minnesota Vikings

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Original Pick: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama (by Detroit Lions)

New Pick: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

In April, the Minnesota Vikings traded down 20 spots so that the NFC North rival Lions could move up and snag Alabama wideout Jameson Williams. Minnesota then took Georgia safety Lewis Cine.

The problem, in addition to helping a divisional foe, is that the Vikings didn't land a massive return for moving to the bottom of Round 1. They sent the No. 12 and 46 picks to the Lions for the Nos. 32, 34 and 66 selections.

Cine hasn't been an early star at Vikings camp, according to Arif Hasan of The Athletic. He's taken some "poor angles" in pursuit. While some early bumps aren't cause for major concern, Minnesota eschews the trade down here and takes the class' top-ranked safety, Kyle Hamilton.

"He is a generational talent who gives defensive coordinators endless options," Cory Giddings of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "Hamilton will be the first safety taken off the board and has the chance to be an early, if not immediate, starter."

Hamilton was indeed the first safety off the board, though he went to the Baltimore Ravens at No. 14 in April.

13. Houston Texans (from Cleveland)

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Original Pick: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia (by Philadelphia Eagles)

New Pick: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

The Houston Texans originally traded this selection to the Philadelphia Eagles, who took Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis. In our redraft, they stay put and grab Davis for themselves.

To move down two spots, Houston acquired the 124th, 162nd and 166th picks in the draft. While that's not a bad haul for such a small move, the Texans may have passed up a legitimate difference-maker.

Davis, the sixth-ranked prospect on the B/R board, is already making his mark in Eagles camp.

"The next evolution for Davis was to get some first-team reps on Saturday," Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia wrote Sunday. "For what it’s worth, he seemed to handle them well. Davis was disruptive on Day 3 of training camp and showed off some of his athleticism."

The Texans have won just eight games over the past two seasons, and they're unlikely to contend in 2022. They should be interested in taking the best player available regardless of position, and in our redraft, Davis is that player.

14. Baltimore Ravens

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Original Pick: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

New Pick: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

With Hamilton gone, the Ravens instead look to fill their need at receiver—a need that existed even before the draft-day trade of Marquise Brown.

Brown was the only Ravens receiver to top 600 yards through the air in 2021. Then-rookie Rashod Bateman had 515 yards and was the only other wideout with more than 400. Sammy Watkins (third among receivers with 394 yards) departed in free agency.

In this theoretical world, Brown is still wearing purple and black, but the Ravens could use a reliable third receiver. Enter Jahan Dotson, who went to Washington at 16th overall in April.

The promising pass-catcher has been a steady and impressive performer for the Commanders all offseason.

"If it feels like there's no breathless coverage of Washington's latest first-round pick, there's a reason," The Athletic's Ben Standig wrote. "Dotson has maintained his impressive and composed work from the offseason program through the first five training-camp practices."

15. Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami)

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Original Pick: Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M (by Houston Texans)

New Pick: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

The Eagles don't get to trade up for Jordan Davis in the redraft. Instead, they take a receiver.

In April, they sent the 18th overall pick to the Tennessee Titans in the deal for wideout A.J. Brown. Here, they grab the receiver Tennessee took at No. 18, Arkansas' Treylon Burks.

Burks came into the predraft process with plenty of playmaking potential. He logged 1,104 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. But there were a few questions about his conditioning and work ethic. Those questions persisted during Titans minicamp as asthma and poor conditioning kept him off the field.

However, Burks has started to answer those questions by reportedly showing up to training camp in shape and ready to go.

"I've heard he’s in shape, I've heard he's lost weight. I've heard there's been so much growth already. And this is from an organization that doesn't like to share," ESPN's Dianna Russini said on The Athletic Football Show.

With the conditioning concerns alleviated, the Eagles grab Burks as a new running mate for 2021 first-round pick DeVonta Smith and as a new target for quarterback Jalen Hurts.

16. New Orleans Saints (from Indianapolis Through Philadelphia)

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Original Pick: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State (by Washington Commanders)

New Pick: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

With the Saints unable to go up and get Chris Olave, they take a flier on Alabama's Jameson Williams at No. 16.

While Williams does carry health concerns after suffering a torn ACL in the national championship game in January, the 15th-ranked prospect on the B/R board has a tremendous amount of playmaking potential.

"Overall, Williams will be an immediate weapon for any NFL offense due to his speed and explosiveness and will walk into the league as one of its fastest and most dangerous players," Tice wrote. "He has more polish to his game that will allow him to do 'true' WR things and will make him more than a one-trick pony."

The return of wideout Michael Thomas and the free-agent addition of Jarvis Landry would allow the New Orleans offense to function while Williams continues his recovery. Once healthy, Williams would pair with Thomas to give the Saints one of the most potent receiver duos in the league.

17. Los Angeles Chargers

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Original Pick: Zion Johnson, G, Boston College

New Pick: Zion Johnson, G, Boston College

Here, the Los Angeles Chargers retake Boston College interior lineman Zion Johnson with the 17th pick.

The Chargers initially drafted Johnson to help bolster an offensive line that already featured a rookie Pro Bowler in left tackle Rashawn Slater. Slater has been impressed with what he's seen from this year's rookie first-round lineman.

"I can tell he's got a really good head on his shoulders," Slater said, per Nicholas Cothrel of FanNation. "Just smooth, confident, he's always looking at his playbook, watching film. He's just giving a calm energy. I can tell he's ready to go, and I'm really excited to watch him play."

Los Angeles appears to have found its franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert. Keeping him healthy and on the field should be the top priority. This means investing in the offensive line, and the Chargers have seen nothing from Johnson thus far to justify moving in a different direction.

18. Philadelphia Eagles

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Original Pick: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas (by Tennessee Titans)

New Pick: George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue

The Eagles already got their receiver in this redraft by picking up Burks, but they missed out on addressing the defensive line with Jordan Davis.

Here, they add Purdue pass-rusher George Karlaftis. The eighth-ranked prospect on the B/R board, Karlaftis has the potential—along with free-agent addition Haason Reddick—to jump-start a pass rush that produced the second-fewest sacks (29) in 2021.

In time, he could become a centerpiece of the defense.

"Karlaftis has exceptional potential and will already have some ways to provide value early on as he continues to develop. As a three-year starter, he got better each season at Purdue, which should bode well for him unlocking himself further in the NFL," Klassen wrote. "Karlaftis has the size [6'4", 263 lbs], explosiveness and run-pass versatility to be one of the most disruptive players in the NFL in a few seasons.

With Reddick and Karlaftis leading the pass rush, Philadelphia's defensive front would be a force in 2022 and beyond. Here, he goes a full 12 spots higher than he did in April.

19. New Orleans Saints

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Original Pick: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa (by New Orleans Saints)

New Pick: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

The Saints lost starting left tackle Terron Armstead in free agency and then used the 19th overall pick on Northern Iowa's Trevor Penning to help replace him.

This may have been a slight reach for Penning, the 29th-ranked prospect on the B/R board. However, the 23-year-old has shown enough in camp for New Orleans to feel good about its decision.

"It's always interesting when the pads come on," right tackle Ryan Ramczyk said, per Ross Jackson of Saints Wire. "I think Trevor has done a really good jump up [to] now. He's got all the physical attributes to be a great football player. I think he's going to keep growing and keep getting better. He's going to be a huge asset for us."

Penning was a three-year starter in college and seems to be making a solid transition to the NFL. There's little reason for New Orleans to make a different selection now.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

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Original Pick: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

New Pick: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

The Pittsburgh Steelers originally used this pick on Kenny Pickett. While the former University of Pittsburgh quarterback may have a long and fruitful career, we're going in a different direction for the redraft.

There are two reasons for this. First, it doesn't appear that Pickett is ready to start early, if at all, in 2022. Instead, journeyman Mitchell Trubisky is the front-runner for the job.

"From what I gleaned, the opening-day assignment, Steelers at the Super Bowl Bengals, is Trubisky’s to lose," Pro Football Talk's Peter King wrote.

Secondly, Pickett was the only quarterback to be drafted before Round 3. There's a reasonable chance that Pittsburgh could land him on Day 2 in a redraft.

Instead, the Steelers address their offensive line by grabbing Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum, the 12th-ranked prospect on the B/R board. The unit was a disaster in 2021, allowing 38 sacks and contributing to a ground game that ranked 29th in yards per rush.

While the Steelers did add center Mason Cole in free agency, he doesn't possess the long-term upside of Linderbaum, who went to the AFC North rival Ravens in April. The team can then roll the dice on a quarterback on Day 2 or in the 2023 draft.

21. New England Patriots

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Original Pick: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington (by Kansas City Chiefs)

New Pick: Kenyon Green, IOL, Texas A&M

This pick originally went to the Chiefs, who traded up with the New England Patriots to grab cornerback Trent McDuffie. The Patriots, meanwhile, used the 29th pick on Chattanooga interior lineman Cole Strange.

Here, New England stays put and grabs Texas A&M interior lineman Kenyon Green.

The Patriots have long valued positional versatility, and Green is arguably the most versatile lineman in this draft class. In 2021 alone, he started games at right guard, right tackle, left guard and left tackle. His first opportunity in New England would likely come at guard after the Patriots traded Shaq Mason in the offseason.

"He has amassed 35 career starts at every position except center in a heavy inside-zone-run scheme and projects best as a guard in the NFL," Thorn wrote of Green.

While Green's best fit may be at guard, he could play tackle in a pinch. That meshes perfectly with the next-man-up mentality of the Patriot Way. Green originally went 15th overall to Houston, and New England should be thrilled to find him available at No. 21.

22. Green Bay Packers (from Las Vegas)

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Original Pick: Quay Walker, LB, Georgia

New Pick: Quay Walker, LB, Georgia

After trading star receiver Davante Adams, the Green Bay Packers should be looking to field a more complete and balanced team in 2022. They still have reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers under center, and pairing him with a strong defense should keep them in the Super Bowl picture.

To that end, Green Bay used the 22nd overall pick—the top selection obtained from the Las Vegas Raiders in the Adams trade—on Georgia linebacker Quay Walker.

Walker has the potential to form an elite linebacker tandem with De'Vondre Campbell and to boost Green Bay's pass defense.

The Packers ranked 10th in passing yards allowed per game (219.1) last season but just 26th in touchdown passes surrendered (31). Walker projects as a tremendous coverage linebacker.

"Walker has an excellent understanding for zone coverage," Klassen wrote. "He knows how to reroute players into different zone defenders, and he knows exactly where he needs to flow to after passing off routes."

Walker was Green Bay's choice the first time around, and since he's available, the team doubles down on its decision to make him its first pick of 2022.

23. Arizona Cardinals

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Original Pick: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida (by Buffalo Bills)

New Pick: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

The Arizona Cardinals originally dealt this pick to the Ravens for Marquise Brown. Baltimore, in turn, flipped it to the Buffalo Bills.

With draft-day trades off our radar, the Cardinals instead look to improve a pass defense that ranked 13th in net yards per attempt allowed (6.1) and 25th in touchdown passes allowed (30) in 2021.

With Trent McDuffie still on the board, he becomes the logical cornerback choice, going two spots later than he actually went in April. The 16th-ranked prospect on the B/R board is loaded with versatility and upside and has been flashing it at camp.

"The Chiefs asked a lot of McDuffie in offseason practice as he worked at both outside cornerback and in slot coverage," ESPN's Adam Teicher wrote. "He handled it all well, leaving the Chiefs encouraged he could have a big rookie season. McDuffie looked more like a veteran as he was rarely caught out of position."

McDuffie should provide an instant boost on the back end of an Arizona defense that was good, not great, in 2021 and that lost star pass-rusher Chandler Jones in free agency.

24. Dallas Cowboys

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Original Pick: Tyler Smith, OL, Tulsa

New Pick: Tyler Smith, OL, Tulsa

The Dallas Cowboys parted with offensive linemen La'el Collins and Connor Williams this offseason. They're also looking at an eventual replacement for 31-year-old left tackle Tyron Smith.

In April, Dallas grabbed Tulsa's Tyler Smith to help address both needs. While he is expected to play guard as a rookie, he saw reps at both left guard and left tackle during minicamp.

Though a relatively raw prospect, he has managed to stand out early during training camp.

"He's definitely pretty strong; we kind of already got the name," All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons said of the 6'6", 332-pound rookie on 105.3 The Fan (via the Dallas Morning News). "We got to keep moving because once he gets his hands on you, he's got the 'Death Grip.' He's gonna be a real deal."

Though Smith was only the 64th-ranked prospect on the B/R board, Dallas obviously liked his versatility and upside. We've seen nothing to suggest that the Cowboys have moved off that opinion.

25. Buffalo Bills

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Original Pick: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa (by Baltimore Ravens)

New Pick: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

The Bills originally traded up two spots to secure Florida cornerback Kaiir Elam. It was a sensible move with star corner Tre'Davious White recovering from a torn ACL, and it's one Buffalo makes again, only without the trade.

The Bills have been pleased with what they've seen from the 21-year-old.

"He's out here to work, and I think his attitude is tremendous," head coach Sean McDermott said, per Maddy Glab of the team's official website. "He's going against Stef [Diggs] and Gabe [Davis], who are two tough receivers to defend every day. I think he wins some of those and then he goes back to the drawing board on some of those as well. So, he continues to grow every day."

Elam was the 14th-ranked prospect on the B/R board, and it was a mild surprise that he was available in reasonable trade range for Buffalo. He falls to No. 25 in our redraft, and the Bills should be happy to secure him.

26. Tennessee Titans

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Original Pick: Jermaine Johnson II, Edge, Florida State (by New York Jets)

New Pick: Jermaine Johnson II, Edge, Florida State

The Titans originally traded this pick to the Jets, who selected Florida State pass-rusher Jermaine Johnson II. Here, Tennessee simply takes Johnson for itself.

In 2021, the defensive front was a team strength. The Titans totaled 43 sacks, a top-10 mark. However, adding another edge-rusher to a rotation that includes Harold Landry and Denico Autry would help give them more fuel up front.

It's also worth noting that the 32-year-old Autry has only two years remaining on his contract.

Tennessee tried to add a third edge defender by signing Bud Dupree last offseason, but the former Steeler was largely a disappointment (three sacks in 11 games). Johnson has the potential to turn a strong rotation into an elite one.

"He can contribute right away as a three-down player and become an above-average starter for years to come," Klassen wrote.

By further strengthening the pass rush, the Titans can help aid a pass defense that ranked 25th in yards allowed last season.

With 2021 first-round cornerback Caleb Farley returning from a torn ACL and 2020 second-round corner Kristian Fulton returning from his own injury-hampered season (hamstring), the Titans would have the foundation for a championship-caliber defense.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Original Pick: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah (by Jacksonville Jaguars)

New Pick: Cam Jurgens, C, Nebraska

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers originally traded out of this spot, but in the redraft, they pick up Nebraska center Cam Jurgens.

This change comes on the heels of Tampa losing starting center Ryan Jensen for a significant period to a knee injury.

"We don't know the severity of it, per se, but I do know he'll miss some significant time, up to a couple months," head coach Todd Bowles said last week, per ESPN's Jenna Laine.

While the Bucs have 2021 third-round pick Robert Hainsey on the roster, they should be looking to take no chances in what could be Tom Brady's last season. So, they grab Jurgens, who originally went 51st overall to the Eagles.

Jurgens isn't likely to replace longtime Eagles center Jason Kelce if Kelce is healthy this season, but one prominent veteran believes that he could if needed.

"Super athletic, super smart," three-time Pro Bowler Lane Johnson said, per Reuben Frank of NBC Sports Philadelphia. "... I think he can go play right now."

A guy who can play right now is exactly what the Buccaneers need.

28. Green Bay Packers

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Original Pick: Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia

New Pick: Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia

As previously noted, the Packers seem to be aiming for a balanced team that features a strong defense. With its own pick in the first round, they selected Georgia defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt.

Wyatt, the 25th-ranked prospect on the B/R board, was a force in the Bulldogs defense last season. He finished 2021 with 39 total tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Those are wonderful numbers for a 304-pound down lineman.

In Packers camp, Wyatt has continued to be a disruptor.

"First day on OL/DL one-on-ones. Strong showing for Devonte Wyatt. Getting a chance to really see his power," Wes Hodkiewwicz of the team's official website tweeted Monday.

A defensive line rotation that includes Wyatt, Kenny Clark and Jarran Reed could be special, especially when partnered with pass-rushers Rashan Gary and Preston Smith. For the second time in this redraft, Green Bay sticks with its original selection.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from San Francisco Through Miami)

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Original Pick: Cole Strange, IOL, Chattanooga (by New England Patriots)

New Pick: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

With no trade, the Chiefs miss out on Trent McDuffie. So in the redraft, they take the next available corner.

Clemson's Andrew Booth Jr. was the 24th-ranked prospect on the B/R board and possesses the skills needed to thrive in the quarterback-rich AFC West.

"Though he has good press-man skills, Booth works best when he can see routes develop in front of him," B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings wrote. "With the ball in the air, he has shown the ball skills needed to defend short and deep passes as well as the ability to play through the receiver."

Booth has continued to impress at Vikings camp.

"I like how instinctive he is," eight-time Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson said, per Chris Tomasson of the Twin Cities Pioneer Press. "He's very quick at the line of scrimmage. He's going to be problem here pretty soon."

The Chiefs could use another starting-caliber corner after losing Charvarius Ward in free agency. While they miss out on McDuffie, they get their pass defender by grabbing Booth, who went 42nd overall in April.

30. Kansas City Chiefs

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Original Pick: George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue

New Pick: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

The Chiefs also miss out on getting a first-round edge defender, as Karlaftis is already off the board. Instead, they look to bolster a run defense that ranked 21st last season and 31st in yards per attempt surrendered.

The Jaguars originally picked up linebacker Devin Lloyd after trading back into the first round. With him available here in the redraft, Kansas City pounces.

Lloyd, who had 110 tackles at Utah last season, could help boost the Chiefs run defense. However, he's versatile and fluid enough to also help the 27th-ranked pass defense.

"Overall, Lloyd's high-end play in space and ability to cover in all kinds of assignments will make him a good 'Will' in the NFL," Klassen wrote. "He has Pro Bowl potential that could get turned up another notch if he learns to play with more violence downhill."

Lloyd, who had eight sacks and 22 tackles for loss last season, could also help contribute to the pass rush.

31. Cincinnati Bengals

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Original Pick: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan

New Pick: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan

In April, the Cincinnati Bengals used the 31st pick on Michigan defensive back Daxton Hill. Little has transpired since then that would suggest they should go in a different direction.

If anything, recent events strengthen the argument to take Hill here.

The Bengals selected Hill after placing the franchise tag on standout safety Jessie Bates III. However, there's a chance that Bates will not play in 2022 after he and Cincinnati failed to reach a long-term agreement by the July 15 deadline.

Bates did not report to training camp, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Yet NFL Network's Mike Garafolo noted the Bengals have given no sign that they're willing to trade Bates.

With the Bates situation in a holding pattern, Hill is valuable insurance.

32. Detroit Lions (from Rams)

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Original Pick: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia (by Minnesota Vikings)

New Pick: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

The Lions originally traded this pick as part of the package to move up for Jameson Williams. With the deal not taking place and Williams off the board, they use this selection on another wide receiver in North Dakota State's Christian Watson.

In the real world, the 23-year-old Watson was taken two spots later by the NFC North rival Packers. However, the Lions aren't grabbing him here to keep him away from a division rival. They want another young receiver with upside.

While Watson caught only 43 passes last season, he logged 800 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

Watson is currently recovering from a minor surgical procedure on his right knee. That shouldn't be an issue for the rebuilding Lions, who are already waiting on Williams' recovery from a torn ACL.

In this scenario, Detroit will eventually have Watson to go with Amon-Ra St. Brown and D.J. Chark in its new-look receiving corps.

   

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