What to Expect in Round 2 of the NFL Draft
It was an eventful first round for the 2022 NFL draft Thursday night. There were a few trades that took place that caught fans and analysis off guard. Also a couple of draft picks by teams that were kind of head scratchers. Round 2 should be interesting as well as there is still a lot of talent on the draft board.
In round 1 we seen a lot of defensive players taken and there was a good amount of receivers taken as well. We saw only one quarterback taken (Kenny Picket to the Steelers) and no running back or tight ends. For round 2 I see more of the same with the defense but I also see more quarterbacks and running backs taken.
Malik Willis will be the first quarterback taken off the board in round 2. Willis might have the most potential out of all the quarterbacks in this draft part of the reason everyone was shocked the Steelers didn’t choose him. He is a work in progress, he is undersized at 6’1 and is not the best decision maker but he can make things happen with his athleticism.
The Giants did great with their two top 10 picks in round 1 and they will continue on in round 2. Kayvon Thibodeaux will be great for the Giants. He is explosive and can make plays in the backfield and has great speed. Evan Neal a tackle out of Alabama was their next pick he played both tackles and guard in college. He has a wide frame and is great at run blocking. Neal can help this offensive line in a big way.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 28: Kayvon Thibodeaux poses onstage after being selected fifth by the New York Giants during round one of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
The G-men will have the 36th pick in round 2 and will pick Christian Watson a wide receiver from North Dakota State. He is 6’4 with great speed and long arms and big hands. This will be big for the Giants with injuries playing a big role in the wide receiver room last season. The Giants might not stick with Daniel Jones after not picking up his fifth year option but for now keep building around him.
The New York Jets had themselves a great first round with their first three picks. They picked up arguably the best receiver in the draft in Garrett Wilson. Picked Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner who a lot called the best cornerback in the draft. There final pick of the first round Jermaine Johnson II slipped into the late first round and the Jets traded up to get him. He has a quick first step and has great closing speed to run down the ball carrier.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 28: Garrett Wilson poses onstage after being selected tenth by the New York Jets during round one of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
The Jets will pick Nakobe Dean with their second round pick. Dean is a great inside linebacker that will fit into Robert Saleh’s defense. He has great instincts and can exploit gaps in pass protections. He can fight for a starting spot against Quincy Williams.
Excluding Malik Willis there will be at least two more quarterbacks taken in the second round. Desmond Ridder quarterback out of Cincinnati could go to Atlanta. They just traded away Matt Ryan and signed Marcus Mariotta to a two year deal. Ridder could be second string his first year and take over from there as the Falcons could pick up their next long term shot caller. The next quarterback would be Matt Coral out of Ole Miss. The Lions would be a destination for him as of now it doesn’t seem they are too locked in on Jared Goff. Coral could be on the same path as Ridder play back up for the first year and then compete for the starting job the next.
A lot of talent still on the board round 1 was great and rounds 2-7 could be better with more surprise picks and trades coming. The draft continues Friday night at 7 p.m.
