With the 2022 NFL Draft just wrapping up, it’s time for everyone to analyze each and every pick. Figure out which teams won or lost. While I could do that, I’ll simply share my favorite value pick from each round.

Round 1

New York Giants – Kayvon Thibodeaux EDGE (5th Overall)

This one was really close between Kyle Hamilton at 14, George Karlaftis at 30, and Kayvon Thibodeaux at five. I didn’t consider Jermaine Johnson II because he’s simply someone I’m not as high on as everyone else, however I recognize that he’s a superb value at 26. Regardless… the top value pick to me really was Thibodeaux at five. Maybe this is the boring pick, but when the No. 1 overall player in the class goes fifth, that’s value. When the top EDGE rusher in the draft is the third EDGE off the board, that’s value. When the Giants recognize his supreme talent and snag him at five instead of securing the top offensive lineman of their choice, that’s assessing the value and making a stellar pick. This was simply a no-brainer pick for me and the top value in Round 1.

Round 2

Kansas City Chiefs – Skyy Moore WR (54th Overall)

The top value in Round 2 came down to David Ojabo at 45, Jaquan Brisker at 48, George Pickens at 52, and my choice of Skyy Moore at 54. We’re talking about a receiver that should have been a first-round pick. Moore oozes with talent and was the 13th WR drafted in 2022. 13th!!! How? Kansas City was desperate for a supremely-talented receiver that brings dynamic abilities and youth to its roster.  The soon to be 22-year-old will carve up defenses with Patrick Mahomes and look like a steal at 54. It won’t be long until people are questioning how Skyy Moore was drafted after some of these receivers…

Round 3

Tennessee Titans – Malik Willis QB (86th Overall)

Not to make the clearly obvious pick here, but how can you not? And there was a lot of good value to be found in Round 3 with picks like Travis Jones at 76, Jeremy Ruckert at 101, and many others. But yeah, the top value in the third round is Malik Willis heading to Tennessee. The Titans get an athletically gifted QB with a bazooka for an arm with the 86th overall pick. He’s a great young man that will be a fan favorite in this league. Many of us wanted Malik to be an early first-round pick because he deserved it. He goes 86 and has a giant chip on his shoulder. With a potential out in Ryan Tannehill’s contract after this season, we have to wonder if Malik Willis is Tennessee’s QB1 in 2023.

Round 4

Seattle Seahawks – Coby Bryant CB (109th Overall)

Yeah… There were three specialists drafted in the fourth round and a heck of a lot more reaches. Some good value was to be found though. Just think about what that Romeo Doubs pick at 132 could end up looking like. For me though, Coby Bryant was definitely a day two pick and someone I would’ve selected in late Round 2. Coby will come into Seattle’s defense and play often early. He’s a very sound CB with high leadership skills and ultra competitiveness. I believe that in the near future many teams will wish they had drafted Bryant.

Round 5

Buffalo Bills – Khalil Shakir WR (148th Overall)

Sam Howell at 144 was an obvious choice and I opted to go in another direction. Best of luck to the Washington Commanders. That’s a good bet they’re making on a really talented kid. However, I’ll go with the receiver that I’m sure will have a role and produce. I say it with great confidence that Khalil Shakir at 148 was pure robbery. This pick screams VALUE. Shakir could very easily carve out a role very early in his career. Stefon Diggs and even Jamison Crowder will hit him up with great tips and advice. He’s in a near perfect spot with Josh Allen as his QB and playing for an offense that wants to throw all over the field every week. Khalil Shakir is going to produce in the NFL and people will question why he was ever available in Round 5.

Round 6

San Francisco 49ers – Nick Zakelj (187th Overall)

The sixth round really wasn’t littered with value. There were some solid picks but none that really got me out of my seat despite there still being some great talent on the board. One pick that really got me hyped was the selection of Nick Zakelj at 187. The 49ers love to run the rock, and they drafted a kid that excels in the run game He’s a 6-foot-6 tackle with exquisite footwork and a hunger for throwing defenders off the field in the run game. Nick Zakelj is a perfect fit for what San Francisco wants to do.

Round 7

Cincinnati Bengals – Jeffrey Gunter (252nd Overall)

There were plenty of mistakes made. There is no way Jeffrey Gunter should have been available this late, not at all. The Bengals benefit greatly from adding a talented EDGE rusher that looks like a depth piece right now. Make no mistake about it, Gunter will be a really good player and so much more than a depth piece in the long run. He plays with an innate hunger and never stops working hard. With an intriguing blend of size, speed, and power… we’re looking at a huge Round 7 steal. Do not be one bit surprised if Jeffrey Gunter is sacking your favorite quarterback in the future.