Breaking Down The 20 Worst & 20 Best Picks Of The NFL Draft

Darren - May 5, 2022

Breaking Down The 20 Worst & 20 Best Picks Of The NFL Draft

Darren - May 5, 2022

5. Best – David Ojabo

Ojabo is a flashy edge rusher who was brilliant for the Michigan Wolverines. Now he plays for the Ravens after they drafted him in the second round. This worked out well for several reasons. First, Ojabo knows Mike McDonald well because he worked with the defensive coordinator before.

He also played for Jim Harbaugh, the brother of Baltimore coach, John. On paper, he’s a great fit for the Ravens’ scheme and should fit in easily. Furthermore, he fell into their laps because most people expected him to be a mid-first round pick (via Baltimore Sun).

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4. Worst – Faion Hicks

It may seem harsh to put a seventh-round selection this high on a list of worst picks, but Hicks is a special case. Yes, it’s not his fault, and congratulations because he’ll make lots of money. But that doesn’t stop him from being a complete waste of a pick. The Broncos don’t need him but still went for him (via SBNation).

This wasn’t even a case of going for the best player still available because that was probably Thayer Munford. Denver had a questionable draft after the exciting hype of their offseason. If they presented Russell Wilson with new cleats it would have given the roster more than Hicks will.

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3. Best – Evan Neal

Neal was the best offensive tackle in the draft and now he’s a Giant. His staggering size indeed meant that this was already true but he’s playing for the appropriate franchise. Neal instantly upgrades their quarterback protection, even if it won’t be Daniel Jones for much longer.

He’s likely going to play in several Pro Bowls over the next few years because he’s so good. Few players are as NFL-ready as Neal. The No. 7 overall pick was one of the Crimson Tide’s most versatile and important athletes. Now he’s ready for the big step up (via The Union Journal).

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2. Worst – Cole Strange

Let’s caveat this with the fact that Bill Belichick has forgotten more about football than anybody reading this has ever learned. That being said, Strange is one of the most bizarre first-round picks of the past 10 years. Nobody expected the former six-year Chattanooga guard to go so early (via CBS Sports).

At best, they expected him to fall to the third round. That’s where Sean McVey assumed that he would be able to pick him. Strange may prove to be one of the most underrated talents in the draft. Belichick already pulled this off with a certain quarterback. But it’s still a reach because he could have taken him in the second or later.

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1. Best – Aidan Hutchinson

Hutchinson has better odds to be the rookie defensive player of the year than the No. 1 pick. Detroit made him the second-overall pick after the Jags opted for Travon Walker. This pleased the Lions because they had their hearts set on the former Michigan star from the beginning.

This isn’t a case of them just saying that either. Many analysts believe that Hutchinson, not Walker, is the better athlete. Hutchinson hails from the city and went to school there so he’s already a massive fan favorite. This was a match made in heaven (via NBC Sports).

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Breaking Down The 20 Worst & 20 Best Picks Of The NFL Draft