2022 NFL Draft winners, losers: Eagles, Ravens show dominance

Finally, the 2022 NFL Draft has come to a close. It was a memorable occasion and delivered plenty of surprises, blockbuster trades, draft-day slides, and steals.

Round 1 is where most of the best talent is uncovered and has been responsible for two of this year's biggest deals. However, there were still a number of high-profile players who made it to Day 2 and Day 3 of the NFL Draft in 2022.

There were winners and losers in this draft, as there always are. Some front offices are rejoicing in this weekend's trades, while others, including players, are fretting about their draft position. Here are some winners and losers from the 2022 NFL Draft.

2022 NFL Draft winners

Joe Douglas sabotaged this pick. First came cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, and then wide receiver Garrett Wilson. To get Florida State pass rusher Jermaine Johnson, the New York Jets moved back into the first round. The Jets got three potential top-10 players on Day 1.

They also made some intriguing selections. In the second round, they drafted former Iowa State running back Breece Hall and Ohio State tight end Jeremy Ruckert in the third round.

The University of Georgia (UGA) had five first-round defensive picks, including No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker, the most by a single school in NFL history. A third-round pick brought the total to seven defensive players taken from a single school in the first three rounds of any NFL draft.

The Philadelphia Eagles dominated the 2022 NFL Draft. ESPN reports that they traded for Titans wideout A.J. Brown on opening night. After dealing for Brown, Howie Roseman focused on the defense, drafting defensive tackle Jordan Davis from Georgia. Philly then drafted Nebraska offensive lineman Cam Jurgens, who might eventually replace Jason Kelce. The Eagles then snagged Georgia linebacker, Nakobe Dean.

The Ravens had one of the best drafts because they generally chose the best available player. Kyle Hamilton of Notre Dame may be the greatest player in the draft, but David Ojabo might be a first-round pick if he doesn't tear his Achilles.

2022 NFL Draft losers

Most mock drafts included two quarterbacks in the first round. On Thursday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Kenny Pickett, a quarterback, in the first round. In the third round, Desmond Ridder, 74th overall, went to the Atlanta Falcons. The Tennessee Titans selected Malik Willis, and the Carolina Panthers chose Matt Corral. Only one rookie quarterback was selected in the first 50 picks.

The Chicago Bears hired GM Ryan Poles despite stiff competition. But there was extra time to help Justin Fields once Poles hired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus as head coach. Instead, weeks after promising to help the second-year quarterback back into his position, the Bears' 2022 draft class did the opposite.

Chicago used two second-round picks on defensive backs, two players who will make Fields' life difficult in 2022. In Round 3, Poles chose a 25-year-old receiver (Velus Jones Jr.) who lacks route-running polish and may never be more than the Bears' No. 3 receiver.

The New England Patriots don't care about the mock drafts or player class, which is commendable. They snagged Chattanooga offensive guard Cole Strange with the 29th overall pick. The Patriots drafted Baylor speedster WR Tyquan Thornton in the second round.