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The 2022 NFL Draft is wrapped up which means it's time to evaluate the biggest losers from the wild weekend. Some teams improved, while others were making head-scratching decisions throughout. Meanwhile, some players in the league might not have the best time next season with the new faces entering the roster. We'll see how it plays out, but it might be a rough year for the teams and players on this list.
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Teams like the Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers actually had a solid draft, however, some of their players are left wondering what's in store for their future? Additionally, we have three teams in the NFL that made questionable decisions for their franchise. It'll be interesting to see how the season unfolds, but it's never a good sign to be in a tough position from the start.
With that said, here are our five biggest losers of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Biggest Losers Of 2022 NFL Draft
It was a hard weekend for Ryan Tannehill. The Titans traded away his top target AJ Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles. Additionally, most of the talent acquired in the NFL Draft are prospects who need time to develop. Offensively, Tennessee is worse on paper, which doesn't bode well for Tannehill's success in the 2022 season. To make matters worse, the front office took Malik Willis in the third round and threatens to take over as the starting quarterback down the road. It's no wonder Tannehill didn't call Treylon Burks right away during the draft.
This team struggled with injuries last year and still earned the first seed in the AFC. There's a chance the Titans maintain the same level of production offensively if the team can remain healthy. Regardless, the front office selected prospects in the NFL Draft with 2023 and beyond in mind. No matter how the upcoming season plays out, Ryan Tannehill's clock is ticking in Tennessee.
Chase Claypool's tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers is already questionable. He hasn't produced in the way the club had been hoping for and his time is running out. The front office reeled in two talented receivers in George Pickens and Calvin Austin, who both have the potential to play major roles in this offense. Keep an eye on Claypool, as his production dictates his future with the organization.
He should still be a top-three option in the passing game to start the season. Claypool's future is in his hands. If he performs well, then he'll be alright. If not, then one of these hungry rookies is going to take his spot.
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3. The Carolina Panthers
This team entered the 2022 NFL Draft needing a quarterback and they left still needing a quarterback. We're likely to see Sam Darnold under center next season, which isn't ideal for the Carolina Panthers at all. The front office did acquire Matt Corral, but considering he is a third-round rookie, there isn't much hope for him to make an immediate impact during his rookie campaign. We'll see how it plays out, but Carolina did not address their needs on offense and are in the same position they were at the beginning of the offseason.
Look for the Panthers to be relatively the same team as they were last season. The roster didn't improve much and the franchise has the exact same quarterback problem as well. The front office brought in some decent talent to the roster in the NFL Draft, but it's not enough to make a huge difference.
Are the Chicago Bears allergic to drafting wide receivers? Justin Fields has all of the talent and potential in the world. However, Chicago has given him one of, if not, the worst receiver rooms in the NFL. Velus Jones Jr. could be a hit but he was taken in the third round for a reason. The defense should be solid though, but the front office did Fields no favors for his development in the second year of his career.
The Bears might be relying on Cole Kmet to take a leap in development. If he does, then Chicago could be a surprise team in the NFC Noth. Even so, the lack of versatility in the passing game is going to hurt Justin Fields more than it helps.
1. The New England Patriots
We usually see the New England Patriots zig when the rest of the league zags, however, Bill Belichick might have been zigging a bit too much. Their first two picks were massive reaches, as there were better prospects available for those positions at New England's picks. Taking Tyquan Thornton over Skyy Moore is nearly as bad as taking N'Keal Harry over Terry McLaurin. Additionally, New England drafted more than one running back for an already crowded running back room. On top of that, the rookies the front office selected are all a bit on the older side.
It's not a great look for the Patriots, as they walk away with a mediocre group of prospects. The coaching staff will have their hands full in developing these players, as the team didn't reel in many exciting rookies in the 2022 NFL Draft. Keep an eye on this organization, as New England is still trying to get back in shape since Tom Brady's departure.
