NFL Draft 2022 tracker: live blog and pick-by-pick analysis
Over the three days of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Chiefs hope to select a class of prospects similar to the talented group they acquired last year, led by linebacker Nick Bolton, center Creed Humphrey and right guard Trey Smith. The difference this year is that the Chiefs were able to select two prospects in the first round.
But general manager Brett Veach wasn’t about to wait for the No. 29 pick to get his first. He dealt three picks (Nos. 29, 94 and 121) to the Patriots for the 21st pick, then selected Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie. The team was light at cornerback after losing Charvarius Ward to the 49ers via free agency. The team also had the 30th pick in the first round, and they used it to bolster a major positional need, selecting point carrier George Karlaftis from Purdue.
On Day 2, the Chiefs finally got some help at receiver, taking West Michigan slot type receiver Skyy Moore after going from the No. 50 pick to the No. 54 pick. Eight picks later , they selected Cincinnati safety Bryan Cook, a solid running defenseman who could continue to compete for a starting job in his rookie season.
And in Round 3 (pick No. 103), the Chiefs took Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal, known as a strong running defenseman who finished No. 7 in the FBS in tackles per game (10.4) during his junior All-American season.
Check back here throughout the project for analysis and notes for each chef’s choice.
Round 1
No. 21 (from the Patriots): Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
How it fits: Trent McDuffie isn’t the ideal cornerback for height and length, but Kansas City’s franchise trajectory goes beyond wobbles on physical traits alone. With Charvarius Ward and Tyrann Mathieu leaving in the offseason, the Chiefs needed a slot defender to fit into defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s plan.
McDuffie is a high-IQ player and comes into the NFL with a lot of experience, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Kansas City move him around and employ him in a number of ways depending on the defensive package they’re using. If the Chiefs can shield him from attacks from bigger bodies and teams that run the ball in condensed formations, McDuffie can carve out a career as a reliable cover player. — Diante Lee
Dane Brugler’s analysis: McDuffie may not meet ideal height thresholds for some, but he is an easy sell in drawrooms as he has exceptional athleticism and intelligence and is well trained in various techniques. He has a high ceiling and a high floor and is expected to start as an NFL rookie.
Nate Taylor’s analysis: Trading for versatile cornerback should bolster Chiefs secondary
Christian Caple’s analysis: What Washington CB Trent McDuffie brings to the Chiefs
Rating from Sheil Kapadia: C-
No. 30: George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue
How it fits: A sort of reverse of Jermaine Johnson in a way, as Karlaftis will provide immediate value as the best power pass rusher in this class. But as a defender of the race, on cover and elsewhere? Questions arise. He has the power of the NFL, he can give an advantage and he is a problem with his speed and his burst. But there are concerns about his attention to detail (and overall interest, frankly) as a running defender, and he’s most likely a prospect even before that. Physically, however, Karlaftis was ready to compete in the Big Ten as a true freshman and only got better. He is also still very young, he has just turned 21. — Nick Baumgardner
Dane Brugler’s analysis: Karlaftis doesn’t have elite length or athletic contraction, but he has the NFL power, effort and handwork to break blockers’ rhythm and be disruptive. He is an NFL starting defensive end in a traditional front four.
Nate Taylor’s analysis: Achieved first-round goal by adding powerful pass thrower
Nicole Auerbach’s analysis: What Purdue Edge George Karlaftis Brings to the Chiefs
Rating by Sheil Kapadia: B
2nd round
No. 54 (from the Patriots): Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan
How it fits: If the Chiefs were trying to find a way to stem the loss of Tyreek Hill in this draft, taking Skyy Moore might be the literal best move coach Andy Reid could have made. A formidable selection that could fill much of the void left by Hill after his trade earlier this offseason. Moore is short (5-foot-9) but sturdy (195 pounds), with strong hands and good speed (4.41 seconds 40). Moore has the ability to get out of the line of scrimmage, find space vertically and finish in the air.
A defensive back who moved to wide receiver late in high school, Moore knows how to open up and finish from the slot and could be a serious weapon for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in short order: 2,482 yards and 16 touchdowns in three years with Tim Lester in western Michigan. It looks like an excellent choice. — Nick Baumgardner
Dane Brugler’s analysis: Moore might struggle to create significant passing windows from NFL coverage, but he has exceptional hands and reflexes with the detail-oriented mindset to become a three-tier threat. He projects himself better as an NFL slot receiver.
Nate Taylor’s analysis: Patrick Mahomes’ next weapon is another sneaky fast receiver
Chris Vannini’s analysis: What Western Michigan WR Skyy Moore brings to the Chiefs
Rating from Sheil Kapadia: A-
No. 62: Bryan Cook, S, Cincinnati
How it fits: Played two years in Cincinnati (plus one bowling game) after being traded from Howard and quickly became a reliable presence for Luke Fickell’s incredibly strong secondary. Cook’s best year in college was his last, and it was a huge success for the Bearcats. Cook broke up 11 passes, made 96 tackles and showed off his old cornerback skills as a hard-to-cheat safety in coverage. Not perfect, but he found a way more often than not.
Cook was also a very good tackle in college, and as long as his shoulder is okay, that should translate to the NFL level. He took good angles, kept his feet moving and finished his tackles, like a safety should. A perspective on a high floor. — Nick Baumgardner
Dane Brugler’s analysis: Cook has room to increase his level of consistency in coverage, but he’s an above-average running defender with the physical traits and passing attitude to see the field early and often in the NFL. He is expected to compete for a starting role in Year 1.
Nate Taylor’s analysis: Physical safety brings athleticism and versatility to Kansas City D
Rating by Sheil Kapadia: B
Round 3
No. 103 (compensatory): Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin
How it fits: Hard to hate Day 2 transportation for Andy Reid: Skyy Moore, Bryan Cook and now Wisconsin Chenal. Against the run, Chenal is a hammer. When backs and blockers hit him, they move – and he doesn’t. It’s all throttle, all downhill, all the time. Had 115 tackles last year as a junior while being named to the first-team All-American. Added eight sacks and 18.5 tackles for the loss and was a problem for any team that wanted to get big and go down. Challenge him at your own risk.
But, there are coverage issues. Chenal had strong Speed Test numbers and moves quite well, but he still needs to develop better overall feel for coverage to be effective or reliable at the NFL level. He has the traits to be a good covering defenseman in the NFL, but we have to see him. Either way, fans will feel it. When it knocks, you hear it. — Nick Baumgardner
Dane Brugler’s analysis: Chenal has room to grow as a cover man and blitzer, but he has exceptional running instincts with above-average keying and diagnostic skills and downhill contact balance. He compares favorably to Jordyn Brooks as a prospect.
Grade from Sheil Kapadia: B+
Round 4
No. 135
Round 5
No. 158 (from Patriots via Dolphins)
Round 7
No. 233 (from the Vikings)
No. 243 (from Raiders through Patriots)
No. 251
No. 259 (compensatory)
(Photo by Skyy Moore: Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
