Reflecting on the 2022 NFL Draft, it’s clear how some teams maintain success while others struggle. After reassessing the draft three years later, it becomes evident why certain franchises excel and others remain at the bottom, leading to another high draft pick this year.
In my reassessment, four of the top five teams that received high grades were the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and Detroit Lions. All received A+ grades and all were playoff contenders last season, with the Chiefs even reaching the Super Bowl.
Each of these teams boasts elite quarterbacks: Patrick Mahomes for the Chiefs, Lamar Jackson for the Ravens, Jordan Love for the Packers, and Jared Goff for the Lions. Their success is a testament to solid drafting, particularly in 2022.
Meanwhile, the New York Jets also received an A+, but their issue lies with unreliable quarterback performance. Injuries to Aaron Rodgers have hindered their progress, resulting in an inability to leverage their draft success effectively.
Conversely, poor drafting exacerbates difficulties for struggling teams, reinforcing their challenges. The New England Patriots are in a rebuild phase due to a disastrous 2022 draft, receiving an F grade. However, with potential improvements on the horizon, including newcomer Drake Maye, there remains hope for a turnaround.
Teams that received F grades include the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, and Washington Commanders. The Commanders have had some respite with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, hinting at potential future progress.
Overall, the key to long-term success in the NFL remains strong quarterback play and effective drafting, a lesson that the evaluation of the 2022 draft clearly highlights.
