2022 NFL Draft: Packers get worst grade among all 32 first-round picks
29. New England Patriots: Cole Strange, C, Chattanooga
OL. Chattanooga. 47. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Cole Strange. 29. player
Grade: C
I imagine the New England Patriots draft room, tense as ever, as Bill Belichick called this one in.
“We’re taking Cole Strange.”
An intern with gusto chimes in, “But Strange is not going until the late third round of our simulations. We could get him later.”
Then Bill Belichick belches loudly and ignores the intern, reiterating that the pick is set in stone.
Belichick doesn’t care what anyone thinks about perceived value. If he sees Strange as a long-term starter at center or guard, then he has no issues making that pick at 29 and people can kiss his rings if they don’t like it.
The Patriots moved down from pick 21 to get here and they have plenty of additional picks in the 2022 NFL Draft to continue reloading.
30. Kansas City Chiefs: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
Purdue. player. 124. Scouting Report. 30. Pick Analysis. EDGE. George Karlaftis
Grade: A
The Kansas City Chiefs stayed put with this pick after trading up from 29 and got themselves some help in the pass rush department.
Karlaftis has intriguing athletic traits but he doesn’t have ideal length off the edge and is mostly a power rusher.
With that said, the perception of Karlaftis has been “top 20 player” for the better part of the last year so the Chiefs and Chiefs fans are understandably excited to add him.
He will be able to take advantage of one-on-one opportunities with Chris Jones and Frank Clark wreaking havoc alongside him.