2022 NFL Draft: Pro comparison for all 32 picks in Round 1
By Randy Gurzi
New England Patriots pick No. 29: Cole Strange, G/C, Chattanooga: Ted Karras
The New England Patriots had a strange pick (sorry about that pun) at No. 29 when they took Cole Strange. Hardly anyone saw this coming and apparently, the Rams even thought they had a shot at him in the 100s.
In the end, he seems like a similar player to the center New England just lost — Ted Karras. Both are tall for playing center, weigh in similar to one another, and while they’re not flashy, they just get the job done.
Kansas City Chiefs pick No. 30: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue: Jadeveon Clowney
The Kansas City Chiefs got a steal when George Karlaftis fell into their lap at No. 30. The Purdue product is arguably the best power rusher in this class, which is why he’s compared to Jadeveon Clowney here.
Coming into the NFL, Clowney had more sacks under his belt than Karlaftis, but the former No. 1 overall pick is still known more for his ability to be disruptive — and has yet to hit double-digit in sacks.
Karlaftis might also not hit 10-plus every season but he will hold his own against the run and be the top guy on his team in quarterback pressures — much like Clowney.
Cincinnati Bengals pick No. 31: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan: Byron Jones
When the Dallas Cowboys took Byron Jones back in 2015, he was a safety prospect who could also play cornerback. He started out at free safety before eventually moving to corner, which led to him earning a huge payday in Miami.
Daxton Hill could have a similar path. The Michigan product is excellent in deep coverage as a safety but can also come up and play in the slot or even as an outside cornerback. His addition surely helps the Bengals’ defense, which aims to take another big step forward this season.
Minnesota Vikings pick 32: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia: Anthony Harris
Lewis Cine doesn’t lack confidence and believed he should have been mentioned in the same breath as Kyle Hamilton.
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He will get a chance to prove himself with the Minnesota Vikings and he should find success considering his game resembles that of Anthony Harris, who broke out with Minnesota a few years ago.