2022 NFL Draft winners and losers: New York owns the weekend

Apr 28, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the thirteenth overall pick to the Philadelphia Eagles during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft at the NFL Draft Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the thirteenth overall pick to the Philadelphia Eagles during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft at the NFL Draft Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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2022 NFL Draft, New York Jets
Apr 28, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux reacts after being selected as the fifth overall pick to the New York Giants during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft at the NFL Draft Theater. Mandatory Credit: Gary Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

2022 NFL Draft Winners: New York Giants

With picks at No. 5 and No. 7, the New York Giants were able to solidify both sides of the line of scrimmage. First, it was Oregon EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux.

After spending months as the No. 1 prospect, Thibodeaux went after Travon Walker and Aidan Hutchinson but if he puts it all together, he could be the best of the bunch.

Next was Evan Neal, who will likely be the starting right tackle from Day 1. Other solid picks include wideout Wan’Dale Robinson, tight end Daniel Bellinger, and safety Dane Belton. Even their final pick, Darrian Beavers in Round 6, could end up making this team and being a productive player.

Both the Giants and their roommates in MetLife Stadium had a great weekend and should be much better in 2022.

2022 NFL Draft Losers: New England Patriots

It was really hard to figure out what the New England Patriots were doing. They took Cole Strange at No. 29 after dropping down despite no one having him on the Round 1 radar. They also grabbed Tyquan Thornton who is a deep threat but not necessarily a complete wideout.

On top of that, they reached for Jack Jones from ASU and ended up with Bailey Zappe — who might have been their best pick but will never see the field since they just added Mac Jones last season.

Bill Belichick usually has a plan and his team is always competitive, so we shouldn’t be too hard on them, but this was a weird draft by New England.