As the draft concluded, 262 dreams had been officially realized, while hundreds of other young men waited for their phones to ring for "undrafted" invites. The 7-700-2022 event proved that while the first round gets the headlines, it’s the late-round "irrelevant" picks and the players who slide that often define the grit of the game. 🏈 2022 Draft Fast Facts
Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, the atmosphere was electric. The 2022 draft was unique; it was the "Year of the Receiver." Within the first 16 picks, six wideouts had flown off the board. Teams were desperate for speed, and they were willing to trade the farm to get it.
By Saturday morning—the "marathon" rounds 4 through 7—the glitz of the Vegas stage had faded into a war of attrition. This was where the real "useful" stories were written. Teams weren't looking for stars anymore; they were looking for "grinders." 7-700-2022
Brock Purdy , the very last pick, eventually became a Pro Bowl starter.
Only one QB ( Kenny Pickett ) was taken in the first two rounds, a historic rarity. As the draft concluded, 262 dreams had been
Travon Walker (DE) – Jacksonville Jaguars.
Garrett Wilson , Chris Olave , and Jameson Williams were all taken in the Top 12. The 2022 draft was unique; it was the "Year of the Receiver
In the 7th round, with the 262nd and final pick, the San Francisco 49ers selected a quarterback from Iowa State named Brock Purdy. The room gave the customary cheer for "Mr. Irrelevant." No one expected him to take a snap in a regular-season game, let alone lead a team to a Super Bowl years later.
