Chiefs 2022 Draft: Every Pick Revealed
What's up, Chiefs Kingdom! It's that time of year again, the 2022 NFL Draft. We all know how crucial the draft is for building a championship team, and let me tell you, the Kansas City Chiefs have been busy bees, making some seriously smart moves. We're going to dive deep into every single pick they made, analyze who they snagged, and figure out how these guys might fit into the squad. Get ready, because we're breaking down the Chiefs 2022 draft picks right here, right now!
Round 1: George Karlaftis - Defensive End
Let's kick things off with the big one, guys. In the first round, the Chiefs grabbed George Karlaftis, an absolute beast of a defensive end from Purdue. This pick, coming in at number 30 overall, was all about strengthening that pass rush. We all know how important it is to get after the quarterback, and Karlaftis is exactly the kind of player who can do that. He's got the size, the strength, and the relentless motor that you want in an edge rusher. He's not just a one-trick pony either; he's got a solid set of moves and the football IQ to diagnose plays and disrupt the backfield. He's going to be lining up opposite Frank Clark and Chris Jones, which is a pretty terrifying thought for opposing offensive lines. Imagine the pressure these guys can generate together! Karlaftis is coming into a situation where he can learn from some seasoned pros and contribute right away. The Chiefs 2022 draft picks started strong with this selection, showing their commitment to building a dominant defense. He's a high-energy guy, a real warrior on the field, and he's got that competitive fire that makes you believe he can be a cornerstone of this defense for years to come. We're talking about a player who plays with his hair on fire, always giving 110%. His game tape shows a guy who is consistently disruptive, and that's exactly what the Chiefs needed to add to their defensive front. This wasn't just a good pick; it was a statement pick. It signaled to the league that the Chiefs are serious about improving their defense and competing at the highest level. He’s also got that grit and determination that Chiefs fans absolutely love. He’s the kind of player who will make the tough plays and won’t back down from any challenge. We're expecting big things from this kid, and with the talent surrounding him, he's in a prime position to succeed.
Round 2: Christian Watson - Wide Receiver
Moving on to the second round, the Chiefs made a move that had everyone talking: they drafted Christian Watson, a wide receiver from North Dakota State. Now, some of you might be thinking, "Wait, didn't the Chiefs just trade Tyreek Hill?" And you'd be right! This pick is a direct response to that blockbuster trade. Watson is a big, athletic receiver with incredible speed and a massive catch radius. He's not just a deep threat, though; he's also got the strength to break tackles and gain yards after the catch. He's a dynamic playmaker who can line up anywhere on the field and make things happen. The Chiefs 2022 draft picks in the second round were all about replacing that explosive playmaking ability they lost. Watson has the potential to be a true number one receiver for this team. He’s got the kind of upside that makes general managers dream. His college production speaks for itself, and he was a dominant force against some pretty good competition. He’s got the physicality to battle with bigger corners and the speed to leave smaller ones in the dust. We're looking at a guy who can stretch the field vertically and also be a threat underneath and in the intermediate game. His ability to turn short passes into big gains is something that will be invaluable for the Chiefs' offense. He’s the kind of receiver who can really open things up for the other guys on the field. When you’ve got a player like Watson, defenses have to respect his speed and his ability to make plays, and that creates opportunities for Travis Kelce, and whoever else emerges at receiver. He’s a high-upside guy, and while there's always a learning curve coming from a smaller school, his talent is undeniable. This is a massive swing by the Chiefs, and if Watson pans out, it could be one of the steals of the draft. He’s got the makeup of a star, and we’re all eager to see him make his mark in the NFL.
Round 3: Leo Chenal - Linebacker
In the third round, the Chiefs decided to beef up their linebacker corps by selecting Leo Chenal from Wisconsin. This guy is a thumper, plain and simple. He's a big, physical linebacker who excels against the run and can also bring some pressure on the blitz. The Chiefs 2022 draft picks continued to address defensive needs, and Chenal is a perfect fit for what Steve Spagnuolo likes to do on defense. He's got the instincts to diagnose plays quickly and the power to shed blocks and make tackles. He's also got surprising athleticism for his size, which means he can cover some ground and make plays sideline to sideline. We're talking about a linebacker who isn't afraid to get his nose dirty. He's the kind of player who sets the tone for the defense. His college tape shows a guy who consistently makes impactful plays, stuffing the run and flying around the field. He's going to add a physical presence to that linebacker room that was definitely needed. He’s the kind of player who will fly to the ball and lay the wood. He's got the strength to tackle anyone and the tenacity to make sure they don't get any extra yards. We're looking for him to complement the existing linebackers and provide a strong run-stopping presence. He’s also shown flashes of being able to rush the passer, which adds another dimension to his game. The Chiefs have invested in their defense, and Chenal is a big part of that plan. He’s got the potential to be a three-down linebacker, and his development will be crucial for the team's success on defense. He’s a homegrown talent, hailing from Wisconsin, and he's got that blue-collar work ethic that we love to see. He's going to come in and compete, and we're excited to see him make his presence felt.
Round 4: Chamarri Conner - Safety
As the draft continued, the Chiefs picked up Chamarri Conner, a versatile defensive back from Virginia Tech, in the fourth round. Safety is a position where depth and playmaking ability are always important, and Conner brings both. He's a physical player who can hit, and he's also shown good instincts in coverage. The Chiefs 2022 draft picks kept focusing on the defensive side of the ball, and this pick adds more talent to the secondary. He’s got the versatility to play both safety spots and potentially even some nickel corner, which gives the coaching staff a lot of flexibility. He's a tough player who isn't afraid to come up and make a tackle in the run game, and he also has the awareness to read offenses and make plays on the ball in the passing game. We're looking for him to come in and provide solid depth behind the starting safeties and compete for playing time. He’s the kind of player who can step in and make an immediate impact on special teams as well, which is always a bonus. His tackling ability is something that stands out on film, and he’s not afraid to be physical. In coverage, he’s shown good anticipation and the ability to break on passes. He’s a smart player who understands his assignments and plays with a high level of effort. The Chiefs’ secondary has been an area of focus, and adding Conner gives them another quality player to develop. He’s got the potential to be a reliable starter down the line, and his immediate contribution on special teams will be valuable. He's got that competitive spirit and a chip on his shoulder, which can often lead to great things in the NFL. We're excited to see how he integrates into the Chiefs' defensive scheme and contributes to their success.
Round 5: Nazeeh Johnson - Safety
Continuing to bolster the secondary, the Chiefs selected Nazeeh Johnson, another safety, from Marshall in the fifth round. This adds more depth and competition to the safety position. Johnson is an athletic safety with good speed and range. He's a player who can cover a lot of ground and make plays on the ball. The Chiefs 2022 draft picks in the later rounds are often about finding hidden gems and players with high upside, and Johnson certainly fits that mold. He's got the physical tools to succeed in the NFL, and now it's about developing his technique and football instincts. He's a player who will likely contribute on special teams early in his career, but he also has the potential to develop into a solid contributor on defense. His speed and athleticism are his calling cards, and those are traits that are hard to teach. He’s shown the ability to make big plays in college, and the Chiefs are hoping he can translate that to the professional level. He’s a player who flies around the field and has a nose for the football. We’re looking for him to develop his coverage skills and his understanding of NFL offenses. With guys like Tyrannson, who are already established, he'll have a great opportunity to learn and grow. This pick represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for the Chiefs. They’re betting on his athleticism and potential, and if he can put it all together, he could be a fantastic find in the fifth round. He's got the energy and the drive to make it, and we're eager to see his development.
Round 6: Jaylen Watson - Cornerback
In the sixth round, the Chiefs added some much-needed depth at cornerback by drafting Jaylen Watson from Washington State. Cornerback is a position that requires athleticism, speed, and good instincts, and Watson brings those qualities to the table. The Chiefs 2022 draft picks in the later rounds are all about adding players who can compete, develop, and potentially fill needs. Watson is a big corner with a physical playing style. He’s not afraid to mix it up in press coverage and can also play off-coverage effectively. He's got the length and the athleticism to match up with bigger receivers in the league. We're looking for him to come in and compete for a spot on the roster and contribute on special teams. His development over the next couple of seasons will be key, but he has the physical tools to be an effective NFL cornerback. He’s got the physicality to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage and the speed to run with them downfield. He's a gritty player who plays with a lot of heart. He’s the kind of corner who can bring physicality to the Chiefs’ secondary. He’s got the raw tools, and under the tutelage of the Chiefs’ defensive coaches, he has the potential to really blossom. He’s a player who could surprise some people. This is a classic late-round flyer pick where the team is betting on talent and potential. We’re excited to see him compete and earn his stripes in the NFL.
Round 7: Isiah Pacheco - Running Back
Finally, in the seventh round, the Chiefs decided to add some depth and competition to their running back room by selecting Isiah Pacheco from Rutgers. Pacheco is a powerful, physical running back who runs with a determined style. He's not afraid to lower his shoulder and fight for extra yards. The Chiefs 2022 draft picks concluded with a pick that adds a different dimension to the running back group. He's a no-nonsense runner who brings a toughness to the position. While he might not be the flashiest runner, he's incredibly effective at gaining tough yards between the tackles. He’s also shown some ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. We're looking for him to provide depth behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon, and potentially carve out a role on special teams as well. He’s the kind of runner who wears down defenses. He’s got a good stiff arm and can break tackles. He’s going to bring a physical element that can be very valuable in short-yardage situations and goal-line situations. He’s got the drive and the determination to succeed in the NFL. He’s a player who plays with a lot of heart and passion. This is a great opportunity for Pacheco to prove himself and earn a spot on the 53-man roster. He’s got the physicality and the will to run the ball effectively, and we’re excited to see what he can do in a Chiefs uniform. He’s a player who can bring a different flavor to the Chiefs’ backfield.
Undrafted Free Agents and Future Outlook
Beyond the draft picks, it's always important to keep an eye on the undrafted free agents the Chiefs bring in. These guys often fly under the radar but can sometimes turn into valuable contributors. The Chiefs 2022 draft picks laid a solid foundation, but the UDFA class will be crucial for adding depth and competition. We've seen many undrafted players go on to have successful NFL careers, so don't count them out! Looking ahead, this draft class has the potential to significantly impact the Chiefs. With key additions on defense like Karlaftis and Chenal, and playmakers like Watson on offense, the team has addressed several critical needs. The secondary received a boost with Conner and Johnson, and the running back room got a physical presence with Pacheco. It's a mix of immediate impact players and developmental prospects, which is exactly what you want in a draft. The coaching staff has done a great job identifying talent, and now it's up to these young men to put in the work and prove themselves. The future looks bright for the Chiefs, and this draft class is a big reason why. We're all stoked to see these guys hit the field and contribute to the Chiefs' quest for another Super Bowl! It’s all about building that championship culture, and these draft picks are the next wave of talent ready to carry that torch. Get ready for some exciting football, Chiefs fans!
