The 2022 NFL Draft was filled with unpredictable picks in the first three rounds over the first two nights. While some players went earlier than expected as reaches, that opened the door for plenty of great value picks on Day 3.
Plenty of second- or third-round talent slipped into become fine selections in the fourth round and beyond. Here's looking at the teams that made the smartest choices for sleeper prospects:
MORE 2022 NFL DRAFT:
Full results | Team-by-team grades | Winners & losers
Buccaneers: Cade Otton, TE, Washington (Round 4, No. 106 overall)
The Buccaneers look like they'll be moving on without Rob Gronkowski and found a dynamic athlete with natural route-running and hands to help succeed him a a receiver. Otton, the second-best tight end in the class, also has the frame (6-5, 247 pounds) to grow into a blocking asset, another missing aspect without Gronk and O.J. Howard.
Chiefs: Darian Kinnard, OT/G, Kentucky (Round 5, No. 145 overall)
Kansas City stole starting right guard Trey Smith in the sixth round in 2021. Brett Veach and Andy Reid did it again for the offensive line, recognizing that Kinnard has right tackle potential and can at least be a strong swing backup to Smith and Joe Thuney. Kinnard is a natural powerful run blocker at 6-5, 345 but has the athleticism to carry some outside pass-protection upside.
Bears: Braxton Jones, OT, Southern Utah State (Round 5, No. 168 overall)
Jones should have gone earlier based on his standout quickness and agility for pass protection, a big asset despite his small-school pedigree. At 6-5, 310 pounds, Jones has the frame to grow quickly as a run blocker. He is a candidate to complete for the starting job at right tackle opposite 2021 second-rounder Teven Jenkins. It was an astute late pick by new GM Ryan Poles, a former offensive lineman.
Steelers: Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis (Round 4, No. 138 overall)
The Steelers saw the big plays in their passing game fade as Ben Roethlisberger's arm strength decline. They have been committed to revving up the deep ball and after-the-catch burst for rookie first-round QB Kenny Pickett.
Austin's blazing speed and quickness fits with that philosophy for Matt Canada ater getting size-speed outside prospect George Pickens to support top wideouts Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool. Austin is tough as well as elusive for his 5-8, 170-pound frame. He can also be a dangerous punt returner.
Seahawks: Tariq Woolen, CB, Texas-San Antonio (Round 5, No. 153 overall)
The Seahawks like big-framed cover man who can handle themselves equally well in man and zone coverage for Pete Carroll, who once got the most out of Brandon Browner (6-4, 221 pounds) on the field. Woolen has similar size (6-4, 205 pounds) with natural instincts and can also develop into a well-rounded corner for them soon.
Browns: Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma (Round 4, No. 108 overall)
Winfrey was the ideal get for the Browns' defensive front and he should have gone in the second round after his dominant performance at Senior Bowl week. He's long, strong and powerful with his frame (6-4, 292) and can be a big-time pro playmaker, too, with some technique polish. Cleveland got the right massive player to put inside to complement Myles Garrett.
Raiders: Matthew Butler, DT, Tennessee (Round 5, No. 175 overall)
Butler's smarts with his big frame (6-4, 297 pounds) allows him to be very versatile up front and the Raiders should welcome that along with fellow rookie Neil Farrell Jr. to boost the playmaking juice inside to better complement what Maxx Crosby and newcomer Chandler Jones outside.
Cowboys: Damone Clark, LB, LSU (Round 5, No. 176 overall)
The Cowboys brought back Leighton Vander Esch for one more year and have a do-everything first-round second-year stud in Micah Parsons, but they had a need for some extra playmaking vs. the run and in coverage. Clark's combination of strength, leadership, intelligence and athleticism at 6-2, 329 pounds merited a much a higher pick, but Jerry Jones and Dallas should be ecstatic for giving Dan Quinn another impact player.
Packers: Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina (Round 5, No. 179 overall)
The Packers waited well to address outside linebacker in their 3-4 to get good situational depth behind Preston Smith and Rashan Gary after not keeping Za'Darius Smith. Enagbare can get to the quarterback when need but has the build (6-4, 258 pounds) to also be an physical, intimidating force against the run.
Rams: Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia (Round 6, No. 212 overall)
The Rams lost Darious Williams in free agency and was able to get back Troy Hill, former No. 2 to Jalen Ramsey, from the Browns. But to get Kendrick from the Bulldogs' defense this late was terrific for Les Snead, Sean McVay and Raheem Morris. Kendrick's size and rangy coverage skills is a good fit for their scheme and was a third-round talent on many boards.
Chargers: Jamaree Salyer, OT, Georgia (Round 6, No. 195 overall)
The Chargers got their immediate starting right guard in first-rounder Zion Johnson. But they also have the potential starting right tackle for their near future in Salyer. With 2021 first-rounder Rashawn Slater a long-term left tackle, they needed a powerful run blocker for the other side. Salyer just needs improve his footwork and technique well to hold up better on the other side.
