Thirty-two takeaways from the first round of an unusual NFL draft
LAS VEGAS — NFL commissioner Roger Goodell figured this draft would be a return to normalcy in terms of major sporting events.
In a sense it was — precious few masks in sight on a balmy Nevada evening — but there was very little that was normal about the first draft in Sin City.
Five defensive players in a row to start the night?
A record six receivers in the first 20 picks?
Only one quarterback taken by a league so dominated by passing?
And NFL teams wrapping their arms around Georgia’s defense the way the commissioner bear hugs draftees on stage?
A memorable night, indeed.
Thirty-two observations from the first round of the 2022 NFL draft:
1. Aidan Hutchinson had his dreams written into the lining of his sports coat, including becoming a first-team All-American and a Heisman finalist. He’s the highest-drafted defensive player in University of Michigan history, surpassing Charles Woodson, taken fourth by the Oakland Raiders in 1998.
2. A
