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.
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. 7-700-2022
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." In the 7th round, with the 262nd and
Garrett Wilson , Chris Olave , and Jameson Williams were all taken in the Top 12. Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, the atmosphere was electric
Only one QB ( Kenny Pickett ) was taken in the first two rounds, a historic rarity.