NFL draft 2022 - Best team fits for top rookies, perfect landing spots and midround steals with early-impact potential

The right team fit is crucial when talking about NFL rookies and how they project at the next level. We saw numerous talented prospects selected over seven rounds during the 2022 NFL draft, but which ones landed in the perfect scheme for their skill sets? Who was put in the best possible position to succeed? Who will get the right coaching and pro system to maximize their talents?

I picked out my 10 favorite fits — the prospects who landed on teams that fit them perfectly, factoring in scheme, tendencies and coaching. These players could thrive right out of the gates in their NFL careers if they are set up and developed in the right way. And I believe they are in the ideal spots to do just that.

I also chose five of my favorite value picks of the middle rounds. These are guys who weren't top-70 picks but could play early and often because of their high-end physical traits and the situations on the teams that picked them. Keep an eye on them during the 2022 season and beyond.

Let's dive in, starting with a defensive back who has a superb new NFL home.

Jump to:Best fits | Early-impact steals

Drafted: Round 1, No. 4

Why he is a perfect fit: In the Jets' defined coverage schemes, Gardner is a seamless fit as a boundary corner who can play a difference-making role as a both a man and zone defender. With his long, 6-foot-3 frame and press-man skills, Gardner will challenge outside for a defense that played Cover 1 (man-free) on 39% of coverage snaps last season, the fifth most in the league.

The zone eyes are there, too, when Gardner pedals off the ball in three-deep coverage. And when coach Robert Saleh's defense faces 3x1 sets, Gardner can be assigned to lock down the single receiver to the backside of the formation,