2022 NFL Mock Draft: Houston Texans land Matt Corral
By Brad Weiss
Picks No. 19 through 22
player. 87. . Quarterback. Carolina Panthers. Kenny Pickett. 19
The Carolina Panthers were all over the news this past week, as they brought back Cam Newton at quarterback, a player who led the franchise to a Super Bowl appearance. Newton was outstanding in his return, rushing and throwing for a touchdown, and will be in line to start this weekend against his former head coach, Ron Rivera.
While Newton is a good story, he is not the long-term solution, and neither is former first-round pick, Sam Darnold, from the New York Jets. With pick No. 19, they try to figure out the position group, bringing in Kenny Pickett from Pitt.
Los Angeles Chargers. Garrett Wilson. 20. player. 13. . Wide Receiver
It remains to be seen whether or not the Los Angeles Chargers are going to make a legitimate run at a playoff spot, as they struggled against Minnesota this past weekend. Justin Herbert is a bonafide star and will be one of the best in the game for a long time, so adding talent around him is paramount.
While Keenan Allen is a star as well, they need more help, and Garrett Wilson from Ohio State would be an excellent No. 2 for this team at the position. Mike Williams is solid, but Wilson could be someone who takes over for Allen at WR1 eventually.
player. 15. . Offensive Lineman. New Orleans Saints. Ikem Ekwonu. 21
The New Orleans Saints may have found their long-term solution at quarterback in Jameis Winston, who played well replacing a legend in Drew Brees. Unfortunately, Winston tore his ACL and is out for the year, leaving Trevor Siemian to take over the team until he returns next season.
If Winston is the guy for them moving forward, they need some help along the offensive line, and they get some here with Ikem Ekwonu from NC State. Ekwonu would be an anchor on this line moving forward, providing Winston with the protection he needs to keep improving for the Saints.
player. 47. . Linebacker. New England Patriots. Devon Lloyd. 22
Earlier in the year, the New England Patriots looked like they would be on the outside looking in at the playoffs for a second straight season, but they have turned it around. The Patriots now look like one of the best teams in the NFL, and rookie quarterback Mac Jones certainly appears to be the real deal.
With their first-round pick in 2022, the Patriots look to the other side of the ball in our mock draft, adding a linebacker to their already impressive defense. Devin Lloyd from Utah would be in a perfect spot with Bill Belichick as the head coach, enabling him to contribute right away at the NFL level.