2022 NFL Mock Draft: Is Kenny Pickett the future in Carolina?

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Oct 10, 2020; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Trent Pennix (26) celebrates with Wolfpack offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu (79) after scoring a touchdown against the Virginia Cavaliers in the first quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Picks No. 23 through 25

23. player. 56. . Offensive Lineman. Cincinnati Bengals. Ikem Ekwonu

In Week 11, the Cincinnati Bengals did what they had to do, avoiding a three-game slide on the road, and beating the Las Vegas Raiders inside Allegiant Stadium. It was the kind of win that can get their season back on track, and in a very winnable AFC North, they are right back in the mix.

Joe Burrow and company have done a nice job stacking wins, and if they hope to continue to get the best out of him, they need to continue to put talent up front along the offensive line. That talent could be NC State star Ikem Ekwonu, who has the size and strength to play inside or out and would be another big addition to protect their No. 1 asset.

player. 50. . Quarterback. Detroit Lions. Sam Howell. 24

With their second of two first-round picks, the one they got from the Los Angeles Rams, the Detroit Lions are likely to be picking late in round one. The Rams are one of the best teams in the NFL this season, and now that they have Matthew Stafford, they are a favorite to not only make a deep run in the playoff but possibly win a Super Bowl.

Still, even picking at No. 24, the Lions should be able to remedy their issues at the quarterback position, selecting UNC star Sam Howell here. Howell was a guy who was once considered a favorite to go No. 1 overall, and if he plays like a No. 1 overall pick in Detroit, maybe the trajectory of this franchise can start moving in the right direction.

124. . Cornerback. Kansas City Chiefs. Ahmad Gardner. 25. player

Once left for dead, and with people questioning their MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs are alive and well, and once again look like the favorite in the AFC. Mahomes and company have won four straight after a 3-4 start, and on their bye week, they are only going to get healthier for the playoff push.

Based on the current projection, the Chiefs would be picking at No. 25 overall next April, and with that, they should look to add talent to the secondary. Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner is a ball-hawking cornerback who is a dynamic playmaker, and this Chiefs defense has shown a deficiency in the defensive backfield at times this season.

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