2022 NFL Mock Draft: Giants, Jets get serious upgrades early

The Cleveland Browns were looked at early as a team that could be a challenger in the AFC, but after injuries, and inconsistent play, they have a ton of question marks surrounding them. They have to figure out what they want to do with Baker Mayfield, who is on the brink of a major extension, but here, they focus on the defensive line.

Looking around at some other mock drafts, DeMarvin Leal is mocked all over the first round, including in the top-10. Here, he lands with the Browns, who need help up front along the defensive line, as they get an elite prospect who can be dominant against the run or the pass.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are starting to trend in the wrong direction, and after a solid start to the season, it is looking more like they will be on the outside looking in at the playoffs. Ben Roethlisberger is coming to the end of the line in Pittsburgh, but with no successor, he could return in 2022, which means bolstering the offensive line.

At pick No. 16 overall, they do just that, bringing in one of the better all-around offensive linemen in this draft class. Tyler Linderbaum can play inside or out for the Steelers, and based on the talent they have in front of Big Ben, he would be a significant upgrade.

The Denver Broncos suddenly look like a team that could be a real challenger for a Wild Card spot, after beating down the Los Angeles Chargers this past weekend. If their defense plays the way they did against Justin Herbert and company, they are going to be in good shape moving forward, but they still have to figure out what they want to do long-term at quarterback.

Picking this late in round one, a quarterback is likely not going to be there, especially one that can be a franchise guy, so instead, they focus on the aforementioned defense. Nakobe Dean is one of the best linebackers in this draft class, and on a Broncos defense that recently lost Von Miller, he slides right into a starter’s role.

Incredibly, the Las Vegas Raiders went into Dallas and won a game on Thanksgiving Day, which could be a signal that their season will turn around. The losers of three straight before that victory, Las Vegas has a tough road ahead, and it will be interesting to see how Derek Carr and company navigate the rest of the season.

At pick No. 18, the Las Vegas Raiders once again draft an offensive tackle in the first round, which would be three times in the last five years. 2021 first-round pick Alex Leatherwood will likely kick inside for his career, leaving a starting right tackle job open for Charles Cross, their pick in the first round of our mock.