Fansided

2022 NFL Mock Draft: Michigan star drafted by Lions No. 1 overall

By Brad Weiss

Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson celebrates a play against Ohio State during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021.
Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson celebrates a play against Ohio State during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 10
Next
Sep 25, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Kenyon Green (55) in action during the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Texas A&M Aggies at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Kenyon Green (55) in action during the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Texas A&M Aggies at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Picks No. 7 through 10

31. . Offensive Lineman. New York Giants. Kenyon Green. 7. player

At pick No. 7, their second pick in a row, the New York Giants once again take the stage, and this time, they decide to stay on the offensive side of the ball. The pick at No. 7 overall is Texas A&M star Kenyon Green, one of the more versatile offensive linemen in this draft class, and one that the Giants could use in a few different spots next season.

This, of course, would send the first round in a brand new direction, as the Giants look to pair their new general manager with a quarterback of their own. Adding Green to a young offensive line that includes some high draft picks could be just what they need to get Corral off to the kind of start to an NFL career that can change the fortunes of this franchise.

Atlanta Falcons. Kenny Pickett. 8. player. 44. . Quarterback

The No. 8 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft would belong to the Atlanta Falcons if the season ended tomorrow, and with that pick, they change the future of their franchise as well. Atlanta has long been Matt Ryan’s team, and he has done a nice job as the starting quarterback, leading them to a Super Bowl appearance, but they may choose to turn the page next offseason.

If they do decide to turn the page, look for Kenny Pickett to be the No. 2 quarterback selected next April, and he would be a nice fit in Atlanta. The Falcons still have some solid weapons, and by moving on from Matt Ryan, they would have a lot more money in free agency to rebuild this team back into a Super Bowl contender.

Carolina Panthers. Tyler Linderbaum. 9. player. 87. . Offensive Lineman

One of the bigger free agency moves we have seen this season has been the move for Cam Newton to return to the Carolina Panthers as their starting quarterback. While Newton had a strong opener for the Panthers, he came back to earth his last time out, and it is clear that he is not the future for this franchise at the position.

Carolina did bring over Sam Darnold via trade and gave him a new contract, and I believe that he will be the guy under center next season. If that is the case, getting him more help at offensive line makes sense, which is why Tyler Linderbaum from Iowa is the selection here at No. 9 overall.

60. . Edge. Minnesota Vikings. George Karlaftis. 10. player

We round out the top-10 picks of the 2022 NFL Draft with the Minnesota Vikings, a team that lost to the lowly Detroit Lions this past weekend. Minnesota has a decision to make with their quarterback as well this offseason, but I believe they will have Kirk Cousins return with a new contract.

If the Vikings do decide to pass on a quarterback in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, they should look to address the edge rusher spot, especially with everything going on with Everson Griffin. George Karlaftis is a player who will come in and be a dominant figure early on, as he is one of the more NFL-ready edge rushers in this class outside of the top-2.

Home/NFL Mock Draft