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3 biggest takeaways and surprises from Todd McShay’s first 2022 NFL Mock Draft

By Logan Lazarczyk

Todd McShay an American football television analyst and commentator stands on the field during the first half of the game between the Maryland Terrapins and the Michigan Wolverines at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Todd McShay an American football television analyst and commentator stands on the field during the first half of the game between the Maryland Terrapins and the Michigan Wolverines at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Panthers
Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Panthers. (Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports) /

2. Five quarterbacks still go in the first round

Despite a quarterback not being taken in the top 10, McShay has five quarterbacks taken in the first round. Even if none of these quarterbacks are worth a first-round pick, the desperation for quarterbacks may lead to teams reaching on these prospects.

Kenny Pickett at No. 12 overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers is the first quarterback off the board. If the franchise is unable to trade for a franchise signal-caller this offseason, the pressure of having an option at quarterback will push the team to a decision such as this. Pickett could provide stability for a team in win-now mode.

Moreover, that approach to the rest of the roster could limit the amount Pickett would have to do, similar to Mac Jones this season with the Patriots. Pickett isn’t a traditional franchise quarterback but he’s better than Ben Roethlisberger at this point.

Matt Corral came off the board immediately after Pickett, going to the Washington Football Team at No. 13. Taylor Heinicke is not the long-term answer and Corral, a good athlete with a quick, smooth release, could be the right prospect for the franchise. He could require development but Heinicke could be a stopgap.

The other quarterbacks to go in the first round of McShay’s mock draft were Malik Willis (No. 17, Broncos), Desmond Ridder (No. 19, Saints) and Sam Howell (No. 25, Lions). The quarterback situations for these teams are obviously in need of an upgrade, hence the need to potentially reach for signal-callers in the first round.

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