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2022 NFL Mock Draft: Lions need to pick a pass rusher

By Brad Weiss

EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 15: Defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the Oregon Ducks gets set for a play during the second half of the game against the California Golden Bears at Autzen Stadium on October 15, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won 24-17. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 15: Defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the Oregon Ducks gets set for a play during the second half of the game against the California Golden Bears at Autzen Stadium on October 15, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won 24-17. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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Derek Stingley Jr., LSU Tigers
Derek Stingley Jr., LSU Tigers. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

2022 NFL Mock Draft: Top edge rushers kick off first round, go 1-2

Picks No. 7 through 10

30. . Cornerback. New York Jets. Derek Stingley Jr.. 7. player

The New York Jets have a lot of work to do in terms of their roster on both sides of the ball next offseason, and they start in a very good position in the 2022 NFL Draft. In fact, if the season ended tomorrow, the Jets would hold two picks within the top-7 selections, giving them the ability to get better in a hurry.

After taking an offensive lineman with the No. 4 overall pick, New York focuses on the defense, bringing in the most NFL-ready cornerback in this draft class. Derek Stingley Jr. has looked like a first-round talent since stepping foot on the field for LSU, and he goes pretty early in our latest mock draft.

87. . Quarterback. Carolina Panthers. Kenny Pickett. 8. player

The Carolina Panthers were once again blown out this past weekend, and once again, head coach Matt Rhule decided to play musical chairs at quarterback. The truth is, the team has no real answer at the position moving forward, and it remains to be seen whether or not Sam Darnold is the long-term plan.

If he is not, the Panthers have to go quarterback here, and the selection at No. 8 overall is Pitt signal-caller Kenny Pickett. This kid had a magical season for the Panthers in 2021, and in 2022, maybe he puts together a magical season for the NFL version of the Panthers.

Kyle Hamilton. 9. player. 44. . Safety. Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons continued their winning ways on the road this past weekend, going to Carolina and beating NFC South foe, Panthers while moving their record to 6-7. This has been a roller-coaster season for Atlanta, but Matt Ryan has played well in recent weeks, and the team may decide to roll with him again in 2021.

If that is the case, they do not look to move up for a quarterback in this draft, instead, focusing on the defensive backfield. One name that is bound for the top-10 is Kyle Hamilton, a prototypical safety prospect from Notre Dame who would be a Day 1 starter in this Atlanta secondary.

. Cornerback. Philadelphia Eagles. Andrew Booth Jr.. 10. player. 54

The Philadelphia Eagles were one of four teams who had their bye week in Week 14, and it could not have come at a better time. Philadelphia looks awful right now, have played their way out of the playoff hunt, and will be looking to see if Jalen Hurts is their long-term quarterback going forward.

Here, at pick No. 10, the one they got from the Miami Dolphins, the Eagles decide to select Clemson cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. Booth is a standout cover corner, as well as a ballhawk, and if the Eagles are going to turn the corner in the NFC East, they need all the help they can get at that position group.

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