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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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STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI – OCTOBER 03: Charles Cross #67 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs in action against the Arkansas Razorbacks during a game at Davis Wade Stadium on October 03, 2020, in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI – OCTOBER 03: Charles Cross #67 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs in action against the Arkansas Razorbacks during a game at Davis Wade Stadium on October 03, 2020, in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

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

Picks No. 15 through 18

Pittsburgh Steelers. Charles Cross. 15. player. 55. . Offensive Tackle

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of work to do this offseason, as they may have to start thinking about life without Ben Roethlisberger as their quarterback. Word is that Big Ben has already started telling his teammates this is his last season, so there is a good chance the Steelers could try and move up in April to get one of the top-2 quarterbacks in this class.

If they decide to stay put, the selection has to be an offensive lineman, specifically one who can come in and help at the left tackle position. Charles Cross is one of the more NFL-ready offensive linemen in this draft class, and is a significant upgrade for this Steelers offensive line, even as a rookie.

45. . Linebacker. Denver Broncos. Devin Lloyd. 16. player

Do not look now, but the Denver Broncos are starting to make some noise in the AFC Playoff race, and they could be one of the final 7 teams standing when all is said and done. They may not have their answer at quarterback, but they have moved to a .500 record on the season, and their defense is playing out of their minds.

At pick No. 16 in this mock draft, Denver looks to add to that defensive unit, bringing in Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd. Lloyd is a guy who is going to explode during the pre-draft process, and when all is said and done, he could be one of the first defensive players off the board.

56. . Cornerback. Cincinnati Bengals. Ahmad Gardner. 17. player

The Cincinnati Bengals lost a tough one to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 14, and you have to start wondering whether or not they are a year away from the playoffs. They started hot in 2021, but have come back to the pack, and with a bad run to end the season, they could be on the outside looking in.

Still, things are looking very bright in Cincinnati, especially after drafting Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase in back-to-back drafts. At pick No. 17 in this mock draft, they turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball, landing Sauce Gardner, a shutdown cornerback who has helped Cincinnati to the College Football Playoff.

53. . Wide Receiver. Cleveland Browns. Treylon Burks. 18. player

Staying in the AFC North, the Cleveland Browns have a lot to deal with this week, as eight players have been ruled out for their Saturday tilt with the Las Vegas Raiders with COVID-19. That is a big blow to a team trying to make their way to the playoffs, and with a loss, they would find themselves back at .500 on the season.

Still, the Browns are a solid team on both sides of the ball, but after losing Odell Beckham Jr., they may want to revamp that wide receiver group. Enter Treylon Burks, a dominant wideout from Arkansas who would be an excellent complement to Jarvis Landry moving forward.

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