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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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Dec 4, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) celebrates after a tackle against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first half during the SEC championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) celebrates after a tackle against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first half during the SEC championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

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

Picks No. 19 through 22

Linebacker. Washington Commanders. Nakobe Dean. 19. player. 58.

It has been a crazy run for the Washington Football Team, as they came out of their bye week on fire, beating every team that stood in their way. During that time, the Washington Football Team beat the likes of Tom Brady, Cam Newton, and Russell Wilson, though they saw their streak end last weekend against Dallas.

Still, this is a team to keep an eye on down the stretch, and it appears they may have found their franchise quarterback in Taylor Heinicke. With pick No. 19, they continue to stack talent to a young, and dangerous defense, bringing in Nakobe Dean, one of a few first-round linebackers in this draft class.

Kaiir Elam. 20. player. 16. . Cornerback. Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills were hoping this would be the year they put the New England Patriots dynasty in the AFC East to rest for good, but as we have seen lately, that certainly is not the case. In Week 14 the Bills lost to a familiar foe once again, as Tom Brady beat them as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and there are starting to be some questions about this team’s Super Bowl legitimacy.

Based on talent, I believe they will turn the corner, and when all is said and done, they are built for a run through the playoffs. That means picking later in round one, but they still get an elite cornerback talent at No. 20, selecting Florida’s Kaiir Elam to fill a gaping hole on their defense outside of Tre’Davious White.

21. player. 54. . Linebacker. Philadelphia Eagles. Christian Harris

With their third and final pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles continue to stack talent on the defensive side of the ball. With picks No. 1 and 2, they added a cornerback for the defense, and a wide receiver for the offense, and here, they get an elite linebacker from Alabama.

This pick is Christian Harris, who does not have a first-round grade from every draft expert out there, but I like him to find his way into the first round after all is said and done. He is a great, three-down backer who can help turn around a defense that has been very inconsistent this season.

Offensive Lineman. Miami Dolphins. Trevor Penning. 22. player. 59.

With the San Francisco 49ers coming away with a surprising victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14, the Miami Dolphins saw their first-round pick fall to No. 22 overall. San Francisco has been up and down all season long, so it is anybody’s guess as to where this selection will fall come next April.

At pick No. 22, the Dolphins decide to bring in talent along the offensive line, adding Trevor Penning from Northern Iowa, a solid offensive tackle prospect. Miami needs to do a better job protecting Tua Tagovailoa if they want him to continue to develop, and Penning helps them do just that.

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