2022 NFL Mock Draft: Jacksonville Jaguars overtake Detroit for No. 1 overall pick

Picks No. 7 through 10

The Carolina Panthers have done everything they could to fix the quarterback position this season, including trading for Sam Darnold and bringing in Cam Newton as a free agent. None of that has worked, so going forward, they could be in the market for a new signal-caller next offseason.

At pick No. 7, the Panthers make a move for the future, bringing in Malik Willis from Liberty to be their franchise quarterback. Willis has a ton of upside, and with the Panthers paying Darnold, he could sit behind the veteran, learning the pro game, and taking over in 2023.

The New York Jets got lucky with their first selection, as star edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux fell to them with the No. 4 overall selection. After taking care of business up front along the offensive line, the Jets look towards their secondary here at pick No. 8, bringing in the best cornerback in this draft class.

That player is Derek Stingley Jr. from LSU, who is the most-NFL ready cornerback available this year. Stingley has played at a first-round level his entire career with the Tigers and fills an immediate void on a weak Jets defense.

The Atlanta Falcons are battling their way back into the playoff picture, and how far they go will tell a lot about the direction they go next offseason. Right now, they have a legitimate franchise quarterback in Matt Ryan, but they could decide to go in another direction at the position group.

If they do, Sam Howell has to be the selection here at No. 9 overall, as he has one of the highest ceilings of any quarterback in this draft class. He dominated the ACC during his time at North Carolina and would be an excellent successor to Ryan in Atlanta.

The Washington Football Team was ravaged by COVID heading into their Week 15 matchup against Philadelphia, having to roll with Garrett Gilbert at quarterback with their No. 1 and 2 signal-callers out. That led to them losing a crucial NFC East game, and that could go a long way in them missing out on the playoffs.

One thing is for certain, however, when it comes to the Washington Football Team, and that is that they found their quarterback in Taylor Heinicke. One area they will need to fix is the interior of the offensive line, and if Brandon Scherff leaves via free agency, Tyler Linderbaum is ready to come in and start on Day 1.