2022 NFL Mock Draft: 2 quarterbacks go in top 10
By Brad Weiss
2022 NFL Mock Draft: Playoffs continue to shape first round
Picks No. 15 through 18
. Cornerback. Philadelphia Eagles. Ahmad Gardner. 15. player. 54
In the middle of the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles will have back-to-back picks, though they will be from other organization. Their first pick, here at No. 15 overall, was from the Miami Dolphins, and with the selection, they tab a player who some consider the best cornerback in this draft class.
That player is Ahmad Gardner, who helped Cincinnati to a surprising run to the College Football Playoff this season. He is tough, can cover, and has outstanding hands, and I believe he has enough talent to be a Pro Bowl player as a rookie next season.
54. . Edge/Linebacker. Philadelphia Eagles. David Ojabo. 16. player
As we stated before, the Eagles hold back-to-back picks here at No. 15 and 16, and after getting a tremendous defensive back at No. 15, they stay on the defensive side of the ball with their next pick. Sure, Jalen Hurts did not set the world on fire in the playoff game, but the franchise has already committed to him for next season, so no quarterback in this spot.
Instead, they bolster the linebacker unit, and the pass rush with one player, adding David Ojabo from Michigan to help in both respects. This is a kid who is going to play standing up, or with his hand in the ground at the next level, and the Eagles defense needs this kind of talent if they are to remain a playoff team.
. Defensive Tackle. Los Angeles Chargers. DeMarvin Leal. 17. player. 13
One of the bigger disappointments of the NFL season in terms of the AFC was the Los Angeles Chargers, who failed to make the playoffs with Justin Herbert as their quarterback. Many feel that Herbert is one of the top-5 players in the NFL at his position, and to falter down the stretch the way they did was quite shocking.
Looking ahead, the Chargers could go a number of different ways with the No. 17 overall pick, but they need to focus on the defensive line. DeMarvin Leal is a run-stopping machine, and within this Chargers defensive line, his presence would go a long way in freeing up their talented edge rushers.
. Wide Receiver. New Orleans Saints. Drake London. 18. player. 15
The New Orleans Saints will have to decide this offseason whether or not Jameis Winston is their long-term answer at the quarterback spot. Before being injured for the season, Winston had put together some nice performances, and I believe that he will get another chance to prove he is the man in the Bayou.
In terms of pick No. 18, the Saints need to go out and get him some help on the outside, and they do so by bringing in USC star Drake London. A towering wide receiver, standing 6-foot-5, London would be an easy target for Winston, and would significantly help this passing game immediately.