2022 NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants bolster the offensive line
By Brad Weiss
2022 NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants bolster the offensive line
Picks No. 7 through 10
Linebacker. New York Giants. Nakobe Dean. 7. player. 31.
The New York Giants have some serious work to do on both sides of the ball this offseason, so it would make sense that they will use their two first-round picks on both offense, and defense. With their first pick, the No. 5 overall selection, the Giants decide to bring in an offensive lineman, before landing a linebacker here at No. 7 overall.
Sure, New York needs more than just one offensive lineman to help them improve in 2022, and they could also go edge rusher here, but Nakobe Dean may be too good a prospect to pay up. In fact, he can play linebacker, or come up and play the edge, and this defense needs more playmakers like him.
player. 44. . Edge. Atlanta Falcons. George Karlaftis. 8
When it comes to the 2021 Atlanta Falcons, there was a long stretch where it looked like they could make the playoffs. They fell short, but it was not due to the play of their franchise quarterback, Matt Ryan, who many think will move on from this offseason.
While that is a real possibility, I do not believe they use this No. 8 overall pick on a quarterback, but instead, try to get better in the pass rush. George Karlaftis was a dynamic edge rusher during his time at Purdue, and Atlanta needs more players like him that can get after the quarterback time and time again.
45. . Quarterback. Denver Broncos. Kenny Pickett. 9. player
Some big changes are coming when it comes to the Denver Broncos, who will be looking to add a new head coach this offseason. When it comes to the roster, they also have to figure out what they want to do at quarterback, and they make a big statement here at No. 9 overall, adding a franchise signal-caller.
If Kenny Pickett is not the first quarterback off the board, he will be the second, as he is one of the top prospects in this draft class at the position. After rolling with Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock in 2021, the Broncos need a refresh at the position, and Pickett is as NFL-ready as any quarterback in this class.
Cornerback. New York Jets. Derek Stingley Jr.. 10. player. 30.
Like the team they share MetLife Stadium with, the New York Jets hold two top-10 picks this year, and like the team, they share MetLife Stadium with, they certainly need them. The Jets got this pick thanks to the Jamal Adams trade a few years back, and with it, they add an elite defensive back of their own.
That player is Derek Stingley Jr., widely considered the best cornerback in this draft class, and a player who can improve this defensive backfield from Day 1. Stingley has looked like an NFL player since his freshman year at LSU, so it should not take him long to get used to the pro game, even with the Jets.