2022 NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants bolster the offensive line

The NFL season is coming to a close as we have Championship Sunday this weekend, but first, let us look at our latest 2022 NFL Mock Draft.

This weekend, we were witness to some of the greatest NFL playoff matchups we have seen in recent memory. Multiple underdogs won on the road, and every game came down to the last play, as four teams punched their tickets to Championship Sunday.

Here, we dive into what the first round could potentially look like in April.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have still yet to select a new head coach, this fact the debacle that was the less-than-one-year run for Urban Meyer. The worst team in the NFL in 2021, there are some things to like about this franchise, making it a solid destination for a head coach, including quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

After picking Lawrence No. 1 overall in 2021, the Jags once again have the first pick this April, and this time, they add an elite edge rusher on the other side of the ball. This pick could be either Kayvon Thibodeaux or Aidan Hutchinson, but based on the projections, I like Thibodeaux to be the pick here.

Staying with the edge rusher theme early here in the first round, the Detroit Lions hold the No. 2 overall pick, and would be wise to keep Aidan Hutchinson home. The former Michigan Wolverine was so dominant during the 2021 season that he was actually a Heisman Trophy finalist, something you just do not see with defensive players.

Truth is, this is the kind of kid who could be a game-changer in Detroit, as they look to finally get off the mat in the NFC North. This franchise has been bad for a long time, and it likely does not help to see their former franchise quarterback, Matthew Stafford, still playing meaningful games this season.

It is the offseason for the Houston Texans, which means they are going to be in the news a lot, and the news will surround former franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson. It remains to be seen where Watson will play next season, but when it comes to the Texans, they may have found their future at the position in Davis Mills.

Turning our attention to the other side of the ball, the Texans were awful on defense for most of the season, and they can get an elite defensive player here at No. 3 overall. Kyle Hamilton is the best safety and defensive back in this draft class, and he would be a giant boost for this pass defense in 2022 and beyond.

2022 NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants bolster the offensive line

Picks No. 4 through 6

Once again, the New York Jets were one of the worst teams in the NFL last season, and luckily for them, they hold two top-10 picks in the 2022 NFL Draft. Last year, they took BYU quarterback Zach Wilson No. 2 overall, and this year, they get him some protection.

With that said, the Jets should look to bring in an offensive lineman with their No. 4 overall pick, as protecting Wilson has to be priority No. 1 this offseason. Ikem Ekwonu teaming with Mekhi Becton at the tackle spots gives the Jets young and talented bookends at the position moving forward, which is key for Wilson’s development.

The New York Giants have a general manager, as Joe Shoen was brought in try and turn this franchise around. On Wednesday, he made it be known that the team would attempt to build around Daniel Jones, not get rid of him, so no quarterback is coming off the board within the top-5 this April.

Instead, the Giants decide to go offensive line here at pick No. 5, bringing in Alabama star Evan Neal, who some feel could be the No. 1 overall pick this year. Neal would help solidify a major issue in New York, their offensive line while giving Jones the kind of protection he needs to continue his development.

The Carolina Panthers brought in Ben McAdoo to be their offensive coordinator this week and depending on who you ask, that is either a nightmare or an upgrade for this franchise. McAdoo had a terrible run as the head coach in New York, but he was great as a coordinator, and now gets another shot to call plays at the NFL level.

With this selection, the first quarterback comes off the board, as the Panthers select Ole Miss star, Matt Corral. Corral should be the backup to Sam Darnold in Year 1, as he gets his feet wet, but if Darnold falters, which is likely to be the case, we should see the rookie in 2022.

2022 NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants bolster the offensive line

Picks No. 7 through 10

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.

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.

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.

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.

2022 NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants bolster the offensive line

Picks No. 11 through 14

The Washington Football Team will soon reveal their new team name, and that is about the most exciting thing that has happened to this franchise this season. From looking like a playoff team at times to faltering down the stretch, the Washington Football Team needs to find a way to start being competitive on a more consistent basis.

One area they could look to upgrade is at quarterback, but based on the talent at the position in the draft class, they could choose to pass on one this high. Instead, they bring in the best center in the draft class, adding Iowa’s Tyler Linderbaum, who will be tasked with protecting whoever is under center next season.

When it comes to the Minnesota Vikings, the team is going to go through some major changes this offseason, especially with a new general manager at the helm. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will come over to the Vikings from the Cleveland Browns organization, so you have to be excited about what he will bring to the table.

What he could bring to the table is wholesale changes, but I do believe that Kirk Cousins will remain the franchise quarterback in Minnesota going forward. With pick No. 12 overall, I like Adofo-Mensah to make Andrew Booth Jr. his first draft pick, selecting the shutdown cornerback out of Clemson.

Staying with the Cleveland Browns, they have a lot of work to do this offseason as well, though they do seem committed to keeping Baker Mayfield as their starting quarterback. Even with Mayfield returning, this offense has some major issues, and one just happens to be at the wide receiver spot, the position they target here.

With pick No. 13 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Browns stay in-state, getting Mayfield a weapon that played inside the state of Ohio in Garrett Wilson from Ohio State. Some do not believe he will be the first wideout off the board, but I love his overall skillset and believe he will be the first name at the position group called.

Had Lamar Jackson never gotten injured towards the end of the 2021 NFL season, you have to like the team’s chances of locking down a playoff spot. They even had a chance in Week 18 to keep their season alive, so while they missed out on the playoffs this season, I do not see history repeating itself next year.

Picking here at No. 14 overall, the Ravens are in a good spot to get an elite player to help them in one of their few weaknesses on the defensive side of the ball. Jordan Davis is going to be a monster run-stopper at the next level, and anytime you add to a Ravens defense it is going to be scary for their opponents.

2022 NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants bolster the offensive line

Picks No. 15 through 18

The Philadelphia Eagles’ run through the playoffs was short-lived, as they were throttled by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round. Still, the fact that they made the playoffs was pretty impressive, and this April, they have a chance to add three first-round talents to their roster.

Watching the Bucs slice up the Eagles’ defense was tough to watch, and with their first of three first-round picks, I like them to add an edge rusher. David Ojabo is a guy who can come off the edge, or play linebacker at the next level, filling two voids on this roster.

It won’t be long before the Eagles head back up to the podium in the 2022 NFL Draft, as they have back-to-back picks in the first round. After adding a linebacker at pick No. 15, they stay on the defensive side of the ball here at No. 16 overall, bringing in one of the better cornerbacks in this draft class.

The pick here at No. 16 overall is Sauce Gardner, an incredibly gifted cornerback who helped Cincinnati to the College Football Playoff this past season. Gardner fills an immediate void in this Eagles secondary, as they continue to stack talent to be a playoff contender year in and year out.

Pick No. 17 belongs to a team that many felt would make a run to the Super Bowl this season, and that team is the Los Angeles Chargers. Unfortunately for them, they lost to the Houston Texans down the stretch and did not get the win or tie they needed to punch their ticket to the playoffs in Week 18.

One thing is for sure, however, and that is the Chargers are loaded for the long haul, especially with Justin Herbert at the helm at quarterback. Los Angeles needs to protect him better, however, and with this pick, they land a starting offensive tackle in Trevor Penning that they can team with Rashawn Slater.

In one of the early shockers of the 2022 offseason, the New Orleans Saints got word from head coach Sean Payton that he would not be returning to the team next season. Payton was a legendary coach in New Orleans, bringing the city a title after Hurricane Katrina, and is going to be a very hard person to replace.

Also, the Saints are in salary cap hell and have no idea who their quarterback is, which is a recipe for disaster. Despite playing money to Taysom Hill, and having Jameis Winston, the Saints go quarterback here at No. 18, turning the franchise over to Cincinnati star Desmond Ridder.

2022 NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants bolster the offensive line

Picks No. 19 through 22

As we stated before, the Philadelphia Eagles hold three first-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, and here, they turn their attention to the offense. With picks No 15 and 16 the Eagles added a linebacker and cornerback, but here, they bring in a guy to replace a legend in Brandon Brooks, who recently retired.

That player is Kenyon Green, a player who I believe is one of the more versatile offensive linemen in this draft class. Green would come in and be a starter on Day 1, replacing Brooks, and clearing holes for Miles Sanders, while protecting quarterback Jalen Hurts.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are likely turning the page at quarterback this season, as Ben Roethlisberger had a farewell tour towards the end of the regular season, and in the playoffs. While Big Ben could play elsewhere in 2022, Mason Rudolph is the most likely quarterback to take over for him in 2022, and he is going to need some protection.

With pick No. 20 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Steelers go out and get Rudolph some protection, adding a talented offensive tackle in Charles Cross. This is a guy who could end up being a top-10 pick before all is said and done, and in Pittsburgh, he slides right in as the starting left tackle.

For a while, it looked like the New England Patriots would be the story of the AFC, as some felt that rookie quarterback Mac Jones would lead them to the playoffs. Well, they fell down to earth during the playoffs, getting blown out by division rival Buffalo, though the stage is set for them to be a contender in the AFC for years to come.

Looking ahead, New England has to work hard at revamping this defense, as they were shredded by Josh Allen and company in the playoffs. One area to look at is linebacker, and Devin Lloyd from Utah is a three-down linebacker that Bill Belichick will love coaching up.

In another incredible story, the Las Vegas Raiders navigated so many issues on and off the field this season and still ended up as the No. 5 seed in the AFC. Derek Carr is once again the story for the Raiders this offseason, as many media outlets have him going elsewhere, but the truth is, No. 4 will be under center for the Silver and Black in 2022.

What the Raiders need to be focused on in terms of the offense is revamping the offensive line, and getting more talent at wide receiver. They accomplish half of that here, picking Alabama star Jameson Williams to replace another former Alabama star in Henry Ruggs III atop the Raiders depth chart.

2022 NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants bolster the offensive line

Picks No. 23 through 25

For a lot of the regular season, the Arizona Cardinals looked like they could be the team to beat in the NFC, but they faltered down the stretch. Sure, they made the playoffs, but they were drubbed in the postseason, and some are even calling for head coach Kliff Kingsbury to lose his job.

That is not likely to happen, and looking ahead, they are going to start to focus on the defense more if they want to continue to be a contender in the NFC. One area they upgrade here is along the edge, bringing in Florida State star Jermaine Johnson to replace an aging J.J. Watt in 2022.

The Dallas Cowboys were one of the bigger disappointments of Wild Card weekend, as they played host to the San Francisco 49ers, and lost at home 23-17. They struggled mightily on both sides of the ball, and while head coach Mike McCarthy is likely to be back in 2022, the following season is looking like a longshot.

Picking at No. 24 overall, the Cowboys decide to revamp the secondary, and they could certainly use some help at the safety position. Some feel that Daxton Hill could be a second-round guy, but he fills a big void here in Dallas and should be the pick if available towards the end of the first round.

Unfortunately for Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, they lost the coin toss on the road against Kansas City in the AFC Championship Game. The Bills and Chiefs played a game for the ages last weekend, but because they lost, they currently hold the No. 25 overall pick and will be on the outside looking in at Championship Sunday.

With this pick, the Bills should look to add to their defensive line, bringing in an elite talent in DeMarvin Leal. Leal would have been a big help against the Chiefs this past weekend, and with so many weapons on offense, building up the defense could be the final piece of the puzzle for the Bills.

2022 NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants bolster the offensive line

Picks No. 26 through 28

The Tennessee Titans played host to the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Divisional Round this past weekend, as they were the No. 1 seed in the division. Unfortunately for them, the week off did not help them, as Joe Burrow and company went into their house and came away with the victory, punching their ticket to the AFC title game.

For the Titans, they will be back next season, as they are loaded on both sides of the ball, and have an elite head coach. With their first-round pick in April, however, they should look to fix up the secondary a bit, making Auburn star Roger McCreary the pick here at No. 26 overall.

The Tom Brady Era in Tampa Bay could be over, as the Buccaneers lost to the Los Angeles Rams at home in the Divisional Round this past weekend. Down 27-3, Brady orchestrated an incredible fourth-quarter comeback, only to see Matthew Stafford throw a dagger to Cooper Kupp late in regulation.

Because TB12 could be retiring, or even coming back for one season, it would not be wrong for them to draft a quarterback this late in round one. Sam Howell is a solid NFL prospect at the quarterback spot, and even if TB12 comes back for one go-around, he could be the long-term answer at the position group.

Going into their matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, many expected Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers to roll. However, the 49ers have had Rodgers’ number during his NFL career, and that narrative did not change, as a Robbie Gould field goal sent the Pack home for Championship Sunday.

It remains to be seen whether or not Rodgers will return in 2022, but the real issues on this Packers team could be upfront along the defensive line. They need more help coming off the edge, and Travon Walker is a guy who could come in and play with his hand in the dirt, or at linebacker next season.

2022 NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants bolster the offensive line

Picks No. 29 and 30

During their stunning victory over the Tennessee Titans in the Divisional Round, the Cincinnati Bengals offensive line allowed star quarterback Joe Burrow to be sacked nine times. That just cannot happen, especially after his devastating injury a year ago, so bolstering the offensive line has to be priority No. 1 for this team this offseason.

Picking at No. 29 overall, there is some very good offensive line talent still available, and they get a good one in Nicholas Petit-Frere from Ohio State. This is a kid who can come in and be a starting tackle for this team right away, and the Bengals need all the offensive line help they can get.

The Miami Dolphins have a lot of things to change this offseason, and as long as the San Francisco 49ers continue to win, their selection here in the first round will continue to be later. Miami shocked the football landscape when they fired head coach Brian Flores, and now have to go back to the drawing board there.

With this pick, the Dolphins could go several different ways, but first, they have to figure out who their quarterback, general manager, and head coach will be. No matter who comes in, this team needs more help at wide receiver, and imagine a duo of Drake London and Jaylen Waddle becoming the new Clayton and Duper.

2022 NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants bolster the offensive line

Picks No. 31 and 32

The Los Angeles Rams continue their run to the Super Bowl, after holding off a furious rally by Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past Sunday. With the win, they currently hold the No. 30 overall pick in the first round, but they won’t pick there, as the selection belongs to the Detroit Lions.

After selecting a defensive player at pick No. 2 overall, the Lions go out and get a possible long-term solution at quarterback late in the first round, adding Malik Willis. Of all the quarterbacks in this class, I believe he could have the highest ceiling and would get to learn behind Jared Goff early on in his career.

Incredibly, Patrick Mahomes will be the starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs for the fourth consecutive season in an AFC title game at home. He has come in and taken the NFL by storm, and before all is said and done, could be one of the best players to ever do it at his position.

If the Chiefs do select last in the 2022 NFL Draft’s first round, they have to go out and get him more help at wide receiver, and they do so by adding Arkansas star Treylon Burks. Adding him to this offense would be almost unfair to the rest of the league, setting the Chiefs up to be the gold standard in the AFC for many years to come.