2022 NFL Mock Draft: Malik Willis is first QB off the board
By Brad Weiss
Edge. New York Giants. Jermaine Johnson. 7. player. 31.
Within a span of three selections, the New York Giants will pick twice, which is huge for the new combination at general manager and head coach. New York struggled mightily on both sides of the ball last season, so this kind of draft haul is just what Daboll and Shoen need to jumpstart this organization.
After going offensive line with their No. 5 overall pick, the Giants go defense at No. 7 overall, selecting Florida State edge rusher Jermaine Johnson. He showed at the Senior Bowl that he has the size, strength, and athleticism to go this high, and I believe he would be an excellent fit for the Giants in the top-20.
player. 44. . Defensive Tackle. Atlanta Falcons. Jordan Davis. 8
The Atlanta Falcons pick at No. 8 overall, and some feel they could use the pick on a new franchise quarterback. However, I believe they have a lot more issues than just Matt Ryan, who had his team in the playoff hunt for most of the season.
Instead, the Falcons should focus on getting better up front along the defensive line, and Jordan Davis from Georgia is a player I could see going early this April. He has tremendous size and strength, and with so many changes coming in the NFC South, the Falcons could be the team to beat in the division when all is said and done.
45. . Quarterback. Denver Broncos. Kenny Pickett. 9. player
While other franchises may stay put at the quarterback position this offseason, the Denver Broncos are certainly not one of them. In fact, they could be in the market for All-Pro Aaron Rodgers, who recently played in Green Bay with the Broncos’ new head coach, Nathanial Hackett, as his offensive coordinator.
However, going into the offseason hoping to get Aaron Rodgers may seem like a pipe dream, so with pick No. 9, they add a collegiate quarterback in Kenny Pickett. Pickett is one of a few quarterbacks who could be the first or second off the board, and in Denver, he would have more than enough weapons to show he was the right choice in the top-10.
New York Jets. Derek Stingley Jr.. 10. player. 30. . Cornerback
Rounding out the top-10 in the 2022 NFL Draft will be the New York Jets, who got this pick thanks to the trade they made with the Seattle Seahawks a few years ago. This pick could not come at more of a better time, as the Jets desperately need a huge influx of elite players going into the second season with Robert Saleh at the helm.
Here, they go with a defensive back that many feels is the best cornerback available this draft season in Derek Stingley Jr. from LSU. Stingley has NFL star written all over him and could be a top-5 pick when all is said and done, but here, he lands with the Jets, where he instantly becomes their best player in the secondary.