2022 NFL Mock Draft: Malik Willis is first QB off the board
By Brad Weiss
54. . Offensive Lineman. Philadelphia Eagles. Kenyon Green. 15. player
The No. 1 team to keep an eye on during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft is the Philadelphia Eagles, who hold three first-round picks. In fact, they hold three picks within a five-pick stretch, starting here at pick No. 15 overall.
Though they have plenty of areas to improve, the offensive line has to be first up, as they need to make sure they are doing everything they can to help Jalen Hurts in his development. Kenyon Green is one of the more versatile offensive linemen in this draft class, possessing the ability to play inside or out, giving the Eagles flexibility upfront with this pick.
Edge. Philadelphia Eagles. Travon Walker. 15. player. 54.
Luckily for the Eagles, they do not have to wait long to make their next selection in the first round, as they pick right away at pick No. 16 overall. After going offense at pick No. 15, the Eagles decide to revamp their defensive line here, bringing in a talented edge rusher in Travon Walker from the University of Georgia.
Walker is a guy who is going to step in and make plays, as he plays with a high motor and has a knack for getting after the quarterback. Nobody was afraid of this Eagles to pass rush last season, and in Walker, he helps start the rebuild upfront on that side of the ball.
Offensive Tackle. Los Angeles Chargers. Trevor Penning. 17. player. 13.
One team that should punch their ticket to the playoffs next season is the Los Angeles Chargers, who just missed out on the postseason this year. They have a star in quarterback Justin Herbert, some big-name players on defense, and a young rising head coach in Brandon Staley.
After hitting a home run in round one last year with Rashawn Slater, Los Angeles continues to build upfront for Herbert by selecting Trevor Penning at No. 17 overall. Penning showed his nasty side during Senior Bowl Week and would give the Chargers young bookends at tackle for the foreseeable future.
15. . Quarterback. New Orleans Saints. Matt Corral. 18. player
It has been a terrible offseason for the New Orleans Saints so far, as head coach Sean Payton stepped down, and then star running back Alvin Kamara was arrested at the Pro Bowl. They have made their choice to replace Payton in Dennis Allen, the team’s defensive coordinator from a year ago, but who knows what the future holds for Kamara.
Picking at No. 18 overall, the new head coach may decide to bring in a first-round quarterback, adding Matt Corral from Ole Miss. There are real questions as to how high Corral could go, as he could be gone in the first ten picks, but at 18, the Saints cannot pass on him.