The Los Angeles Rams have won Super Bowl LVI, and here, we look at what April’s first-round could look like now that the draft order is set.
In a game that was marred by some questionable calls, as well as some stagnant offense, the Los Angeles Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI Sunday night. For head coach Sean McVay, the victory was a sweet one, as he avenged a loss in the big game a few years back by beating a former assistant coach.
Here, we take a look at what the first round could look like in the 2022 NFL Draft.
For the second year in a row, the Jacksonville Jaguars will hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Unlike last season, however, there is no consensus No. 1 overall choice, so it is anybody’s guess as to who they will select here to kick off the action this April.
One area they need to improve is on the defensive side of the ball, and that is getting after the quarterback. In Aidan Hutchinson from Michigan, they would be getting the premier edge rusher in this draft class, which is saying something considering how deep the position group is.
The Detroit Lions saw their former franchise quarterback win the Super Bowl Sunday night, so that has to breathe some fire into the organization. It took Matthew Stafford only one season away from this franchise to win it all, as he cemented his Hall of Fame candidacy with his efforts against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Now, the Lions have to figure out where they go from here, and while they could go quarterback at No. 2 overall, is there any quarterback in this class worth going that high? I think not, and with this pick, they take the best player available, adding Kayvon Thibodeaux to their defensive line.
The Houston Texans were once again one of the worst teams in football last season, and that led to their head coach being fired and replaced by Lovie Smith. Smith is a head coach who has had success at the NFL level, leading the Chicago Bears to the Super Bowl, so you have to think they are in good hands.
Sitting with the No. 3 overall pick, the Texans need to go out and get the best player available, as they need help everywhere on this roster. Kyle Hamilton may be the most talented player in this draft class and could have a Derwin James-like impact in Year 1.
2022 NFL mock draft: Super Bowl edition
The New York Jets are in a great position to improve this roster in a big way this offseason, as they hold two of the top-10 picks in the 2022 NFL Draft. Head coach Robert Saleh and his staff got an up-close and personal look at some of the key draft prospects already, coaching in the Senior Bowl, which should give them a leg up.
To keep this franchise moving forward, they have to invest in the offensive line, as Zach Wilson is the key to them succeeding. With this pick, they bring in Evan Neal to team with Mekhi Becton at offensive tackle, giving them solid young bookends.
The team that shares MetLife Stadium with the New York Jets will pick right after them, as Joe Shoen will make his first pick as the general manager of the New York Giants. The Giants brought in a new head coach and GM this offseason, so it will be interesting to see the strategy moving forward.
One thing that has been made clear is that they will try and succeed with Daniel Jones at quarterback, and adding offensive line help is key to do so. Ikem Ekwonu is the second-best offensive lineman in this draft class and fills an immediate void on this Giants roster.
It was an absolute mess for the Carolina Panthers to try to figure out the quarterback spot this past season, trotting out both Sam Darnold and former No. 1 overall pick, Cam Newton. In the end, they were given any answers in terms of the position, so it is back to the drawing board this offseason.
Here, the Panthers select our first quarterback off the board, going with Matt Corral from Ole Miss. There are a few quarterbacks who could be the No.1 signal-caller taken, but Corral makes sense at No. 6 overall and could end up being a star at the next level.
The New York Giants will pick twice in a span of three picks, and after going offense at pick No. 5 overall, they turn their attention to the defense here. The truth is, the Giants could go offensive line with both of their first-round picks in 2022, but if they choose defense, they have to bring in an edge rusher.
One prospect who is going to be selected in the top-10 is Jermaine Johnson, who dominated Senior Bowl Week down in Mobile. The Giants want to be fast on the defensive side of the ball, and Johnson is an elite athlete who can get after the quarterback.
The Atlanta Falcons are certainly a team to keep an eye on this offseason, as there are many different ways they could go with pick no. 8 overall. Some feel they should move on from quarterback Matt Ryan, but there is no upgrade from him in this draft class, so I think they should go defense here at No. 8 overall.
With this pick the Falcons look to address the edge rusher spot, bringing in Michigan star David Ojabo. The combination of Ojabo and Hutchinson going in the top-10 is a testament to how good this Michigan defense was last year, and both men could be double-digit sack guys in Year 1.
The Denver Broncos have a big decision to make this offseason in terms of the quarterback spot, as it is clear Drew Lock is not the answer. Both Lock and Teddy Bridgewater tried to hold down the position last season, but in the end, the Broncos finished at the bottom of the AFC West once again.
At pick No. 9 overall, they can turn the page on both quarterbacks, and they do so in our latest mock by adding Liberty signal-caller Malik Willis. This guy proved he is top-10 material at the Senior Bowl and could be the long-term answer in Denver.
The New York Jets will close out the top-10 by adding arguably the best cornerback in this draft class is LSU’s Derek Stingley Jr. This is a kid who has had star written all over him since making his collegiate debut, and he fills an immediate void on this Jets defense.
Robert Saleh needs more elite playmakers on the defensive side of the ball, and some feel Stingley is the most NFL-ready player in this draft class. He would instantly become their best defensive back and could change the narrative surrounding this secondary as a rookie.
The Washington Commanders have a lot of work to do now that they have their new name, and it starts at the quarterback position. There is a chance they decide to trot out Taylor Heinicke again this season, but if they really like one of the quarterbacks in this draft class, they need to take one at No. 11 overall.
Here, the Commanders go out and select Kenny Pickett, a star for Pitt who could end up being a top-10 pick when all is said and done. One team is going to fall in love with his talent and try to move up and get him, but if he is available, Washington needs to pounce.
The Minnesota Vikings are another team who shuffled up the deck in terms of their leadership, bringing in a new head coach and quarterback. It will be interesting to see what the new regime thinks of Kirk Cousins, but you have to think after a strong 2021 season, he will be back under center in 2022.
Here, the Vikings decide to go with a defensive back, as they had some real issues against the pass this past season. Ahmad Gardner from Cincinnati is a cornerback I could see going in the top-15, and in Minnesota, he would be key to stopping Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay passing attack twice a season.
The Cleveland Browns have decided that they are going to go with Baker Mayfield at quarterback in 2022, so them selecting one at No. 13 overall is off the table. When you look at this roster, they could go several different ways, as they certainly could use some help at wide receiver next season.
However, we like the Browns to pick a linebacker at this selection, and Devin Lloyd is the kind of game-changer at that position that could significantly improve this defense. The AFC North sent multiple teams to the playoffs this past season, and the Browns want to be one of them next year.
The Baltimore Ravens would have been a playoff team had Lamar Jackson been healthy down the stretch, so do not think this team is going anywhere any time soon. The Ravens should be one of the best teams in the AFC next season, and I believe they can make a serious run to the Super Bowl.
At pick No. 14 overall, the Ravens add to an already solid defense, bringing in an absolute mauler in Jordan Davis at defensive tackle. Davis is big, strong, and athletic, and on a defense with few weaknesses, he fills an immediate one.
The Philadelphia Eagles punched their ticket to the playoffs this past season, and are in a good position to stay there moving forward. They hold three first-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, and with a bunch of talent at positions of need, they can improve this roster.
Their first selection comes at No. 15 overall, and with it, they add some talent up front along the offensive line to protect Jalen Hurts. The team has committed to Hurts being the quarterback in 2022, and Keynon Green is a versatile offensive lineman who can play up and down the line.
The Philadelphia Eagles do not have to wait long to make their second first-round selection this April, as they have back-to-back picks at No. 15 and No. 16. After going offensive line at No. 15 overall, they go defensive line here at No. 16, adding edge rusher Travon Walker from Georgia.
Walker is a guy who could rocket up draft boards during the draft season and has the kind of motor that this franchise is lacking on the outside. With Walker on the edge, the Eagles could make a serious run at winning the NFC East next season.
The Los Angeles Chargers failed to make the playoffs this past season despite looking like a playoff team throughout. The franchise is in good shape, however, as Justin Herbert is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and should have this team in the playoffs in no time.
Looking at their roster, they need to get some help along the offensive line, and adding Charles Cross to the group would give them solid, young offensive tackles for years to come. Los Angeles has to find a way to win crucial games, and with a strong offensive line in front of Herbert, they could be good for years.
This is going to be a very interesting season for the New Orleans Saints, who lost head coach Sean Payton to retirement this offseason already. They are also in salary cap hell, so for them to get back on track, it is going to take a miracle by the front office.
New Orleans has no answer at quarterback, but they could bring back Jameis Winston and have a ton of money wrapped up in Taysom Hill. Here, they add the best wide receiver in this draft class, bringing in Alabama star Jameson Williams, who will be coming off a torn ACL in the national title game.
With their final of three first-round picks, the Philadelphia Eagles stay on the defensive side of the ball, adding Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie. Several cornerbacks could land in the first round, and in McDuffie, they get a playmaker with elite coverage skills.
Philadelphia’s secondary struggled in a big way last season, and a lot of that had to do with them getting no pressure up front. Adding McDuffie and edge rusher Travon Walker fill both voids, instant improving this team on that side of the ball.
This offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers saw franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger retire, leaving an incredible void at the most important position in sports. Big Ben led this franchise for nearly two decades, and with pick No. 20 overall, they look to replace him with a more mobile option.
Desmond Ridder is a player I believe will rocket up draft boards this draft season, as he led a non-Power 5 team to the College Football Playoff last season. He has a rocket for an arm, can hurt you with his legs and would be a real challenge to Mason Rudolph as the starter as a rookie.
The New England Patriots spent only one season on the outside looking in at the playoffs, as rookie quarterback Mac Jones led them back to the postseason this season. They are in good hands with Jones under center, and with this pick, they turn their attention in the first round to the secondary.
Andrew Booth Jr. is a player who could be the second cornerback off the board, but if he falls to No. 21 overall, the Patriots could land an immediate starter. New England does not have a ton of holes, but free agency should be interesting, as a lot of big-name players are hitting the market.
The Las Vegas Raiders made it back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2016 season, and only the second time since 2002. However, despite their success, they decided to bring in a new regime, adding David Ziegler as general manager, and Josh McDaniels as head coach.
Now, after committing to Derek Carr this offseason, they need to improve the offensive line in front of him, which is why Trevor Penning is the pick at No. 22 overall. This guy showed a nasty streak at the Senior Bowl and would have a clear shot to start at right tackle immediately in Las Vegas.
What is going on with the Arizona Cardinals? Apparently, there is a rift between star quarterback Kyler Murray and the organization, and he has removed all team-related posts from his social media. That is something to keep an eye on, but he should be back in 2022, and the Cardinals should be a playoff team again.
With pick No. 23 overall, they should look to the defensive side of the ball, as J.J. Watt is up there in age, and they need some youth coming off the edge. George Karlaftis is a talented edge rusher who plays with a high motor and would learn a lot from Watt early in his career.
The Dallas Cowboys decided that Mike McCarthy would come back for another go-around as head coach, this after winning the NFC East, though losing in the Wild Card round. Dan Quinn was also brought back after getting some head coaching interviews, so the watch is on as to whether he ends up replacing McCarthy if the team falters early on.
Here, the Cowboys look to use their No. 24 overall pick on the defensive line, and Devonte Wyatt is another guy who had a tremendous Senior Bowl week. He is solid against the run and can get pressure in the backfield, making him one of the premier defensive tackles in this draft class.
The Buffalo Bills are a team that could challenge for a Super Bowl berth next season, as quarterback Josh Allen has emerged as a star for the franchise. He is their best quarterback since Jim Kelly, and if they continue to stack talent around him, this team is not going anywhere.
With pick No. 25 overall, the Bills look to bring in more talent at wide receiver, and Treylon Burks would be an excellent addition alongside Stefon Diggs. Allen took another big step forward in his development in 2021, and with Burks in the fold, you have to believe he is only going to get better.
The Tennessee Titans are a team that should be back in the mix in the AFC Playoff race next season, as they have an elite head coach in Mike Vrabel. With pick No. 26 overall, Vrabel goes out and gets himself an elite talent at the linebacker spot, bringing in Nakobe Dean from Georgia.
This is a kid who is going to be a three-down linebacker at the next level, and the Titans need to continue to revamp that side of the ball. They are a few pieces away from being a Super Bowl contender, and Dean would be an excellent add to this defense.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a solid two-year run with Tom Brady as their quarterback, winning a Super Bowl, and making the playoffs the followings season. While Brady did not technically say he is retiring, he will not be with the team next season, and that means Kyle Trask will get his shot to run Bruce Arians’ offense.
Looking at the roster, they could be losing some key talent at wide receiver, and that is why they select Garrett Wilson here at No. 27 overall. Some feel Wilson could be the best wideout in this draft class, and he would be an excellent complement to the veterans at the position in Tampa Bay.
The Green Bay Packers have two big goals this offseason, and that is to make sure that both Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams are back in the saddle next season. It was reported on Sunday that the Packers are going to go all-in to bring Rodgers back, and rightfully so, as he was named NFL MVP this weekend.
In order to keep Rodgers in Green Bay, they have to prove they are all-in to put talent around him as well, and that includes bolstering the offensive line. Tyler Linderbaum is one of the better interior linemen in this draft class, and getting him at No. 28 overall could be considered a steal.
The Miami Dolphins hold the San Francisco 49ers’ first round draft selection, and with it, they add some more talent to the offense. New head coach Mike McDaniel has stated he is going to make Tua Tagovailoa a star, and Chris Olave from Ohio State can help him get there.
A combination of Olave and Jaylen Waddle going forward would give the Dolphins two tremendously talented and young wide receivers, something that will help Tua in a big way. Olave could be gone by No. 29 overall, but if he is there, the Dolphins cannot think twice about bringing him in.
The Kansas City Chiefs nearly punched their ticket to a third straight Super Bowl this season but instead lost to the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC title game. Still, this is one of the elite teams in the NFL and should be right back in the mix next season.
At pick No. 30 overall, they get another weapon for Patrick Mahomes, bringing in Penn State star wide receiver Jahan Dotson. This is an offense that can score 40 on any given Sunday, and Dotson gives Mahomes a deep threat who has the size to be a red-zone target.
The Cincinnati Bengals made an incredible run to the Super Bowl, but unfortunately, their shoddy offensive line did them in with the game on the line. Joe Burrow was nearly sacked by Aaron Donald on the final play of Super Bowl LVI, ending their run, but the future is bright.
In order for Burrow to continue moving forward, they have to improve their offensive line, and they do so here by adding Zion Johnson to the fold. Johnson is one of the better interior offensive linemen in this draft class, and if I were Cincinnati, all of my early picks would be offensive linemen.
Rounding out the first round is the Detroit Lions, who hold the Los Angeles Rams pick after the Matthew Stafford trade. The Lions go with a quarterback here, bringing in Carson Strong, who could sit behind Jared Goff for a season before taking over and trying to fix this franchise in the long-term
So there you have it, our post-Super Bowl 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Of course, things could change with the draft order, as trades happen all the time, and those who desperately need help at the quarterback spot could end up moving up and getting the signal-caller they think can lead their franchise moving forward.