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2022 NFL Mock Draft: Lions shock with Malik Willis

By Brad Weiss

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the New Orleans Saints during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the New Orleans Saints during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Washington Commanders mock draft, Malik Willis
MOBILE, ALABAMA – DECEMBER 18: NFL draft prospect Malik Willis #7 of the Liberty Flames throws the ball during the LendingTree Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on December 18, 2021, in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

The 2022 NFL Draft may not be known for quarterback talent, but one could play his way into the top-3 during the draft process.

With the Super Bowl in the rearview mirror, all the eyes of the NFL world will turn to the NFL Scouting Combine, as we officially kick off draft season. The 2022 NFL Draft is slated to start on April 28, and for many young men, this is the start of their journey to NFL stardom.

Here, we look at what the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft could look like this April.

1. player. 52. . Offensive Tackle. Jacksonville Jaguars. Evan Neal

For months we have been mocking an edge rusher going No. 1 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but all of that changes this week. In our latest mock draft, new head coach Doug Pederson goes out and gets the Jaguars a franchise left tackle, bringing in Alabama mauler Evan Neal with the first overall pick.

Last year, the Jaguars brought in Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 overall pick, and now, they get someone to protect his blindside for years to come. Neal is the best offensive lineman in this draft class, and he is the first player off the board.

50. . Quarterback. Detroit Lions. Malik Willis. 2. player

In our first surprising selection of this mock draft, the Detroit Lions turn the page at quarterback once again, going with a signal-caller at pick No. 2 overall. The Jared Goff experiment just did not work out last season, and while he could start in 2022, they have to look long-term at the position.

Enter Malik Willis, a player with the most upside at the position group in this year’s draft class, and one who should impress during the draft season. He has the skill set to wow scouts like Zach Wilson did last year, and the Lions may not be able to pass up on him at No. 2.

10. . Safety. Houston Texans. Kyle Hamilton. 3. player

The Houston Texans have a lot of needs on both sides of the ball, and new head coach Lovie Smith will be tasked with turning this franchise around. To do so, they must stack elite talent at every position group, and they do so here by adding Notre Dame star safety Kyle Hamilton at No. 3 overall.

Hamilton is by far the best safety in this draft class, as well as the best defensive back, and many feel he is the most NFL-ready defender coming out this year. He battled some injury issues during his time in South Bend, but he is an explosive player ready to dominate at the next level.

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