2022 NFL Mock Draft: Combine Week brings changes to draft stock
By Brad Weiss
The Washington Commanders are entering a new era of football, and they may decide to turn the page on the quarterback position. One player to keep an eye on this week is Kenny Pickett, who had an outstanding career at Pitt and should be one of the top quarterbacks taken in this year’s draft.
If Washington truly wants to usher in a new era, it could mean Taylor Heinicke is out, a new quarterback will emerge this offseason. There are some solid weapons in Washington, and here, they get a quarterback who can get the ball to them.
The Minnesota Vikings have turned the page on head coach Mike Zimmer, which is a good thing for quarterback Kirk Cousins. As the team moves on from Zimmer, there is much work to do in terms of the roster, and the defensive backfield could certainly use some help this offseason.
Picking at No. 12 overall, the Vikings could end up getting the No. 1 cornerback available in this draft cycle in Derek Stingley Jr. from LSU. Stingley has long been considered a first-round talent, and in Minnesota, he would have the ability to start right away in a very winnable division next season.
One team that could make a big improvement next season is the Cleveland Browns, who many believed would make a deep run this past season. Quarterback Baker Mayfield not only played injured, but he was up and down all season long, and it led to another year out of the playoffs for this franchise.
Looking ahead, Cleveland needs to solidify their talent on the defensive line, especially when it comes to the interior. Some feel that Devonte Wyatt is the best prospect coming out of Georgia this year, which says a lot and could end up being a steal for this team at No. 13 overall.
When it comes to the Baltimore Ravens, you have to think that they will make a big leap forward next season, especially with a healthy Lamar Jackson back at quarterback. This is a franchise that is playoff ready, and they have an opportunity here at No. 14 overall to make a significant improvement to their defensive backfield.
Ahmad Gardner is someone who could be gone in the top-10 picks, as he has everything you look for in a potential CB1. He also plays with a chip on his shoulder, and with the Ravens defense already one of the best in the game, adding him will go a long way in them getting back to the top of the AFC North.