2022 NFL Mock Draft: Needs continue to change as league year begins

Aidan Hutchinson. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Aidan Hutchinson. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Eagles mock draft, Jermaine Johnson
TALLAHASSEE, FL – SEPTEMBER 5: Defensive End Jermaine Johnson II #11 of the Florida State Seminoles during the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on September 5, 2021, in Tallahassee, Florida. The Fighting Irish defeated the Seminoles 41 to 38 OT. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

31. . Edge. New York Giants. Jermaine Johnson. 7. player

The New York Giants are in a good spot heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, as they hold the No. 5 and No. 7 overall picks. They have a lot of work to do in terms of the roster, but have started the new league year off strong, and should be a much-improved team next season.

After going offensive line with pick No. 5, the Giants turn their attention to the defensive line here a few picks later, adding Florida State star Jermaine Johnson. This is a player who is going to be a double-digit sack guy at the next level, and this Giants defense needs that in the worst way.

Edge. Atlanta Falcons. David Ojabo. 8. player. 44.

The No. 8 overall pick belongs to the Atlanta Falcons, but that is for now, as they are rumored to be in the market for Deshaun Watson as well. As it stands, they have a very capable quarterback in Matt Ryan already, so I do not see them going quarterback here.

However, they do need to bring in some talent on the defensive side, which is why Michigan’s David Ojabo should be the pick at No. 8 overall. Ojabo will have the ability to play linebacker or come off the edge at the next level, fixing two holes on this Falcons defense with one selection.

Seattle Seahawks. Kenny Pickett. 9. player. 36. . Quarterback

The No. 9 overall pick belongs to the Seattle Seahawks, and they have had one heck of a start to the offseason. They traded away a former Super Bowl champion in quarterback Russell Wilson, and in return, they get this pick that belonged to the Denver Broncos, among other assets.

With this pick, the Seahawks should add a quarterback, as nobody believes that Drew Lock is the actual answer for Pete Carroll and this offense. Kenny Pickett is likely to be the next quarterback off the board, and he lands in a perfect spot to start his NFL career.

player. 30. . Edge. New York Jets. Travon Walker. 10

Rounding out the top-10 picks in the 2022 NFL Draft is the New York Jets, who decided to go offensive line with pick No. 4 overall. Here, they decide to revamp the defensive line a bit, bringing in an edge rusher at pick No. 10, and they certainly get a good one in the player of Travon Walker.

Walker could vault even higher when all is said and done, but if he is still here, he would be an excellent fit on Robert Saleh’s defense. He plays with an incredibly high motor and has a knack for getting after the quarterback, something this Jets defense has been lacking.