2022 NFL Mock Draft: Needs continue to change as league year begins
By Brad Weiss
Wide Receiver. Washington Commanders. Jameson Williams. 11. player. 58.
The Washington Commanders will have a new leader under center this season, as they swung a trade for Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback Carson Wentz. Wentz is a few years removed from being considered one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL, so the hope for Washington is that he can find his old form.
With pick No. 11 overall, the Commanders go out and get Wentz an elite weapon, adding Alabama star wide receiver Jameson Williams. Williams is ahead of schedule coming back from a torn ACL in the national title game and would be a great fit alongside Terry McLaurin in this passing game.
12. player. 60. . Cornerback. Minnesota Vikings. Derek Stingley Jr.
The Minnesota Vikings continue to put their trust in Kirk Cousins, even though it remains to be seen whether or not he can actually win a big game. In truth, Cousins had a solid 2021 campaign, and it will be interesting to see what he can do with a new head coach in place.
Picking at No. 12 overall, the Vikings turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball, bringing in a cornerback who could end up being a Pro Bowl player in Year 1. Derek Stingley Jr. has long been considered a first-round talent but sputtered a bit to close his college career, so hopefully coming to the NFL can get him playing at an elite level once more.
53. . Defensive Tackle. Cleveland Browns. Jordan Davis. 13. player
For the past few days, rumors have been swirling that the Cleveland Browns are in on Deshaun Watson, prompting current starting quarterback Baker Mayfield to write a letter to the fans. Well, on Thursday it was announced that they were out of the running for Watson, which means it is Mayfield’s show in Cleveland once more in 2022.
Cleveland needs help along both lines, and with pick No. 13 overall, they add Jordan Davis, a defensive tackle who dominated the NFL Combine. Davis is a plug-and-play type talent in Year 1, and they are going to need him in what should be an outstanding AFC North once again next season.
Ahmad Gardner. 14. player. 26. . Cornerback. Baltimore Ravens
Pick No. 14 belongs to the Baltimore Ravens, who I believe will be one of the better teams in the AFC next season. Lamar Jackson is a former MVP who is just entering the prime of his career, and he should be able to lead this team back to the top of the AFC North.
Looking ahead, they are going to need help in the secondary, especially with Anthony Averett leaving for Las Vegas via free agency. Ahmad Gardner is considered by many as the best cornerback in this class, and if they can get him here, he is an absolute steal.