2022 NFL Mock Draft: Needs continue to change as league year begins
By Brad Weiss
. Cornerback. Philadelphia Eagles. Trent McDuffie. 15. player. 54
Staring with pick No. 15 overall, it is officially the Philadelphia Eagles’ time to shine, as they will pick three times across a five-pick span. Starting at No. 15, the Eagles focus on the defensive side of the ball, bringing in Washington star cornerback Trent McDuffie.
Of the cornerbacks available in this year’s draft, McDuffie is considered a top-5 talent and has the skillset to be even better than that when all is said and done. The NFC East is wide open next season, and this is the kind of cornerback who can help turn around this secondary.
George Karlaftis. 16. player. 54. . Edge. Philadelphia Eagles
It won’t take long for the Philadelphia Eagles to pick again in the first round, as they also hold the No. 16 overall pick this April. This is a pick that has to be used on an edge rusher, and based on the talent in this draft class, there should be plenty of bodies still available in the second half of the first round.
With this pick, the Eagles add Purdue edge rusher George Karlaftis, who could end up being one of the top players taken in this first round. He plays the game with incredible passion and is a difference-maker, something that will make him a big hit in the City of Brotherly Love.
Charles Cross. 17. player. 13. . Offensive Tackle. Los Angeles Chargers
After the Eagles make a big run on picks, it is time for the Los Angeles Chargers to step up, and they have certainly done so to start the new league year. They have added elite talent via free agency, and through trades, so look for them to be one of the last teams standing in the AFC next season.
Picking at No. 17 overall, the Chargers need to bolster their offensive line, and if Charles Cross is still available, they have hit the jackpot. Cross and Rashawn Slater would give them two young and talented offensive tackles for the foreseeable future, protecting their No. 1 asset in Justin Herbert.
15. . Wide Receiver. New Orleans Saints. Garrett Wilson. 18. player
Pick No. 18 belongs to the New Orleans Saints, but based on what we have been hearing involving Deshaun Watson, they may not be picking in the first round for a few years. The Saints appear to be a favorite to land Watson’s services, and if they do, you can expect three first-round picks to head to Houston.
Still, this is a mock on where the teams stand right now, and with this pick, the Saints need to bring a weapon to the Bayou. That weapon is Ohio State star wideout Garrett Wilson, a Day 1 starter on this offense, and a possible rookie that can haul in nearly 100 catches.