2022 NFL Mock Draft: Needs continue to change as league year begins
By Brad Weiss
Wide Receiver. Philadelphia Eagles. Drake London. 19. player. 54.
We return to the Philadelphia Eagles here at No. 19, and when you consider the fact that they made the playoffs last season, having this first-round haul seems almost unfair. The Eagles are going to be the best team in the NFC East next season if they can hit a home run with these first-round picks, and they have gotten a nice haul already.
At pick No. 19, they turn their attention to the offense, bringing in USC star Drake London to team with Devonta Smith on the outside at wide receiver. That tandem would give NFC East teams a headache for years to come, especially if Jalen Hurts can reach his potential.
20. player. 55. . Offensive Lineman. Pittsburgh Steelers. Tyler Linderbaum
The 20th overall pick belongs to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have seemed to solve their quarterback problem. With Ben Roethlisberger retiring, the Steelers needed to bring in someone to take over, as nobody expected Mason Rudolph to take the wheel of this elite franchise.
Mitchell Trubisky will be the starter next season, and for him to succeed, they have to improve this offensive line. Pick No. 20 in our latest mock is Tyler Linderbaum from Iowa, the best center in this draft class, and a guy who fills an immediate void in Pittsburgh.
47. . Linebacker. New England Patriots. Nakobe Dean. 21. player
After a one-year hiatus from the playoffs, the New England Patriots made their way back last season, thanks to strong play from rookie quarterback Mac Jones. With Jones as their new franchise signal-caller, the offense is in good hands, and now they can turn their attention to the defense with this first-round pick.
Chase Winovich was traded away to Cleveland this week, leaving a hole at linebacker, and one that can be filled by the best linebacker in this draft class. Nakobe Dean will be a three-down backer at the next level, while also giving Bill Belichick a guy who can come off the edge as well.
Green Bay Packers. Treylon Burks. 22. player. 49. . Wide Receiver
The Las Vegas Raiders were quiet during the first two days of the legal tampering period, before exploding onto the scene on Day 1 of the new league year. They brought in Chandler Jones via free agency, and traded for a cornerback in Rock Ya-Sin, so the defense certainly improved in a big way.
Prior to Thursday night, the Raiders held the No. 22 overall pick, but traded it away to the Green Bay Packers for Davante Adams. Now that Adams is gone, the Packers have to revamp the wide receiver room, and they start here with Treylon Burks.