2022 NFL Mock Draft: Edge rushers dominate our final edition
By Brad Weiss
Edge. New York Giants. Kayvon Thibodeaux. 7. player. 31.
The New York Giants will pick twice in a three-pick span on Thursday night, that is if they stay where they are slated to pick. You never know what new general manager Joe Schoen is going to do in his first season at the helm, but here, they address a big hole on their defense.
Kayvon Thibodeaux from Oregon is a guy who many felt would go No. 1 overall early on, but he has fallen a bit during the draft season. That is perfect news for the Giants, who get the edge rusher they need, and possibly one of the best overall players in this draft class.
8. player. 44. . Safety. Atlanta Falcons. Kyle Hamilton
It has been a crazy offseason for the Atlanta Falcons, who traded away franchise quarterback Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts. In his place, the Falcons brought in Marcus Mariota, who gets a chance to return to a starting role after backing up Derek Carr in Las Vegas the last two seasons.
With pick No. 8 overall, the Falcons could go with a wide receiver, but I do not believe they can pass on Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton. This kid has star written all over him, and on this Falcons defense, he instantly becomes their best player.
36. . Quarterback. Seattle Seahawks. Kenny Pickett. 9. player
Another team that made a big-time move in terms of the quarterback spot this offseason was the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks decided to trade away Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, and while they got Drew Lock back in return, there is no way Pete Carroll rolls with him under center in 2022.
That means they could be in the market for a starting quarterback this offseason, and that quarterback could be Pitt’s, Kenny Pickett. The quarterback spot may not be deep this draft cycle, but Malik Willis and Pickett are two guys who could come in and start right away.
New York Jets. Derek Stingley Jr.. 10. player. 30. . Cornerback
Rounding out our top-10 is the New York Jets, who could go several different ways with this selection. Some feel the Jets could trade out of No. 10 overall, especially if their board gets blown up early on, but here, we have them staying with the pick.
In the end, they are happy they did, as they take Derek Stingley Jr. from LSU, another player some feel is the best defensive guy in this draft class. The Jets need help in their secondary, and their fans are going to love him.