The Commanders dealt for Carson Wentz so I doubt they will invest this pick in the position. Wilson's ability to threaten a defense at every level would pair nicely with Terry McLaurin, who has recently entered into contract extension talks with the team. Top needs:WR, CB, G
Spotlight
2022 NFL Mock Draft: Three-round projections
From the This week's top stories: The tragic death of Dwayne Haskins, the last few Kmarts, the Brooklyn subway shooting, more series
A month might as well be a year when discussing the NFL news cycle.
A month ago, Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner were still Seahawks and Matt Ryan was still a Falcon.
11. Washington (7-10) — Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio St., Jr.
12. Minnesota (8-9) — Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU, Jr.
Who better to mentor the former Tiger All-American cornerback than a former Tiger All-American cornerback, veteran Patrick Peterson, who recently resigned with the Vikings. Stingley features rare ball-tracking skills that make him a threat to take the ball away anytime it's in his vicinity. As an 18-year-old, he produced one of the most impressive true freshman seasons in college football history in 2019. Durability has been a concern ever since. He's a top-five talent, but there's still a lot of questions surrounding him. Top needs:DB, G, Edge
13. Houston from Cleveland (8-9) — George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue, Jr.
There are much worse strategies than selecting a pass protector and pass rusher with your two first round picks. All roads lead to the quarterback when it comes to team-building. New coach Lovie Smith is familiar with Karlaftis from his days in the Big Ten West. He has been one of the most consistent pass rushers in the nation during his three seasons in West Lafayette. His inside-outside versatility, and overwhelming power could make him a star at the next level. Top needs:OL, DB, RB
14. Baltimore (8-9) — Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah, Jr.
The Ravens were beaten by the Rams in a duel for Bobby Wagner's services. Here, the best linebacker in this draft falls right in their lap. The Otay Ranch product can rush the passer (he had seven sacks), impact the run game and make plays in coverage — he had four interceptions this season. Top needs:DL, CB, C
16. New Orleans from Philadelphia through Indianapolis (9-8) — Trevor Penning, T, Northern Iowa, Jr.
Some think the Saints are stockpiling first-rounders in order to package them and move up for one of the quarterbacks. I believe they made the deal with the Eagles to leapfrog the Chargers for one of the top-four offensive tackles to replace Terron Armstead. Penning finished tied for 10th in the Walter Payton Award voting, an award given to the most outstanding offensive player in Division I FCS. He faced superior competition in Mobile for the Senior Bowl and didn't flinch while showcasing his athleticism at the combine. Top needs:WR, OL, DL
17. L.A. Chargers (9-8) — Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington, Jr.
The Chargers addressed their porous run defense with the signings of Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson. While J.C. Jackson was a splash signing, Michael Davis struggled mightily in coverage and against the run last season. McDuffie plays bigger than his 5-11 frame. He's one of the surest tacklers at the position in this draft class and his instincts are elite. Top needs:OL, CB, DL
18. Philadelphia from New Orleans (9-8) — Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia, Sr.
The Eagles resigned veteran Fletcher Cox to a one-year deal, but I'd be surprised if he's on the roster in 2023. At 6-foot-6, 340 pounds, the Outland and Bednarik trophy winner is an immovable object who could anchor the Eagles' run defense for years to come. His 4.78-second 40-yard dash in Indy suggests there's some potential as a pass disruptor as well. Top needs:WR, DL, LB
19. New Orleans from Philadelphia (9-8) — Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama, Jr.
The Saints desperately need someone to stretch the field opposite of Michael Thomas. Williams is a home run hitter with game-breaking speed. He's also a weapon on special teams, as a returner — he returned two kicks for touchdowns in 2021 — and in coverage. The dynamic receiver injured his left knee against Georgia, but still grades out as a first-rounder if his rehabilitation remains on schedule. Top needs:WR, OL, DL
21. New England (10-7) — Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College, Sr.
My gut says Bill Belichick will go defense here, but the Patriots need to fortify Mac Jones' protection. Johnson is a team captain-caliber player who thrived at left tackle and guard, but he projects as an impact interior lineman in the NFL. He played center most of the week in Mobile, and was impressive, considering he had never played the position before. Top needs:Edge, G, WR
22. Green Bay from Las Vegas (10-7) — Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas, Jr.
I'll be shocked if the Packers fail to draft a wide receiver in the first round, again. Burks is a vertical threat, but also features immense YAC ability — he broke 15 tackles on 66 receptions this season. Top needs:WR, OL, LB
23. Arizona (11-6) — Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia, Sr.
The Cardinals actually have quite a few needs for a playoff team. The top-five wide receivers are off the board, so they address their defensive line here. Wyatt's first step is as good as it gets in this draft class. His explosiveness and agility are elite for his size (6-foot-3, 315 pounds). Top needs:WR, CB, DL
24. Dallas (12-5) — Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia, Jr.
Leighton Vander Esch resigned, but the Cowboys still need a linebacker who frees up Micah Parsons to focus primarily on rushing the passer. Luke Gifford isn't it. Murmurings about Dean's size not translating well to the next level have hurt his draft stock. It certainly didn't hurt the Butkus Award winner in the SEC, where the tape showed a dynamic blitzer who is capable of making plays all over the field. Top needs:LB, DL, G
26. Tennessee (12-5) — Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh, Sr.
The Titans could create $17.8 million in cap space by releasing or trading Ryan Tannehill as a pre- June 1 designation in 2023. Pickett has good size, overall athleticism and solid arm talent, but needs to work on his anticipation throws and his comfort within the pocket. His hand size (or lack there of) has been a story, but he handled himself perfectly in Mobile at the Senior Bowl, and at the combine, where every team who interviewed him came away impressed. Top needs:WR, OL, CB
27. Tampa Bay (13-4) — Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M, Jr.
The Buccaneers lost starting guards Ali Marpet (retirement) and Alex Cappa (free agency), but resigned center Ryan Jensen and traded for Patriots starter Shaq Mason. Left guard remains a glaring need. The former five-star recruit can play either guard or tackle at a high level — Green made starts at every single offensive line position except center this season. Top needs:OL, DL, TE
28. Green Bay (13-4) — Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa, Jr.
The Packers utilized seven different offensive line combinations with nine different players taking meaningful snaps during the 2021 season. Drafting the Rimington Trophy winner and unanimous All-American would be a steal here. Linderbaum was a multisport athlete in high school who earned multiple letters in wrestling, track, baseball and football. He's a top-10 player in this draft class, but will likely be drafted later because he plays center only. Top needs:WR, OL, LB
29. Kansas City from Miami through San Francisco (10-7) — Daxton Hill, DB, Michigan, Jr.
Charvarius Ward and Mike Hughes both bolted during the first wave of free agency, while it remains to be seen if Tyrann Mathieu will return. Hill features a mix of athleticism, intelligence and instincts that enables him to play every position in the defensive backfield. He will need to tamp down his tendency to gamble, but that's part of being a playmaker sometimes. Top needs:WR, CB, Edge
31. Cincinnati (10-7) — Bernhard Raimann, OL, Central Michigan, Sr.
The Bengals have actually done a really good job of rebuilding their offensive line with the additions of La'el Collins, Ted Karras and Alex Cappa. Raimann is surprisingly polished for only having two years of experience at tackle. The former tight end graded out as one of the best offensive lineman in the country last season, according to Pro Football Focus. He allowed zero pressures over his last six games of 2021 and could move inside to challenge Jackson Carman at left guard if need be. Top needs:CB, TE, DL
32. Detroit from L.A. Rams (12-5) — Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati, Sr.
If there's a quarterback the Lions fall in love with, he'll likely be selected here. Ridder is the most pro-ready signal-caller in the draft. He's a field general with solid anticipation, a good arm and is athletic enough to make plays outside of the pocket. Coaching should be able to help refine his technique in the NFL and help improve some fixable accuracy issues. Top needs:QB, Edge, S
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