2022 NFL mock draft: Run on quarterbacks early in round one

2022 NFL mock draft:

11. New York Giants – Christian Harris, LB Alabama

One of the safer prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft, Harris is another terrific LB prospect in a long line of Alabama stalwarts. Former Crimson Tide players such as Rolando McClain, Courtney Upshaw, C.J. Mosley, and Rashaan Evans have carved out productive careers in the NFL. Harris is outstanding in his own right as a big, three-down prospect with terrific cover skills that can start right away.

12. Arizona Cardinals – Josh Jobe, CB Alabama

Make that two Alabama standouts in a row with Arizona’s selection here at 12. Jobe follows Patrick Surtain II as Tide cornerbacks selected in the first round in back-to-back years. He’s a physical presence on the boundary with a ton of experience and the confidence to match up with the NFL’s top receivers one-on-one. Jobe upgrades this Cardinals’ secondary instantly alongside All-Pro safety, Budda Baker.

13. Washington Football Team – Kedon Slovis, QB USC

The Washington Football team signed Ryan Fitzpatrick this offseason to replace the retired Alex Smith. However, Fitzpatrick is only a stopgap starter for a talented squad that needs a more permanent, long-term solution. Slovis has been terrific as a starter since his freshman season and gives Washington a high-upside player to continue their ascension in the NFC East.

14. Minnesota Vikings – Drake Jackson, EDGE USC

The Trojans have elevated some extremely talented defensive linemen and pass rushers into the NFL in the past decade, and Jackson may be one of the best. He’s a quick-twitch athlete that has the ability to play on the line or standing up. With the loss of Everson Griffen two seasons ago, the team has been searching for a viable replacement opposite Danielle Hunter. That search ends here in the 2022 NFL Draft with the versatile Jackson.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers – Evan Neal, OT Alabama

After the retirement of Maurkice Pouncey and the departure of Alejandro Villanueva, the Steelers offensive line figures to look much different in 2021. Even before those losses, the team needed help and now the situation seems almost dire. Adding a player with the caliber of Evan Neal could go a long way. Neal is a former five-star recruit that has started a ton of games since his freshman season and would be an instant upgrade for the Steelers.

16. Denver Broncos – Malik Willis, QB Liberty

The Drew Lock experiment has not gone according to plan for the Denver Broncos. While the former first-rounder has flashed some special talent, he is not the long-term answer for this proud franchise. The team hits the reset button here with the versatile, dual-threat, Malik Willis. While this may seem a bit early for the Liberty standout, I believe this spot could be the floor for Willis as we get closer to the 2022 NFL Draft.

17. Los Angeles Chargers – Kaiir Elam, CB Florida

Former Pro Bowl cornerback Casey Hayward has moved on in free agency, and safety Derwin James is coming off back-to-back injury-riddled campaigns. Therefore, the Chargers are in need of reinforcements in the secondary. The Florida Gators continue to place talented defensive backs in the NFL and Elam is another great pro prospect. Elam is a candidate for the top-10 and could start alongside fellow star CB, Chris Harris.

18. New England Patriots – George Pickens, WR Georgia

According to offseason reports, former first-rounder N’Keal Harry has requested a trade after a failed start to his Patriots’ career. Whether the team decides to move on or keep Harry, upgrades are needed on a thin New England receiving corps. Pickens is a former top recruit for the Bulldogs who has dominated despite inconsistent QB play at Georgia. Paired with Jacobi Meyers, the Patriots would have a nice, young WR duo with Mickens here at 18.

19. New Orleans Saints – Matt Corral, QB Mississippi

This 2022 NFL Draft selection is a fairly obvious one, as the team is in desperate need of a long-term replacement for former All-Pro quarterback, Drew Brees. The 2022 QB group is extraordinarily deep and talented, and Corral is the next man up. Corral came out of nowhere to throw for 3,337 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2020. He has the arm talent and moxie to become the new face of this storied Saints franchise.

20. Philadelphia Eagles – Zach Harrison, EDGE Ohio State

It is becoming a right of passage for a Buckeyes’ pass rusher to go early on day one of the NFL Draft. Harrison is next in a long line of great recent Ohio State pass rushers that includes Joey Bosa, Nick Bosa, and 2021 DROY, Chase Young. On the surface, Philly maintains a strong group of pass rushers with Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett, and Josh Sweat. However, Graham is entering his age-33 season and Harrison would be a great rotation piece for the Eagles.

21. Dallas Cowboys – Sevyn Banks, CB Ohio State

Ohio State cornerbacks continue to make a splash in the NFL, with recent names like Shaun Wade, Denzel Ward, Kendall Sheffield, Jeff Okudah, Gareon Conley, and Bradley Roby to name a few. The Buckeyes are loaded again at the position and Sevyn Banks appears to be another impact prospect for them. With the losses of Byron Jones and Chidobe Awuzie in recent years, replacements are needed badly on the back end and Banks is a terrific value here for Dallas.

22. New York Jets – George Karlaftis, EDGE Purdue

The Jets have lacked a consistent pass rush for years now, and have not been able to find steady EDGE or linebacker help via the Draft. However, they are in a terrific spot here with this Purdue star, George Karlaftis. Karlaftis is a strong, steady force off the edge with a playing style and body reminiscent of former Boilermaker, Ryan Kerrigan. He’d become an instant starter for Gang Green and give them a much-needed boost at DE or OLB.