2022 NFL Mock Draft: Ben Roethlisberger out in Pittsburgh, plus Eagles flip franchise fate with three picks
Several teams struggle with the decision to stay put or take the plunge at quarterback
By
Josh Edwards
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1 min read
Therapy rates are soaring in the City of Brotherly Love as fans struggle to make sense of their emotions. Carson Wentz's time in Philadelphia might have ended on a sour note, but the marriage of health and success is important in the Eagles' pursuit of a third first-round pick from Indianapolis. It has been a week-to-week monitoring of the situation and will likely remain there until about Week 14 because it could change at any moment.
The history of teams making three first-round picks is actually more common than fans might realize. The Giants, Raiders and Browns have all done it in the past five years. In today's mock exercise, Philadelphia makes three first round picks.
The draft order below was determined by the reverse order of SportsLine's Super Bowl odds. Let's kick this off!
NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1 - Pick 1
Houston has a tradition of taking pass rushers early from Mario Williams to J.J. Watt to Jadeveon Clowney. Kayvon Thibodeaux could be next in line as that franchise looks to turn things around. There is not a quarterback prospect who warrants being taken over the Oregon edge rusher.
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Round 1 - Pick 2
Offensive tackle is a bigger need for this team than cornerback or safety, which are the other two positions being considered. Solidifying Trevor Lawrence's protection is the highest priority.
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Round 1 - Pick 3
If faced with a decision between Kyle Hamilton and Derek Stingley Jr., I think Dan Campbell would lean towards the former.
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Round 1 - Pick 4
An ideal situation for New York is finding a way to get Kayvon Thibodeaux and using the other first-round pick on a cornerback. Those two positions would elevate the defense immensely. With Thibodeaux gone, the Jets select the top cornerback available.
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Round 1 - Pick 5
Beyond the first four picks, it gets a little difficult. If the quarterbacks are good enough, you can fluff up the top 10 a bit, but I am not confident enough in any of them to use a top 5 selection. For that matter, the blue-chip designation diminishes after those first four players.
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Round 1 - Pick 6
With the first of two picks, New York select Andrew Booth Jr. He may serve as depth initially, but his presence is important because if anything happens to either James Bradberry or Adoree Jackson, then the team mission does not fall off a cliff.
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From
Chicago Bears
Round 1 - Pick 7
The Giants follow up on the pick of Andrew Booth Jr. with a player who has shown the versatility to play the interior offensive line or tackle. His highest potential is at guard.
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Round 1 - Pick 8
The future of the Steelers quarterback position is not on the roster. Whether through free agency, trade or the draft, Pittsburgh has to find a long-term option. In the case of any quarterback-needy team, does the potential replacement represent a significant upgrade at the position? For the Giants, I do not think any represent a huge upgrade over Daniel Jones. I am not in that camp with Ben Roethlisberger. It is time for player and team to part ways.
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Round 1 - Pick 9
Philadelphia has always been good at showing different fronts and moving defenders around to create a competitive advantage. DeMarvin Leal as a talent is a competitive advantage. He can condense inside and play 3t or rush from the edge depending on the situation.
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Round 1 - Pick 10
Cincinnati has some talent to work with along the front seven, but there is work to be done on the backend outside of Jessie Bates. The addition of an explosive pass rusher or lockdown cornerback would elevate the defense.
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From
Miami Dolphins
Round 1 - Pick 11
Darian Kinnard has always been a lineman who prides himself on leaning on defenders in the ground game, but the offensive changes has him progressing in pass protection as well. He is working towards being that well-rounded player worthy of first-round selection.
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Round 1 - Pick 12
Sam Howell is one of those quarterback prospects who has an athletic ceiling but you know what you are getting. I think Ron Rivera will settle for that long-term. Is it enough of an upgrade over Taylor Heinicke to make this investment though?
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Round 1 - Pick 13
Buckeyes wide receivers coach Brian Hartline has done a great job with that group. They are coming into the NFL polished and prepared as professionals. No one envisioned Terry McLaurin reaching the level that he has to this point in his career. Chris Olave would be the best wide receiver New England has had recently.
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From
Indianapolis Colts
Round 1 - Pick 14
Philadelphia has added DeMarvin Leal and Darian Kinnard with its first two picks. With the third, it adds Cincinnati's Ahmad Gardner. Imagine a scenario where Jalen Hurts is the answer for the Eagles and they are able to devote all three first-round picks to other positions. Nick Sirianni's team would be well-positioned for a quick turnaround.
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Round 1 - Pick 15
Carolina needs offensive line help most, but the better value is Drake Jackson. He would give the Panthers a fearsome pass-rush duo at best and the ability to rotate rushers at worst. When you look at the roster, they have a much better collection of talent than many realize.
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Round 1 - Pick 16
If the Vikings defensive line were a ship, general manager Rick Spielman has slapped some FlexSeal on the hull. They brought back some veterans with familiar faces, but that is not a sustainable approach. They need a youthful infusion and Myjai Sanders brings it.
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Round 1 - Pick 17
The Raiders only take players from national powers. It has not worked for them, but that is their approach. Las Vegas snags another from powerhouse Georgia. Nose tackles are hindered by a national narrative that they are role players who simply stop the run and occupy space. The elite nose tackles do so much more. The impact of Vita Vea in Tampa Bay has been immeasurable. Jordan Davis could have a similar impact on Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue.
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Round 1 - Pick 18
At best, Garrett Wilson gives New Orleans a dynamic duo with fellow Buckeye alum Michael Thomas. However, I think we have forgotten about how bad the situation between the team and player had gotten. Could it reach a point where they part ways?
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Round 1 - Pick 19
I believe Denver believes they have a quarterback capable of achieving what they hope to accomplish. But I have concerns about consistent availability and, for that reason, the team may want to consider bringing in a young player who can learn the ropes.
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Round 1 - Pick 20
Tennessee just keeps throwing darts at the board until it get its pass rush sorted out. Minimally, the team has two edge rushers it can count on and, ideally, they have three who can rotate in and out to remain fresh.
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From
Seattle Seahawks
Round 1 - Pick 21
An offensive lineman taken in the first round three consecutive years? General manager Joe Douglas believes the offense starts with a quality offensive line and functional depth. Zion Nelson is one of those physically imposing prospects who the team can flop to the right side.
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From
San Francisco 49ers
Round 1 - Pick 22
Miami's season has not gone accordingly, but maybe stability comes with the return of Tua Tagovailoa. Christian Harris would just continue the team's mission to stockpile the defense with talent.
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Round 1 - Pick 23
Treylon Burks would turn the Chargers offense up from a simmer to a boil. Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Burks is fuel for nightmares within the AFC West.
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Round 1 - Pick 24
Micah Parsons is a special talent capable of wearing multiple hats. By adding Aidan Hutchinson, Dallas has a feasible option to rush the passer opposite Demarcus Lawrence. His presence would allow Parsons to contribute at the highest level. Offenses would never know if he was going to come on a blitz or drop into coverage. They would be able to disguise more and create turnover opportunities.
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Round 1 - Pick 25
Offensive line, defensive tackle and cornerback are areas of emphasis for this Arizona team. They are clicking on offense with a loaded collection of skill talent. Attention turns towards sustainability on defense.
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Round 1 - Pick 26
Cleveland's focus is whether or not Baker Mayfield is a viable long-term option worthy of the price tag that is sure to come with a new contract. Beyond Mayfield, Cleveland is looking to sustain salary cap health, and that means creating value by achieving similar or greater contributions of a high-priced veteran with a rookie. Tyler Linderbaum would certainly bridge that gap from JC Tretter.
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Round 1 - Pick 27
Baltimore is a run-based offense and Ikem Ekwonu's strength is run blocking. He will lean on defenders in the ground game while tilling land. The Ravens know their identity and should focus on maximizing that aspect.
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Round 1 - Pick 28
It may come as a surprise, but I do not think Jaylon Smith is necessarily a long-term solution at linebacker for Green Bay. Nakobe Dean is a modern-day linebacker who can be deployed in a number of ways.
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From
Los Angeles Rams
Round 1 - Pick 29
Detroit first added Kyle Hamilton and now selects Drake London. Length is the takeaway from this first-round accumulation for the Lions. London is not going to be everyone's cup of tea because of his size, but it is difficult to ignore what he has been able to accomplish this season. He's averaging 9.6 receptions and 134 receiving yards per game this season.
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Round 1 - Pick 30
There has been a motion to build secondary depth across the NFL. The talented teams are loading up. Buffalo will be no exception as it selects Georgia's Derion Kendrick in the first round.
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Round 1 - Pick 31
Tampa Bay's mission is to replace aging, high-priced players with young, inexpensive ones. It may not happen next year, but Devin Lloyd would eventually take over for Lavonte David.
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Round 1 - Pick 32
The idea that Josh Gordon is going to come in and be a reliable outlet for Patrick Mahomes is naïve. History has told us that is just not likely. Kansas City obviously wants to add another player at the position, and George Pickens could accomplish that at the end of the first round.
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