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USATSI

The Von Miller era was a spectacular one in Denver, but now the Broncos have to plan for the future at his premier defensive position. So they prioritize that spot in the first round of this 2022 NFL mock draft.

As for the Washington Football Team, quarterback has to be in their crosshairs, and while this isn't a class featuring a collection of super-hyped prospects, it's time for that franchise to draft a player at the most valuable position on the field once again.

The draft order below was determined using SportsLine's Super Bowl odds but in reverse order. We know folks are going to be very angry about why we have their team picking so high but it's not our fault. These are your team's current odds of winning a Lombardi Trophy.

NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1 - Pick 1
Alabama • Sr • 6'7" / 340 lbs
Projected Team
N.Y. Jets
PROSPECT RNK
27th
POSITION RNK
4th
This is one of the scenarios in which Kayvon Thibodeaux may not go No. 1 overall. With Neal and Mekhi Becton, the Jets would have the largest tackle tandem in the NFL.
Round 1 - Pick 2
Oregon • Sr • 6'5" / 258 lbs
Projected Team
Jacksonville
PROSPECT RNK
1st
POSITION RNK
1st
With Neal off the board and no trades in my mocks just yet, this has to be Thibodeaux. There's a case that the Jaguars could use an upgrade at every position on the field -- although of course they won't pick a quarterback. Duh.
Round 1 - Pick 3
Notre Dame • Sr • 6'4" / 218 lbs
Projected Team
Houston
PROSPECT RNK
2nd
POSITION RNK
1st
Nick Caserio was in New England as Bill Belichick deployed a variety of multi-dimensional safeties on some high-caliber defenses. Hamilton can be that type in Houston.
Round 1 - Pick 4
LSU • Sr • 6'1" / 195 lbs
Projected Team
Detroit
PROSPECT RNK
2nd
POSITION RNK
1st
A quarterback could come off the board here. But it's not even close to being a lock, given the state of this quarterback class. Instead GM Brad Holmes, who spent a few seasons in Los Angeles with Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib and Jalen Ramsey, gets his Detroit team an alpha cover guy on the outside.
Round 1 - Pick 5
Ole Miss • Soph • 6'2" / 205 lbs
Projected Team
N.Y. Giants
PROSPECT RNK
77th
POSITION RNK
6th
I have a feeling Joe Judge would love to see Daniel Jones in a legitimate QB competition, and Corral's upside makes him the selection here.
Round 1 - Pick 6
Texas A&M • Sr • 6'4" / 290 lbs
Projected Team
Philadelphia
PROSPECT RNK
3rd
POSITION RNK
1st
Leal is the perfect replacement for Fletcher Cox on the inside in Philadelphia. He and Javon Hargrave will be hot fire flames for the Eagles for many years.
Round 1 - Pick 7
Liberty • Sr • 6'1" / 225 lbs
Projected Team
Washington
PROSPECT RNK
29th
POSITION RNK
5th
This is a selection made with a long-term view. Willis has supreme athletic and arm-talent gifts.
Round 1 - Pick 8
NC State • Sr • 6'4" / 320 lbs
Projected Team
N.Y. Giants
PROSPECT RNK
POSITION RNK
With Corral in the mix, the Giants continue to build their offensive line.
Round 1 - Pick 9
Michigan • Sr • 6'7" / 268 lbs
Projected Team
Atlanta
PROSPECT RNK
6th
POSITION RNK
2nd
My word the Falcons have needed a quality edge rusher for like 10 years now. Hutchinson has rounded his game into the form of a destructive, three-down player.
Round 1 - Pick 10
Mississippi State • Sr • 6'5" / 317 lbs
Projected Team
Philadelphia
PROSPECT RNK
35th
POSITION RNK
5th
The Eagles must get more youth on their offensive line. Cross, who might need a redshirt season before he's a star, has All-Pro upside.
Round 1 - Pick 11
Nevada • 6'4" / 215 lbs
Projected Team
Carolina
PROSPECT RNK
17th
POSITION RNK
3rd
Sam Darnold ain't it. The Panthers have to figure out that position or the Matt Rhule era is going to fall flat on its face. Strong has loads of experience and is a polished pocket passer.
Round 1 - Pick 12
Florida • Sr • 6'1" / 191 lbs
Projected Team
N.Y. Jets
PROSPECT RNK
19th
POSITION RNK
4th
Elam is a tall, physical, springy outside corner with years of experience in the SEC. He's what the Jets need in their secondary.
Round 1 - Pick 13
South Carolina • Sr • 6'4" / 258 lbs
Projected Team
Denver
PROSPECT RNK
35th
POSITION RNK
5th
With Von Miller gone and Bradley Chubb entering the final year of his rookie deal, the Broncos need to prioritize the edge-rusher position if they don't love the quarterback spot here.
Round 1 - Pick 14
Washington • Sr • 5'11" / 193 lbs
Projected Team
Minnesota
PROSPECT RNK
POSITION RNK
Minnesota's secondary needs a reworking, and McDuffie is the high-end athlete who can align anywhere and consistently make plays.
Round 1 - Pick 15
Georgia • Sr • 5'11" / 231 lbs
Projected Team
Philadelphia
PROSPECT RNK
37th
POSITION RNK
6th
Dean absolutely flies. He's tracking toward being the first linebacker off the board, and although the Eagles have typically shied away from going with this position early in the draft, Howie Roseman can't pass up this prospect.
Round 1 - Pick 16
Ohio State • Sr • 6'5" / 315 lbs
Projected Team
Miami
PROSPECT RNK
41st
POSITION RNK
1st
The Dolphins cannot stop their offensive line rebuild, and they have a glaring need at right tackle.
Round 1 - Pick 17
Ohio State • Sr • 6'0" / 183 lbs
Projected Team
New England
PROSPECT RNK
7th
POSITION RNK
1st
Belichick goes back to the first-round receiver route and snags Wilson, a springy, explosive wideout desperately needed in New England.
Round 1 - Pick 18
Pittsburgh • Sr • 6'3" / 220 lbs
Projected Team
Pittsburgh
PROSPECT RNK
89th
POSITION RNK
8th
Many in Western Pennsylvania are hoping the Steelers can grab Pickett in Round 2. If they really want him, they're probably going to have to grab him in Round 1.
Round 1 - Pick 19
Iowa • Sr • 6'2" / 305 lbs
Projected Team
Las Vegas
PROSPECT RNK
9th
POSITION RNK
1st
Linderbaum feels like the type of marquee prospect Mike Mayock will be enamored with during the pre-draft process.
Round 1 - Pick 20
Ohio State • Sr • 6'0" / 187 lbs
Projected Team
Cleveland
PROSPECT RNK
13th
POSITION RNK
2nd
The Browns stay local with Olave, who instantly plays on the perimeter in an offense in dire need of more consistent receiving production.
Round 1 - Pick 21
Cincinnati • Sr • 6'3" / 190 lbs
Projected Team
Cincinnati
PROSPECT RNK
18th
POSITION RNK
3rd
The Bengals are getting quality play from some free-agent acquisitions at the corner spot this season, but they plan for the future with Gardner here.
Round 1 - Pick 22
USC • Sr • 6'4" / 215 lbs
Projected Team
New Orleans
PROSPECT RNK
59th
POSITION RNK
12th
The Saints are another quality team in need of receiving help, and London can be a dominant big slot in Sean Payton's offense.
Round 1 - Pick 23
Washington • Soph • 6'7" / 325 lbs
Projected Team
L.A. Chargers
PROSPECT RNK
32nd
POSITION RNK
5th
Rashawn Slater has been awesome at left tackle in his rookie season. The right tackle spot in Los Angeles? Not so good. Kirkland has light feet and with a big more strength can be a reliable starter early in his career.
Round 1 - Pick 24
Georgia • Sr • 6'0" / 190 lbs
Projected Team
Tennessee
PROSPECT RNK
12th
POSITION RNK
1st
The Titans have improved defensively but the future outlook at corner is still bleak. Kendrick is very NFL-ready to play man coverage on the outside.
Round 1 - Pick 25
USC • Jr • 6'4" / 273 lbs
Projected Team
Kansas City
PROSPECT RNK
16th
POSITION RNK
2nd
The Chiefs need to get more dynamic around the corner of the opposition's offensive line. Jackson is a chiseled rusher with good explosiveness.
Round 1 - Pick 26
Jeremy Ruckert TE
Ohio State • Sr • 6'5" / 250 lbs
Projected Team
Baltimore
PROSPECT RNK
76th
POSITION RNK
7th
I would love to see the underrated Ruckert and Mark Andrews together in Baltimore.
Round 1 - Pick 27
Alabama • Sr • 6'1" / 180 lbs
Projected Team
Arizona
PROSPECT RNK
POSITION RNK
More receiving firepower for Kyler Murray and the Cardinals. Williams will be a riser during draft season and replace Christian Kirk in this offense.
Round 1 - Pick 28
Kentucky • Jr • 6'5" / 322 lbs
Projected Team
Dallas
PROSPECT RNK
POSITION RNK
Kinnard will add youth to the Cowboys offensive line to protect Dak Prescott and pave lanes for Zeke Elliott and Tony Pollard.
Round 1 - Pick 29
Arkansas • Sr • 6'2" / 225 lbs
Projected Team
Green Bay
PROSPECT RNK
15th
POSITION RNK
3rd
There's a lot of Allen Lazard to Burks' game, and he's more thunderous after the catch.
Round 1 - Pick 30
North Carolina • Sr • 6'1" / 220 lbs
Projected Team
Detroit
PROSPECT RNK
5th
POSITION RNK
2nd
I keep going back to this pairing. It'd be perfect in many ways. No immense pressure for Howell to play instantly, and the Lions get their star corner inside the top 5.
Round 1 - Pick 31
Texas A&M • Sr • 6'4" / 325 lbs
Projected Team
Buffalo
PROSPECT RNK
10th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Green hasn't been quite as good in 2021 as he was a season ago, but he's still a powerful SEC blocker with loads of experience.
Round 1 - Pick 32
Purdue • Sr • 6'4" / 263 lbs
Projected Team
Tampa Bay
PROSPECT RNK
POSITION RNK
Karlaftis would fit perfectly into the potential holes created by the departures of Jason Pierre-Paul or William Gholston in the near future.