The 2022 NFL Draft order is becoming more and more clear. The teams picking early can be predicted with a reasonable amount of confidence. The prospects that warrant consideration with those early picks are also evident. In today's thought exercise, we explore what the Chiefs need to get back on track and more.
We're using Tankathon.com to determine the 2022 NFL Draft first-round order prior to Thursday's games.
Without further ado, let's kick this off!
Ryan Wilson, Chris Trapasso and I do a weekly draft show on YouTube and you can watch this week's episode here.
NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1 - Pick 1
Detroit adds an Oregon star for the second consecutive year. Romeo Okwara and Thibodeaux is an exciting pairing in the Motor City.
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Round 1 - Pick 2
The Jets use the first of two first-round picks on LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. New York has upgraded the offensive line and can now turn attention to other premier positions.
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Round 1 - Pick 3
Cam Robinson is scheduled to hit free agency. Even if he returns, Evan Neal and Robinson each has the flexibility to play guard.
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Round 1 - Pick 4
Houston goes back to the Big Ten for an edge rusher. There is a lot for the Texans to sort out within the next six months and their draft outlook will look a lot different.
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Round 1 - Pick 5
New York is testing out Azeez Ojulari and Quincy Roche this season but there are still concerns about the pass rush moving forward. Aidan Hutchinson would alleviate those concerns.
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From
Seattle Seahawks
Round 1 - Pick 6
Ikem Ekwonu is a polished run blocker that continues to improve in pass protection. New York selects their third first-round offensive lineman in as many years.
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From
Chicago Bears
Round 1 - Pick 7
If Dave Gettleman is still around, he is almost certain to draft an interior offensive lineman in the first round. He is committed to Daniel Jones working and the offensive line has been part of his downfall.
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From
Miami Dolphins
Round 1 - Pick 8
Kyle Hamilton will thrive in Philadelphia's zone scheme playing downhill and making plays in coverage or in the box.
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Round 1 - Pick 9
Atlanta adds a franchise quarterback to eventually replace Matt Ryan. Ryan's presence allows for a natural transition of power when Corral is ready. The Falcons are already equipped with Kyle Pitts and Calvin Ridley.
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Round 1 - Pick 10
Willis has room for growth as a passer. In an ideal world, he would sit for a year and learn the position but Washington may not have any other option.
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Round 1 - Pick 11
I am lacking creativity at this point because I tend to always give the Eagles Kyle Hamilton and Booth. Both thrive in heavy zone concepts and that could be exciting to watch them develop with Darius Slay.
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Round 1 - Pick 12
Carolina is obviously going to make a change at quarterback this offseason so this pick may be earmarked for a quarterback or to be used in a trade for a veteran. In the meantime, they also need to upgrade the protection.
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Round 1 - Pick 13
There are going to be teams in the market for Aaron Rodgers and, presumably, Deshaun Watson. Denver is expected to be one of those teams. Kenny Pickett is a big, strong-armed quarterback with enough mobility to survive in the NFL.
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From
San Francisco 49ers
Round 1 - Pick 14
Miami has been a disappointment this season. They could be a team in transition this offseason. Leal is a cornerstone piece capable of playing on the edge or condense inside.
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Round 1 - Pick 15
Wilson is a dynamic wide receiver and the first at his position off the board. Las Vegas needs help at the position following the tragic Henry Ruggs situation.
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From
Indianapolis Colts
Round 1 - Pick 16
After using two picks on defense, Philadelphia starts adding some offensive foundational pieces in the event that they move forward with Jalen Hurts, which it appears they will.
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Round 1 - Pick 17
Cleveland has invested a lot of money into the offensive guards and tackles. Center is one position where they could save towards the salary cap and upgrade. J.C. Tretter has been solid this year but Linderbaum would thrive in a wide zone scheme.
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Round 1 - Pick 18
Pittsburgh invested in the running back position before the offensive line. They have had elite linemen like David DeCastro, Maurkice Pouncey and Alejandro Villaneuva in the past. It would benefit them to get back to that point.
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Round 1 - Pick 19
Williams is a really fluid wide receiver that can bridge the gap from Michael Thomas to the future. New Orleans has to find a long-term option at quarterback next.
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Round 1 - Pick 20
The Everson Griffen situation is heartbreaking but it only magnified Minnesota's immediate need at edge rusher. Drake Jackson is the best prospect at the position on the board.
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Round 1 - Pick 21
Buffalo adds Gardner to pair with Tre'Davious White. The Bills defense has improved this season but the addition of Gardner leads to one less vulnerability.
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Round 1 - Pick 22
Los Angeles has consistently been gashed on the ground this season. Jordan Davis can not only take up space in the middle but apply pressure in pass rushing situations.
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Round 1 - Pick 23
Cincinnati upgrades its secondary with the selection of McDuffie. The Bengals have made strides this season but they need to keep adding blue chip players.
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From
Los Angeles Rams
Round 1 - Pick 24
Detroit simply needs to upgrade the talent at wide receiver and Olave is the best option to pair with Amon-Ra St. Brown. He is a polished route runner with sure hands.
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Round 1 - Pick 25
The idea of tossing Burks into an offense with Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce is tantalizing. Kansas City has explored adding another wide receiver and even signed Josh Gordon but that experiment has not played out well.
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Round 1 - Pick 26
New England has leaned into its identity as a physical team that is just going to blow up zone blocking schemes. Dean is a missile that will eliminate the pullers from the equation.
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Round 1 - Pick 27
Micah Parsons should remain at edge rusher long-term, which means the team needs help at linebacker again. Devin Lloyd is a player that reminds me a bit of Fred Warner in the way that he is able to get off blocks.
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Round 1 - Pick 28
Spin the wheel of positions and choose one for Tampa Bay. In this thought exercise, they take the Gator from Gainesville.
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Round 1 - Pick 29
Petit-Frere has all of the physical attributes to be successful but there is a lot to clean up in his game. Baltimore has done a good job with its offensive line over the years.
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Round 1 - Pick 30
Green Bay does not take wide receivers in the first round but they may have to depending on how things play out with impending free agent Davante Adams.
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Round 1 - Pick 31
Tennessee's defensive line has allowed that unit to play much better but they still need help at cornerback. Roger McCreary is a senior that just improves each week.
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Round 1 - Pick 32
From a pure talent perspective, Kendrick is one of the best cornerback prospects in the draft. He has some red flags but Arizona has gone all in on its title hopes this year so it is reasonable to think that strategy might continue.
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