Monday, October 21, 2024

2022 NFL Mock Draft: Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Cleveland tap into talent at local college programs

2022 NFL Mock Draft: Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Cleveland tap into talent at local college programs
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Oregon • Soph • 6’5″ / 258 lbs

Projected Team

Detroit

PROSPECT RNK

2nd

POSITION RNK

1st

The Lions dip into Eugene for their second first-round pick in as many years. Thibodeaux, alongside Romeo Okwara, can turn pass rushing into a Motor City strength.

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Purdue • Jr • 6’4″ / 275 lbs

Projected Team

Houston

PROSPECT RNK

6th

POSITION RNK

2nd

Houston raids the Big Ten for an edge rusher sure to draw comparisons to J.J. Watt. The Texans will be one of the most interesting teams of the offseason.

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LSU • Jr • 6’1″ / 195 lbs

Projected Team

N.Y. Jets

PROSPECT RNK

3rd

POSITION RNK

1st

The Jets get their man as Stingley falls to No. 3 overall. New York adds to its cache of young talent with the first of two opening-round picks.

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Alabama • Jr • 6’7″ / 350 lbs

Projected Team

Jacksonville

PROSPECT RNK

4th

POSITION RNK

1st

Jacksonville can keep Cam Robinson or move him. It is a decision the Jaguars are faced with after taking Neal, who has the capability of playing guard or tackle, at No. 2 overall.

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Notre Dame • Jr • 6’4″ / 219 lbs

Projected Team

Philadelphia

PROSPECT RNK

1st

POSITION RNK

1st

Philadelphia has ignored the safety position for too long. The Eagles get a fantastic zone defender in Hamilton, who will crash down on plays happening in front of him.

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Michigan • Sr • 6’6″ / 265 lbs

Projected Team

N.Y. Giants

PROSPECT RNK

7th

POSITION RNK

3rd

The Giants add some flash to the edge-rush department with the addition of Hutchinson. Azeez Ojulari is among the rookie leaders in sacks but that does not tell the whole story of a defense desperate for more help.

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NC State • Soph • 6’4″ / 320 lbs

Projected Team

N.Y. Jets

PROSPECT RNK

12th

POSITION RNK

1st

General manager Joe Douglas continues building out the offensive line with the selection of Ekwonu. He joins former first-round picks Alijah Vera-Tucker and Mekhi Becton on that Big Apple front.

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Iowa • Jr • 6’3″ / 290 lbs

Projected Team

N.Y. Giants

PROSPECT RNK

5th

POSITION RNK

2nd

New York has really struggled to fill out the center position over the last decade. The Giants invested an early pick in Weston Richburg but that dream never came to life. Linderbaum would be the highest center taken in the modern era.

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Ole Miss • Jr • 6’2″ / 205 lbs

Projected Team

Washington

PROSPECT RNK

10th

POSITION RNK

1st

Count Washington among the teams searching for a long-term answer at quarterback next spring. Corral expects to be among the first taken in the 2022 NFL Draft.

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Clemson • Jr • 6’0″ / 200 lbs

Projected Team

Philadelphia

PROSPECT RNK

11th

POSITION RNK

2nd

Philadelphia doubles down on its commitment to zone coverage with the selection of Booth. Darius Slay, Kyle Hamilton and Booth give the Eagles a formidable defensive backfield.

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Liberty • Jr • 6’1″ / 195 lbs

Projected Team

Atlanta

PROSPECT RNK

30th

POSITION RNK

3rd

A few aspects of Willis’ game remind us of Michael Vick, so it is only fitting that I send the Liberty quarterback to Atlanta.

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Mississippi State • Soph • 6’5″ / 310 lbs

Projected Team

Miami

PROSPECT RNK

29th

POSITION RNK

5th

Austin Jackson, Liam Eichenberg, it has not mattered. Miami has struggled at left tackle and it is time to clean house. The Dolphins select Cross with the pick they received from San Francisco.

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USC • Jr • 6’4″ / 250 lbs

Projected Team

Minnesota

PROSPECT RNK

35th

POSITION RNK

4th

Minnesota is one of the more intriguing teams because it could be business as usual or it could be an offseason of change. Jackson helps bring the Vikings back to the days of dual edge-rush capabilities.

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Georgia • Soph • 6’6″ / 330 lbs

Projected Team

Denver

PROSPECT RNK
POSITION RNK

Davis sits back and watches as the rampant spread of poor run defense in the NFL elevates his stock.

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Texas A&M • Jr • 6’4″ / 290 lbs

Projected Team

Philadelphia

PROSPECT RNK

9th

POSITION RNK

1st

Philadelphia has a lot of aging talent on both sides of the ball but is prepared to bridge the gap between old and new as all three first-round picks are spent on the defense.

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Ohio State • Jr • 6’0″ / 192 lbs

Projected Team

Cleveland

PROSPECT RNK

8th

POSITION RNK

1st

Cleveland could go center or defensive tackle but the opportunity to choose from any eligible wide receiver is enticing. Let’s just hope it is not Corey Coleman this time.

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Cincinnati • Jr • 6’2″ / 188 lbs

Projected Team

Cincinnati

PROSPECT RNK

17th

POSITION RNK

3rd

I will need to switch this pick up in the coming weeks because this lacks creativity. Sauce Gardner has made a name for himself in Ohio’s Queen City and that legacy continues with the Bengals.

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Texas A&M • Jr • 6’4″ / 325 lbs

Projected Team

Las Vegas

PROSPECT RNK

13th

POSITION RNK

3rd

It might come as a surprise to some but Las Vegas’ decision to part with Trent Brown, Rodney Hudson and Gabe Hudson has not gone well. The addition of Green allows the Raiders to begin righting a wrong.

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Northern Iowa • Jr • 6’7″ / 321 lbs

Projected Team

Carolina

PROSPECT RNK

38th

POSITION RNK

8th

Unless Carolina believes it can find the quarterback of the future with this pick, its target should fall somewhere along the offensive line. Penning can come in and start at left tackle from Day 1.

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Arkansas • Jr • 6’3″ / 225 lbs

Mike Williams might price himself out of Los Angeles. With the Chargers orchestrating more of an underneath passing attack, it would make sense to bring in a player like Burks capable of creating his own opportunities after the catch.

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Alabama • Jr • 6’2″ / 189 lbs

Projected Team

New Orleans

PROSPECT RNK

24th

POSITION RNK

6th

The reality of life after Michael Thomas is quickly setting upon the Big Easy. The idea of that wide receiver room without Thomas is … horrifying. Williams can be the future at the position.

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Washington • Soph • 5’11” / 195 lbs

Projected Team

New England

PROSPECT RNK

50th

POSITION RNK

3rd

Bill Belichick has done well scheming advantages for his defense but it is OK to want to add talent at the same time. McDuffie would upgrade the ability in that room in a heartbeat.

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Ohio State • Sr • 6’1″ / 188 lbs

Projected Team

Kansas City

PROSPECT RNK

16th

POSITION RNK

2nd

First it was Josh Gordon. Then came the reported interest in Odell Beckham. At times, we need to listen to what teams are trying to tell us and all I am hearing is that the Chiefs are not happy with what they have at wide receiver beyond Tyreek Hill. Olave gives them consistency that they have been lacking.

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Utah • Jr • 6’3″ / 235 lbs

Projected Team

Tampa Bay

PROSPECT RNK

20th

POSITION RNK

1st

On a weekly basis, I come to Buccaneers fans with an offering and an admission that I have no clue what that franchise is going to do. It could aim to replace any number of high dollar players in an effort for long-term salary cap health.

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Pittsburgh • Sr • 6’3″ / 220 lbs

Projected Team

Pittsburgh

PROSPECT RNK

15th

POSITION RNK

2nd

I see your pick of Pickett to the Browns and I raise you Pickett to the Steelers, Ryan Wilson.

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Kentucky • Sr • 6’5″ / 345 lbs

Projected Team

Baltimore

PROSPECT RNK

41st

POSITION RNK

1st

Baltimore leans into its identity as a run-heavy team with the selection of the mauler from the SEC.

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USC • Jr • 6’5″ / 210 lbs

Projected Team

Detroit

PROSPECT RNK

23rd

POSITION RNK

5th

With any luck, the addition of London will bring out the best in Amon-Ra St. Brown. Detroit needs some players to step up to expedite the rebuild.

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South Carolina • Sr • 6’4″ / 260 lbs

Projected Team

Dallas

PROSPECT RNK

21st

POSITION RNK

2nd

Dallas adds Enagbare to fill out a rotation with Randy Gregory and potentially DeMarcus Lawrence. Although, the staff should consider moving Micah Parsons to edge rusher full-time.

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Florida • Jr • 6’2″ / 196 lbs

Projected Team

Buffalo

PROSPECT RNK

26th

POSITION RNK

4th

Buffalo goes to the SEC for another cornerback as the massive Elam joins Tre’Davius White and Levi Wallace.

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Georgia • Sr • 6’0″ / 190 lbs

Projected Team

Arizona

PROSPECT RNK

14th

POSITION RNK

1st

Arizona was aggressive in filling out a roster built for contention but cornerback jumps out as a position that could use some long-term assistance. Red flags aside, Kendrick is one of the best talents available.

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Georgia • Jr • 6’0″ / 225 lbs

Projected Team

Tennessee

PROSPECT RNK

27th

POSITION RNK

3rd

Tennessee’s front four has been playing really well and that seems to have freed up Harold Landry to rush the passer. The Titans’ swings at linebacker have not worked out and that leads them to a human missile — Dean.

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Penn State • Sr • 5’11” / 184 lbs

Projected Team

Green Bay

PROSPECT RNK

18th

POSITION RNK

3rd

Amari Rodgers and Dotson are different players. Dotson is not the same player as Odell Beckham Jr., whom Green Bay recently tried to sign, but maybe that is not a bad thing.

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