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Three-round 2022 NFL mock draft: Who goes first overall?
1. Jacksonville (3-14) — Evan Neal, T, Alabama, Jr.
Before drafting Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars selected an edge rusher in back-to-back drafts — K’Lavon Chaisson and Josh Allen — so auctioning the first pick off would make sense considering all of the holes on this roster. Until we have more clarity, the Jags get Neal. He is a physical specimen (6-foot-7, 350 pounds) who has improved every season in Tuscaloosa and thrived at both tackle positions and left guard. Top needs: OL, WR, LB
9. Denver (7-10) — George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue, Jr.
I expect the Broncos to make a significant push for Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson, so this might not end up being their pick. Karlaftis has been one of the most consistent pass rushers in the nation during his three seasons in West Lafayette. His inside-outside versatility, overwhelming power and special athleticism could make him a star at the next level. Top needs: QB, Edge, LB
10. N.Y. Jets from Seattle (7-10) — Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati, Jr.
The Jets haven’t had a cornerback in the Pro Bowl since Darrelle Revis in 2015. Gardner made it through the playoff loss to Alabama unscathed. He finished his collegiate career with 1,100-plus snaps with nine interceptions and zero touchdowns allowed. Top needs: Edge, DB, LB
11. Washington (7-10) — Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh, Sr.
The Commanders could lose some significant contributors to its offensive line in free agency, but there’s no bigger need than who will be handling the snaps. The Heisman finalist is most dangerous outside of the pocket when he goes off script. Pickett has good size, overall athleticism and solid arm talent, but needs to work on his anticipation throws and his comfort within the pocket. His hand size (or lack there of) has been a story, but he handled himself perfectly in Mobile at the Senior Bowl, where every team who interviewed him came away impressed. Top needs: QB, WR, CB
13. Cleveland (8-9) — Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio St., Jr.
Linebacker will be a priority once again if the Browns lose Anthony Walker and Malcolm Smith in free agency, but they’re also in desperate need of some firepower at wide receiver after releasing Odell Beckham Jr. Wilson’s ability to threaten a defense at every level would pair nicely with Jarvis Landry, who is also a free agent in 2023. Top needs: WR, DL, Edge
14. Baltimore (8-9) — Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa, Jr.
You might want to constantly replenish the talent on your offensive line if running the football is your team’s identity. Starting center Bradley Bozeman is an unrestricted free agent and may have priced his way out of Baltimore. Drafting the Rimington Trophy winner and unanimous All-American would be a prudent move. Linderbaum was a multisport athlete in high school who earned multiple letters in wrestling, track, baseball and football. He’s a top-10 player in this draft class, but will likely be drafted later because he plays center. Top needs: OL, DB, DL
15. Philadelphia from Miami (9-8) — Drake London, WR, USC, Jr.
Drafting Jalen Reagor over Justin Jefferson remains a mystery to me. London led the nation in contested catches with 19 and he only played eight games after his season ended with a broken ankle. His size, athleticism, route-running and flair for the spectacular catch will make him a problem for defensive coordinators in the NFL. He’d pair nicely with DeVonta Smith and go along way in correcting the Reagor mistake. Top needs: WR, S, LB
17. L.A. Chargers (9-8) — Jermaine Johnson, Edge, Florida St., Sr.
Only the Texans and Steelers allowed more rushing yards per game this season. Johnson is capable of being three-down player as a potentially elite run defender and an underrated pass rusher. Top needs: WR, T, Edge
18. New Orleans (9-8) — Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi, Jr.
The Saints are either drafting a quarterback or wide receiver in the first round. Corral is slightly undersized, but he’s a NFL-caliber playmaker with genuine arm talent. His X-rays were negative after he injured his ankle in a loss to Baylor in the Sugar Bowl. Top needs: QB, WR, G
19. Philadelphia (9-8) — Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia, Jr.
The Eagles former first-rounder Derek Barnett will test free agency, while veterans Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham could be on the chopping block. Walker brings inside-outside versatility and combines prototypical athleticism with a high motor (a rare combo). Top needs: WR, S, LB
21. New England (10-7) — Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida, Jr.
J.C. Jackson will be an unrestricted free agent and has likely priced himself out of the Patriots’ offseason plans. Elam is a 6-foot-2 corner with elite ball skills who fine-tuned his technique after an underwhelming sophomore season. His game is built on speed and physicality, which you normally don’t see in the same toolkit. Top needs: CB, Edge, WR
22. Las Vegas (10-7) — Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas, Jr.
The loss of Henry Ruggs will loom large this offseason. I expect the Raiders to pursue Davante Adams, Derek Carr’s college teammate, in free agency. Hunter Renfrow enjoyed a breakout season, but he’s not a true No. 1 wide receiver. If they miss out on Adams, you’re not going to find a better combination of size (6-foot-3, 225 pounds) and speed at wide receiver in this class. Burks is a vertical threat, but also features immense YAC ability — he broke 15 tackles on 66 receptions this season. Top needs: WR, DL, OL
23. Arizona (11-6) — Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama, Jr.
Who knows what is actually going on with Kyler Murray, but A.J. Green and Christian Kirk are both free agents following this season. Williams is a home run hitter with game-breaking speed. He’s also a weapon on special teams, as a returner — he returned two kicks for touchdowns in 2021 — and in coverage. The dynamic receiver injured his left knee against Georgia, but still grades out as a first-rounder if his rehabilitation remains on schedule. Top needs: WR, RB, TE
25. Buffalo (11-6) — Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia, Sr.
The Bills will look to reinforce both lines this offseason. At 6-foot-6, 340 pounds, the Outland and Bednarik trophy winner is an immovable object who could anchor the Bills’ run defense for years to come. Top needs: OL, CB, DL
26. Tennessee (12-5) — Trevor Penning, T, Northern Iowa, Jr.
David Quessenberry is a free agent and earned a pay raise this season while Taylor Lewan could end up being a cap casualty, leaving offensive tackle as a legit need. Penning finished tied for 10th in the Walter Payton Award voting, an award given to the most outstanding offensive player in Division I FCS. He faced superior competition in Mobile for the Senior Bowl and didn’t flinch. Top needs: Edge, WR, OL
27. Tampa Bay (13-4) — Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia, Sr.
Obviously, quarterback is an issue after Tom Brady’s retirement, but Jason Pierre-Paul, William Gholston and Ndamukong Suh are all free agents. Wyatt’s first step is as good as it gets in this draft class. His explosiveness and agility are elite for his size (6-foot-3, 315 pounds). Top needs: QB, DL, TE
29. Miami from San Francisco (10-7) — Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M, Jr.
Offensive line has been a disaster for the Dolphins this season and I expect them to address it in the draft and free agency, where they will have a projected NFL-high $63.7 million. The former five-star recruit can play either guard or tackle at a high level — Green made starts at every single offensive line position except center this season. Top needs: RB, WR, OL
30. Kansas City (12-5) — Daxton Hill, DB, Michigan, Jr.
Defensive backs Tyrann Mathieu, Charvarius Ward and Mike Hughes are all up for new contracts while the Chiefs top priority in free agency is resigning their left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. Hill features a mix of athleticism, intelligence and instincts that will enable him to play every position in the defensive backfield. He will need to tamp down his tendency to gamble, but that’s part of being a playmaker sometimes. Top needs: T, Edge, S
31. Cincinnati (10-7) — Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College, Sr.
The Bengals’ offensive line has improved with a healthy Jonah Williams at left tackle, but the interior still needs to be addressed. Johnson is a team captain-caliber player who thrived at left tackle and guard, but he projects as an impact interior lineman in the NFL. He played center most of the week in Mobile, and was impressive, considering he had never played the position before. Top needs: OL, CB, TE
