2022 NFL Mock Draft: Top-20 QBs replace Ben Roethlisberger, Kirk Cousins as Steelers, Vikings plan for future

There is a new team in possession of the No. 1 overall pick, but the player remains the same. Thibodeaux offers the most upside as a pass rusher, and a new regime is not going to let the presence of K’Lavon Chaisson steer them away from a player they regard as the top prospect.

When Detroit had the No. 1 overall pick, there was an argument that Hutchinson is more in line with the type of player Dan Campbell covets. There is a lot of local love for the Wolverine. Paired with Romeo Okwara, the Lions would have a heavy-handed pass rush duo.

Houston could go in any number of directions with this selection. In this scenario, the Texans bolster the offensive line for an incoming quarterback. Ekwonu is a road grader who has improved in pass protection.

Cornerback is a premier position and New York has done a good job of adding solid, young depth. But the Jets need a lockdown player to elevate that room. Stingley is a prospect who has been on the radar of NFL teams since his freshman season.

Andrew Thomas has improved, and I think it is too early to rule out Matt Peart being a contributor for this team, so it targets the interior offensive line because we know it is a position of need. Linderbaum, at No. 5 overall, would be the highest a center has been taken in the modern era. As a talent, he is absolutely worth that investment.

I am a believer in Karlaftis. I actually have him ranked higher than Aidan Hutchinson right now. The gap between those two players is not as substantial as some in the media are led to believe. New York upgrades its pass rush in the top ten.

Carolina got excited about the possibility of Penei Sewell falling to them last year, but the Lions ended that dream prematurely. The team needs to improve its quarterback situation, but that player is facing a difficult path to success without the offensive line improving.

General manager Joe Douglas values the offensive line, so that has led several to associate the draft’s top-eligible offensive line prospects with New York. The Jets have added Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker but, as a whole, can continue building out that unit. Cross would come in and start at right tackle.

I believe I used the same argument last week but Arthur Smith has worked with Ryan Tannehill and now Matt Ryan, so I could see the appeal of picking Pickett with the idea of developing him for a year. Realistically, Ryan’s contract is too difficult to terminate in 2022.

I have faith in Green as an interior offensive line prospect. Washington has Brandon Scherff playing on the franchise tag, but that is not going to continue. The team either has to make a substantial long-term investment in him or face the idea of replacing him in the offseason.

Hamilton has an argument as the draft’s best available player. He can man up in coverage or play downhill and make plays in passing lanes. His role might be more important in Philadelphia’s zone scheme than a cornerback.

With that being said….the Eagles add a potential island defender opposite Darius Slay. Gardner can be the future beyond Slay when the time comes. My only question with taking a cornerback this early is that it is an honor typically bestowed upon lockdown man coverage cornerbacks. Philadelphia is not necessarily asking him to be that in its zone scheme.

From Utah to Colorado, Lloyd takes his game to the mountains. A player who I have compared to Fred Warner dating back to the summer, the linebacker has improved in coverage, but his endearing trait is his ability to get off blocks and play sideline to sideline.

I expect New Orleans to be in the market for a veteran quarterback, but Seattle and Green Bay are unlikely to send their incumbent starters to an NFC foe. Sean Payton might have to earmark this selection for a quarterback. Wide receiver is also a concern, especially considering the uncertain future of Michael Thomas. Williams helps quell some of those issues.

Wide receiver is an issue for Cleveland, as its players have been unable to create separation in the secondary. Wilson has been a selfless player in Columbus, and the Browns ask that of their receivers. He shows great body control.

Throw out the assumptions of what Las Vegas is going to do based on its history with Jon Gruden. It is all speculation. The Raiders have traditionally been drawn to players with speed from traditional college football powers. In this case, they follow a similar path by selecting Olave to replace some of their lost production.

The music is playing and there are more teams in the market for a quarterback than there are chairs. By selecting Corral, Pittsburgh ensures that it sits in a chair before the music stops.

Offensive tackle has been a big issue for Baltimore. After trading Orlando Brown Jr., Ronnie Stanley went down with an injury. Some of those issues will resolve themselves but Penning takes care of the rest.

Minnesota is facing a decision this offseason: follow the course or start over. One week, the mock draft might call for the Vikings to do the former, and the next it might be the latter. This week, they start over with a new quarterback and, presumably, a new head coach.

Buffalo’s defense has been a rollercoaster in recent years, but it is back on top of the hill. By selecting McDuffie, the Bills do their part to stay there.

Dean is just a physical, rangy linebacker. He is willing to do the dirty work, but he will find himself in position to make the impact plays as well. Brian Flores gets his Dont’a Hightower in Coral Gables.

Los Angeles supplements its run defense with the selection of Davis. There is zero downside to adding a player who is going to occupy blocks and free Joey Bosa for pass rush opportunities.

To this point, Philadelphia has added safety Kyle Hamilton and cornerback Ahmad Gardner. The secondary should be rounded out with those two players. With the third and likely final first-round selection, the Eagles take Drake Jackson to add another body for the present but also for the future. Derek Barnett is a free agent and Brandon Graham is not going to be around forever.

Detroit took Aidan Hutchinson earlier and now it adds Walker to the same defensive line. The presence of Romeo Okwara, Hutchinson and Walker allows that unit to be versatile and explosive up front. The goal is create roster strengths and in this case make life difficult on the opposing quarterback.

There is nothing flashy about Cincinnati. It is a team, city and program built on grit and perseverance. McCreary is not flashy, either. He is going to come in and do his job.

My weekly positioning of late is that Julio Jones has not worked out in Tennessee and the team needs an exit plan. The selection of London allows the Titans to add talent at the position while shedding some cap liability.

Arizona has faded a bit in recent weeks, including last week’s loss to Detroit. The Cardinals have looked downright dominant at times this season, but the playoffs are all about hitting your stride at the right time. Kinnard is a bruiser in the run game and would contribute to that dominant effort moving forward.

Cornerback has been an issue for Tampa Bay, but no longer. Keep the current players and take Kendrick or get rid of one, it does not matter. There is no substitute for quality depth at that position. The Buccaneers have been a testament to that this season.

Depth and versatility have been imperative to New England’s success in the secondary. The Patriots need to continue adding bodies to that unit and Elam is one that can play physical.

Dallas could move on from Michael Gallup and/or Amari Cooper this offseason. It sounds crazy to predict a wide receiver to the Cowboys in their current state, but the presence of Dotson gives them options and flexibility from a salary cap perspective.

Burks is a versatile player who can play in the slot or line up in the boundary dependent upon the situation. Kansas City has been looking for a compliment to the terrifying duo of Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill. Do not be surprised if the Chiefs take a tight end at some point on Day 2. There is a lot of talent at that position expected to be available on Day 2, and it is an important role in the offense. Nevada’s Cole Turner would be fun.

Ojabo is in contention for the best ability to bend around the edge. He can dip and rip around the corner like few others in this class, and that often leads to pass rush production in the NFL. He might be a raw player, but NFL teams will be happy to catch the elevator on its way up.