2022 NFL mock draft: KC Chiefs stay and address needs in first round

This is honestly a dream scenario for Minnesota. With Neal and Charles Cross taking a tumble in the draft, they will have their pick for one of the top tackles in the draft. Generally, the best offensive linemen falling this far is unheard of, but in this case the Vikings would reap the benefits of this anomaly. Evan Neal would immediately help the Vikings in every facet of their offense.

Neal is the perfect fit to play on either side of the Minnesota line. While Christian Darrisaw may stay at left, Neal is the better overall player. He has power in his hands and very good technique with a great ability to get downfield in the rushing game and has quick feet when retreating in pass sets. He would immediately help the offense get to its full potential.

It seems hard to imagine that Minnesota would take anyone except Evan Neal or Charles Cross in this scenario. Of course, the draft is full of surprises, but they can’t miss on this opportunity.

(FROM CLEVELAND BROWNS)

The Texans are in a full-scale rebuild. This means that they could truly pick any player and improve their roster immediately. After locking Brandin Cooks in Houston for two more seasons, it seems likely that the Texans will want to add another option on offense. However, Jermaine Johnson and Ahmad Gardner make your defense one to be reckoned with for the next decade. Jermaine Johnson would have excellent value at pick 13.

Johnson’s ceiling is really high and his floor is relatively low. That being said, if he works out, you likely have a top 10 pass-rusher in his prime. With great length and quickness, Johnson uses excellent bend to get around finesse offensive linemen. Johnson would immediately be one of the best pass-rushers on the team and will fill a void that has not been filled since JJ Watt left.

Again, a wide receiver like Chris Olave or Drake London might make sense here, but with Lovie Smith at the helm, he is going to fall in love with some of the defensive superstars in this draft at positions of need. Jermaine Johnson makes a lot of sense with the pick gained from sending Deshaun Watson to Cleveland.

(VIA PROJECTED TRADE WITH BALTIMORE)

In this mock draft there was already a move to send a quarterback to Pittsburgh, now with the second trade, Green Bay looks to find a Devante Adams replacement. With only one wide receiver coming off of the board to this point, Green Bay has the next best pick and selects Chris Olave out of Ohio State.

While there could be a debate between several different receivers that are worthy of the pick here, Olave offers the highest potential of anyone not named Jameson Williams. With an explosive first step and a quick break in and out of his routes, Olave is very good at creating immediate separation. The Packers would love the combination of Chris Olave and Adam Lazard for Aaron Rodgers last run with the Packers.

Again, the Packers could be “in” on a number of different receivers here: Garrett Wilson of Ohio State, Drake London of USC, Jahan Dotson of Penn State, George Pickens of Georgia, or even Skyy Moore of Western Michigan. The reason for skipping over several teams is that they would get their pick of the liter. Olave seems to be the best overall fit.

(FROM MIAMI DOLPHINS)

With the first pick of two for the Eagles, they take the value pick. While a lot of mock drafts have them taking wide receiver Drake London with this selection, the Eagles need some work on the back end of their defense. With so many talented receivers still on the board, they will likely have a shot at another one with their second first rounder. With this pick, the Eagles find some serious value in Andrew Booth Jr. out of Clemson.

While the Eagles will want to give Jalen Hurts every opportunity to succeed on the offensive side of the ball, the Eagles could use a facelift on defense. While Darius Slay is a really talented cornerback, they could use another top tier player on the other side of the field. Honestly, the Eagles defense was a bright spot, but Booth could make it even better. With a nose for the ball and great physicality, Booth could truly be a premier coverage corner for any team that drafts him.

The Eagles may be in the market for a receiver here if they have a specific player in mind. Otherwise, this pick could be used for the best player available. This could also be where Charles Cross is drafted, if they want to build the offensive line for the future.