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

(FROM INDIANAPOLIS COLTS THROUGH PHILADELPHIA EAGLES)

What a treat for the Saints! An elite-level tackle falling into their lap. Charles Cross is truly a tackle that can do it all. While they could also be in the market for a receiver here, Cross is just too good to pass up, especially with the needs that they have along the offensive line.

Cross is a young player that has incredible balance and quickness on his feet. When you combine that with his ability to absolutely plant defenders, it is easy to see why many view him as a top ten talent in the draft this year. That being said, his technique could use some work, but with some NFL coaching, he may be one of the surest bets in this year’s class. With the top-end group going with other picks, the Saints get fortunate to have one of the best blockers fall to them at 16.

With another pick in the first this season, the Saints can draft for need at wide receiver or even quarterback if they see fit later in the first round.

Immediately after Cross comes off the board, the Chargers go for what they hope is the next best thing: Trevor Penning. While Penning needs some polishing and work in an NFL system, his power and raw ability is admirable. The Chargers loaded up with talent this offseason in an attempt to finally beat Kansas City. Penning helps them be good in the long-term.

Across from Rashawn Slater, the Chargers could use a powerful offensive tackle to take on more physical defensive ends. Or, if they preferred, they could have Penning take one of the guard spots for the next decade. Either way, the Chargers are going to look at any way possible to put them ahead of the AFC West.

Again, Drake London is sitting there, but the Chargers still have some serious talent in the wide receiver room. Penning simply makes the most sense in terms of fit and roster-building at pick 17.

(FROM NEW ORLEANS SAINTS)

The Eagles need to improve their offense and give Jalen Hurts every chance to succeed. At this point, London is the best option for them still sitting there at pick 18. While this is a bit of a boring option because it seems as though every mock draft ever made has London headed to Philadelphia, sometimes it just makes sense.

After drafting Jalen Reagor and Devonta Smith, the Eagles really need a player that can catch the ball in contested situations in the middle of the field. While adding yet another wide receiver in the first may be a lot of investment, London is the type of player to change the whole thing around. London is a big-bodied receiver that has excellent quickness for his size. Additionally, he has very good hands and high point the ball well due to his background as a basketball player.

Sure, the Eagles could draft a lot of different guys here. Devin Lloyd, Daxton Hill, and Garrett Wilson would also be picks that would make a lot of sense. London, however, seems the most likely if the board falls this way.

(FROM PHILADELPHIA EAGLES)

The Saints have spent a lot of time hoping that Michael Thomas would someday return to form. With this pick, the Saints go with one of the top receivers that are still on the board: Garrett Wilson. While the Saints may want to grab a quarterback or even a defensive lineman, Wilson’s value at 19 is just too good. If Thomas can get healthy, the combination of him and Wilson would be electric.

Wilson has elite speed and ran an official 4.38 second 40 time. He is quick to get off the line and like his counterpart Chris Olave, separates quickly and effectively. While Wilson is not the most physical receiver, he makes defenses account for him on every play. The Saints would be wise to acquire him for the elite speed that he could add to the offense.

The Saints are in a “pick ’em” mode here. They could make a number of selections that would improve their roster. With the top two quarterbacks off of the board, the Saints would be wise to give Jameis Winston every opportunity to succeed with talented weapons and good blocking.

(FROM STEELERS IN PROJECTED TRADE)

The Jets have been “in” on a lot of receivers in trade discussions. From Tyreek Hill to DK Metcalf, the team has clearly been in search of someone to pair with their young star-in-the-making Elijiah Moore. If they can’t find a proven star, the next best thing is to take a player with all the makings of a superstar. George Pickens fits the bill perfectly.

Pickens is one of the most physical receivers to enter the draft in recent memory. With excellent strength and body control, he creates an immediate mismatch for smaller defensive backs. With great break-away speed, Pickens truly could be a top-5 receiver in the NFL. While he has had questions about his overly-aggressive nature and ability to stay out of trouble, no one can question his overall ability on the field.

The Jets are in a position to build their roster up around youngster Zach Wilson and give him an opportunity to succeed with the best talent possible. In a hypothetical trade with Pittsburgh, it equips the Jets with the ability to move up in next year’s draft with another two first-round picks. In this case, however, they take their favorite receiver left on the board. George Pickens fits the bill.