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

Yes, the Patriots are a team that seems to always trade back to get more picks. They are also a wildcard when it comes to drafting. In this case, they find their replacement piece long-term to letting JC Jackson walk. Kaiir Elam fits what Bill Belichick and company are looking for as a lockdown man-to-man cornerback, with the intelligence to play in several different roles.

Elam is a lengthy receiver with the ability to shut down smaller receivers. With great length, his ideal role is to play press man coverage; However, he is efficient in zone coverages as well. He does not have a lightning fast first step, but can make up ground quickly. For a team like New England that emphasizes pass-rush Elam is a perfect pairing.

To reiterate, the Patriots are very independent-minded when it comes to the draft. For all we know, they could draft a kicker in the first round. Likely, however, it will be a wide receiver or cornerback if it is a need-based pick. They also love to take big guys along both the offensive and defensive lines. Elam is the dream pick here for New England.

(FROM LAS VEGAS RAIDERS)

The Packers are looking for a receiver to replace Devante Adams, but they are not going to take just anyone. The way that the board fell did not work for them to take one of the top echelon guys at wide receiver. That being said, Kenyon Green is arguably the best interior lineman in the draft. For the Packers, this would be the best move as it stands with another pick later in the first.

The Packers are getting tremendous value at pick 22 for a guy that is likely one of the surest players in the draft. Green is a behemoth that can move laterally surprisingly fast. With a great anchor, he is able to wall-off defenders with relative ease on a play-to-play basis. The Packers would be wise to bolster their offensive line and create one of, if not the best unit in football.

While the Packers may really like several options on the board here, Green seems like the guy that would improve their offense most quickly. They could draft Jahan Dotson here or even linebacker Devin Lloyd here if the board were to fall this way, but Green makes the most sense as a value pick.

In a ton of mock drafts you will find Devin Lloyd near the top ten. A lot of people see the potential over the positional value. While he very well may not be around this late into the first, the Cardinals would be wise to add any kind of defensive help possible. Lloyd could do that in a big way.

Lloyd’s talent is in his ability to accelerate downfield quickly and make tackles in the open field. He rarely misses and is quick enough to make stops behind the line. He is not great in coverage, but has proven capable of not being a liability on passing downs. He is a powerful player that can take on blockers and fill a gap quickly which is exactly what Arizona needs in their base defense.

Arizona could probably use another edge rusher or defensive back. Lloyd, however, is the piece that makes the most sense at this pick in terms of overall talent and potential.

The Cowboys managed to keep their superstars with the exception of Amari Cooper. While there are several wide receivers on the board at this point, the Cowboys need another playmaker on the defensive side of the ball. Lewis Cine gives them the potential to make plays in the middle of the field and slow down opposing offenses at a more consistent rate.

Cine is a prospect that some absolutely love and it’s easy to see why. Cine is very good in coverage even though he can get caught guessing from time to time. What makes Cine scary is his electric speed and making tackles on ball carriers in the open field. He is unafraid of contact and is an effective tackler. Cine may truly be the missing piece to the Cowboy defense.

The Cowboys could select a Treylon Burks here, but have already invested in Ceedee Lamb and Michael Gallup. I would expect them to look to Lewis Cine, George Karlaftis, Trent McDuffie, or even Devonte Wyatt with this pick if by some incredible coincidence, the board falls like this. Cine would be an effective player and would be the best safety that the Cowboys have had in some time.