2022 NFL Mock Draft: Thibodeaux goes No. 1, Dallas gets an EDGE

EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 30: Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the Oregon Ducks rushes against the Colorado Buffaloes at Autzen Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 30: Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the Oregon Ducks rushes against the Colorado Buffaloes at Autzen Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)
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2022 NFL Mock Draft
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – OCTOBER 30: Sam Howell #7 of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates a touchdown during the fourth quarter in the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on October 30, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

9. Denver Broncos: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina

Teddy Bridgewater has been decent for the Denver Broncos but as has been the case for him at his other stops, he seems to be nothing more than a stop-gap. That leads to the Denver Broncos looking for a new quarterback — especially since it seems they’re out on Drew Lock.

Their pick here is Sam Howell from North Carolina. There was a time when Howell seemed to be the top quarterback in this class but as has been the case all season, that continues to change. There’s no clear-cut franchise guy but Howell is one of the players who seem capable of developing into a starter.

10. Carolina Panthers: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M

The Carolina Panthers’ experiment with Sam Darnold has not gone as planned. After a hot start to the season, he and the offense have cooled off immensely and there seems to be almost no chance that they won’t bring in some competition next season.

However, they have shown a reluctance to go with a young player at the position after Matt Rhule tried Teddy Bridgewater in 2020 and Darnold in 2021. Chances are, he will go this route again and in order to get the most out of whoever starts, they add Kenyon Green to help strengthen the line.

Green is capable of playing guard or tackle and while it would be ideal for him to take over the blindside, he should have no problem upgrading one of their weakest spots.