The Detroit Lions go a different route with the first pick in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft while the Philadelphia Eagles add a luxury pick with Treylon Burks
The college football season is coming to an end and the NFL season is getting down to weeks instead of months. That means it’s time to dig even deeper into the incoming rookie class.
With regular-season collegiate play behind us, we have a great idea of what each of these players is capable of — which will help us figure out where each rookie could be best utilized at the next level.
Here we try and place them all where they can succeed, and where the team can fill its biggest holes with a 2022 NFL Mock Draft, Week 13 edition. As always, the order is determined by our latest 2021 NFL Power Rankings, which have the Lions kicking things off — although, they call an audible here and surprise us at No. 1.
Detroit Lions switch it up in 2022 NFL Mock Draft
1. Detroit Lions: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
Kayvon Thibodeaux is the best player in the upcoming draft and has been a favorite at the No. 1 spot in most mocks. He would also make a lot of sense with the Detroit Lions since they need someone capable of taking over on defense.
However, the fact that Jared Goff continues to lose games where he’s not coached by Sean McVay has to be concerning. Even if they think he’s just a stop-gap player, it might be best to bring someone in now who can challenge him — especially since they do still have another pick later in this round.
With that reasoning, the Lions take Ole Miss signal-caller Matt Corral. He’s put together two fantastic seasons in a row for the Rebels and might finally be the answer in Detroit.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
At No. 2 in this mock is the Jacksonville Jaguars, who were probably really hoping Urban Meyer would take one of those big college openings. That didn’t happen, but he will still probably be gone. As for their draft pick, the Jags need to build their offense around Trevor Lawrence and one of the main things they need is a big left tackle, which they land in Evan Neal.
At 6-foot-7 and 345-pounds, Neal can handle power rushers but he’s also nimble enough to take on the speed rushers as well. He’s a franchise left tackle, which will make life easier on their franchise quarterback.