2022 NFL Mock Draft: Jaguars take surprise pick at No. 1, Matt Ryan replaced in Atlanta
By Randy Gurzi
Pick Analysis. OT. NC State. player. Scouting Report. Ikem Ekwonu. 7. 87
7. Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
There’s a chance the Carolina Panthers go for a quarterback, but without too many elite prospects in this class, they could also elect to go with the best player on their board. That happens to be Ikem Ekwonu from North Carolina State ‚— as they don’t have to look too far for their top pick.
With Ekwonu being their selection, Carolina will likely try and see what happens when they let Sam Darnold, P.J. Walker, and perhaps Cam Newton (maybe?) fight for a spot in 2022. None seem to be the long-term answer but perhaps they can win with the right talent around them.
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. CB. 30. LSU. Derek Stingley. 8. player
8. New York Jets (via Seattle Seahawks): Derek Stingley, CB, LSU
They took Kayvon Thibodeaux with their first pick which shores up the front of the defense for the New York Jets. Now at pick No. 8, they’re back on the clock and this time, the Jets take the best cornerback in the class as they choose Derek Stingley from LSU.
With Thibodeaux rushing the quarterback and Stingley covering the opposing team’s No. 1 wideout, this defense could look much better in 2022. Should Zach Wilson take his next step as a starter, the Jets could end up being a much better team this coming season.