2022 NFL Mock Draft: Jaguars take surprise pick at No. 1, Matt Ryan replaced in Atlanta
By Randy Gurzi
QB. Kenny Pickett. 9. player. 44. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Pitt
9. Atlanta Falcons: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt
Matt Ryan has been a solid starter for the Atlanta Falcons for a very long time but the Dirty Birds need to start considering moving on. They could have done so with Justin Fields last season but elected to go with Kyle Pitts. However, after another rough season, they need to really look hard at a new signal-caller since Ryan is quickly approaching 40.
With all that being said, the Falcons use their pick in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft on Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett. His greatest contribution to the NCAA might be his amazing fake slide that resulted in a long touchdown run and an eventual rule change.
Outside of that play, he was known as a great leader who could do it all. In Atlanta, he could learn behind Ryan and eventually be the new face of the franchise.
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Chris Olave. WR. Ohio State. 10. player. 15
10. New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Year after year, the New Orleans Saints enter the draft needing a wide receiver. And rear after year, they elect to go elsewhere with their first pick. But that won’t stop us from predicting they grab one — and in this mock they not only have their pick of the class, but the best players happen to come from Ohio State which seems to be their favorite school to draft from.
Chris Olave ends up being their choice as the Saints bring in one of the two top prospects from OSU. Olave seems to be a great fit for the New Orleans offense due to his precise route running and savviness in a timing offense. He would be a great fit across from Michael Thomas while also providing them a potential No. 1 pick if Thomas does miss more time in the future.