2022 NFL Mock Draft: Cleveland Browns shock with Kenny Pickett selection

The Cleveland Browns were looking at quarterbacks at the Senior Bowl which leads to a surprise pick in our latest 2022 NFL Mock Draft

With the Senior Bowl set to be played, we are getting our first good look at prospects who are available for us in this 2022 NFL mock draft. We are also seeing which positions some teams might be targeting.

The Cleveland Browns, for example, might be more interested in a quarterback than previously expected. That was made clear when they quickly met with Kenny Pickett of Pitt.

Cleveland has said they’re all-in on Baker Mayfield but given his struggles over the course of four seasons in the NFL, it’s easy to see why they could still kick the tires on a potential replacement.

In this mock, they surprise their fans as they pull the trigger on a new signal-caller. But first, the Jacksonville Jaguars kick things off by trying to protect their quarterback a bit better in 2022.

Jaguars go with OL in 2022 NFL Mock Draft

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Evan Neal isn’t the No. 1 prospect in this class but the more you look at this roster, the more obvious it becomes they need to fix the offensive line. They make huge strides here as they bring in Neal to play left tackle.

Listed at 6-foot-7 and 345-pounds, Neal is a mountain of a man but he has incredibly nimble feet as well so he can handle speed rushers as well as power. Adding him should help Trevor Lawrence feel much more comfortable under center this coming season.

2. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

With Neal going first, that leaves Kayvon Thibodeaux for the Detroit Lions. There will be calls for Aidan Hutchinson who is a great player in his own right, but this one shouldn’t be overthought. Take Thibodeaux and watch the defensive line prosper.