2022 NFL Mock Draft: First round shaken up with blockbuster trade prediction
By Randy Gurzi
LB. Utah. Devin Lloyd. 31. player. Scouting Report. 56. Pick Analysis
31. Cincinnati Bengals: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
It seemed to be a foregone conclusion that the Cincinnati Bengals would be taking an offensive lineman in Round 1 but then, they overhauled 60 percent of their line in free agency. Now with Alex Cappa, Ted Karras, and La’el Collins coming in, they look pretty stout on the line.
That’s why they can turn their attention to another need as they add Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd. They did get some great play from Logan Wilson and adding Lloyd to the mix gives them another playmaker in the middle of the defense.
Cincinnati is one of the AFC teams loaded with offensive talent and now they can get a little better at keeping games from being shootouts.
Scouting Report. QB. Cincinnati. player. Pick Analysis. Desmond Ridder. 32. 50
32. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
After taking Aidan Hutchinson at No. 2 overall — and just before being back on the clock at No. 34 in — the Detroit Lions get to close out Round 1 with pick No. 32.
Here, they take Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder who could compete with Jared Goff in 2022. Should he get beaten out as a rookie, it’s not the end of the world as they can then slowly move him along.
Either way, they need a better long-term solution and Ridder can be that for them.
It also makes plenty of sense to grab him here — even if he might not have a Round 1 grade — since they have another pick around the corner and this allows them to have five years to decide on Ridder as their future under center.