2022 NFL Mock Draft: First round shaken up with blockbuster trade prediction
By Randy Gurzi
Alabama. Evan Neal. Pick Analysis. OT. 9. player. 36. Scouting Report
9. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos): Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
This ends up being a bit of a fall for Evan Neal, who once looked to be a player in the No. 1 overall pick conversation. However, the mini-run on quarterbacks and the fact that Ikem Ekwonu has become the top tackle means he’s still on the board at No. 9.
For the Seattle Seahawks, this is great news since they need a new left tackle of the future. The 6-foot-7, 345-pound Neal can be that for them as he’s the perfect mix of size, athleticism, and strength for the position.
Now, the only question left to answer is if he will be blocking for Drew Lock, or will Seattle go for someone else.
Pick Analysis. CB. Cincinnati. Ahmad Gardner. 30. Scouting Report. 10. player
10. New York Jets (via Seattle Seahawks): Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
With their first pick in this draft, the New York Jets took Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton. Adding him makes it seem like overkill to then take a cornerback at No. 10, but they could use someone at the position and Ahmad Gardner is still sitting on the board.
In the end, that’s who New York takes and they wind up with the best safety and the best cornerback in this class. If they can get a fully healthy season from Carl Lawson on the edge, this defense could be vastly improved in 2022.