2022 NFL Mock Draft: Jaguars, Lions land stud defensive ends
By Randy Gurzi
Evan Neal. 5. Scouting Report. OT. Alabama. 31. Pick Analysis. player
5. New York Giants: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Dave Gettleman left the New York Giants in a bad spot. Their roster is far from competitive and they don’t have much cap room at all to work with. That means 2022 feels like a good time to start stockpiling young talent as they rebuild their roster for new head coach Brian Daboll — and they even have two picks in the top-10 to use in that endeavor.
The first is at No. 5 which they use to acquire Evan Neal from Alabama. The 6-foot-7, 345-pounder is a massive player who can take over on the left side for Andrew Thomas — or even on the right if they feel Thomas will continue to grow. Either way, they solidify their two starting tackles, something Gettleman was unable to do despite his best efforts.
6. 87. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. QB. Pitt. Kenny Pickett. player
6. Carolina Panthers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt
There will continue to be rumors of Baker Mayfield heading to the Carolina Panthers and while that could still happen, they also reportedly really like Kenny Pickett. There’s a chance the New Orleans Saints jump ahead of them because they too are rumored to be high on Pickett but if the teams stay put, this could be where the Pitt star lands.
Pickett joining the team doesn’t stop the Mayfield move either as the soon-to-be-former Cleveland quarterback has only one year on his deal and would be a better option as a bridge starter than Sam Darnold.