2022 NFL Mock Draft: Giants draft Daniel Jones replacement, Jets add major talent to defense

Hutchinson is a box-checker. And the Lions desperately need a foundational edge rusher. Value meets need here at the top of the draft.

After his front-row seat to the Tom Brady era, Nick Caserio certainly understands the importance of the quarterback spot. But this point, picking this high, I think he’ll pass on the uncertainty at quarterback and go with a high-upside rusher.

The Jaguars have to get better along their offensive line for Trevor Lawrence. Neal is about as plug-and-play as they come at offensive tackle.

Karlaftis is the underrated edge rusher in this class who’d be the first player picked at his position in many other drafts. Robert Saleh will love the idea of Karlaftis and Carl Lawson as his primary defensive ends next season.

With Marcus Maye coming off a serious injury in 2022, the safety position is in flux for the Jets. Hamilton can be a do-everything type on the back end for Saleh.

Stingley would make the, at times, stingy Giants secondary even better. He has legitimate All-Pro skills on the boundary.

Pickett’s a New Jersey kid with loads of collegiate experience. He’ll understand what it means to be the quarterback in New York City’s media market. He can ball too, thanks to deceptive improvisation, above-average arm talent, and good accuracy.

The Eagles add some youth up front with Ekwonu. He can begin his career at guard and make the unorthodox shift out to tackle in the coming years. He’s big, powerful, and surprisingly nimble.

Neal is the rangy, coverage linebacker teams need today at the NFL level. And what the Eagles have needed

Given Strong’s experience and accuracy, Matt Rhule could gravitate toward him, and given the state of the Panthers quarterback situation, they may need to invest in the position again.

The restructure of Matt Ryan’s contract during the offseason hinted at two more years of him as the Falcons starter, so Atlanta might as well add more weaponry to their offense.

Leal’s legitimate versatility will be the reason Mike Zimmer prioritizes him early in the draft. And the Vikings have to get younger up front.

The Saints would be giddy if the board fell this way, and they could land Corral. The quarterback spot has to be addressed in New Orleans this offseason. And Corral has the quick release and big arm to revitalize Sean Payton’s passing attack.

Ojabo has become one of the fastest draft risers of late thanks to stellar play opposite Hutchinson. His best football is in front of him.

I’m not totally sure who’s going to be the quarterback in Cleveland next season. Whoever it is, he’s going to need more talent at receiver, and Olave has an extremely high floor.

Booth is a big play waiting to happen at cornerback. The Steelers have to add more youth to their defensive backfield. Good option here. The correct value.

A monster nose tackle who can get upfield a little would be a nice luxury in Vic Fangio’s defense. Davis could go this high in April.

The Raiders grab their replacement for Rodney Hudson in Linderbaum, everyone’s favorite center prospect in this class.

This is a pick for Washington showing its dedication to Taylor Heinicke. Williams is a smooth operator at all levels of the field and would formulate an awesome pairing with Terry McLaurin.

The other Big Ten riser at the edge rusher spot has been Ebiketie, who finished the regular season with 9.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. The Chargers need a secondary outside rusher.

More reinforcement up front for Tua Tagovailoa. Cross is an effortless athlete at tackle who had a fantastic SEC season.

Buffalo has to address the interior of its offensive line, and Green is one of the better more consistent guards in this class. He plays with nasty blend of balance and power.

This is how I outlined the Lions’ first round in my “perfect” draft last week. Willis is as high of an upside quarterback as there is in this class.

The Bengals have gotten quality return on their free-agent acquisitions in the secondary, and now they add youth to with the chippy Elam.

With Micah Parsons bound to play on the edge from now on, the Cowboys will have a need at off-ball linebacker in the offseason. Lloyd can be a three-down impact player in Dallas.

Love this prospect-pairing. Dotson will be another speedster to take some of the downfield pressure off Tyreek Hill.

Penning will be a plug-and-play tackle in Tennessee. He has a nasty demeanor that will be loved by Mike Vrabel and Co.

Hill can be a slot defender, safety, or outside corner in Tampa Bay’s secondary. He’s good when healthy but has been banged-up this season.

London is a big-body wideout who can actually separate. He’ll be a fun addition in New England.

Burks is a similar prospect to London, but is a little more physical and not as twitched up. But he plays as physical of a brand as football as you’ll see at receiver.

Johnson is a large defensive end prospect with crazy long arms and a relentless style the Ravens will adore.

Hall is the bigger defensive line prospect the Cardinals like up front. He’s been an ascending player during his time in Houston.