2022 NFL Mock Draft: Kansas City adds more firepower while the Cowboys take another linebacker

Detroit adds an Oregon star for the second consecutive year. Romeo Okwara and Thibodeaux is an exciting pairing in the Motor City.

The Jets use the first of two first-round picks on LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. New York has upgraded the offensive line and can now turn attention to other premier positions.

Cam Robinson is scheduled to hit free agency. Even if he returns, Evan Neal and Robinson each has the flexibility to play guard.

Houston goes back to the Big Ten for an edge rusher. There is a lot for the Texans to sort out within the next six months and their draft outlook will look a lot different.

New York is testing out Azeez Ojulari and Quincy Roche this season but there are still concerns about the pass rush moving forward. Aidan Hutchinson would alleviate those concerns.

Ikem Ekwonu is a polished run blocker that continues to improve in pass protection. New York selects their third first-round offensive lineman in as many years.

If Dave Gettleman is still around, he is almost certain to draft an interior offensive lineman in the first round. He is committed to Daniel Jones working and the offensive line has been part of his downfall.

Kyle Hamilton will thrive in Philadelphia’s zone scheme playing downhill and making plays in coverage or in the box.

Atlanta adds a franchise quarterback to eventually replace Matt Ryan. Ryan’s presence allows for a natural transition of power when Corral is ready. The Falcons are already equipped with Kyle Pitts and Calvin Ridley.

Willis has room for growth as a passer. In an ideal world, he would sit for a year and learn the position but Washington may not have any other option.

I am lacking creativity at this point because I tend to always give the Eagles Kyle Hamilton and Booth. Both thrive in heavy zone concepts and that could be exciting to watch them develop with Darius Slay.

Carolina is obviously going to make a change at quarterback this offseason so this pick may be earmarked for a quarterback or to be used in a trade for a veteran. In the meantime, they also need to upgrade the protection.

There are going to be teams in the market for Aaron Rodgers and, presumably, Deshaun Watson. Denver is expected to be one of those teams. Kenny Pickett is a big, strong-armed quarterback with enough mobility to survive in the NFL.

Miami has been a disappointment this season. They could be a team in transition this offseason. Leal is a cornerstone piece capable of playing on the edge or condense inside.

Wilson is a dynamic wide receiver and the first at his position off the board. Las Vegas needs help at the position following the tragic Henry Ruggs situation.

After using two picks on defense, Philadelphia starts adding some offensive foundational pieces in the event that they move forward with Jalen Hurts, which it appears they will.

Cleveland has invested a lot of money into the offensive guards and tackles. Center is one position where they could save towards the salary cap and upgrade. J.C. Tretter has been solid this year but Linderbaum would thrive in a wide zone scheme.

Pittsburgh invested in the running back position before the offensive line. They have had elite linemen like David DeCastro, Maurkice Pouncey and Alejandro Villaneuva in the past. It would benefit them to get back to that point.

Williams is a really fluid wide receiver that can bridge the gap from Michael Thomas to the future. New Orleans has to find a long-term option at quarterback next.

The Everson Griffen situation is heartbreaking but it only magnified Minnesota’s immediate need at edge rusher. Drake Jackson is the best prospect at the position on the board.

Buffalo adds Gardner to pair with Tre’Davious White. The Bills defense has improved this season but the addition of Gardner leads to one less vulnerability.

Los Angeles has consistently been gashed on the ground this season. Jordan Davis can not only take up space in the middle but apply pressure in pass rushing situations.

Cincinnati upgrades its secondary with the selection of McDuffie. The Bengals have made strides this season but they need to keep adding blue chip players.

Detroit simply needs to upgrade the talent at wide receiver and Olave is the best option to pair with Amon-Ra St. Brown. He is a polished route runner with sure hands.

The idea of tossing Burks into an offense with Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce is tantalizing. Kansas City has explored adding another wide receiver and even signed Josh Gordon but that experiment has not played out well.

New England has leaned into its identity as a physical team that is just going to blow up zone blocking schemes. Dean is a missile that will eliminate the pullers from the equation.

Micah Parsons should remain at edge rusher long-term, which means the team needs help at linebacker again. Devin Lloyd is a player that reminds me a bit of Fred Warner in the way that he is able to get off blocks.

Spin the wheel of positions and choose one for Tampa Bay. In this thought exercise, they take the Gator from Gainesville.

Petit-Frere has all of the physical attributes to be successful but there is a lot to clean up in his game. Baltimore has done a good job with its offensive line over the years.

Green Bay does not take wide receivers in the first round but they may have to depending on how things play out with impending free agent Davante Adams.

Tennessee’s defensive line has allowed that unit to play much better but they still need help at cornerback. Roger McCreary is a senior that just improves each week.

From a pure talent perspective, Kendrick is one of the best cornerback prospects in the draft. He has some red flags but Arizona has gone all in on its title hopes this year so it is reasonable to think that strategy might continue.