2022 NFL Mock draft: Projecting first-round after free agency and trades

Picking offensive lineman in the first round isn’t sexy but at the end of the day, winning football games is still about being able to block and tackle. The Chargers have made some solid moves this offseason and shored up some holes. Now, they can add another elite player to their offensive line to go with last year’s top pick Rashawn Slater. Poor offensive line play has sunk other teams in the playoffs recently and this could help the Chargers avoid that fate.

New Orleans comes into the 2022 NFL draft still searching for its replacement for Drew Brees. The Saints tried to trade for Deshaun Watson but fell short and when it comes time for them to pick in the draft, Matt Corral from Ole Miss will be the choice. It might seem a little early but quarterbacks always rise late and Corral has enough upside to be taken in the first round. He battled through some injuries last season but was one of college football’s top quarterbacks and he’s getting healthier by the day so that shouldn’t be a concern.