2022 NFL Mock draft: Final first-round projection
![Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Travon Walker (44) chases down Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) during second quarter action. The Florida Gators went into the half trailing the Georgia Bulldogs 24 to 0. The Florida Gators were the home team for this years annual Florida vs Georgia college football rivalry game at TIAA Bank field in Jacksonville, Florida Saturday, October 30, 2021. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]Jki 103021 Bsfloridageorgi](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fd8b1fd4e880e51600338abfa90978453e5bc0a1ab40fceecb98dc40bec10b7c9.jpg "Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Travon Walker (44) chases down Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) during second quarter action. The Florida Gators went into the half trailing the Georgia Bulldogs 24 to 0. The Florida Gators were the home team for this years annual Florida vs Georgia college football rivalry game at TIAA Bank field in Jacksonville, Florida Saturday, October 30, 2021. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]Jki 103021 Bsfloridageorgi")
Scouting Report. OT . Mississippi State. Charles Cross . player. 87. Pick Analysis. 6
Malik Willis or Kenny Pickett could be a possibility but the best marriage between need and fit comes with Charles Cross, an offensive tackle from Mississippi State. There has been chatter about Carolina trading for Baker Mayfield and that’s a logical move. So it stands to reason that the Panthers would bulk up their offensive line for Mayfield or whoever starts at quarterback in 2022.
Scouting Report. 31. 7. player. Pick Analysis. CB . Cincinnati. Ahmad Gardner
The Giants’ pass defense has been an issue for years. An edge rusher might be an option here too but Ahmad Gardner has really come on as the top cornerback in the draft in recent weeks, surpassing Derek Stingley Jr. from LSU. New York could look at him seriously too but it shouldn’t pass on a chance to draft an elite cover corner.
Pick Analysis. WR . Ohio State. 44. Scouting Report. 8. player. Garrett Wilson
Atlanta is still figuring out things at quarterback after trading Matt Ryan earlier this season. It would be easy to give the Falcons a quarterback in this 2022 NFL mock draft, but with Garrett Wilson on the board, we see Atlanta pairing an elite wideout with tight end Kyle Pitts. That tandem will be a blessing for Mariota next season and whoever is the long-term answer at QB.