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2022 NFL Mock Draft: Matt Corral becomes the future in Atlanta

By Christopher Thomas

Oct 9, 2021; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Matt Corral (2) during warmups prior to the game against Arkansas Razorbacks at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2021; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Matt Corral (2) during warmups prior to the game against Arkansas Razorbacks at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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2022 NFL Mock Draft, Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Olave (2) runs the ball after a reception during the first quarter of a NCAA Division I football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Maryland Terrapins on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Cfb Maryland Terrapins At Ohio State Buckeyes
2022 NFL Mock Draft, Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Olave (2) runs the ball after a reception during the first quarter of a NCAA Division I football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Maryland Terrapins on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Cfb Maryland Terrapins At Ohio State Buckeyes /

18. New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

A wide receiver hasn’t been taken this low in the NFL draft since the Carolina Panthers took D.J. Moore with the 24th pick in 2018. One season after three wide receivers were taken in the top-10 the first wide receiver comes off the board with the 18th pick in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. This year’s draft class has some talented receivers but this year’s class has so many great defensive players and offensive linemen that teams will target early.

Throughout the first five weeks, it is very clear that the New Orleans Saints need to add not only depth at the wide receiver position, but they also need a true number one receiver. Former All-Pro Michael Thomas’ long-term status with the team is uncertain. There has been some conflict between him and management in the last year. At his salary, it may not be worth it to New Orleans to keep Thomas around especially since he hasn’t been healthy over the last couple of seasons. If they have Michael Thomas or not they need another wideout. They go there in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.

Ohio States’ Chris Olave would be the perfect weapon in this offense. A year ago he was the second-best receiver in the country behind DeVonta Smith. This season it is hard to argue that he is not the best. Olave could be used as a deep threat that compliments Michael Thomas’ route tree well. He could stretch out the field much better than Thomas. That would be a huge boost to Jameis Winston who had his best season when he was airing the ball out to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in Tampa Bay.

When Winston plays dink-and-dunk and goes for the check down this offense does not produce. Winston needs playmakers like the Olave to succeed in Sean Payton’s offense next season and beyond.

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