2022 NFL Mock Draft: Edge Rushers Fly Off The Board, 3 QBs In Round 1
By Evan Bachman
17. Cleveland Browns: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
After Odell Beckham Jr. didn’t work out in Cleveland ultimately resulting in him getting released it’s left the Browns with a need at wide receiver. Fortunate for them a receiver has not come off the board yet in this 2022 NFL mock draft, so they get Garrett Wilson, who’s considered by many to be the best wide receiver in the draft.
Garrett Wilson projects as a very complete, dependable receiver at the next level. He is an excellent, very smooth route runner, who can separate at all levels of the field. He also has had success lining up as a slot receiver and out wide, so he provides versatility for the Jets.
Wilson has been very good for the Buckeyes this season as so far he has just over 600 yards and six touchdowns through seven games. The Browns need a true separator, and they get their guy here.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Linebacker isn’t necessarily the biggest need for the Steelers, however with a lot of offensive linemen going in the top 15 of this 2022 NFL mock draft, I think they’ll look elsewhere. Quarterback is an option as well, but they could go the veteran route like the Broncos.
Nakobe Dean is someone I’m very high on as he’s one of the leaders of a Georgia defense that is by far the best in college football. He checks all of the boxes of what you need to be able to do as a linebacker as he can cover well, stop the run, tackle well, and rush the passer. Devin Bush has struggled since returning from injury, and Dean could step in as a cornerstone.