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2022 NFL Mock Draft: Jets Defense Rebuilt In 3-Round Projection

By Christopher Thomas

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 18: Derek Stingley Jr. #7 of the LSU Tigers warms up prior to a game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Tiger Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 18: Derek Stingley Jr. #7 of the LSU Tigers warms up prior to a game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Tiger Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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2022 NFL Mock Draft, Ikem Ekwonu. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
2022 NFL Mock Draft, Ikem Ekwonu. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

7. New York Giants (via Chicago Bears): Ikem Ekwonu, Offensive Lineman, N.C. State

It may be controversial for the New York Giants to double down on the offensive line with both of their selections in the top-10. But given the Giants’ needs and where the depth is in this draft class, it makes a lot of sense. Earlier in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the New York Giants selected Evan Neal with the fifth overall pick to fill their void at right tackle.

This pick would have made more sense considering Jason Garrett was the offensive coordinator. Garrett was given credit for building an explosive offense and best running games in the league behind an outstanding offensive line during his time in Dallas. They spent three first-round picks on their offensive line during Garrett’s tenure and also drafted another starter in the second round and signed La’El Collins as an undrafted free agent who had a first-round grade.

Coming into the season the Giants offensive line was considered one of the worst units in the league. Twelve weeks into the season not much has changed. They should draft N.C. State tackle Ikem Ekwonu to join their offensive line as well. Coming into the season people questioned if Ekwonu could be anything more than a guard at the next level. But this season he has emerged as one of the best offensive linemen in the country proving that he could play tackle at the next level. He has been one of the most exciting offensive linemen to watch as well.

It would be hard for the Giants to pass up a player like Ekwonu who could be a difference-maker for this offensive line. Even though he proved to be an extremely capable offensive tackle, New York would put Ekwonu at left guard to replace Will Hernandez who will be a free agent this offseason.

The Giants offensive line would look a lot better featuring three first-round selections in Andrew Thomas, Neal, and Ekwonu. They could decrease the pressure Daniel Jones see’s on a weekly basis which would allow him to play more like how he does in his better games than his worst. Jones has shown flashes of talent throughout the years but tends to crumble under consistent pressure which is a liability for the team. Since there are no great options to replace Jones in this year’s class it would be better to continue to give Jones a situation where he has the best opportunity to thrive.

An offense comprised of skill players like Saquon Barkley, Sterling Shepard, Kadarius Toney, Kenny Golladay, Darius Slayton, and Kyle Rudolph and offensive linemen like Andrew Thomas, Evan Neal, and Ikem Ekwonu is more than enough for a quarterback to thrive. If Jones cannot thrive in an offense comprised like this next season then the Giants could evaluate their options the following offseason to add a veteran or rookie who could take this offense and team to the next level.

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