2022 NFL Mock Draft: Aidan Hutchinson Goes First, Four QBs In Round 1
By Evan Bachman
7. New York Jets (via SEA): Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
This pick comes from the Seahawks via the Jamal Adams trade and at the present moment it gives them two selections in the top ten in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
Charles Cross certainly fits the mold to be a left tackle in the NFL as he has plus size, plus strength, and he moves well. He’s always had the physical tools to be a high pick, it was more of a matter of if he could put it all together and this season he has certainly done that.
He has been very consistent for Mississippi State this season, as he has a grade of 86.7, which is even more impressive when you consider how much pass rushing talent is in the SEC.
Against Texas A&M and Alabama this season, which Mississippi State played in back-to-back games, Cross didn’t give up a single pressure in either contest. This is something that really boosts his draft stock because it proves he can dominate against high-level players that are also going to play in the NFL.
8. Carolina Panthers: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
It’s pretty clear that the Sam Darnold experiment didn’t go well for Carolina and while Cam Newton has had an amazing career with the Panthers, he’s not the answer for them long term.
Unfortunately, this isn’t a great quarterback class, however Matt Corral is someone whose shown he has the ability to develop into a franchise quarterback. Not only does he have a solid arm, but he has the athleticism to be very effective as a runner as well, which is becoming increasingly valuable in the NFL.
Matt Corral wasn’t necessarily viewed as the best quarterback in this class entering the season, however his stellar play, along with Spencer Rattler getting benched and Sam Howell underperforming so far, has caused his draft stock to shoot up.
As a passer, Corral has shown he is capable of making a lot of throws, including downfield throws. He has also really improved his ball security as last season he threw 13 picks, while this season he’s thrown just four in 12 games. Corral has also added an extra dimension to the Ole Miss offense as a runner as he is elusive and tough to tackle. Through 12 games, he’s rushed for 597 yards and 11 touchdowns.