2022 NFL Mock Draft: Three Tackles Go Top Five, Panthers Select QB

5. New York Giants: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State

The Giants bringing back Judge and Jones at head coach and quarterback is not something many expected after the season they had, but one more run will hopefully provide clarity to the front office. Andrew Thomas has come on strong in year two, but the rest of the line needs work.

Ikem Ekwonu has done spectacularly for the Wolfpack this season, looking much more comfortable at tackle. He’s extremely physical in the run game and can bury rushers in pass protection. Whether he plays tackle or guard, he can succeed for the Giants.

6. New York Jets (via SEA): Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

The Jets are back up in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, and helping the secondary is up next. Michael Carter II and Bryce Hall have had their moments, but finding a true lockdown CB1 is paramount. Derek Stingley Jr. didn’t have the best 2021 season, mostly due to an injury, but he has the instincts, skills in man coverage, and ball skills to be a dominant player right away.

7. Carolina Panthers: Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi

Could the Carolina Panthers actually start over in 2022? It’s possible, but even if Rhule returns, quarterback has to be figured out. Sam Darnold isn’t the guy, and neither is Cam Newton.

Matt Corral could step in and potentially be the franchise quarterback that’s eluded Carolina. Corral improved on his decision making in 2021, and operates extremely well in the quick game. He has enough mobility to be a factor in the run game and to extend plays, and he has enough of an NFL arm.

8. New York Giants (via CHI): David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan

The Giants are back up in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, and this time they look on the other side of the ball. Azeez Ojulari has played well as a rookie on the edge, but getting some more help out there makes sense. David Ojabo has only been playing football for a few seasons, but he broke out in a major way in 2021. Ojabo is improving rapidly as a pass rusher and has the athleticism to play the outside run.