2022 NFL Mock Draft: Panthers, Steelers, Lions All Take QBs In Round 1
By Evan Bachman
31. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
After signing Ted Carras, Alex Cappa, and La’el Collins in free agency the Bengals have put themselves in a spot where offensive line isn’t a necessity with this selection. However, in this 2022 NFL mock draft scenario Tyler Linderbaum is still on the board which would be outstanding value late in round one.
It appears that Linderbaum won’t be coming off the board until late in the first round, this is mostly because the NFL doesn’t value the center position. Linderbaum is one of the best center prospects in recent memory however, so in my mind he is most definitely worth a first round.
As a run blocker, Linderbaum is powerful and is capable of driving defenders backward with force. As a pass protector, he is very athletic, and he has the movement skills necessary to stay with quick defensive linemen.
To put into perspective just how dominant Linderbaum was for the Hawkeyes this season, he had a grade of 95.2 on PFF. This was not just the highest grade for a center, but is the highest in the FBS for any position.
32. Detroit Lions: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
There’s been rumors swirling that the Lions could take Malik Willis at number two overall, it’s certainly possible but I’m not ready to predict it just yet. As of right now, I think the more likely scenario is that they use this pick or their second round pick on a quarterback and they do in this 2022 NFL mock draft.
Desmond Ridder has what it takes to develop into an NFL quarterback. For starters, he’s simply a winner, at Cincinnati he went 44-6 overall and was 26-0 at home in four seasons of starting. Ridder also has a lot of the traits you want to see in a quarterback, he’s good mentally, has great intangibles, he’s got a strong arm, and has plus athleticism.