NFL MOCK DRAFT 2022- A LOOK AT THE POTENTIAL FIRST PICKS FOR EVERY TEAM IN THE NFC NORTH

NFL / Football

Written by Joel Lefevre

Statistically speaking, the NFC North was the most one-sided division in the league last season as the Green Bay Packers were at the top of the standings with a 13-4 record, five more wins than the Minnesota Vikings in second. The Packers were the only team in the division to make the playoffs and the only one with a record over .500. The Vikings, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions will have a tall task to unseat Green Bay, who’ve won this division over the past three campaigns. The 2022 NFL draft, April 28-30, will be the next opportunity for NFC North teams to upgrade their squads. Here is a look at the top four selections that I project will suit up these four teams next season.

Jahan Dotson | Source (Background Photo): Getty Images

Detroit Lions- Round 1- Pick#2- Kayvon Thibodeaux, edge rusher

Like Jacksonville, Detroit also struggled defensively a year ago, finishing the 2021 regular season with an average of 1.8 sacks per game. That was good for 31st in the league and only a slight improvement from the 1.5 which they averaged the previous season. They allowed over 4,000 yards through the air, primarily due to a lack of pressure along the line of scrimmage, while also conceding 4.4 yards per carrying on the ground.

Kayvon Thibodeaux’s stock has gone down by most experts’ estimation because of his performance at the combine earlier this year. That being said, he had a stellar college career and might be a good fit in Detroit. He may be far from a finished product, but he is considered to be one of the most explosive edge rushers in this year’s draft, fuelled by a solid internal drive. The Oregon defensive end should consistently stress the high side of the rush, and he has shown the immense closing speed to sack even the most mobile of quarterbacks. He may not be the most natural or instinctive pass rusher available, but he possesses several pro-ready attributes that will help him quickly acclimate to the NFL game.

The Jags' selection at #1 will influence which way Detroit wants to go. If Aidan Hutchinson is on the board at #2, I could see the Lions choosing the Michigan Wolverines to pass rusher, who grew up in Plymouth, a suburb of Metro Detroit. However, since I don’t see him being available, the next probable edge rusher for the Lions to select would be Thibodeaux.

Minnesota Vikings- Round 1- Pick#12- Derek Stingley Jr., cornerback

The Vikings were in the postseason hunt for a long time in 2021, and with better pass coverage, we could have seen them still playing football in late January. This team needs a cornerback in the worst way after finishing dead last in defensive receiving a year ago, allowing over 4,500 yards through the air to go along with 29 touchdowns.

Selecting Derek Stingley Jr. seems like a win-win for both Minnesota and Stingley should he be on the board. He is capable of starting immediately, plus he would have a wonderful veteran who can take him under his wing in Patrick Peterson. The former LSU corner (Stingley Jr.), who won a national championship in 2020, is great at anticipating out-breaking routes, with the size to become a very efficient tackler. This cornerback might be the best athlete in this year’s draft class, with the tremendous backpedalling ability and long arms that will make him difficult to beat in jump ball situations.

Green Bay Packers- Round 1- Pick#22- Jahan Dotson, wide receiver

Convincing Aaron Rodgers to stay in Wisconsin was huge, but to lose Davante Adams shortly after that had to have been both shocking and devastating. After Adams, the next best receiver on the Packers roster in 2021 was Allen Lazard. Lazard’s 513 receiving yards however was chunk change compared to what Adams brought to the table with 1,553 yards through the air and 11 major scores.

Jahan Dotson could quickly become a favourite target of Rodgers as he is an excellent route runner with great hands, capable of gaining plenty of yards after the catch. He could start in the slot immediately and should be a reliable asset for the four-time league MVP in passing situations. The wideout from Penn State has good speed and athleticism, with the talent to work all three levels of the field. In 2020, Dotson famously said that he looks at a football like it’s a million dollars, “if you want it, you have to go get it”. That kind of swagger and drive could make him a high-priced commodity in the NFL in the years to come. He is excellent at finding that second gear, has solid hands and is also capable of returning kicks. His big-play potential can be a considerable asset to Matt Lafleur’s team in their quest to capture the Super Bowl.

Chicago Bears- Round 2- Pick#39- Kenyon Green, guard

The Bears need some pass protection and someone who can open up holes for their running game. Chicago allowed 58 sacks a year ago and struggled to contain onrushing defenders. There isn’t a ton of experience on the roster at that position right now, though the 2022 draft has plenty of quality guards who are capable of stepping into the NFL right away.

Green would be a steal if he’s still available in the second round, which is when the Bears are slated to make their first selection. His broad frame and impressive hands will make him a hard man to move backwards. He has booming upper-body strength, which should be ideal for picking up A-gap blitzes. Green also has the technical ability to play this position effectively, possessing strong hands and good recovery skills. He also has the strength and horsepower to consistently clear paths for the running game.