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Cincinnati Bengals 2022 first-round mock draft

By Leigh Oleszczak

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 01: Fans waiting for Machine Gun Kelly to perform onstage after the final round of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on May 01, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Duane Prokop/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 01: Fans waiting for Machine Gun Kelly to perform onstage after the final round of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on May 01, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Duane Prokop/Getty Images) /
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Cincinnati Bengals
Charles Cross (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

player. 31. . Offensive Tackle. New York Giants. Charles Cross. 5

Giants GM: Alex

The Giants will give Daniel Jones one more year to prove himself, but they have to be willing to provide help. Charles Cross is great in pass protection and will protect Jones’ blind side.

Reaction: This pick SHOULD be an OT, but really depends on who the Giants like best. My feeling is the Giants like Ikem Ekwonu and may opt for him over Cross. – Rob

Kenny Pickett. 6. player. 87. . Quarterback. Carolina Panthers

Panthers GM: Leigh

While many seem to think that Malik Willis is the better quarterback prospect, the Panthers seem destined to grab Kenny Pickett if he’s on the board here. The Pittsburgh product is the first signal-caller off the board and will now compete with Sam Darnold for the starting quarterback job in Carolina.

Reaction: In a down year for QBs in the draft, Carolina was able to hold pat and get their top signal-caller. This pick clearly looks to the future as Pickett develops. – Alex

. Cornerback. Minnesota Vikings. Derek Stingley Jr.. 7. player. 60

Vikings GM: Bennett

BOOM! A Trade! Minnesota and Derek Stingley makes way too much sense. Minnesota swaps firsts with New York, along with additional compensation, to get their guy. Stingley now gets to learn from LSU great, Patrick Peterson.

Reaction: The Vikings clearly saw Derek Stingley as a major missing puzzle piece on their defense and they were aggressive in adding him. Stingley is an immediate starter who will make the Minnesota D stronger. – Leigh

Wide Receiver. Atlanta Falcons. Jameson Williams. 8. player. 44.

Falcons GM: Rob

Atlanta takes Jameson Williams in preparation for drafting a quarterback in 2023. With Williams, they have someone who can do what Calvin Ridley was supposed to do for the Falcons offense.

Reaction: Jameson Williams is the first WR off the board and this feels like a gamble on him recovering from injury. He is an incredible talent when on the field, but will he be ready for the start of the season? – Alex