With Super Bowl 56 in the rearview mirror, it’s time to move on to the offseason. The NFL Combine is a few weeks away, and that’s where the draft rumors start to pick up. While free agency will have a massive impact on every NFL team’s needs heading into the draft, there is no such thing as a bad time for a mock draft.
In this mock draft, eight of our NFL writers came together and made picks for the first two rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft. Each writer made picks for up to four teams. Let’s take a look at who was responsible for each team. Please keep in mind; we have no idea what we are doing, and we hate your favorite team.
Mike Fanelli – Commanders, Saints, Chiefs
Mason Thompson – Giants, Bengals, Cowboys, Colts
Charlie Parent – Jets, Browns, Patriots, Bears
Brady Podloski – Jaguars, Eagles, Buccaneers, Seahawks
Kamran Nia – Lions, Broncos, Dolphins, 49ers
Chris Gallagher – Panthers, Steelers, Raiders, Packers
Gio Damico – Texans, Vikings, Chargers, Bills
Jack Gaffney – Falcons, Ravens, Cardinals, Titans
Make sure to check out all of our NFL Draft Scouting Reports.
ROUND ONE
1) Jacksonville Jaguars – Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Neal fits the Jaguar’s need at tackle and interior offensive line and is close to being the top player in this year’s draft. As an Alabama product, he’s played multiple positions letting him play almost anywhere on the line. Overall, Neal allows the Jaguars to put the five best offensive linemen out on the field every time.
2) Detroit Lions – Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
There are a few options for the Lions with the second overall pick. Kayvon Thibodeaux and Hutchinson seem like the top two. Hutchinson was highly successful in his senior season and displayed an intriguing array of pass rush moves. He has good speed but just average bend. However, Hutchinson can be an impact player early on for the Lions.
3) Houston Texans – Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
Since his freshman season at Oregon, Thibodeaux has been a highly-touted, blue-chip NFL Draft prospect. While some have dropped his stock, it would be foolish for a team like the Texans who need all the pass-rushing help they can get to pass him up. This is a pick they cannot overthink as they currently have Jacob Martin and Jonathan Greenard are their two starting edge rushers.
4) New York Jets – Ikem Ekwonu, OL, North Carolina State
It’s become more and more obvious that the Jets will not be getting Evan Neal at four, so what do they do instead? They can entertain trade offers or select the next best lineman and one of the top players on the board in Ekwonu. Ekwonu can play any position on that line and continue the streak of young linemen like Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker selected to protect Zach Wilson.
5) New York Giants – Tyler Linderbaum, iOL, Iowa
The biggest weakness on the New York roster is along the offensive line, specifically on the interior. To make matters worse, Billy Price and Will Hernandez are free agents this offseason. The Giants have a gaping hole at the center spot, and adding Linderbaum, who may be one of the top three players in the class, regardless of position, is an excellent decision.
6) Carolina Panthers – Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Cross is one of the first offensive linemen expected to come off the board. He has the build to be a day one starter at left tackle in the NFL. The Mississippi State alumni surrendered just two sacks last season. The Panthers need to sure up their protection upfront. Selecting him would allow them to move Brady Christensen to guard while giving the team the premier blindside protector they have been searching for.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Denver Broncos receive pick 7. New York Giants receive picks 9, 75, 193.
7) Denver Broncos (via New York Giants, Chicago) – Kyle Hamilton, SAF, Notre Dame
It may be a bit of a questionable move to trade up for a safety with glaring needs elsewhere. However, Hamilton could be a generation prospect and would likely not fall past eighth overall. Kareem Jackson is a free agent, so the Broncos could add Hamilton to improve their secondary and potentially return it to dominance for the next few seasons.
8) Atlanta Falcons – David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
The Falcons pass rush was one of the worst in the NFL a season ago. Although you could make the argument for a quarterback, beefing up the front seven is a must. Luckily, they get an elite pass rusher in Ojabo falling to them at No. 8. On day one, the Michigan product could be Atlanta’s top pass rusher.
9) New York Giants (via Denver Broncos) – Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
After moving down two spots, the Giants pick up another offensive lineman. General manager Joe Schoen attacks the offensive line with the first two selections in the class, this time selecting a player that can play anywhere along the line. Green could play at one of the guard spots or right tackle if Matt Peart continues to struggle.
10) New York Jets (via Seattle) – Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
The Jets luck out in this first round. Their primary mission coming into this offseason should be getting Wilson more help, and Wilson does this in a big way. Perhaps the consensus No. 1 in this draft, Wilson can immediately help this offense and keep up the Jets’ theme of getting younger by joining forces with Elijah Moore.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Seattle Seahawks receive picks 11, 42, 2023 first and third-round picks, Taylor Heinicke. Washington Commanders receive Russell Wilson.
11) Seattle Seahawks (via Washington Commanders) – Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Trading Wilson isn’t ideal, however, the talks have occurred for two years now meaning there could be fire to this smokey situation. On the flip side, Willis can run a similar offense as Wilson, except he will be a bigger threat with his legs. He’s still getting better with post-snap diagnosis, but in his second and third year, he should see a jump. He’s the most talented quarterback in this draft, and also has the widest range of outcomes making him worth the 11th selection.
12) Minnesota Vikings – Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
“Sauce” Gardner has received a lot of hype after his phenomenal junior campaign with the Bearcats. Gardner recorded nine interceptions over three years with Cincinnati and was one of the key cogs in their strong defensive unit, which led them to a College Football Playoff appearance. The Vikings are too talented on paper to be as mediocre as they have been. They brought in an offensive-minded head coach to benefit the offense and use their first-round pick to strengthen the defense.
13) Cleveland Browns – Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
This is a spot where Cleveland looked to trade back; however, no substantial offers were on the table. Williams won’t be ready until about Week 6 or so, but he can come in and make a difference off the bat. He’s an underrated route runner who’s dynamic out in space and can help Baker Mayfield air it out when not feeding the elite run game.
14) Baltimore Ravens – George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
The Ravens have several options here at 14. Seeing as both Calais Campbell and Justin Houston are slated free agents going with another first-round edge rusher is far from a bad call. In addition to the lack of offensive tackles that would make sense here. Karlaftis is a high motor pass rusher who should pair up well with Odafe Oweh for the foreseeable future.
15) Philadelphia Eagles (via Miami) – Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
Johnson makes sense for the Eagles here. They have an aging defensive line and need someone who can be the primary pass rusher so Josh Sweat can get one on one opportunities. Johnson has a wide repertoire of pass-rushing moves. He had an incredible senior bowl and should be an impact player on day one.
16) Philadelphia Eagles (via Indianapolis) – Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
The best cornerback in the draft falls to pick 16. Stingley was one of the best players on an LSU team that had Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Joe Burrow in 2019. He’s been projected to be a top pick since his freshman year. Since then, he’s had nagging injuries. If he is healthy, he could be a legitimate top cornerback. Pairing him with Darius Slay makes this Eagles secondary deadly.
17) Los Angeles Chargers – Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia
Davis took home a lot of hardware last season and quickly became one of the most recognizable names on the Bulldogs’ championship roster. Game logs do not reflect the game-breaking talent that Davis possesses. At 6’6″ and 340 lbs, Davis is a monster space-eater who gives the interior offensive line nightmares. The Chargers return a strong offensive unit, but their defense struggled to stop the run last season. Davis would be a major addition for Brandon Staley to construct a more complete roster.
18) New Orleans Saints – Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
While the Saints have unanswered questions at the quarterback position, they have invested a lot of money into Taysom Hill. More importantly, Terron Armstead is an upcoming free agent. Given the Saints’ cap situation, he will likely play somewhere else next season. Penning had an impressive week at the Senior Bowl and is now a first-round lock. Pairing him with Ryan Ramczyk would give the Saints bookend offensive tackles for the next several years.
19) Philadelphia Eagles – Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Devonta Smith is an excellent receiver but needs a running mate to take attention off him. Burks offers upside as a receiver but can also run out of the backfield like Deebo Samuel. Nick Sirianni can use him as a running back and a viable big-play receiver.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers – Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
The Steelers are in the market for a quarterback after longtime signal-caller Ben Roethlisberger retired. Pickett shot up draft boards after a stellar 2021 season. He passed for 4,319 yards while tossing 42 scores to just seven interceptions. This led him to become a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. A fifth-year starter at the University of Pittsburgh, the 24-year-old has the accuracy to make big plays down the field. He also has the experience to start for the team in Week 1.
21) New England Patriots – Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
There are several ways the Patriots could’ve gone here. Also on the board were Nakobe Dean, Andrew Booth, and Kaiir Elam, who would’ve been great picks. Booth got ruled out because he’s not the most physically imposing guy, while Elam needs time to develop in man coverage, time the Patriots don’t have. As for the debate between Dean and Lloyd, Lloyd was ultimately taken because of his IQ. While the Patriots are trying to get faster at linebacker, they stay traditional and choose size and a guy who can still move well in Lloyd.
22) Las Vegas Raiders – Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
Despite finishing 14th in the NFL last season with just 222.9 pass yards allowed per game, the Raiders remain thin in the secondary. Veteran Casey Hayward Jr. is set to hit unrestricted free agency. Along with this, while Nate Hobbs played well for the team last season, Las Vegas needs to invest in the defensive back position with a bevy of talented wide receivers in the AFC West Division. A dynamic player at the defensive back position, Booth has the coverage ability, speed, and ball skills to be a shutdown corner at the pro level.
23) Arizona Cardinals – Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Chandler Jones is in line to get one last big contract this offseason, one that Arizona may not be willing to dish out. Luckily, this class is loaded with pass rushers, which is where Walker comes in. He put up career highs in sacks and tackles for loss in his final year at Georgia. He is also very versatile, which Arizona has seemed to like in their recent defensive draft picks.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Cincinnati Bengals receive pick 24. Dallas Cowboys receive picks 31, 95, 174.
24) Cincinnati Bengals (via Dallas Cowboys) – Zion Johnson, iOL, Boston College
It was evident once again in the Super Bowl that the lone glaring weakness on the Cincinnati roster needed to be addressed. The Bengals jump a few teams with needs along the offensive line to pick up Johnson, who can start at any of the three interior spots. After playing center at the Senior Bowl, don’t be surprised if that’s where Johnson lines up for the Bengals.
25) Buffalo Bills – Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
McDuffie is an incredible athlete who possesses above-average man and zone coverage skills. He’s a great tackler and is effective in stopping the run. Buffalo lost Tre’Davious White to a torn ACL last season, and although he should be ready to return for 2022, they still lack at the No. 2 cornerback position. Levi Wallace has been inconsistent in that area and tends to be a liability in zone coverage. McDuffie’s zone coverage ability is already stronger than Wallace’s and would allow Leslie Frazier to bolster an already impressive defensive unit.
26) Tennessee Titans – Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
The Titans could potentially lose two linebackers in about a month in Rashaan Evans and Jayon Brown. That makes the position a must one day one or two of the draft. The good news for Tennessee is the current Butkus Award winner is still on the board at 26. There are some size concerns standing at 6’0″, but Mike Vrabel should like everything else. Dean is a do it all field general who should fit in great with the Titans.
27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Carlton Davis is a free agent, and with the cap constraints that the Buccaneers face, it will likely mean re-signing either Davis or Chris Godwin. In this draft, cornerback is deep, and finding a great player in the late first round is possible. Elam is a long corner with excellent movement skills. He slides in perfectly in this system that wants press and good zone coverage.
28) Green Bay Packers – Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Green Bay is set to undergo massive changes at the wide receiver position in the offseason. Davante Adams, Allen Lazard, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling are all set to hit free agency. The Packers snap the 19-year drought since drafting a first-round wideout with the selection of Olave. In the conversation to be the best pure route runner in the draft, the Ohio State product can beat opposing defensive backs on various routes while possessing reliable hands.
29) Miami Dolphins (via San Francisco) – Darian Kinnard, iOL, Kentucky
The Dolphins have a couple of needs, but the offensive line is big. With many of the top prospects at the position already off the board at this point, Kinnard could be their best option. He is a monster in the run-blocking game and could help the Dolphins. Although he was primarily a tackle at the college level, he projects to be a guard at the next level and could be an impact player early on.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
New York Giants receive pick 30. Kansas City Chiefs receive picks 36, 81.
30) New York Giants (via Kansas City Chiefs) – Carson Strong, QB, Nevada
After addressing the offensive line with the first two picks in the draft, Schoen and Brian Daboll decide to move up as they see that quarterbacks are falling out of the first round. Strong is gaining steam as the potential top quarterback in the class, and Daboll could see a lot of similarities between him and Josh Allen to pull the trigger and move up six spots to get the extra year on the contract. Now, the pressure is really on Daniel Jones to succeed.
31) Dallas Cowboys (via Cincinnati Bengals) – Demarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
Dallas moves down seven spots and still gets the player they would’ve taken with their original slot. Leal has seen a significant fall down draft boards after being a potential top 10 pick before the year started. Dallas sees the opportunity to get a top talent and takes him here, ending his fall.
32) Detroit Lions (via Los Angles) – Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
Wide receiver is a significant need for the Lions, and Dotson could help address it. Amon-Ra St. Brown was a boom pick last year; however, they need other receivers to play alongside him. Dotson works well on the outside, while Brown is good inside. They would be a good fit together.
ROUND TWO
33) Jacksonville Jaguars – Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia
Wyatt could arguably be the best interior defensive linemen in the last two drafts, and he was available at the top of the second round. His quickness and pass-rushing prowess are too much for the Jaguars to pass up. He will be an impact player on day one on this young defensive line.
34) Detroit Lions – Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
The Lions are back up on the clock quickly and could go multiple ways here. However, with Howell still available, he could be worth the risk. Although the quarterback class this year is weak, he has intriguing upside. Howell has good mobility and arm strength and could sit a year to develop if needed and replace Jared Goff when ready since Goff has not been outstanding in recent years.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Jacksonville Jaguars receive pick 35. New York Jets receive picks 65, 70, 156.
35) Jacksonville Jaguars (via New York Jets) – George Pickens, WR, Georgia
Jacksonville trades both their third-round picks and a fifth to move up to pick 35 to get a wide receiver who could have been a first-round pick. Pickens is what the Jaguars receiving core needs. That is someone who can develop into an alpha-level receiver. Pickens can draw the best defensive back and give the other receivers better matchups.
36) Kansas City Chiefs (via New York Giants) – Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
After adding some draft capital in the trade with the Giants, the Chiefs still get their target at pick 36. In the two matchups against the Bengals this season, the Chiefs had no answer for their passing attack. With Charvarius Ward and Mike Hughes upcoming free agents, the Chiefs need to address the cornerback position. With limited cap space, expect the Chiefs to do it in the draft rather than free agency.
37) Houston Texans – Drake London, WR, USC
After adding a blue-chip defensive prospect in the first round, the Texans add some star power to help out their second-year quarterback to begin round two. At 6’5”, 210 pounds, London does not have elite separation ability, but he brings down contested catches like Mike Evans. He is incredibly agile for his size and is more than a one-dimensional threat. The Texans currently have no No. 2 wide receiver, and London would slot in and complement Brandin Cooks’ game nicely, giving Davis Mills two different archetypes of receivers to get the ball to.
38) New York Jets (via Carolina) – Jalen Pitre, SAF, Baylor
New York traded out of pick 35 to pick up some more draft capital because they have room to do so. After taking two offensive guys in the first round, the Jets picked up a Senior Bowl standout here in Pitre. He worked with the Jets staff extensively down in Mobile and had one of the most impressive performances of the week. Pitre can perhaps replace Marcus Maye, who could leave this offseason in free agency.
39) Chicago Bears – David Bell, WR, Purdue
Bears fans are probably screaming for offensive lineman here, but there weren’t any on the board that would improve that line off the bat. Perhaps Bernhard Raimann could’ve been the choice, but an undersized risk to start your draft is not the best thing in the world for an overhauled coaching staff. So, the Bears turn to Bell, a first-round talent who can simply do it all. Bell can help the blow that may occur if Allen Robinson leaves, as he is a very pro-ready player that can continue to ascend through a connection with sophomore quarterback Justin Fields.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
San Francisco 49ers receive pick 40. Denver Broncos receive Jimmy Garoppolo.
40) San Francisco 49ers (via Denver Broncos) – Daxton Hill, SAF, Michigan
Without a first-round pick this year and their second being late in the round, the 49ers will probably look to regain draft capital by trading Garopollo. With secondary a major need and Jaquiski Tartt becoming a free agent, Hill could be taken in the second round to improve the group.
41) Seattle Seahawks – Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi State
Emerson is a long corner who would fit the physical playstyle of Seattle cornerbacks. Emerson has played well in coverage, but his length is what will draw teams. In addition, there has been a need at cornerback ever since Shaquill Griffin left.
42) Seattle Seahawks (via Washington Commanders) – Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
Faalele is a behemoth at 6’8″ and 387 lbs. A once rugby player, he’s still new to the game but has a story reminiscent of Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata, who has become an ascending player due to his size and movement skills. Faalele needs a year or two to adapt to NFL strength and speed. After that, the sky’s the limit.
43) Atlanta Falcons – Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
Matt Ryan isn’t done yet, but the Falcons should consider picking up a successor for the former MVP this year. Corral, who is the fifth quarterback in this scenario, is the guy for Arthur Smith and company. He is coming off back-to-back 3000-plus yard campaigns with 20 and 29 touchdowns, respectively. Letting him sit behind Ryan as he closes out his career is about as good of a situation as it gets.
44) Cleveland Browns – Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
Cleveland needs some pass-rush help next to Myles Garrett, and what better than the Senior Bowl MVP? Mafe is more of a developmental player, but no one is better to learn from than Garrett himself. Myjai Sanders was another good option here, as well as Cameron Thomas, but Mafe is the hottest man out there right now and would be a nice pickup for the Browns.
45) Baltimore Ravens – Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
The Ravens get what is hopefully their long-term solution at right tackle here at 45. Standing 6-foot-7, the Austrian transfer student Rainmann acclimated himself well to the game in the MAC. He did spend his time there at left tackle, but seeing as they already have Ronnie Stanley there, that would be out of the question.
46) Minnesota Vikings – Perrion Winfrey, DL, Oklahoma
After taking home the Senior Bowl MVP award, Winfrey joins the Vikings as yet another addition to solidify their defensive unit. Winfrey was a JUCO transfer with a great senior campaign with the Sooners. He has violent, powerful hands at the point of attack while also possessing great athleticism. He has a fluid change-of-direction and brings versatility to the front-seven of the Vikings.
47) Indianapolis Colts – Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
The Colts desperately need a left tackle of the future. However, seeing a player of Watson’s caliber slip to the middle of the second round isn’t something you see every day, and Chris Ballard pulls the trigger. Teaming Watson up with Michael Pittman will cause defenses nightmares for years to come.
48) Los Angeles Chargers – Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati
The Chargers make another defensive addition, as Beavers can also help improve their run defense. He projects as a MIKE or WILL linebacker who is very strong against the run but is not a liability in pass coverage either. With guys like Justin Herbert, Austin Ekeler, and Keenan Allen on offense, it is not fair for the Chargers to continue underperforming; therefore, the defensive additions help create a well-rounded team that should be a playoff threat for years to come.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Kansas City Chiefs receive pick 49. New Orleans Saints receive picks 62, 94.
49) Kansas City Chiefs (via New Orleans Saints) – Jaquan Brisker, SAF, Penn State
After trading down earlier in the draft, the Chiefs can afford to move up for the last top-end safety. Tyrann Mathieu is an upcoming free agent, and at soon to be 30 years old, the Chiefs might let him walk. Even if Mathieu returns, Daniel Sorensen and Armani Watts are upcoming free agents. Furthermore, Juan Thornhill is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Adding a safety early in the draft is a must for the Chiefs.
50) Miami Dolphins – John Metchie, WR, Alabama
Addressing their offensive line need in the first round, the Dolphins could look towards wide receiver in the second. With Jaylen Waddle looking like a solid pick from last year, the Dolphins could look to pair up another former Alabama wide receiver with him. Metchie is a good blocker and solid all-around receiver that could help the Dolphins receiving core if selected.
51) Philadelphia Eagles – Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina
Tight end isn’t a need, with Dallas Goedert recently receiving a pay raise. However, with Siriannis’ creativity, two tight end sets can become a norm in Philadelphia again. Likely offers something different from Goedert and would make this offense extremely difficult to stop. He is a quick tight end with exceptional ball skills. He’s an ascending blocker and could very well become a weapon for this offense for years to come.
52) Pittsburgh Steelers – Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State
Upgrading the offensive line needs to be a point of emphasis for the franchise in April’s draft. The Steeler’s offensive line underwent massive struggles last season. Choosing to revamp the unit before the start of the year, the team was forced to rely on 2021 fourth-round pick Dan Moore to handle the blindside protection duties. A two-year starter for Ohio State, Petit Frere has made starts at both left and right tackle. A dominant run blocker with substantial length, he has the intangibles to develop into a quality starter.
53) Las Vegas Raiders – Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama
Tolbert quickly saw his draft stock rise during the senior bowl week in Mobile. Appearing in 12 games in 2021, the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year hauled in 82 receptions for 1,474 yards and eight touchdowns. He has both the length and burst to be a premier vertical threat. In desperate need of a speed option on the outside threat to complement Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller drafting the 6’1″ wideout would give Derek Carr another explosive weapon.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Atlanta Falcons receive pick 54, 2023 third and sixth-round picks. New England Patriots receive Calvin Ridley.
54) Atlanta Falcons (via New England Patriots) – Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky
The Falcons go wideout with the pick they get for sending Ridley to Foxborough. With the premier draft targets off the board already, Atlanta still gets a great prospect in Robinson. After transferring from Nebraska, he lit up SEC defenses at Kentucky. To put that into numbers, he ranked second in the conference in both receptions (by one) and yards, only trailing Alabama’s Williams in the latter category.
55) Arizona Cardinals – Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
Pending any free agent moves, Arizona is looking a bit thin at cornerback. Gordon is a bit rough on the edges, but Steve Kiem can justifiably go with him here. Gordon transitioned from a starting outside corner with the Huskies to getting some time in the slot and elsewhere. Additionally, Gordon was big for the special teams at Washington as well. Again, Arizona loves versatile defenders, and Gordon checks that box.
56) Dallas Cowboys – Lewis Cine, SAF, Georgia
The Cowboys have needed a safety for seemingly forever. With Donovan Wilson hitting free agency, the need to bring in a new safety is bigger than ever. Insert Cine, who was one of the leaders of the famed Georgia defense, and Dallas has a difference-maker on the backend of their secondary.
57) Buffalo Bills – Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati
Despite the additions of Gregory Rousseau and Carlos Basham Jr. last draft for the Bills, they still lacked pressure on the quarterback. With veterans like Mario Addison and Jerry Hughes running out of time in Buffalo, the Bills need to get younger on the defensive line. He is quick and explosive but lacks in knockout power against bigger linemen. His game will take some development, but the Bills do a good job rotating their defensive line, which will help them ease Sanders into his role.
58) Atlanta Falcons (via Tennessee Titans) – Kenneth Walker, RB, Michigan State
All of one pick after the Bills go in the second round, the Falcons swoop in (pun intended) and grab this year’s top bell cow. Walker had several monster outings in 2021 at Michigan State, none more so than against Michigan. On just 23 carries, he ran for 197 yards and a whopping five touchdowns. Pairing him up in the Falcons backfield with Cordarrelle Patterson would be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
59) Green Bay Packers – Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State
A position group littered with question marks heading into next season, the Green Bay Packers have six players under contract. However, with ongoing salary cap issues, look for Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith to be cut candidates. Needing to add another piece opposite Rashan Gary; Thomas can play all along the defensive front. Possessing a nastiness at the point of attack, the San Diego State alumni can win with speed and strength while shooting gaps against the run.
60) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Alec Lindstrom, iOL, Boston College
Alex Cappa and Ryan Jensen are both free agents, and the team will have a void at guard or center depending on who they bring back. Lindstrom can play both positions making him a valuable piece for this offensive line. Lindstrom should be a good pass protector and be a dominant run blocker.
61) San Francisco 49ers – Mykael Wright, CB, Oregon
The 49ers are very thin at cornerback, and their starters have not been tremendously successful. Although Ambry Thomas showed signs of improvement near the end of last season, no one has been dominant. Wright is a good athlete who can play both inside and outside, which could be useful for the 49ers if K’Waun Williams leaves. His versatility will allow him to find a role on the team and potentially help early on.
62) New Orleans Saints (via Kansas City Chiefs) – Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
After addressing their hole at left tackle in the first round, the Saints can now consider taking a quarterback on day two. While he didn’t have his best game against Alabama in College Football Playoffs, Ridder played well during the Senior Bowl game. He might not turn into the franchise quarterback the Saints want, but Ridder is worth the selection at this point in the draft.
63) Cincinnati Bengals – Max Mitchell, OT, Louisiana
Sensing a trend yet? The Bengals continue to build up their offensive line with the selection of Mitchell, who will likely start at right tackle during his rookie season. If the Bengals start this way while adding one of the better guards available in free agency, similar to what the Chiefs did last year, the offensive line woes would be an afterthought.
64) Denver Broncos (via Los Angeles) – Christian Harris, LB, Alabama
With Harris still on the board at the end of the second round, it would be tough to pass him up. Depending on how free agency pans out, the linebacker position could be a big need for the Broncos during the draft. Harris could help address the need. He is a fast and physical linebacker who could make an impact at the next level.
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