7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft | Round 2
Which athletes did enough at the NFL Combine to push themselves into Round 2 of this 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft?
33) Jacksonville Jaguars: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The Jaguars might be compelled to pick the best wide receiver still available at 33rd overall to continue the theme of supporting Trevor Lawrence. There’s an argument to be made that, if we’re factoring in initial utility, that guy is Chris Olave. He’s a smooth, natural receiver with confirmed 4.39 speed.
34) Detroit Lions: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Sure, we love it when Lewis Cine delivers big hits. But there’s a lot more to his game than that. He can cover and manage space on the back end and erase separation with his closing speed. Cine’s 4.37 40-yard dash, 133-inch broad jump, and 36.5-inch vertical confirmed what we already knew: Cine is one of the most explosive safeties in this draft, physically and stylistically.
35) New York Jets: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
There’s a good chance Jameson Williams won’t be available for most, if not all, of the 2022 season. That may drop him on teams’ boards, especially for those that need immediate WR help. On the surface, the Jets seem like one of those teams — but there’s a certain point where, if Williams gets there, you have to take him. Here, the potential returns for Zach Wilson in Year 3 could be worth it.
36) New York Giants: Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M
Kenyon Green didn’t test as well as expected at the NFL Combine. But in this 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft, he’s not going to fall any farther. The tape is too good for the Giants to pass on Green. He immediately shores up their interior and gives them an imposing young trio of Green, Thomas, and Penning.
37) Houston Texans: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Devin Lloyd was another first-round prospect who fell in this 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft due to team needs. After seeing Lloyd register a 9.33 RAS — complete with 4.66 speed, a 35-inch vertical, a 126-inch broad jump, and 25 bench reps at 6’3″, 237 pounds –, it’s unlikely he falls outside of Round 1. But on the off chance he does, the Texans would pull the trigger in a heartbeat.
38) New York Jets: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
With Roger McCreary, can you look past the arm length? Personally, I can’t look past it completely — only because football is a game of inches, and he might come up just short in some close plays. But to McCreary’s credit, he compensates for that lacking arm length as much as he can with fluidity, twitch, technique, and gritty physicality. He’s a great player. Round 1 may be rich, but Round 2 is the sweet spot.
39) Chicago Bears: DeMarvin Leal, DT, Texas A&M
If we’re being honest, DeMarvin Leal could fall even beyond this point. He looks more like a tweener than a hybrid each day. At the Combine, Leal logged a 5.00 40-yard dash, a 4.49 shuttle, a 106-inch broad jump, and a 27-inch vertical at 6’4″, 283 pounds. He’s still a good athlete and can offer the Bears versatility. But he may want to add weight and play on the interior full-time as he’s not quite dynamic enough on the edge.
40) Seattle Seahawks (from DEN): Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
Daxton Hill’s testing was surprisingly disappointing, especially in the explosiveness drills. But he still ran a strong 40-yard dash at 4.38. He logged a superb 10-yard split of 1.52, and he put up an absurd 6.57 three-cone time. Hill’s testing shouldn’t change anyone’s opinion about his tape. He’s still outrageously fluid, physical, and has rare closing speed. As a versatile DB with slot capabilities, he gives Seattle a lot to like, especially if they lose Quandre Diggs.
41) Seattle Seahawks: Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State
If there’s any prospect who vaulted himself upwards of 50 picks with his NFL Combine performance, it was Montana State’s Troy Andersen. Andersen is a freak athlete with a 4.42 40-yard dash, 36-inch vertical, and 128-inch broad jump at 6’3 1/2″, 243. He’s still raw in some areas, but the astronomical upside and high character alone could draw Andersen into the top 50.
42) Washington Commanders: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
If you’re keen on draft analogies, the Troy Andersen of the offense might be Christian Watson. Like Andersen, Watson was an FCS prospect who shined at the Senior Bowl. And like Andersen, Watson obliterated the NFL Combine. Watson recorded a 9.98 RAS, with a 4.36 40-yard dash, 38.5-inch vertical, and 136-inch broad jump at 6’4″, 208 pounds. For Washington, he’s a game-changing RAC threat with size and leaping ability in contested situations.
43) Atlanta Falcons: Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State
The NFL Combine was huge for Kenneth Walker. He’s arguably the best pure runner in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he tested with a 4.38 40-yard dash at 5’9″, 211 pounds. At the very least, Walker has the skills to develop on passing downs. And from the backfield, he’s a supremely instinctive, explosive runner with rare balance and leverage awareness.
44) Cleveland Browns: Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan
One of the biggest questions I had about Skyy Moore coming into the 2022 NFL Combine was speed. Subsequently, he came and ran a 4.41 40-yard dash at around 5’10”, 195 pounds. On top of that speed, Moore is also a violent route runner with strong hands and an absolute alpha mentality. He’s just getting started on his ascent, and the Browns would benefit from his easy separation ability.
45) Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa
If the Ravens can’t get Trevor Penning, another tackle who brings similar appeal is Tyler Smith. Penning logged a better RAS, but I’m of the mind that Smith is a comparable prospect. Smith is better than Penning at lowering his pads and bending his knees, and he also brings great lateral agility and recovery athleticism. They both have imposing natural power and nasty attitudes — things that the Ravens covet.
46) Minnesota Vikings: Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State
There’s a chance Arnold Ebiketie cracks Round 1. But if he drops this far, as he did in this 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the Vikings have to pounce. Ebiketie has excellent proportional length, which affords him great power capacity. He’s also a manipulative, calculated rusher with explosiveness, twitch, and the ankle flexion to win around the edge.
47) Indianapolis Colts: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
As basically everyone expected, Bernhard Raimann tested as a freak athlete at the NFL Combine. It’s rare for 6’6″, 305-pound tackles to have burst and agility like he does. In particular, his 30.5-inch vertical, 117-inch broad jump, and 4.49 shuttle stood out as impressive numbers. Raimann does still need refinement, even at 24 years old. But the athletic upside and longer-than-average tackle shelf life make him worth the gamble.
48) Los Angeles Chargers: Drake London, WR, USC
We’ve seen injuries knock players down the board before. I don’t think it should happen with Drake London, but it absolutely could — especially if he can’t go at his pro day, either. Nevertheless, when he’s healthy, London is a terrific contested-catch threat who boxes out opponents. He also has the smooth athleticism to separate on slants, and he brings a physical mindset after the catch.
Round 2 | Picks 49-64
Who closes out Round 2 of the latest 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft?
49) New Orleans Saints: John Metchie III, WR, Alabama
John Metchie III didn’t test at the Combine, as he’s still recovering from an ACL tear. But Metchie said during his press availability that he expects to be ready for the NFL season. On track for a full recovery, Metchie is a top-50 talent, and the Saints respect him as such here. He’s a well-rounded receiver with great route running and awareness downfield.
50) Miami Dolphins: Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State
If the Dolphins can get Burks and Abraham Lucas in the first two rounds, like they do in this 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft, it’ll be a win. Lucas quietly logged a 9.5 RAS at the Combine. He’s a stellar athlete with clean pass-protecting ability and steady patience. And with his 6’6″, 315-pound frame and his 1.77 10-yard split, he can get into space quickly and drive defenders down the field. His 4.4 shuttle time was also in the 99th percentile.
51) Philadelphia Eagles: Jalyn Armour-Davis, CB, Alabama
Jalyn Armour-Davis turned some heads at the NFL Combine. Finally healthy, the 6’1″ cornerback was able to run a 4.39 40-yard dash and put up a 34.5-inch vertical. He also looked very fluid in open-field drills. He was one of the best at flipping his hips while maintaining his speed. In Philadelphia, he’ll have a chance to start early, and he’ll also be able to learn from Darius Slay — a cornerback he already models his game after.
52) Pittsburgh Steelers: Travis Jones, DT, Connecticut
Jordan Davis stole the spotlight, but Connecticut’s Travis Jones quietly had an outstanding showing in Indianapolis as well. The former Husky logged a 4.92 40-yard dash, a 28.5-inch vertical, and a 110-inch broad jump at 6’4 3/8″, 325 pounds. Jones, who has been compared favorably to Derrick Brown, dominated at the Senior Bowl. He has some pass-rushing ability in addition to his sturdiness in run defense.
53) Las Vegas Raiders: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
Jahan Dotson didn’t separate himself in Indianapolis, but he did run well, as expected, and he also put up good explosiveness numbers. He’s a little light, but the tape very much works in favor of Dotson. He’s an explosive, twitchy receiver who can manipulate blind spots. And downfield, he has the vertical athleticism, coordination, and hands to make gravity-defying plays.
54) New England Patriots: Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming
It’s a little scary to think about what the Patriots could do with Chad Muma at linebacker. He’s a huge 6’3″, 239-pound specimen with 4.63 speed, a 40-inch vertical, and a 129-inch broad jump. That explosiveness and size don’t come together very often. And on top of that, Muma is instinctive and physical coming downhill. He brings a great deal of upside to Belichick’s scheme in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
55) Arizona Cardinals: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
After producing a 9.95 RAS at the NFL Combine, it’s unlikely Breece Hall falls out of Round 2. The Iowa State product’s 4.39 speed and 40-inch vertical shows up on tape. He’s explosive in short ranges, and he can stretch thin seams with his acceleration. Interestingly enough, he’s more of a finesse back than a forceful back at his size. But if he can play up to his frame more, he can be a dynamic starter in Arizona’s diverse run scheme.
56) Dallas Cowboys: Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois
Kerby Joseph is one of the most impressive safeties in the 2022 NFL Draft. At the Combine, he measured in at 6’1″, 203 pounds, with long 33-inch arms. He didn’t run the 40-yard dash, but he did post a 38.5-inch vertical and a 123-inch broad jump. On top of that, he amassed 18 bench reps — an impressive feat given his length. In this 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft, Joseph is a steal for Dallas. He’s a rangy, instinctive playmaker on the back end.
57) Buffalo Bills: Jamaree Salyer, G, Georgia
As a tackle, Jamaree Salyer is probably an early Day 3 pick. But as a guard, he could garner legitimate top-50 interest. He has a ton of upside on the interior with his density, power, and proportional length. He proved he has high-level upper body strength at the Combine, earning 31 bench reps with 34-inch arms. If you want a potential high-level guard who also has tackle experience, Salyer is your guy in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
58) Atlanta Falcons: Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama
Jalen Tolbert is a more polarizing receiver prospect in some respects, but it’s hard not to see the appeal. He was a dominant producer at South Alabama and also tested fairly well. He has 4.49 speed and a 36-inch vertical at 6’1″, 194 pounds. Additionally, Tolbert’s 32 1/4″ arms afford him a wide catch radius. In Atlanta, he presents early starting upside.
59) Green Bay Packers: Logan Hall, DT, Houston
The revamping of the defensive line continues for the Packers, this time with the addition of Houston’s Logan Hall. Hall is a bit underweight at 283 pounds, but he still put up a stellar RAS of 9.83. Figures like his 4.88 40-yard dash, 1.68 10-yard split, 4.44 shuttle, and 7.25 three-cone all fell above the 90th percentile for DTs. With his athleticism and violent aura, Hall can be a great 3-technique in Green Bay’s scheme. He resembles William Gholston, but he could have even more upside.
60) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Carson Strong, QB, Nevada
It seems like one quarterback is bound to fall in the 2022 NFL Draft. In this 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft, that quarterback is Carson Strong. With lacking mobility, a knee injury in his history, and questions surrounding his interviewing, Strong has the least security of the top QBs. There’s no denying his arm, however. It may be the best in the class, and that’s why he shouldn’t fall out of Round 2. He has the arm to maximize Bruce Arians’ downfield attack.
61) San Francisco 49ers: Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
The 49ers simply need to add talent in the secondary. Here at the tail end of Round 2 in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, Jaquan Brisker provides more than adequate value. Brisker had a strong Combine performance, putting up a 4.49 40-yard dash, 124-inch broad jump, 34.5-inch vertical, and 22 bench reps at 6’1″, 199 pounds. He also has great length, which he can use to make plays at the catch point. He’s a versatile playmaker who projects well in several roles.
62) Kansas City Chiefs: Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor
If Tyrann Mathieu does walk, the Chiefs could very well replace him with a Baylor defensive back who emulates Mathieu with his play. Jalen Pitre is a ferocious slot defender whose physicality and play pace translates incredibly well to the NFL. He could use more experience in man coverage, but at the Senior Bowl, Pitre proved he could suffocate running backs and tight ends in space.
63) Cincinnati Bengals: Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
Daniel Faalele’s decision to forgo participation in most of the drills at the Combine won’t quell concerns about his mobility. But at 6’8″, 387 pounds, he’s truly a massive human being, more resembling a mountain than an actual person. He shouldn’t be protecting the blind side with his lateral limitations, but he could be a solid right tackle in the NFL with his sheer width and strength. He’s worth the risk for the Bengals.
64) Denver Broncos: Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma
Nik Bonitto likely lifted himself into the top-50 conversation with his NFL Combine showing. Bonitto weighed in at a healthy 6’3″, 248 pounds. He then proceeded to showcase a 4.54 40-yard dash, a 35.5-inch vertical, and a 120-inch broad jump. Bonitto showed he could retain his athleticism while adding weight. With his burst and bend, he profiles well as a pass rusher in Denver’s scheme.