2022 NFL Mock Draft – Overreaction

Monday, Jan. 10, 2022.
2022 NFL Mock DRAFT – WALT’S | CHARLIE’S
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Back to Overreaction 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 1-16

Los Angeles Chargers: DeMarvin Leal, DT, Texas A&M
The Chargers could use a defensive end to go across from Joey Bosa and more interior rush next to Jerry Tillery. Leal could help in both aspects.

Leal recorded 58 tackles, 8.5 sacks, one forced fumble and two passes batted in 2021. He flashed for the Aggies in 2020 and 2019, but really looked like things were clicking for him at the end of the 2020 season. As a sophomore, Leal had 30 tackles, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one interception and three passes defended. In 2019, he recorded 38 tackles and two sacks. The 6-foot-4, 290-pound Leal has a good skill set with upside. He played end and tackle for the Aggies, and that could continue in the NFL. Team sources say they love Leal’s ability to rush the passer and his instincts versus the run. They feel he is agile and fluid, but not powerful or sudden. There are concerns about Leal struggling as a run defender on the inside in the NFL.

New Orleans Saints: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Even if Michael Thomas rejoins the Saints in 2022, they could use more wide receiver talent.

Burks totaled 66 receptions for 1,104 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2021. In 2020, he made 51 receptions for 820 yards and seven touchdowns. Burks is a big possessional wideout for the next level. The 6-foot-3, 225-pounder is tough, physical, and dangerous after the catch. Burks is a phenomenal jump-ball receiver who uses his height, strength and frame to get good position while showing an innate ability to high point the ball with strong hands to make acrobatic leaping grabs. If Burks runs fast times in workouts before the 2022 NFL Draft, that would really help him.

Houston Texans: Damone Clark, OLB, LSU
TRADE!! The Dolphins trade three first-round picks for Deshaun Watson. They give up their 2022 first-round pick, and their two first-rounders in the 2023 NFL Draft. After moving on from Benardrick McKinney and Zach Cunningham, Houston needs linebacker talent to replace them.

Clark was a tackling machine in 2021, ending up as one of with one of the highest totals in the NCAA, and has shot up draft boards. Team sources have been raving about Clark (6-3, 245), saying his skill set is similar to Micah Parsons’. While Parsons is more explosive and violent as a tackler, Clark has better instincts. They think Clark could be a more athletic and more physical version of Zach Cunningham, who led the NFL in tackles early in his career. Clark is a future three-down starter who is a sideline-to-sideline tackling machine and contribute well in coverage.

In 2021, Clark recorded 135 tackles, two forced fumbles, 5.5 sacks, one interception and two passes defended. He had 63 tackles in 2020 and 49 in 2019 to go along with 3.5 sacks. The 6-foot-3, 245-pounder possesses excellent size to go along with quickness and athleticism. He could be a riser during the 2022 NFL Draft process.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
The Steelers reach a little here, but they badly need a quarterback of the future.

Howell completed 63 percent of his passes in 2021 for 3,056 yards, 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions. His supporting cast was not as good as in 2020, and he underwhelmed in losses to Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech. For the NFL, Howell is a poor man’s Baker Mayfield. Team sources from around the league feel Howell belongs on Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft, but with the way teams reach on quarterbacks, Howell has a shot at going in Round 1.

Howell (6-1, 225) produced two prolific seasons for the Tar Heels to open his college career. As a freshman, he completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 3,641 yards, 38 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He then completed 68.1 percent of his passes for 3,586 yards, 30 touchdowns and seven interceptions as a sophomore. Howell throws accurately and has an adequate arm and some mobility, but he lacks size or dominant physical traits.

Philadelphia Eagles: Jermaine Johnson, DE, Florida State
The Eagles need more edge-rushing youth. Derek Barnett is hitting free agency, while Brandon Graham is aging.

In 2021, Johnson collected 70 tackles, 11.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two passes batted. He made big plays in run defense and the pass rush. In 2020, Johnson was part of a loaded group of edge rushers at Georgia. Azeez Ojulari was the featured defender, while Johnson, Adam Anderson and Nolan Smith rotated for snaps. Anderson and Johnson both flashed, with Johnson recording four sacks and 14 tackles in backup duty. With Anderson and Smith returning to the Bulldogs, Johnson transferred to Florida State. Some NFL scouts gave Johnson a high projection on their preseason watch list. The 6-foot-4, 255-pounder has good size and speed off the edge.

Las Vegas Raiders: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
The NFL league office put on display their corruption with Jon Gruden’s firing, and without knowing if Mike Mayock and Rich Bisaccia will stay on, the Raiders are a more difficult team to project. The Las Vegas offense was phenomenal before losing Henry Ruggs. Here’s a replacement with a deep-threat playmaker who is similar to Ruggs.

The Ohio State transfer has been an electric playmaker for the Crimson Tide this season, averaging 20.1 yards per catch for 1,507 yards and 15 touchdowns on 68 catches. The 6-foot-2, 189-pound Williams has quality height and explosive speed alongside suddenness and a burst that catches defensive backs by surprise. Williams has put himself in contention to be a late first-round or early second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

New England Patriots: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
New England grabs a playmaking receiver for Mac Jones.

In 2021, Olave recorded 65 catches for 936 yards and 13 touchdowns. He showed off his excellent speed, route-running, and smooth athleticism. Olave caught 50 passes for 729 yards and seven touchdowns in 2020. The Buckeyes had other good receiving talent with more experience during 2019, but Olave (6-0, 182) became their most dynamic receiving playmaker that season with 49 receptions for 849 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was a big-time point producer and looked like he was just getting started. Olave has quality height and the speed to get downfield.

Arizona Cardinals: Drake Jackson, DE, USC
The Cardinals could use more young defensive line youth because J.J. Watt and Chandler Jones are not long-term contributors.

In 2021, Jackson totaled 37 tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble and an interception. He displayed pass-rushing talent off the edge and played hard. USC hurt his production by moving him around, playing him somewhat outside linebacker, dropping him into coverage, and reducing his pass-rushing opportunities. After Clay Helton was fired, the Trojans started playing Jackson as a more traditional defensive end.

Jackson played well in 2020, recording 20 tackles, two sacks and an interception. He was more disruptive than the numbers illustrate that season. Jackson (6-4, 275) had an impressive debut for the Trojans in 2019. He showed some pass-rush potential alongside quality size and speed. With his skill set, Jackson has the upside to improve his production as he gains more experience.

Buffalo Bills: Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama
The Bills could stand to strengthen their cornerback corps.

Jobe notched 38 tackles, four passes broken up and two interceptions in 2021. He played well for Alabama, but he really struggled with Arkansas’ Treylon Burks, who burned him multiple times for huge plays and touchdowns. Jobe collected 55 tackles, two sacks, 11 passes defended and two forced fumbles in 2020. Like Patrick Surtain II, Jobe was a rare freshman defensive back to see the field under Nick Saban and recorded 22 tackles, two passes broken up and an interception, but he looked like he was just scratching the surface of his potential. Jobe (6-1, 189) is a big corner who can run and is athletic. Scouts say Jobe has everything you want physically, but they don’t like his inconsistency in coverage.

Cincinnati Bengals: Nick Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State
The Bengals grab more offensive line talent to protect Joe Burrow.

The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Petit-Frere won the starting right tackle job for the 2020 season and played really well. He was superb in pass protection, barely allowing any pressures all season. There were projections of the Tampa, Florida product being moved to left tackle for 2021 with senior Thayer Munford kicking inside to guard, and that is what happened. Petit-Frere played well in 2021. He is a good athlete with quickness, athleticism and a strong build.

Dallas Cowboys: Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M
The Cowboys are seeing Connor Williams go bust, and they could use more young talent on their offensive line.

Green will enter the NFL having started three straight seasons for the Aggies. Injuries forced him to play some left tackle in 2021, and while he wasn’t terrible there, he is clearly better at guard. In 2020 and 2019, Texas A&M had a lot of success running behind Green, and he was steady in pass protection for Kellen Mond. Green (6-4, 325) has a good skill set and will enter the next level with a lot of experience to potentially become a quick starter as a pro.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma
The Bucs grab a long-term replacement for Ndamukong Suh and an interior rusher to go with Vita Vea.

Winfrey recorded 23 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 2021 yet still has a ton of upside to break out. Winfrey (6-3, 298) came on strong for Oklahoma late in the 2020 season. The junior college product has a really good skill set with the ability to get upfield. In 2020, he totaled 16 tackles, a half sack and three passes batted.

Here is what an area scout texted me about Winfrey during the Oklahoma-Nebraska game, “Winfrey is a pure three-technique. He’ll get better usage of his skill set in the NFL. They play him as a 0 or 4i primarily in their scheme. He’s better when they let him tee off and 1-gap. His production gets hit taking so many base reps. They’re doing what they need to in order to win. It’s our job as scouts to project him properly.”

Kansas City Chiefs: Travon Walker, DE, Georgia
The Chiefs could use more defensive end talent across from Frank Clark.

Scouts have been buzzing about Walker, who is shooting up boards for the 2022 NFL Draft. The junior is putting together an impressive 2021, including a starting off with big performance against Clemson in the season opener. Thus far, he has 34 tackles, five sacks and a pass batted. Team sources say Walker is big, athletic and speedy. The 6-foot-5, 275-pounder has the size to set the edge and is quick off the ball. They feel he is a well-rounded defender with a lot of upside. Don’t be surprised if Walker is a riser throughout the 2022 NFL Draft process.

Detroit Lions: Drake London, WR, USC
The Lions need more wide receiver help, especially a consistent No. 1 for their offense.

London brought in 88 receptions for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns over his eight-game 2021 before a fractured ankle ended his year. The 6-foot-5, 210-pounder has mismatch size and is a dangerous 50-50 receiver with his ability to win contested catches. After the catch, London is a threat to pick up yardage because he is a physical runner who is tough for defensive backs to get to the ground. With his skill set, London is an asset in the red zone.

London is a bit of a love/hate prospect in speaking with different scouts. The evaluators who don’t like him feel that his speed is average at best and that he will struggle to get open enough in the NFL. The scouts who like London feel he is a cross between Keenan Allen and Mike Evans. They say he is a good route-runner, and has good suddenness and feel for his size. They also feel, however, that separating from NFL cornerbacks is going to be a problem for him. Despite his season-ending broken ankle, some sources think London could still be a first-round pick next April in the 2022 NFL Draft.

London was in a crowded depth chart in 2019 and 2020, but he still showed some intriguing ability. In 2020, he had 33 receptions for 502 yards and three touchdowns over six games with Amon-Ra St. Brown as the featured receiver. As a freshman, London had 39 catches for 567 yards and five touchdowns with St. Brown and Michael Pittman Jr. ahead of London in targets.

Tennessee Titans: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
The Titans are paying the price for Isaiah Wilson being a massive bust. They still have a huge hole at right tackle and must upgrade their pass protection for Ryan Tannehill.

Penning impressed advance scouts and earned a favorable projection entering the 2021 season. The 6-foot-7, 329-pounder has good speed and athleticism to go along with his massive size. Penning has caught the attention of scouts, and he could be a riser during the 2022 NFL Draft process.

Houston Texans: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
TRADE!! The Texans move up with the Packers to get a potential quarterback of the future. Willis is raw, but he has a good skill set with a lot of upside.

In 2021, Willis completed 61 percent of his passes for 2,857 yards, 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also had 13 rushing touchdowns and 878 yards on the ground. Willis broke out in 2020, completing 64 percent of his passes for 2,260 yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also ran for 14 touchdowns and 944 yards on the ground. Willis started out his career at Auburn before transferring to Liberty.

For the NFL, Willis has a good skill set and talent to work with. His dangerous mobility makes him a threat to make plays off schedule, plus he is tough to sack. Willis really helps his offensive line with his escapability and is a tough runner. He also can throw a good deep ball, showing impressive strength, touch and placement. Team sources say Willis has issues with his height and gets blinded some times by the line. They feel Willis is a second-day pick but a team could fall in love with his arm and mobility and take him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

As a passer, Willis needs development with his mechanics. He throws flat-footed at times, and his footwork can lead to inconsistency with placement. For his football development, it would make sense to go back to school and get better, but considering the 2022 NFL Draft is weak at quarterback, it could make sense for Willis to come out.

Green Bay Packers: Devin Lloyd, ILB, Utah
TRADE!! The Packers move down in a trade with the Texans. Green Bay adds some picks while grabbing a young talent at linebacker.

Lloyd was a monster for the Utes in 2021, leading their tough defense. In 2021, he had 111 tackles, eight sacks, one forced fumble, four interceptions and six passes defended. In 2019, he collected 91 tackles, 6.5 sacks, one interception and two passes broken up. The 6-foot-3, 235-pounder was a heat-seeking missile flying around the field in 2021, showing the ability to be a three-down starter in the NFL.

Team sources like Lloyd, saying he is big, long and athletic. They feel he has good instincts, but is not overly twitchy. He is physical and has good length to get off blocks. This season, Lloyd had made some impressive plays in coverage and as a rusher. He has a quality skill set and looks like a safe pick to be a quality starter. Lloyd should at least be a high second-round pick and might get late first-round consideration.

Chicago Bears: George Pickens, WR, Georgia
The Bears need more weapons for Justin Fields.

After suffering a torn ACL in the spring, Pickens didn’t play until late in the 2021 season, making four receptions for 55 yards over three games. Team sources are high on his skill set of size, speed, and athleticism. In 2020, Pickens had 36 receptions for 513 yards and six touchdowns. He played well as a freshman for Georgia, catching 49 passes for 727 yards and eight touchdowns. The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder has the upside to be better as he gains experience.

Seattle Seahawks: Jalyn Armour-Davis, CB, Alabama
Seattle badly needs young cornerback talent.

Armour-Davis is a big cornerback who has a good skill set. In 2021, he has three interceptions, 32 tackles and four passes defended. The 6-foot-1, 192-pounder could improve as he gains experience. Armour-Davis won the starting cornerback spot opposite Josh Jobe as the replacement for Patrick Surtain. Armour-Davis has been a solid cover corner this season, showing some size, ball skills, athleticism and quickness.

Indianapolis Colts: Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati
The Colts could use more talent at wide receiver and a replacement for T.Y. Hilton.

Pierce had his best season in 2021, racking up 52 catches for 884 yards and eight touchdowns. Wide receivers with the senior’s skill set of being big, fast, and productive don’t last long in the NFL drafts, and Pierce has special ability for the next level. After a fast first-step, Pierce has a second gear to accelerate down the field and stretch defenses over the top. Pierce shows good technique as a receiver as well and uses his size to win. With his size/speed mismatch ability, he could be a late first-round or second-round steal in the 2022 NFL Draft. Some team sources compare him to Jordy Nelson coming out of Kansas State.

Miami Dolphins: Zamir White, RB, Georgia
Miami trades for Deshaun Watson, using its 2022 first-round pick in the deal. In the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Dolphins could use a difference maker in the backfield to help their new franchise quarterback.

White has split carries in the typically crowded Georgia backfield, but White has impressed in his opportunities. Teams sources say they are grading him on Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft and think he could be a starter in the NFL. The 6-foot, 215-pounder has a good combination of size and speed. Additionally, he will enter the NFL with fresh legs due to the Georgia backfield platoon. In 2021, White has averaged 5.4 yards per carry for 772 yards and 10 touchdowns.

San Francisco 49ers: Jermaine Waller, CB, Virginia Tech
The 49ers need some young talent at corner.

Waller was a ballhawk in 2021, recording four interceptions, five passes defended and 45 tackles. This wasn’t the first season he showed serious ball skills, as he had three interceptions, 10 passes broken up and 46 tackles in 2019. The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder has a good skill set, and some team sources believe he will become a starter in the second year of his NFL career.

Los Angeles Rams: Myles Jones, CB, Texas A&M
I think the Rams will receive a third-round compensatory pick for losing a pair of defensive backs to the Browns in free agency over last offseason. Los Angeles could consider adding more cornerback talent to go with Jalen Ramsey.

Jones could have been a second-round pick if had a healthy 2021 season and stayed consistent with how he played in 2020. Jones, however, barely played in 2021 because of an injury, and as a result he could be a mid-round steal in the 2022 NFL Draft. Jones played well in 2020, recording 39 tackles, an interception and five passes defended. Over the previous three seasons, he broke up 23 passes but made three interceptions in that same time. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Jones is a tall, thin corner who might need to add strength in the upper and lower body for the pro game. He has excellent length and runs well enough to have starting potential.

Back to Overreaction 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 1-16

Other 2022 NFL Mock Drafts:

2022 NFL Mock Draft – Walt’s

Charlie Campbell’s 2022 NFL Mock Draft

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