2022 2-Round NFL Mock Draft | 17-32
Who rounds out the first verse … I mean half of this 2022 NFL Mock Draft?
17) Pittsburgh Steelers: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
Big Ben shares his nickname with the clock tower in London, and he is playing like the historical landmark as well. Ben Roethlisberger has already hinted that this will be his final year in Pittsburgh, so the Steelers need to find his heir apparent.
Sam Howell has struggled without his top two WRs and RBs from last season. Regardless, he can hit throws from multiple arm angles with athleticism to boot.
18) Baltimore Ravens: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State
The Ravens sent Orlando Brown to the Chiefs last year, opening a gaping hole at right tackle. With how much they depend on the running game, Baltimore needs to fill that hole … and fast.
The Pancake King, Ikem Ekwonu was Born to Be Wild. He is a menace on the O-line, no matter where he lines up. Icky will have NFL-level DTs singing along with Queen, “Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality.”
19) Minnesota Vikings: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Ahmad Gardner gets a Whole Lotta Love from the draft community, and for good reason. “Sauce” hasn’t allowed a single touchdown. Not this season, last season, or in his entire three-year collegiate career. His length and 6’3″, 200-pound frame are tailor-made for Mike Zimmer’s defensive scheme.
20) Buffalo Bills: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Buffalo needs another talented CB to pair with Tre’Davious White. Kaiir Elam can be that and more. He’s battled-tested in the SEC and comes with impressive size (6’2″). His film study and understanding of route concepts are almost as outstanding as his fluidity on the backend.
21) Miami Dolphins (from SF): Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
The Dolphins need offensive line help, but where do they begin? Why not with Iowa’s wrestler-turned-center Tyler Linderbaum?
Linderbaum plays with a nasty mean streak, seeking and destroying quicker than any of the U.S.’s billion-dollar weapon systems. The only thing more synonymous than Linderbaum owning defenders is Elvis Presley’s gyrating hips.
22) Los Angeles Chargers: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler, Justin Herbert, and … Chris Olave. If that doesn’t make defensive coordinators sing the opening lyrics of The Sound of Silence, (“Hello there darkness, my old friend”) I don’t know what will. Olave possesses stellar play speed, though he may not record a blazing 40 time. Oh, and his route running is among the cleanest in the class.
23) Philadelphia Eagles (from IND): Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
The eighth wonder of the world, Jordan Davis, is a behemoth of a man. At 6’6″ and 340 pounds, it’s no wonder he can plug two gaps at the same time. But don’t let his size fool you — Davis is light on his feet and can push the pocket in a rotation.
24) Detroit Lions (from LAR): Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
After grabbing a sure-fire player on the defensive side of the ball, the Lions can shift their focus to the offense. Malik Willis has taken his lumps this year, but the potential is still there. He can carry the rock like a running back and launch missiles downfield. You don’t get much more “dual-threat” than that.
25) Cincinnati Bengals: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
The Bengals passed on Penei Sewell last year, and NFL Draft Twitter had a field day with the selection. The interior of the line is where the major concerns lie, as Jonah Williams locks down the LT spot. RT Riley Reiff has played well in 2021, but Trevor Penning would come in and provide Joe Burrow with elite bookend tackles for his tenure in Cincy. Penning is also a mauler in the ground game and should spring Joe Mixon loose off the edge.
26) Tennessee Titans: Drake London, WR, USC
Drake London is in the running for best name in the 2022 NFL Draft. On top of that, he has an insane catch radius and is no slouch after the catch. Moreover, at 6’5″, London owns the best contested-catch prowess in the class.
He provides the Titans with insurance as both A.J. Brown and Julio Jones have missed time with injuries this year. London also offers QB Ryan Tannehill a huge third option who can play out wide and in the slot.
27) Arizona Cardinals: DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
The Cardinals are loaded on offense. Their top two RBs are out of contract after this year, but the ROI from the position isn’t enough at pick 27. So, Arizona elects to beef up their defensive front, taking DeMarvin Leal in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
Leal didn’t dominate as much as you’d expect from someone of his pedigree, but he flashed his uncoachable traits in every game. Leal’s coordination and easy movement ability alone deserve first-round consideration.
28) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Trent McDuffie‘s smoothness triggering downfield is reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s Moon Walk. Iconic, effective, and damn beautiful to watch. The Buccaneers know a thing or two about how much depth matters at cornerback. So, they secure the services of one of the best tackling zone corners the 2022 NFL Draft has to offer.
29) New England Patriots: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
Roger McCreary fits into Bill Belichick’s press-man scheme perfectly. He matches New England’s stoicism, remaining consistent and not letting the ups and downs dictate his play on the next snap. He may not generate the same interception numbers as J.C. Jackson, but the Patriots can maximize his skill set right out of the gates.
30) Dallas Cowboys: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
The Cowboys could use an edge rusher or another corner, but Daxton Hill instantly upgrades an already ball-hawking secondary. His addition allows Pro Bowl snub Jayron Kearse to remain in his versatile role while Hill mans the deep safety position. Hill’s burst and anticipation are off the charts, as are his ball skills.
31) Kansas City Chiefs: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Do the Chiefs need more weapons? Yes, 100%. Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill aren’t getting any younger, and even at full strength, they could benefit from a triple threat. Treylon Burks‘ YAC prowess is running back-esque, as is his dense, 6’3″, and 225-pound build. Don’t overthink it, KC.
32) Green Bay Packers: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
Bernhard Raimann realized his potential this season and could cement his first-round selection with a strong outing at the Senior Bowl. The Central Michigan OT makes the most of his 6’7″, 305-pound frame. He is exceptional in pass protection, but don’t sleep on his run-blocking chops.