2022 NFL Mock Draft | Round 4
No 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft is complete without Day 3. And this Day 3 begins with one of my favorite players in the draft.
106) Denver Broncos (mock trade with JAX): Tyler Allgeier, RB, BYU
As part of their trade with Jacksonville to get Mafe, the Broncos also received the first pick of the fourth round. They grab Tyler Allgeier, who has a similar skill set to current Broncos running back Javonte Williams. Allgeier is a deceptively fast running back with some of the best contact balance we’ve seen in years.
107) Houston Texans (from DET via CLE): Braxton Jones, OT, Southern Utah
Proving he could hold his own at the Senior Bowl, Braxton Jones was dominant. In fact, he was the only one to hold his new teammate (Jermaine Johnson) to no pressures on the first day of a terrific week of practices. Jones will need some seasoning to take on a full NFL schedule week in and week out, but he has the frame and technique to do so.
108) Houston Texans: Kyle Philips, WR, UCLA
There are some coachable traits to unlock with Kyle Philips, but once he’s unleashed, he has all the tools to be one of this draft’s best slot options. Philips has a great get-off at the line of scrimmage, but it could be better. As PFN’s James Fragoza unlocked, Philips could work on his release at the line and become even faster. That’s saying something for a guy who was already one of the fastest at the position this draft.
109) New Orleans Saints (from NYJ via mock trade with SEA): Ed Ingram, G, LSU
With their new pick from their trade up with the Seahawks, the Saints grab nearby prospect Ed Ingram from LSU. Andrus Peat is in the Bayou, but for how long? With his cap hit increasing to $11.8M in 2023, his time could be limited. Ingram gives them the body to potentially move on from Peat while also competing for snaps and improving the line from the right guard spot in the short term.
110) Indianapolis Colts (from NYG via mock trade with BAL): Max Mitchell, OT, Louisiana
Mock Trade: The Colts sent pick Nos. 122 and 159 in 2022 and a 2023 seventh-round pick in exchange for pick No. 110 in 2022 and a 2023 sixth-round pick from the Ravens.
The Colts send a few picks to the Ravens to move up 12 spots here. Indianapolis moves up to grab Max Mitchell from Louisiana. The tenacious run blocker dominated in the Louisiana rushing attack throughout his four-year career. He also greatly improves the Colts’ roster that is missing a stalwart in pass protection on the left side.
It may take him the offseason to reacclimate to the left side after he switched to protect the blind side for left-handed quarterback Levi Lewis over the past two seasons. Still, Mitchell should absolutely be considered one of the better value picks at this stage of the draft.
111) New York Jets (from CAR): Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA
Coming streaming down the seam to an end zone near you Jets fans will be Greg Dulcich. Dulcich’s not the most athletic, but he’s far from the bottom of the barrel. Yet, he still wins more often than not. Dulcich also presents value with his hands, deceptive speed, and inline blocking ability from Chip Kelly’s system.
112) New York Giants (from CHI): JT Woods, S, Baylor
Needing more than just one safety this offseason, the Giants grab the second Baylor safety in this class with JT Woods here. Woods is a big safety who loses nothing with his size, hitting the 4.3s in the 40-yard dash. At 6’2″, 195, Woods has size and speed as well as power and technique. He can also play either safety position right away but may be at his best in the box as a traditional strong safety with incredible speed and range to cover the slot.
113) Washington Commanders: Bo Melton, WR, Rutgers
Howell has a new weapon in Washington as Bo Melton makes the trek a bit south from Rutgers. Melton can win all over the field but has a documented success rate outside with his ability to get off defenders at the line of scrimmage. He can line up everywhere for the Commanders and is also a threat for special-teams play early in his career.
114) Atlanta Falcons: Bryan Cook, S, Cincinnati
Moving back to the defensive side of the ball, the Falcons grab Bryan Cook from Cincinnati. Cook had quite a college career and capped it with a dominant season in 2021. He’s rangy and brings the power with his hits at times, but his prowess in coverage is ideal for today’s NFL.
115) Jacksonville Jaguars (mock trade with DEN): Yusuf Corker, S, Kentucky
As part of their haul from the Broncos, Jacksonville gets to pick back-to-back here. First, they grab Yusuf Corker from Kentucky. Corker has an underrated game that includes terrific coverage instincts and skill. His downhill style of play, mixed with his ability to cover in the box or from the slot, will go a long way in Jacksonville’s defense.
116) Jacksonville Jaguars (from SEA via mock trade with DEN): Lecitus Smith, G, Virginia Tech
With their second in back-to-back picks, the Jags grab Lecitus Smith from Virginia Tech. Like fellow newly-drafted Jaguars lineman Kinnard, Smith can play multiple positions. He also presents an improvement over the current unit with his strength and base. Kinnard can stick outside while Smith improves the interior.
117) New York Jets (from MIN): Tyler Badie, RB, Missouri
The Jets continue to give assistance to Wilson as Tyler Badie is the pick here. There likely isn’t a better running back for today’s NFL in this class as Badie comes fully equipped with the best set of pass-catching skills at the position. He also is a great rusher between the tackles or in space. Checkdowns or dump-offs to Badie now come into play as desired reads for Wilson — he’s a threat to take the ball the distance every time he touches it.
118) Cleveland Browns: Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati
Making the trek north up I-71, Darrian Beavers heads to the Browns at pick 118. Beavers is a potential improvement as a three-down linebacker with Cleveland as he plays to a great strength. His massive frame allows him to eat up space in a hurry, and he’s just as talented across every facet of defense.
119) Baltimore Ravens: Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M
Needing health, depth, and a burst in the backfield, the Ravens grab Isaiah Spiller from Texas A&M. Say what you will about the pre-draft process results for Spiller, he has an elite game speed. He also increases his speed through his breaks, a rare feat only a few accomplish with the ball in their hands.
120) New Orleans Saints: Mykael Wright, CB, Oregon
It’s a mixture of veterans and potential stars in the Saints’ cornerback room. Mykael Wright enters the fray with potential stardom attached to his coverage ability as well. Wright is fast and plays faster. He also has documented success at covering bigger receivers from a variety of alignments.
121) Kansas City Chiefs (from MIA): Rachaad White, RB, Arizona State
The Chiefs added help in the backfield over the past two offseasons, but none of those acquisitions contain the value that Rachaad White does. White is a do-it-all back with tremendous skills in the receiving game as well as on the ground. If he finds space, White has the speed to take it to the house on any play. He also has the elusiveness to make defenders miss in the proverbial phone booth or the open field.
122) Baltimore Ravens (mock trade with IND): Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor
Blazing through the 40-yard dash, Tyquan Thornton will give Lamar Jackson a new weapon in the passing game. Thornton slices through defenders with his speed and can create separation immediately at the line of scrimmage, massively helping the Ravens’ quick passing attack with Jackson at the helm.
123) Los Angeles Chargers: Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma
Yes, the Chargers added Khalil Mack to Joey Bosa to form perhaps the league’s best pass-rushing duo. That doesn’t mean they should stop there as they can’t be expected to play every single snap at a high level during a 17-game regular season. Nik Bonitto offers versatility and upside as well as relief for Bosa and Mack in the short term while potentially being a top-notch pass rusher himself down the road.
124) Philadelphia Eagles: Sterling Weatherford, S, Miami (OH)
A valuable addition, the pick of Sterling Weatherford puts him in a hybrid role between box strong safety and cover linebacker. As he can play both, Weatherford fits in behind Kyzir White (another former safety-turned-linebacker) and Marcus Epps in the secondary.
125) Miami Dolphins (from PIT): Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Alabama
One of the true teams who need a running back, the Dolphins did their best at fixing the position through free agency. By signing Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert, they put a band-aid on the problem of obtaining a three-down back.
However, they fix that here with the selection of Brian Robinson Jr. from Alabama. A purebred back with untapped potential, Robinson waited his turn at Alabama and comes with far fewer miles on his tires than most in this class.
126) Las Vegas Raiders: Haskell Garrett, DT, Ohio State
The Raiders grab a depth piece and potential starter down the road in Haskell Garrett. The former Ohio State standout came on strong during his final two years in Columbus. Garrett is strong — both on and off the field — playing very well through contact with great balance and better hands.
127) New England Patriots: Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma
Listing Brian Asamoah as a linebacker is almost a detriment to what he brings to the table. Think of him as a dominant coverage-style box safety who runs with tight ends and running backs all the same. He can also blitz well, but his real value will come in sub-packages and on obvious passing downs where his coverage prowess will pay off.
128) Baltimore Ravens (from ARI): Akayleb Evans, CB, Missouri
A big-bodied cornerback, Akayleb Evans is a student of the game. He also has sound technique stemming from his time with master cornerbacks coach Aaron Fletcher both at Tulsa and their lone season at Missouri. Evans is a big man with a bigger catch radius and ability to close space at the catch point.
129) Dallas Cowboys: JoJo Domann, LB, Nebraska
Call JoJo Domann more than a linebacker — the hybrid player can cover with the best of them, rush the passer with ease, and stuff the run incredibly well. He’s athletic and fully versed in a variety of defensive schemes. Domann, a legacy NFL player, should fit right into today’s professional football.
130) Buffalo Bills: James Cook, RB, Georgia
Needing a back to separate themselves from the pack, the Bills grab this year’s best pass-catching running back out of the backfield in James Cook. Everything you thought about the importance of a running back, multiple that by a dozen or more as that’s what Cook will get you in yards after the catch no matter where he catches the ball. He’s a great runner with the ball in his hands and comes with much less wear on his tires than every back in this class.
131) Tennessee Titans: Isaiah Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
The depth at EDGE gets a boost in Tennessee with Isaiah Thomas‘ selection. He’s a big dude with a bigger pass-rush arsenal. Thomas can play various roles on the Titans’ defensive line, utilizing his strength and speed in several ways.
132) Green Bay Packers: Jerreth Sterns, WR, Western Kentucky
Another receiver for the Packers! Jerreth Sterns proved during the pre-draft process that he’s more than just an Air Raid guy. He can go up and get the ball despite his smaller stature, and no passing concept seemed new to him during the East-West Shrine Bowl or the Combine. Sterns is a solid addition to the Packers’ receiving corps that will look dramatically different in 2022 and beyond.
133) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bailey Zappe, QB, Western Kentucky
Bailey Zappe is a better quarterback than Kyle Trask. The future in Tampa is in Zappe’s right arm. And that’s a great thing for Bucs fans. Zappe gets to learn from Tom Brady for at least one season before transitioning into a quarterback battle with 2021’s second-round pick Trask. But Zappe has all the arm strength, the mental makeup, and the leadership skills of a QB1 in the NFL. Tampa is lucky to get him here.
134) San Francisco 49ers: Romeo Doubs, WR, Nevada
The 49ers’ draft plans change if they move Deebo Samuel, but Romeo Doubs could very well be the pick here regardless of whether or not they ship Samuel out. Doubs has all the skills to win against any type of coverage, and like many others in this class, plays to a different speed. He high-points the football well, fights with his hands even better, and wins consistently with or without separation.
135) Kansas City Chiefs: Velus Jones Jr., WR, Tennessee
Velus Jones Jr. has great speed, showcasing that at the Senior Bowl. He utilizes that speed at the line of scrimmage very well, using it to get by his defender in press coverage or eat up the cushion against zone coverage. Jones also uses that speed to create separation along his route breaks or at the catch point. Patrick Mahomes will love that speed and what Jones does with it.
136) Cincinnati Bengals: Cole Turner, TE, Nevada
Lacking few things on offense, the Bengals grab Nevada’s Cole Turner to improve their tight end unit. Turner is a big man with a bigger catch radius. He utilizes it well all across the field, but he’s a dominant red-zone threat. Joe Burrow will quickly have a new short-yardage and goal-to-go pass target.
137) Carolina Panthers (from LAR via HOU): Zach Tom, G/C, Wake Forest
They had to wait a while after grabbing Pickett in Round 1, but here the Panthers go again. After passing on selecting a lineman, they grab Zach Tom from Wake Forest. Tom, who can play all three interior spots, also has experience at tackle, including starting at left tackle for the Demon Deacons in 2021. His versatility and pass-blocking ability will go a long way toward seeing the field early and often in Carolina.
138) Pittsburgh Steelers (compensatory selection): Markquese Bell, S, Florida A&M
With a dominant physicality, the Steelers grab Markquese Bell to pair alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick. This pick allows Fitzpatrick to stay in his natural free safety position as Bell has a large frame and comes downhill with a vengeance. He can also cover from the box, whether it’s crossing receivers in zone or man-coverage principles against tight ends.
139) Baltimore Ravens (compensatory selection): Jamaree Salyer, OT/G, Georgia
The Ravens grab Jamaree Salyer here with one of their compensatory selections. Salyer has the ability to play wherever the Ravens need him and could act as an insurance policy for Ronnie Stanley or slide into a starting role at either guard spot.
140) Green Bay Packers (compensatory selection): Alontae Taylor, CB, Tennessee
Another cornerback? It’s necessary to have at least 5-6 solid cover corners nowadays. Alontae Taylor has speed and great athleticism to play with the best of them in the NFL. He’ll have to fight to avoid penalties, but Taylor’s a great fit in the Packers’ scheme if he can shore that up.
141) Baltimore Ravens (compensatory selection): John Ridgeway, DT, Arkansas
John Ridgeway is a true interior pass rusher who excels at eating up two gaps. If he can lower his pad level and play more horizontal than vertical, his presence on the field will be felt even more in the backfield of opposing offenses.
142) Los Angeles Rams (compensatory selection): Damarri Mathis, CB, Pittsburgh
Rising up draft boards, Damarri Mathis had a dominant pre-draft process. Turning heads this offseason only shed light on his terrific college career at Pitt that saw him make a plethora of plays on the ball (5 career interceptions). Mathis has sound instincts and a terrific ability to understand route concepts that allow him to get a jump on his receiver.
143) Tennessee Titans (compensatory selection): Jermaine Waller, CB, Virginia Tech
Pairing Jermaine Waller with his former teammate in Caleb Farley seems like a great idea, especially when cornerback is a need for Tennessee. Waller, who had his best year with Farley opposite him, could use the familiar face as he adjusts to the NFL game. He has the coverage ability and the hands at the catch point to make an impact in the league.