2022 NFL Mock Draft | Round 5
We’re moving along quite nicely here. Will any quarterbacks come off the board in Round 5?
144) Carolina Panthers (from JAX): Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State
Though they grabbed the versatile Tom earlier, the Panthers grab a true tackle prospect in Rasheed Walker to hopefully cure their tackle issues. Though I’m still a believer in Brady Christensen, bringing in Walker to compete with him and Cameron Erving for the left tackle spot means Carolina gets the best option presented to them.
145) Denver Broncos (from DET): Thomas Booker, DT, Stanford
A student of the game, Thomas Booker is one of the most technically advanced and intelligent pass rushers in this draft. He’s also a solid addition in run defense. Booker can play inside or outside and win all the same. And his value improves once you talk to him off the field, where he’ll be a coach and player favorite.
146) New York Jets: Lucas Krull, TE, Pittsburgh
I know what you’re thinking — another tight end for the Jets? And the answer is easy — yes. Lucas Krull is the best run blocker in this class but also has a physicality along his routes with strong hands. He can line up in the slot and has a great after-the-catch ability if he’s in space.
147) New York Giants: Tariq Castro-Fields, CB, Penn State
With a dominant Senior Bowl performance, Tariq Castro-Fields put himself back on the map. As such, he’s the man here as the Giants grab him to help bolster their secondary. Castro-Fields can cover a variety of receivers with his combination of skills. He also flashed a set of ball skills at the Senior Bowl that we hadn’t seen before.
148) Chicago Bears (from HOU): Kalon Barnes, CB, Baylor
You can’t mention Kalon Barnes without mentioning his Combine performance and top speed. Running the fastest 40-yard dash we’ve ever seen from a defender and second-fastest ever at the Combine, Barnes tipped the clock at 4.23, just one one-hundredth off the all-time record of 4.22. The best part about Barnes’ game is that his speed is utilized across all his skills. He has plenty of makeup speed to cover any lapses in coverage, though those lapses aren’t common.
149) Carolina Panthers: Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis
Howell will have a brand new weapon to find in the quick passing game in Carolina in Calvin Austin III. With some of the fastest splits we’ve seen in some time, Austin is as athletic as you’d expect if you watch his highlights. He can get open in the blink of an eye and sprint past defenders all the same.
150) Chicago Bears: Matt Henningsen, DT, Wisconsin
It didn’t go their way with the signing of Larry Ogunjobi, so here we are with the Bears drafting a defensive tackle instead. Matt Henningsen has three-down potential on the Bears’ defensive line. He rushes the passer well while presenting upside with his run defense. Henningsen can play as far as a Wide-9 but likely factors heavily into the inside rotation as his career develops.
151) Atlanta Falcons: Cole Strange, G, Chattanooga
A mauler and mean blocker in the trenches, Cole Strange will immediately make his presence known in the NFL. He may be a season away from meaningful snaps as he adjusts to the speed of the game at the professional level, but Strange has sound fundamentals. Strange also has great play strength and a keen understanding of the game.
152) Seattle Seahawks (from DEN): Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson
Seattle takes a chance here on Justyn Ross, hoping he can revitalize his once-promising career that was derailed by injury. Ross proved he was healthy by completing drills at both the Combine and Clemson Pro Day, albeit underwhelming in each. However, Ross’ ability in that famed 2018 season vaulted him into a potential top-10 pick at the time. If he’s even a fraction of that player now that he’s healthy, Ross is a home-run pick at this stage of the draft.
153) Seattle Seahawks: Ellis Brooks, LB, Penn State
Going back to the LB position, the Seahawks grab Penn State’s Ellis Brooks with their second in back-to-back picks. Though a true middle linebacker at heart, Brooks showcased a hidden ability to rush the passer when presented that option at Penn State. He’s a sound tackler with great ability to run both the alley and sideline to sideline.
154) Philadelphia Eagles (from WAS): Jake Ferguson, TE, Wisconsin
The health of Tyree Jackson and his potential return pushes tight end as a need down, but Jake Ferguson is an improvement on all but Dallas Goedert on Philly’s roster. Ferguson can play as a rotational pass catcher in Year 1 or in base sets of 12 personnel all the same.
155) Dallas Cowboys (from CLE): Matthew Butler, DT, Tennessee
Getting bigger on the interior of their defensive line should be a priority for Dallas. As a talented, experienced mover of bodies in the middle, Matthew Butler affords them that luxury. Butler, who improved annually, has a great first step and offers versatility to line up as far out wide as a 7-tech in the Cowboys’ front.
156) Minnesota Vikings (from BAL): Thayer Munford, G, Ohio State
With an attempt to increase their prowess on the inside of their offensive line, Thayer Munford is the selection. Munford, who looked more natural at guard during his time at Ohio State, has plenty of versatility to play nearly four spots on the Vikings’ offensive line. But, as mentioned, guard seems the more natural fit, and he can battle for snaps while adding depth to the unit.
157) Jacksonville Jaguars (from MIN): Jerome Ford, RB, Cincinnati
Travis Etienne returns from injury, and James Robinson is still in the picture. Yet, there’s a physicality that the Jaguars’ backfield is missing. Jerome Ford solves that with not only his punishing run style but his top-end speed (which is hard to catch). Ford improves the Jaguars’ run game dramatically and allows Etienne to be brought up to game speed slowly and become a heavy factor in the air.
158) New England Patriots (from MIA): Micah McFadden, LB, Indiana
Listing Micah McFadden as a true “linebacker” almost does him a disservice all the same. McFadden thrives when he’s rushing the passer, but that’s not to say there’s a lapse when he covers from the weak side. McFadden and Asamoah give the Patriots chess pieces in the box to deploy at their leisure.
159) Baltimore Ravens (mock trade with IND): Ali Fayad, EDGE, Western Michigan
With perhaps the best spin move we saw during the pre-draft process, Ali Fayad is the pick here as the Ravens continue to get younger on defense. Fayad is as impressive in person as he is on the field, and that’s saying something. He has a quick first step and faster hands to battle through block attempts.
160) Los Angeles Chargers: Joshua Ezeudu, OT/G, North Carolina
Versatility on the offensive line is key for the Chargers. Joshua Ezeudu can quite literally play any position on the offensive line and has multiple starts at left guard and both tackle spots over the past two years alone. Typically, players with his kind of versatility suffer a downgrade in production but not Ezeudu — he can play either position at a high level.
161) New Orleans Saints: Kaleb Eleby, QB, Western Michigan
The Saints selected Ian Book in the fourth round last year and signed Andy Dalton this offseason. With their QB situation in flux behind Jameis Winston, Kaleb Eleby being around at this point is a relatively easy decision. Eleby comes with the potential to develop into a starter. He has the arm talent that surpasses Book and can hit every level of the field. It seems the practice squad is the likely destination for Year 1 until 2023, and that may be the best for his developing game.
162) Philadelphia Eagles: Decobie Durant, CB, South Carolina State
It’s a league that requires multiple starting defensive backs and even more depth pieces in every team’s secondary. Decobie Durant will need seasoning to see significant snaps, but he has the sticky coverage ability to find playing time sooner as opposed to later.
163) New York Jets (from PIT): Jesse Luketa, LB, Penn State
Listing Jesse Luketa as a linebacker is likely a disservice to what he brings to the table. Luketa is a terrific edge defender with stand-up linebacker qualities. He’s a big man at 253 pounds, yet he moves much lighter and hits like a much heavier one. He can pair incredibly well with the returning Carl Lawson and newly-acquired Hutchinson as his presence on the field will cause potential mismatches in pass-rush situations.
164) Dallas Cowboys (from NE via mock trade with LV): Damone Clark, LB, LSU
Mock Trade: The Cowboys send pick No. 167 in 2022 as well as a 2023 seventh-round pick to Las Vegas in exchange for the Raiders’ pick No. 164.
Moving up three spots, the Cowboys make the move on a potential game-changing linebacker who, at one point, had first-round hype. Damone Clark had spinal fusion surgery and will miss the entire 2022 season. If he does return to the form that he showcased at LSU, this pick becomes a success. It’s worth it to move above the Raiders who themselves appeared to be targeting a linebacker with this selection.
165) Las Vegas Raiders: Alec Lindstrom, G/C, Boston College
Alec Lindstrom can play a number of positions on the offensive line, including kicking all the way in to center. Lindstrom provides not only depth at each position but also potential upgrades through the next four seasons from left guard to right guard.
166) Philadelphia Eagles (from ARI): Tay Martin, WR, Oklahoma State
A talented pass catcher, Tay Martin has some truly great traits. He can make any sideline catch look routine and presents an upside in the WR4 or WR5 spot on Philly’s current roster.
167) Las Vegas Raiders (mock trade with DAL): Leon O’Neal Jr., S, Texas A&M
Similar to some other Texas A&M prospects, Leon O’Neal Jr. had a pretty sluggish pre-draft process. Still, O’Neal plays to a different speed and has great instincts that allow him to play freely. His versatility in coverage will pay dividends as he adjusts to the NFL.
168) Buffalo Bills: Luke Fortner, G/C, Kentucky
Versatility at this stage of the draft is huge — grabbing Luke Fortner is a big testament to that. Fortner can play all three interior positions and be counted on in a pinch to kick outside if necessary. He’s a natural guard and could eventually take over for the aging Rodger Saffold.
169) Tennessee Titans: Mario Goodrich, CB, Clemson
Doubling down on the cornerback position, the Titans grab Mario Goodrich here. Goodrich has shown an ability to lock down top receivers and take over at times. He doesn’t allow a ton of yards after the catch and has sound technique.
170) Houston Texans: Braylon Sanders, WR, Ole Miss
Yes, another receiver for the Texans as Braylon Sanders heads to Houston. Sanders arguably had a better pre-draft process than he did career at Ole Miss, mainly because of the system in Oxford. He displayed strong hands and great routes this offseason and could become a valuable asset in the short and intermediate range for Davis Mills.
171) Green Bay Packers: Tycen Anderson, S, Toledo
With a few cornerbacks on the board already, the Packers have the ability to move to safety now. Tycen Anderson is the selection as he proves vital to the Green Bay roster in 2022 behind Darnell Savage. Anderson has untapped potential and comes equipped with great ball skills.
172) San Francisco 49ers: Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia
The 49ers hit the cornerback market heavily this offseason. They now have the luxury of banking on recruiting and athletic prowess to propel Derion Kendrick back into the promised land. Kendrick, who had a terrible pre-draft workout process, still has documented ability on the field of locking down receivers. His long speed is concerning as are his hips, but somehow he made it work in the SEC. With as many cornerbacks on the roster as they have now, the 49ers can give it a whirl and maybe find a gem?
173) New York Giants (from KC via BAL): Zakoby McClain, LB, Auburn
The Giants continue to improve their defense with the pick of Zakoby McClain here. McClain, though a bit undersized, makes up for that with his tenacity, awareness, and athleticism. He had a great week of practice at the Shrine Bowl showing off all those skills and then some as he boosted his stock greatly.
174) Cincinnati Bengals: Justin Shaffer, G, Georgia
Cincinnati went after the free agent market on the offensive line this offseason. They secured their biggest weakness with multiple signings. Justin Shaffer allows them even more insurance and further improvements along the unit. Shaffer can play either guard spot and could even be seen as an improvement over Alex Cappa in the years to come.
175) Los Angeles Rams: William Dunkle, G, San Diego State
A local product for the Rams, William Dunkle is a name to know in this 2022 NFL Draft. Dunkle was one of our top Group of Five players this past season for good reason. The big man in the middle can run block with the best of them, hailing from the mauler-friendly system at San Diego State. But he also presents a sound pass blocker to boot.
176) Dallas Cowboys (compensatory selection): Quentin Lake, S, UCLA
The Cowboys are no strangers to versatile playmakers on defense. Grabbing Quentin Lake isn’t quite that same versatile move, but it’s one that allows their versatile players already on the roster that luxury. Lake is a terrific coverage safety who has no lapse in run defense. He’ll thrive in a true free safety role that allows him to use his game speed and terrific instincts.
177) Detroit Lions (compensatory selection): Danny Gray, WR, SMU
They may have grabbed a few wide receivers in free agency, but few have the speed of Danny Gray. The best part about Gray’s game is that he understands where and how to use his speed. Whether it’s beating defenders off the line or separating along route breaks, Gray becomes a valuable weapon for the new regime in Detroit.
178) Dallas Cowboys (compensatory selection): Luke Tenuta, OT, Virginia Tech
Luke Tenuta looked incredibly comfortable playing right tackle at the 2022 East-West Shrine Bowl. Given a year at the position, there’s even a belief that he could be an upgrade over Terence Steele as soon as 2023. Tenuta is tenacious and has an attitude that breeds success. That is without even mentioning his on-field skill, which is terrific.
179) Indianapolis Colts (compensatory selection): Micheal Clemons, EDGE, Texas A&M
Texas A&M’s defensive MVP award from a season ago heads to the Colts here as Micheal Clemons joins the team. Clemons can play a multitude of positions for Indianapolis but represents an uptick in pass-rush productivity immediately. He’s a massive man on the outside and is terrific with his hand in the dirt, getting upfield quickly despite standing well over 6’5″.