2022 NFL Mock Draft | Round 6
Nearly in the 200s, let’s keep this 2022 NFL Mock Draft rolling.
180) Jacksonville Jaguars: Spencer Burford, OT, UTSA
Color me not as enthused about the long-term deal for Cam Robinson at left tackle. With him receiving a new contract, left tackle wasn’t quite a top need. As such, Jacksonville grabs Spencer Burford as a developmental, potential starting tackle for the future. Burford was dominant at UTSA and proved he belonged with the upper echelon of this class during the pre-draft process.
181) Miami Dolphins (from DET): Matt Waletzko, OT, North Dakota
Mock Trade: The Dolphins sent pick Nos. 224 and 247 in 2022, as well as a 2023 seventh-round pick, in exchange for Detroit’s pick No. 181.
Miami is no stranger to dealing draft capital this year, and they move three total picks to obtain another early sixth-round selection. Despite the signing of Terron Armstead, Austin Jackson has proven to be a trouble spot since being selected in the first round in 2020. He moved around a bit and might have found a home at left guard, but the signing of Connor Williams thwarts that.
And now the pick of Matt Waletzko stymies Jackson from sliding into the right tackle spot. At nearly 6’8″ and just over 300 pounds, Waletzko has a tremendous potential that can be unlocked if utilized properly. His upside is significantly higher than Jackson’s, and he should be thought of as an improvement.
182) Los Angeles Rams (mock trade from NYG): Charlie Kolar, TE, Iowa State
Mock Trade: The Rams send pick Nos. 211 and 212 to New York in exchange for pick No. 182.
After wowing during the Iowa State Pro Day, Charlie Kolar convinces the Rams to send a couple of draft picks to move up and grab him. He put forth a faster-than-expected 40-yard dash (4.62) and checked every other athleticism box in the process. As such, Kolar is the pick for LA as he slides into the TE2 role almost immediately.
183) New England Patriots (from TB): Julius Turner, DT, Rutgers
An undersized defensive tackle prospect, Julius Turner draws from Aaron Donald in his game. Turner uses leverage and great hands to get to the quarterback, while he also presents a solid base. He’s rarely moved off his spot in run defense.
184) Minnesota Vikings (from NYJ): Trae Barry, TE, Boston College
Get to know the name Trae Barry, as the former Jacksonville State and Boston College tight end has flown under the radar this offseason. Though he attempted to return to school, Barry is still ready for the NFL. He was an FCS All-American and looked well on his way to repeating that level of success before BC quarterback Phil Jurkovec went down with an injury in 2021. Barry has great size and athleticism — all he needs is a chance.
185) Buffalo Bills (from CAR): Obinna Eze, OT, TCU
Playing 17 games is a lot more difficult than it seems, as the wear and tear on NFL athletes through the regular season started to show its effect last year. As the 17-game season isn’t going away, a change will take place. Offensive linemen may start to rotate more, so teams are going to be looking for multiple starting-caliber linemen in free agency or the draft.
Obinna Eze is no project, but he’s a season or two away from earning reps at tackle. But with that in mind, Eze has the potential to develop into a starting tackle. His selection here is looking long term, not short term.
186) Chicago Bears: Samori Toure, WR, Nebraska
There may not be a more underrated player in this entire draft class than Samori Toure. All Toure did at the Shrine Bowl was impress. Whether it was his route running or his hands, he was dominant. Toure comes from Nebraska after transferring (and dominating) at Montana. He’s a great slot threat but can also win outside.
187) San Francisco 49ers (from DEN): Kadofi Wright, LB, Buffalo
The defensive overhaul continues for the 49ers. Kadofi Wright joins the club as a valuable three-down linebacker. Wright plays bigger than he is, which is saying something for the 6’3″, 250-pounder. He’s an incredible athlete who can rush the passer well or drop back in coverage all the same. Wright may be the gem of this linebacker class.
188) Jacksonville Jaguars (from SEA): DeAngelo Malone, EDGE, Western Kentucky
Another edge defender for Jacksonville as DeAngelo Malone joins the fray. Malone is a sound pass rusher in terms of technique and can rush with his hand in the dirt or off the ball. That versatility will come into play as each season wears on under the new 17-game regular season.
189) Washington Commanders: Josh Johnson, WR, Tulsa
After being decimated by injuries over the past few seasons, the Commanders need more than just a few bodies on offense. Josh Johnson is quick and among the highest-rated players left on the board. He can win nearly everywhere on offense and has some top-level after-the-catch abilities.
190) Atlanta Falcons: Ryan Van Demark, OT, UConn
One of the more significant value picks in this draft, Ryan Van Demark can develop into a starting tackle in no time. He’s a bit lean, but Van Demark has a great anchor for his size. He also moves very well, and he was consistently getting the better of the opposing pass rushers in 1-on-1 battles during the Shrine Bowl practices.
191) Minnesota Vikings (from BAL via KC): Tre Williams, EDGE, Arkansas
The Arkansas Razorbacks’ performances in the pre-draft process were simply not good. Yet, like some of his teammates, Tre Williams plays to a different speed on the field. He gets upfield quickly, and he has great footwork and solid balance through the trenches. Williams counteracts any pre-draft questions with his pass-rushing arsenal, which is vast.
192) Minnesota Vikings: Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama
The second Alabama cornerback drafted, Josh Jobe had lofty expectations in 2021. Though he didn’t quite live up to them, he still adds value as a fourth cornerback who can cover tight ends or running backs from the slot.
193) Dallas Cowboys (from CLE): Reggie Roberson Jr., WR, SMU
Another receiver for the Cowboys, this time Reggie Roberson Jr. from nearby SMU. Roberson has great long speed and, similar to Shakir, can shake free of his route at any point. One half of the fabulous pair at SMU, Roberson’s yards-after-the-catch ability and freedom to line up anywhere on offense should pay dividends early in his career.
194) New Orleans Saints (from IND via PHI): Nick Ford, C/G, Utah
Much like their selection of Ingram, the Saints go back to the interior offensive line to grab the services of Nick Ford. A center by nature, Ford can play all three interior spots and could be part of a long-term plan to overhaul the interior offensive line in New Orleans.
195) Los Angeles Chargers: Neil Farrell Jr., DT, LSU
Don’t let the test results fool you — Neil Farrell Jr. plays football at his own speed and strength. And that speed and strength combination is tremendous. Farrell enters the Chargers lineup with an ability to cause penetration in both the passing and running game.
196) Baltimore Ravens (from MIA): James Empey, C, BYU
Injuries on the offensive line decimated the past TWO seasons for Baltimore. They grab more insurance on the interior with James Empey at center. Empey, once thought of as a top center prospect, battled through his own injuries while at BYU. But his technical skill and proverbial ceiling still remain high.
197) Jacksonville Jaguars (from PHI): Jaivon Heiligh, WR, Coastal Carolina
They spent a king’s ransom to improve their receiving corps in free agency, yet Jacksonville goes back to the wide receiver well in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Jaivon Heiligh is a great athlete at the position, and he provides versatility to work inside and outside. He has soft hands at the catch point and can separate in the blink of an eye.
198) Denver Broncos (mock trade from PIT via JAX): Allie Green IV, CB, Missouri
A long corner with a larger game, Allie Green IV had a terrific collegiate career. Hidden a bit by the Missouri system on defense and during the pre-draft process, Green is every bit of a top prospect. He’s fast and strong, long and lean, and sticky in coverage. Green can line up in a variety of alignments to boot.
199) Carolina Panthers (from LV): Josh Paschal, EDGE, Kentucky
The Panthers grab a big-time player to help split the reps along the edge and keep Brian Burns and Yetur Gross-Matos fresh. Josh Paschal has a big game and could blossom into a truly dominant pass rusher in time. His bend and strength give him a rare combination to win against any tackle.
200) New England Patriots: Devin Cochran, OT, Georgia Tech
A swing tackle in today’s NFL is hard to come by. One who can also play on the inside is even rarer. Think of how the Patriots use Michael Onwenu as their starting guard and backup tackle. Devin Cochran could be the opposite. He can slide inside if necessary, while his length and strength combination will earn him starting reps on the outside sooner or later.
201) Arizona Cardinals: Emeka Emezie, WR, NC State
With clean routes and no wasted motion, Emeka Emezie is a terrific addition to the Cardinals’ stretch aerial assault. He isn’t flashy, but he’ll get open quickly as an underneath weapon for Kyler Murray to find regularly.
202) Cleveland Browns (from DAL): Dane Belton, S, Iowa
Perhaps one of the more underrated prospects in this class, Dane Belton heads to Cleveland, as the former Hawkeye comes fully equipped to play either safety role. Belton was pressed into heavy action after Riley Moss was injured for Iowa last year, and he saw an uptick in production the more he was targeted. He can cover from the slot, stand tall as a box safety, or range as a free safety.
203) Buffalo Bills: Amaré Barno, EDGE, Virginia Tech
Limiting players to just one specific position is difficult, especially in Amaré Barno‘s case. Listed as an EDGE, Barno is hardly just a pass-rushing edge defender. He uses his size and speed to drop in coverage well. Don’t get me wrong — Barno is also adept at rushing the passer. But his best asset right away will be using his athleticism in coverage.
204) Tennessee Titans: Dawson Deaton, C, Texas Tech
A depth move in the short term, Dawson Deaton could eventually take over for Ben Jones after the veteran center signed a two-year extension this offseason. Deaton has been a stalwart in pass protection through multiple quarterbacks and coordinators during his time at Texas Tech and should pick up the playbook in Tennessee quickly.
205) Houston Texans (from GB): Eyioma Uwazurike, DT, Iowa State
The Texans continue their roster overhaul, grabbing Eyioma Uwazurike from Iowa State. The big man in the middle quietly shined with the Cyclones over the past five years. He racked up sacks and pressures, but his presence in run defense will go a long way in Houston. Uwazurike is a sure tackler and a force in the middle.
206) Denver Broncos (from TB via NYJ and PHI): Chance Campbell, LB, Ole Miss
One of the most athletically-gifted linebackers in this class, Chance Campbell put up All-World type numbers in his final college season. Campbell then tested incredibly well, yet somehow is still underrated. If he picks up his processing at the NFL level — as he showed he could do at Ole Miss — Campbell would be in for a bevy of snaps early and often in his NFL career.
207) Houston Texans (from SF via NYJ): Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, EDGE, Notre Dame
Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa may have a bit of a problem as he adjusts to the NFL. However, if harnessed properly, his problem may become the opponent’s if appropriately used. Tagovailoa-Amosa is a little undersized to be used primarily inside. However, he showcased at the Shrine Bowl that his hands and spin move are too fast for tackles to catch up with. Being deployed in a situational EDGE rotation while he beefs up will go a long way towards MTA disrupting the pocket sooner than later.
208) Pittsburgh Steelers (from KC): Ja’Sir Taylor, CB, Wake Forest
The Steelers have plenty of depth at the cornerback position, but they need a boost and a look to the future. That is Ja’Sir Taylor in a nutshell. His coverage ability and willingness to play special teams likely allows him to earn a spot on the starting 53 while adding value as a CB5 right away.
209) Cincinnati Bengals: Vincent Gray, CB, Michigan
The Bengals are deep at a bevy of positions, cornerback included. However, Vincent Gray‘s addition to the CB room gives Cincinnati the potential to host three starting-caliber cornerbacks. Gray is sticky in coverage and comes equipped with a versatile skill set. He can cover in or out, in man or zone. Gray’s play speed places him as a prime candidate for special-teams work right away.
210) New England Patriots (from LAR): Kyler McMichael, CB, North Carolina
The Patriots hit the defensive backfield again, this time taking the most impressive player at the 2022 East-West Shrine Bowl. Kyler McMichael made multiple plays on the ball in Vegas during the week of Shrine practices. His performance is backed up by impressive tape at UNC as well. McMichael is a long cornerback with great closing speed.
211) New York Giants (mock trade of compensatory selection from LAR): Ty Fryfogle, WR, Indiana
With smooth footwork and deceptive speed, Ty Fryfogle heads to New York. Fryfogle has great hands and is a monster at the catch point. If he were to increase his separation skills, Fryfogle has all the ability to develop into a terrific WR4.
212) New York Giants (mock trade of compensatory selection from LAR): Smoke Monday, S, Auburn
The Giants go back to the safety well with their new picks in this draft. Smoke Monday had a great career at Auburn, finishing with 5 interceptions and a plethora of plays on the ball. He’s also a deceptive pass rusher and can be utilized from various alignments on defense.
213) Atlanta Falcons (compensatory selection): Faion Hicks, CB, Wisconsin
With speed for days, Faion Hicks is the final pick for the Falcons. Every team needs multiple good cornerbacks nowadays, and it’s rare to secure one with Hicks’ speed and potential return-game value at this stage of the draft. It’s a stacked cornerback class, and the Falcons’ wait to grab one pays off.
214) Los Angeles Chargers (compensatory selection): Cade Otton, TE, Washington
The Chargers could go a couple of directions here, but Cade Otton is the pick as they improve their tight end group. Otton — like much of the Washington offense — had a down year in 2021. He still presents a challenge in the open field, and he’s one of the more well-respected blockers in this tight end class.
215) Arizona Cardinals (compensatory selection): Derrick Deese Jr., TE, San Jose State
While Zach Ertz is in the fold, his best days are certainly behind him. Additionally, Maxx Williams isn’t quite the receiving threat that you’d want from a top tight end. Derrick Deese Jr., however, is just that. He can learn the finite details of the position from Ertz while eventually sliding in as the top receiving threat at the position in Arizona.
216) Indianapolis Colts (compensatory selection): Dontario Drummond, WR, Ole Miss
Stretching the field is the name of Dontario Drummond’s game, as he makes passing attacks better with his ability from the slot. Despite lining up on the inside through the majority of his time at Ole Miss, Drummond has the capacity to win at every level of the field. He has great separation ability and better hands at the catch point.
217) Detroit Lions (compensatory selection): Josh Ross, LB, Michigan
Criminally underrated, Josh Ross had a quiet-yet-productive career at Michigan. He’s a tackling machine who comes equipped with a skill set for today’s NFL. Ross has shown he can rush the passer and drop back in coverage all the same.
218) Los Angeles Rams (compensatory selection): Otito Ogbonnia, DT, UCLA
This is a great pick for the Rams and an even better landing spot for Otito Ogbonnia. The talented interior pass rusher gets to learn and hone his craft from the best interior pass rusher ever to do it in Aaron Donald. Ogbonnia’s ceiling will be leveled up with Donald in the fold — and it’s already pretty high as is.
219) Tennessee Titans (compensatory selection): James Houston, LB, Jackson State
Get to know Jackson State players now before they start making more appearances in mock drafts with Deion Sanders running things. James Houston made a name for himself before Sanders’ arrival, and he made his name known even more during the offseason. Houston processes plays very well and has an agile speed in his game that pairs with his strength through contact.
220) San Francisco 49ers (compensatory selection): Brock Hoffman, C, Virginia Tech
Alex Mack is under contract for another two seasons but will be 39 by the end of that deal. The need to get a replacement for the position is not immediate, but it’s there. So, as Brock Hoffman is the pick here, he’s clearly the long-term solution at center. Hoffman’s versatility separates him from others at the position. He can play either guard position until he’s ready to step in for Mack in a year or two.
221) San Francisco 49ers (compensatory selection): Jeffrey Gunter, EDGE, Coastal Carolina
With back-to-back comp picks, the Niners grab another talented pass rusher to increase their presence on the edge. As injuries decimated the position a year ago, Jeffrey Gunter adds yet another player who can rush from multiple positions and angles. He’s a high-character guy who buoys the spirits of those around him while bringing down the quarterbacks in front of him.