2022 NFL Mock Draft Version 2.0
Ladies and Gentlemen, the NFL Draft SZN is finally here, we have had a crazy few days of quarterback trades (Russell Wilson to the Broncos and Carson Wentz to the Commanders), but the draft coverage is just heating up. This draft reminds me of 2013 when there wasn’t a clear QB1, with a group of tackles and edge players clustered closely at the top. While there will likely be more than one quarterback drafted in the first round this year and plenty of receivers to come off the board in the first two rounds, this draft features more depth and less top-end talent. Every day I seem to find another player to be infatuated with, but they have trouble cracking my top two rounds. Oh, and if you make it to the end you might see a bonus round or something.
More 2022 Draft Content: Mock Draft Version 1 | Big Board Version 1
2021 NFL Mock Draft
Last Updated: March 10, 2022
Pick 1: Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
While creating a defensive identity by drafting one of the elite edge rushers in this class is enticing, the focus must be getting talent around last year’s number one pick Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence faced pressure far too often last season and with Cam Robinson franchise tagged and his long-term future up in the air, tackle becomes a very large need, that can be filled by the very large Neal. Neal stands at 6-foot-7 and weighed in at a lean 337 pounds at the combine, and can absolutely move people in the run game and routinely box jumps 48”. He has played at least 13 games at three different positions but can play left tackle on an island in the passing game. Neal has moved to the betting co-favorite as of late to be the number one overall selection, but Iken Ekwonu also had an impressive combine showing and may have tightened the gap.
Pick 2: Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Aidan Hutchinson is an old-school edge rusher with a 6-foot-7 260-pound frame and massive mitts. He was on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks list and according to sources, Hutchinson has a 4.6-second 40 time, a mid-30-inch vertical, and a three-cone time in the mid-6-second range which would post a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) nearing a perfect 10. At the combine, Hutchinson confirmed many of those numbers running a 4.74, jumping 36 inches, and a three-cone time of 6.73. Hutchinson ended up with a strong RAS score of 9.85, which ranks 20th out of 1,359 defensive ends. While Hutchinson has aligned in several spots throughout his career, his ability to defend the run and the pass will help the Lions create a defensive identity up front and bite opponents' knees or whatever area they are planning to target this season.
Pick 3: Houston Texans: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
Ikem Ekwonu can play multiple spots along an offensive line but had a standout 2021 season at left tackle and with his elite athletic ability should be able to stick at the spot in the NFL. At 6-foot-4 310 pounds, Ekwonu can road grade and help build a strong run game for a Texans team that hasn’t had a consistent one since Arian Foster’s tenure. Ekwonu has been a starter at left tackle since his freshman year but still struggles with technique from time to time. Ekwonu had a huge showing at the combine - one typically reserved for a top-five pick. Ickey ran a 4.93 at the combine and added good jumps to further boost his profile. The Texans are the biggest wild card of the draft with a potential Deshaun Watson looming, not to mention a rumored Leremy Tunsil deal meaning an influx of picks could be on their way.
Pick 4: New York Jets: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon
Kayvon Thibodeaux generated 48 pressures in 11 games last season and is one of the most explosive edge rushers in recent memory. Thibodeaux is a quick-twitch athlete who can bend around the corner and scream around the edge at opposing quarterbacks. Robert Saleh’s defense in San Francisco was dominant when the pass rush was at their best and Thibodeaux is one of those plug-and-play edge defenders that are so sought after in today's NFL. The Oregon product had an impressive combine running a 4.58 forty at 254 pounds and putting out 27 reps on the bench, despite not having a full profile what we do have ranked 47 out of 1389 DE from 1987 to 2022. The Jets do have holes at other spots, but with an edge presence like Kayvon still on the board, the fit is just too perfect.
Pick 5: New York Giants: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Kyle Hamilton has a chance to become the highest-drafted safety since Eric Berry went fifth overall to the Chiefs in 2010. Hamilton would follow in a line of some great No. 5 overall picks that played the safety position in Sean Taylor and Eric Berry, and become an instant impact player for a Giants defense that lacks star power. New GM Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll come from Buffalo where their defense has benefited from some of the league’s best safety play, and Hamilton can immediately become a centerpiece of the defense. At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Hamilton has linebacker size but can move sideline to sideline with the league's best. Hamilton jumped out of the room at the combine and posted a strong sub 7 three-cone time but all everyone wants to talk about is his 4.59 40 time. Using a number like RAS, however, puts this into better connect, as Hamilton is a 10% athlete for the safety position, Hamilton can be a tight end eraser in man coverage and a catch-all when asked to play zone, perfect for today’s wide-open NFL game.
Pick 6: Carolina Panthers: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Charles Cross is arguably the top tackle in this draft, but there are three very strong candidates. No matter who is under center for the Panthers this season, they cannot have as much pressure in their faces as they did last season. The Panthers allowed the fifth-most sacks last season and seem to only have one established starter across the full offensive line. Cross measured at 6-foot-5 307-pounds and had a great broad jump but did struggle in the vertical and three-cone drill. With a sub 5.0 forty time though, Cross looked to have a successful day and solidified himself as a top-ten prospect in this class. Cross was a standout against the tough competition of the SEC and can be a day one contributor on the left side for the Panthers.
Pick 7: New York Giants: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
While I had Travon Walker as more of a late first-round pick, the show he put on at the combine cannot be ignored. While we can ignore the combine for most positions, particularly the skill spots, you cannot do so on the EDGE. Travon Walker is a flat-out dog and showed why for the Georgia Bulldogs all season long. Walker has exceptional size and can play a variety of positions across the defensive line. Walker could team up with former teammate Azeez Ojulari and form a young dynamic pass-rushing tandem. Travon smashed the combine and ended up with a near-perfect RAS of 9.99 as he ran a 4.51 at 272 pounds, and also posted elite jumps and agility times. Walker shows a mix of power and speed from a variety of rushing spots and can dominate in the run game, especially when lining up as an edge. Walker would add versatility to a Giants' defense with a chance to be more elite than his draft spot indicates.
Travon Walker is a DE prospect in the 2022 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.99 RAS at the Combine out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 3 out of 1389 DE from 1987 to 2022. https://t.co/CzmPz94xEF #RAS via @Mathbomb pic.twitter.com/tEtciwiJOK
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 6, 2022
Pick 8: Atlanta Falcons: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
The Atlanta Falcons had the lowest pressure percentage in the league and generated just 18 sacks last season, 11 fewer than any other team. Jermaine Johnson just had a massive performance at the Senior Bowl and combine and cemented himself as a top-15 pick. At the combine, Johnson measured in at 6-foot-4 inches and 254 pounds while running a 4.58 and broad jump of nearly 10 and a half feet. Johnson looks to have more 3-4 and 4-3 versatility than some of the other edge rushers in this class and his first step explosion is elite, which could help the Falcons win more bets for Calvin Ridley. Johnson was the best player on the field for Florida State and showed a variety of pass rush moves at the Senior Bowl.
Pick 9: Seattle Seahawks: Sauce Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
After a major change in the landscape due to the Russell Wilson trade, the Seahawks need to look ahead at a new era of football. Initial reports say the Seahawks are not enamored with this draft class and have a lot more due diligence to do on the class after the recent trade. John Schneider has struggled with first-round picks in recent years but hasn’t had a top-10 selection since 2010 so this first-round pick will likely be spent on a premium position. Sauce Gardner is a lanky 6-foot-2. 190-pound corner who has been a starter since his freshman season. Gardner has the long arms the Seahawks have coveted in the past at 33.5 inches and ran a better-than-expected forty at 4.41 to check the long speed box. Sauce is the type of corner that can create turnovers and play in a variety of coverages, something new defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt will love.
Pick 10: New York Jets: Drake London, WR, USC
After the Jets selected arguably the top prospect in the draft with their first pick, they can’t ignore getting talent for their top selection last season and do so by drafting one of the top receivers in this class. London is a towering 6-foot-4 219 pounds and has excellent body control to attack the ball in the air. London is an exceptional run blocker and is a better route runner than many give him credit for. Drake did not participate in on-field drills at the combine, but is slated to work out at his Pro Day on April 5th. While Drake will likely never lead the league in YAC, he can surprise after the catch much like former Trojan Michael Pittman. London’s big play strength and ability to attack the ball in the air make him the perfect complement to Elijah Moore.
Pick 11: Washington Commanders: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
With the Broncos making a trade for Russell Wilson, one early contender at quarterback is wiped off the board, but their trade partner the Seattle Seahawks may now be in the quarterback market. However, the Seahawks elect to give Drew Lock a look this season and evaluate the rest of their team sans Russell Wilson. The Commanders swing for the proverbial fences with Willis and his athletic ability. Willis would give the offense the quarterback rushing threat with similar passing efficiency as current starter Taylor Heinicke. Willis possesses a stronger arm than Heinicke and his wheels cannot be compared to the former Old Dominion signal caller. The trade for Wentz gives time for Willis to sit and learn the NFL game, something that many believe he needs because of how raw he is as a passer. The Commanders can also install a "Willis" package, much like the Baltimore Ravens did Lamar Jackson's rookie year, and get him some touches as a runner and mix in some play-action shot plays for the young QB alongside Wentz.
Pick 12: Minnesota Vikings: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
With a new regime in place in Minnesota for the first time in a while, questions about their draft strategy will be a major question. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is a noted analytical hero so his first first-round pick will likely be spent on a premium position. New head coach Kevin O’Connell has spent the last two seasons in Los Angeles and knows the value of the passing game as well as being able to defend it. Stingley who had one of the most impressive freshman seasons in recent memory is a versatile coverage corner who can immediately add versatility to a cornerback room lacking both studs and depth. Stingley could immediately step in and provide the Vikings defense someone who can create turnovers and play in a variety of coverages, something new defensive coordinator (and former DB coach) Ed Donatell will love.
Pick 13: Cleveland Browns: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Cleveland is in a make-or-break season with Baker Mayfield under center, and after the Odell Beckham Jr. saga ended in dramatic fashion, the Browns need to get Baker weapons in the passing game. Wilson is a dynamo after the catch but can create space at the top of his route with elite-level quickness. Wilson can also be used in jet action and in the RPO game. Wilson also possesses refined route running prowess and has shown a knack for getting open against both man and zone coverage which is desperately needed in Cleveland. Wilson put on a show at the combine and moved up to be the top receiver selected with a few different Sportbooks. Wilson ran a 4.38 at 6-foot 183 pounds and also posted above-average jumps to cap off a nice day.
Pick 14: Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
The Ravens need to boost their defense after having one of their worst defensive performances in years. With Brandon Williams (33) and Calais Campbell (35) both in their thirties and contract status up in the air, getting the big man in the middle would make life for those around him easier. Enter Jordan Davis who was the anchor for the Georgia Bulldogs defensive line. Davis has both one and three-technique flexibility and is a mountain of a man at 6-foot-6 341 pounds. JD also destroyed the combine and has the second-highest raw RAS regardless of position thanks to running a 4.78 forty, jumping 32 inches in the vert, and smashing a 10’3” broad jump, and we mentioned he did this at 341 pounds right? Davis has shown improvement as a pass rusher and can push offensive linemen back into the opposing quarterbacks’ laps when he plays with good leverage. Jordan Davis may not make the biggest impact in the stat sheet but his addition to the defense would be a boost to all those around him, allowing for more single teams for those coming off the edge.
Pick 15: Philadelphia Eagles: David Ojabo, Edge, Michigan
The Eagles defense needs an infusion of youth and lacks high-end players outside of Fletcher Cox. David Ojabo measured in at 6-foot-4 250 pounds and ran a speedy forty at 4.55. Ojabo posted an unofficial RAS score in the top 10% of defensive ends adding to his profile of an athletic specimen with a sub 11 second 100-meter dash time in his high school profile. Ojabo’s first step is among the best in this class, and he could immediately step in as a pass rusher for a needy team like the Eagles. Ojabo is still a work in progress with limited time playing football and limited snaps over the last few seasons for the Wolverines, but his athletic prowess makes him worth a gamble for a team with a litany of first-round picks.
Pick 16: Philadelphia Eagles: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
With the second of their three first-round picks, the Eagles take the injury discount on a former Crimson Tide wide receiver who was on track to be the top receiver in the class before being derailed by a torn ACL during the College Football Playoff. Williams possesses similar route-running savvy and quickness to former Tide receiver Jerry Jeudy, but has a second gear Jeudy has yet to display at the NFL level. Williams would be a run after the catch maven for an offense that lacked that threat last season and when asked to win vertically can also do that. Williams could play inside or outside in the Eagles attack and his deep ball tracking would be a welcome upgrade over Jalen Reagor. Jameson measured at over 6-foot-1 at the combine, but his weight was just 179 pounds, but many expect him to play between 190-195 pounds when not recovering from a torn ACL.
Pick 17: Los Angeles Chargers: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
While the Chargers are likely sad that they couldn’t add the mountainous Jordan Davis, they settle for the best rush defending edge in the class outside of Aidan Hutchinson. Karlaftis could slot in early opposite Joey Bosa and provide some of the pass rush that was lost when Melvin Ingram left town in free agency. Karlaftis isn’t your explosive off-the-edge rusher but can win with power and his refinement should lead to early sack numbers for a team that finished with just 35 sacks last season. Karlaftis is strong at the point of attack and can knock back defenders into ball carriers and is another Feldman Freaks List member, reportedly posting a 10-foot-1 broad jump, 37.5-inch vertical, and 4.69-second 40-yard dash last offseason. At the combine, Karlaftis measured in at 6-foot-4 266 pounds and jumped 38 inches in the vert and 10-foot-1 broad jump, but did not run the 40 or the agility drills. The need for this pick obviously changes with the March 10th trade for Khalil Mack.
Pick 18: New Orleans Saints: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
With the Drew Brees era now officially in the rear view and the Taysom Hill/Jameis Winston experience returning less than stellar results, the Saints start a new era of football without Sean Payton. With Pete Carmichael likely to keep the offense the same, Matt Corral brings back some of the quick passing game elements from Brees and mixes in the RPO and QB run threat of Taysom Hill while also having the ability to throw interceptions like Jameis Winston. The question with Corral is can he operate in a more traditional NFL offense, or will he be pegged into a heavy RPO scheme like the one designed for Tua Tagovailoa. Corral isn’t a physical specimen at 6-foot-2 212 pounds and his overall arm strength doesn’t fly off the field, but he can manipulate the pocket and make throws from a variety of angles. There are some who believe he is the best pure quarterback in this draft as it stands today, but his overall ceiling falls behind that of Malik Willis.
Pick 19: Philadelphia Eagles: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
The Eagles have avoided drafting linebackers in high leverage rounds for the past few years, but the need is just too large not to fill with the best linebacker in this class. Lloyd has elite-level athleticism and can play all three downs for an Eagles defense that desperately needs it. Lloyd can cover as well and excel as a blitzer when called upon. Lloyd would be an impact linebacker for the Eagles from day one and could put up big tackle numbers for a team with a strong need at the position. At the combine, Lloyd had an impressive showing measuring just under 6-foot-3 237 pounds, running a 4.66, benching 225 25 times, and jumping out of the gym with a 35-inch vert and 10-foot-6 broad jump, finishing with an unofficial RAS of 9.33.
Pick 20: Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
With Ben Roethlisberger officially announcing his retirement, the Steelers must make quarterback plans for the future. While the Steelers still have Mason Rudolph under contract, all the indications from Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert are that they are also looking for a quarterback that can add a dimension to the offense with his legs. Pickett is an experienced passer who has good size and functional athleticism and wowed teams with his leadership presence at the Senior Bowl and Combine. Pickett did see his stock take a slight tumble as they measured his hands at the first percentile, and while some will say it doesn’t matter, others will say it does. Pittsburgh has the benefit of getting to know Kenny Pickett better than any other team, as they share a training facility with the Panther football team. The fit couldn’t be better for the Steelers who get their quarterback of the future by moving his workouts across the building and using his legs to gloss over an offensive line that could use a makeover.
Pick 21: New England Patriots: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
After an impressive rookie showing from Mac Jones, the Patriots need to get some weapons around them. While the Patriots look deep at running back and tight end, they lack game-breaking ability on offense. Enter Treylon Burks who is a much different athlete than any of the receivers Bill Belichick has missed on in the past. Burks is a three-year starter and scored nine touchdowns as a freshman in the SEC. Burks is a specimen at 6-foot-3 225-pound receiver who can really run and did so to the tune of an 87th percentile speed score. Treylon struggled with his change of direction and didn’t jump out of the room on his vertical, but his production on film should outweigh some of those concerns. Burks has proven he can be the centerpiece of an offense and excel in nearly every facet of the game, whether it be 50/50 balls, catch and run, or beating a defense over the top.
Pick 22: Las Vegas Raiders: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The Raiders' offense leaned far too much on Hunter Renfrow down the stretch as Darren Waller battled through injuries. Olave would give Carr another option in the passing game and his former track prowess would help replace some of the field-stretching ability lost last season. Olave is a crispy route runner who has track speed which would fit perfectly with Derek Carr in a timing-based passing offense McDaniels will likely deploy. Olave could be the centerpiece of the play-action shot plays that Derek Carr has excelled at in the past and provide year one impact for a team that must decide on the future of Derek Carr. Olave had an impressive showing at the combine running a 4.39 at over 6-foot but tipping the scales at 187 pounds.
Pick 23: Arizona Cardinals: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Arizona seems to have to make moves to keep Kyler Murray happy, and with the current skill position room around him there likely isn’t much room for improvement when they are all healthy. Murray could use some assistance on his offensive line that has allowed too much heat on Murray in the past. The offensive line doesn’t appear to have one elite player, and Penning could potentially be that for the Cardinals offense. Penning is massive at 6-foot-7 325-pounds and has shown flashes of nasty in both the run game and pass game. Penning had a massive showing at the combine of top-tier measurements. The Northern Iowa product blazed a 4.89 forty and had strong agility times to give him a RAS that ranked sixth out of all tackles since 1987. Many believe Penning locked himself into the top of the first round with that performance, but I just see a tackle who can struggle with his drop kick and far too often misses his landmark in pass protection. Penning could go as high as 10 to the Jets, however.
Pick 24: Dallas Cowboys: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Outside of depth at the wide receiver position, the Cowboys don’t have many holes, but adding good young corners is never a bad idea. McDuffie is smaller and quicker than the other corners on the roster and could play immediately in the nickel. McDuffie is great in short and medium coverage but can lose track of receivers deep down the field. The Washington product hasn’t shown much in terms of turnover potential, but his sticky coverage abilities more than make up for it. McDuffie measured in at 5-foot-11 193-pounds with sub-30” arms but did run a 4.44 forty but showed good change of direction in on-field drills. McDuffie could line up over the slot or the outside and get solid coverage with the hit or miss Trevon Diggs on the other side.
Pick 25: Buffalo Bills: Zion Johnson, IOL, Boston College
The Bills are one of few playoff teams without significant assets on the offensive line. Zion has three seasons' worth of starts under his belt, primarily playing on the left side with some experience at tackle, and profiles as a guard at the NFL level. Johnson possesses good technique and always seems to be consistent which is something that could benefit the Bills. He measured in at just 6-foot-2 5/8 and 314 pounds but also had tackle-like arm length at 34” and smashed 32 reps on the bench. Johnson also smashed the jumps with a 32-inch vertical and a 9-foot-3 broad jump. The BC product also cleared the Josh Norris line of sub 4.47 in the shuttle and blazed a 7.38 three-cone giving him an overall RAS of 9.55 which ranks in the top 5% of all guards since 1987.
Pick 26: Tennessee Titans: Tyler Linderbaum, IOL, Iowa
Finding a fit for Tyler Linderbaum is a little more difficult than one would expect given his level of play over the last few seasons. Linderbaum just measured in at the combine but many came away disappointed with his sub-300 pound weight and 31 1/8” arms that rank in the first percentile among linemen, Tennessee, however, can immediately put Linderbaum in the middle of their offensive line and reap the benefits as he has shown a super high level of play. Linderbaum is a technician who has more strength to his game than originally meets the eye due to his 6-foot-3 296-pound frame. Linderbaum can also move and does a great job at the second level cutting off defenders springing his backs for big gains. In the passing game, Linderbaum plays with great leverage and his athleticism allows him to make recoveries when needed.
Pick 27: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
While the Buccaneers are apparently not that enamored with this group of quarterbacks, they have to make some move at the position with Kyle Trask an unknown commodity, and Blaine Gabbert a very known (bad) commodity. Ridder has extensive starting experience with four years under his belt and steady improvement season after season. Ridder has good size at 6-foot-3 211 pounds and can generate impressive throw power whether his feet are underneath him or not. Ridder is also an exceptional athlete who can break tackles and set defenders up with his shiftiness in the open field. Ridder’s greatest weakness is accuracy and overall execution on pass timed routes, but his ability to make all the throws and work off schedule makes him a solid developmental pick, but one with massive upside. His ability to stretch the field vertically would work perfectly in Bruce Arian and Brian Leftwich’s offense. Ridder had a massive showing at the combine running a 4.49 forty, jumping 36 inches in the vertical and 10-foot-7 in the broad.
Pick 28: Green Bay Packers: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
With the news that Aaron Rodgers is returning, whether he has signed a new contract or not, and depth at the wide receiver position currently a question mark, the Packers finally make a move to get ARod another weapon. Jahan Dotson is a silky-smooth route runner who gets in and out of his cuts quickly and with explosiveness. At the combine, Dotson ran 4.43 in the forty and was a state champion in the 4x100-meter dash in Pennsylvania to highlight his need for speed. Dotson is a smaller receiver at 5-foot-11 and 178 pounds, but his quickness and overall speed profile are how he will win at the NFL level. Dotson posted above-average numbers in the jumps but did not perform well in the three-cone and opted out of the short shuttle. The Penn State receiver can cause havoc at all three levels and should be able to play both inside and outside at the NFL level.
Pick 29: Miami Dolphins: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
While the Dolphins have spent a lot of resources on the offensive line over the last few years, they still have to get Tua some help there as the Dolphins offensive line allowed 40 sacks last season, but had the worst pass-blocking unit by PFF grades last season. Raimann put together an elite combine which saw him post an impressive RAS of 9.81 which ranks in the top 2% of all tackles since 1987. Raimann did have slightly below-average arm length and his 303-pound frame could stand to gain 10-15 pounds of muscle, but he is a converted tight end with two years of experience at the position. Raimann’s athletic gifts are among the best in the class and his addition could make the offensive line better with potential for reshuffling under new head coach Mike McDaniel.
Pick 30: Kansas City Chiefs: Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson
After coming up short against the Bengals the Chiefs need to keep adding pieces on the defensive side of the ball. With a major portion of their secondary slated to be free agents once the new league year starts, the Chiefs need to add some youth and athleticism to their back end. Booth has the blend of size (6-foot-0 194 pounds), and athleticism that is typical of a five-star recruit. Booth plays corner like the ball is his and that confidence cannot be overlooked. Booth did not compete in on-field testing due to a quad injury, but his injury is not considered serious, but with Clemson’s Pro Day March 17th Booth may not be healthy enough to record any times this draft season.
Pick 31: Cincinnati Bengals: Kenyon Green, IOL, Texas A&M
After narrowly losing the Superbowl to the Los Angeles Rams, the Bengals' lone focus this offseason is to get more protection for Joe Burrow after he was sacked 70 times this season. Green has a massive recruiting pedigree to match his massive 6-foot-4 323-pound frame. Green has started 35 games for the Aggies and his ability to move people in the run game would be a big addition to the Bengals and allow Joe Mixon to get into the open field more. While Green profiles as a guard at the NFL level he could also play right tackle in a pinch with great feet to mirror opposing rushers. Green did not excel at the combine but did measure with good size and good arm length but posted a horrid shuttle score that ranks in the bottom 10% of guards.
Pick 32: Detroit Lions: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
After the Lions get one of the top edge players in the draft with their second overall pick, they look for a long-term solution to replace Matthew Stafford with the pick they got for him. Howell was regarded as a potential number one overall pick this offseason and despite losing nearly all his passing game weapons was still able to put up numbers in the passing game. Howell also showed off his wheels more last season and even found the endzone with his legs in the Senior Bowl game. At the combine, Howell measured in at 6-foot-1 218 pounds and checked the hand size box, but did not participate in other tests. Sammy Boy did get to show off his live arm in on-field drills but did struggle with accuracy on some of the shorter passes. Howell could be given time to develop behind Jared Goff, and not be called upon to start right away, but the Lions would also benefit from a potential fifth-year option should he prove to be a success early in his career.
