2022 NFL Mock Draft Version 3.0
Ladies and Gentlemen, the NFL Draft SZN is finally here, we have had a crazy few days of quarterback trades (Wilson to the Broncos, Watson to the Browns, Wentz to the Commanders, and Ryan to the Colts), but the draft coverage is just heating up. This draft reminds me of 2013 when there wasn’t a clear QB1 and 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.
More 2022 Draft Content: Mock Draft Version 1 | Big Board Version 1 | Mock Draft Version 2 | Ryan Noonan's Mock Draft | John Daigle's Mock Draft
Every day I seem to find another player to be infatuated with, but they have trouble cracking my top two rounds. Free agency has also shown where teams are making their moves, and this barely mentions the AFC West arms race that saw Wilson to the Broncos, Khalil Mack to the Chargers, and Davante Adams to the Raiders just to name a few. Oh, and if you make it to the end, you might see a bonus round or something.
2022 NFL Mock Draft
Last Updated: March 23, 2022
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Aidan Hutchinson is an old-school edge rusher with a 6-foot-7 260-pound frame and massive mitts. At the combine, Hutchinson confirmed many of his freak list 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 since 1987. While Hutchinson has aligned in several spots throughout his career, his ability to defend the run and the pass will help a Jaguars defense that needs to establish a new identity. With the early weeks of free agency spent putting a franchise tag on Cam Robinson and signing Brandon Scherff to play guard while also adding depth to the wide receiver corps, it looks a lot more likely this pick will be on the defensive side of the ball, making Hutchinson a strong favorite to go first overall.
2. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon
With Hutchinson off the board, the Lions have some tough decisions to make. They have two bookend tackles locked in on for the foreseeable future and Kyle Hamilton would be the highest-drafted safety ever which sort of knocks out two positions for me. The Lions only sent their director of pro personnel to the Liberty pro day so that causes some concern for Malik Willis going here and this spot seems like a reach for a wide receiver without a clear number one in this class, unlike last season. 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. 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 Lions have holes at other spots, but with an edge presence like Kayvon still on the board, the fit is just too perfect for a team that lacks defensive identity.
3. Houston Texans: 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 would give Lovie Smith’s defense a pass-rushing threat it sorely needs. 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 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 Texans defense that needs to create an identity after the Deshaun Watson trade, and under Lovie Smith, that means getting pressure with the front four.
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
4. New York Jets: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
While creating a defensive identity by drafting one of the elite edge rushers in this class is enticing, the top three edge players are already off the board in this scenario, leaving the Jets in a bit of a sticky wicket. The Jets just spent big free agent money on Laken Tomlinson and spent first-round picks on Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker in back-to-back seasons. Neal could play right tackle if Becton solidifies himself going forward, but also provides insurance should he struggle with injuries again. 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”. Neal has played at least 13 games at three different positions but can play tackle on an island in the passing game. Neal’s experience playing a variety of positions would make him the choice over Ickey Ekwonu and would give the Jets four first-round picks along their offensive line.
5. New York Giants: 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 Giants team that may move on from Saquon Barkley. 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 Giants have Andrew Thomas at left tackle, but the rookie could play anywhere along the offensive side and provide a boost to the team's offensive line.
6. Carolina Panthers: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Charles Cross is arguably the top tackle in this draft, but there are three very strong other 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 in 2021 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-10 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. The Panthers have built up the interior of their offensive line this offseason by signing Bradley Bozeman and Austin Corbett, but Cross could bookend their offensive line overhaul with the sixth pick.
7. New York Giants: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Kyle Hamilton has a chance to become the highest-drafted safety since Jamaal Adams went sixth overall to the Jets in 2017. 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 top 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.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
With the recent trade of Matt Ryan, the Falcons will likely be in the quarterback market even after signing veteran Marcus Mariota. Malik Willis has one of the most athletic profiles since Michael Vick and has immense upside as he also has one of the strongest arms in the class. Willis has all the physical tools to be a great quarterback at the NFL level. The Liberty product posted the top initial air speed (75.7 MPH) at the Senior Bowl confirming what we see on tape, elite-level arm strength. Willis’ legs jump off the page when watching his film, but he did not run a forty at the combine or his pro day. Over the last two seasons, Willis has averaged nearly 80 rushing yards a game (including yardage lost due to sacks) and has 27 rushing touchdowns over his last 23 career games.
He should be considered a developmental prospect after taking 51 sacks last season behind a porous offensive line and offensive weapons that failed to haul in passes, some easy and some difficult. The physical tools are there, and the ceiling is immense, but Willis will likely be best in a place where he can sit for a season and develop, and with the recent Mariota signing may be able to do just that.
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 Hurtts will love.
10. New York Jets: Drake London, WR, USC
After the Jets added a stud offensive lineman with their first pick, they can’t ignore getting a receiving 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. He did not participate in on-field drills at the combine but is slated to work out at his Pro Day on April 5th. While London 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.
11. Washington Commanders: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
The Commanders added Carson Wentz from the Colts via trade a few weeks ago but did retain their first-round pick which allows them to add some pieces around him on the offensive side of the ball. While wide receiver has moved into the betting favorite for the Commanders, we also must remember they should see improvement from Curtis Samuel in terms of health and last year’s third-round pick Dyami Brown via hopeful development. Penning is massive at 6-foot-7 325-pounds and has shown flashes of nasty in both the run and pass game. Penning had a massive showing at the combine on top 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, with Brandon Scherff leaving in free agency and last year’s second-round pick Sam Cosmi not entrenched at the position, Penning could battle for the right tackle spot with the loser taking over for Scherff at guard.
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. With the recent signing of Za’Darius Smith, it knocks edge down a tier in terms of need, making corner their biggest need.
13. Houston Texans: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
After grabbing Travon Walker with their first pick, the Texans stick to the best player available strategy and grab Jordan Davis who was the anchor for the Georgia Bulldogs defensive line. Davis has one technique 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. With Travon Walker and Jonathan Greenard coming off the edge and Davis clogging up the middle, the Texans' defensive front would be much improved for a head coach who focuses on getting pressure with four.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
The Ravens need to boost their defense after having one of their worst defensive performances in years. With questions up the middle, on the edge, and in the back end, Baltimore takes the best available defender. After thinking they were bringing back Za’Darius Smith and then him later agreeing to a deal with the Vikings, Johnson makes perfect sense for the Ravens who need a guy who can get to the quarterback, and Jermaine Johnson just had a massive performance at the Senior Bowl and combine and cementing 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 Ravens from day one. Johnson was the best player on the field for Florida State and showed a variety of pass rush moves.
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
With the first of their three first-round picks, the Eagles take a dynamic receiver who can excel in a variety of roles. Wilson could play inside or outside in the Eagles attack and his deep ball tracking would be a welcome upgrade over Jalen Reagor, while his YAC ability provides Jalen Hurts with another outlet to get the ball to. Wilson is a dynamo after the catch but can create space at the top of his route with elite-level quickness, and 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. The former Buckeye put on a show at the combine and moved up to be the top receiver selected with a few different Sportsbooks. Wilson ran a 4.38 at 6-foot 183 pounds and posted above-average jumps to cap off a nice day.
16. Philadelphia Eagles: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
With the second of their three first-round picks, the Eagles add to their edge room by selecting the powerful edge out of Purdue. Karlaftis isn’t your typical 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 31 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. Karlaftis’ power game would complement the speed rush of Josh Sweat and Haason Reddick and provide some depth with Brandon Graham now 34 years old.
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
The Chargers took a chance on an athletic tackle with short arms last season, and it turned into a second-team All-Pro selection. The Chargers currently have an undrafted and unproven option at right tackle in Storm Norton and have some formidable pass-rushing duos to face in the division. To combat that the Chargers select Raimann who put together an elite combine which saw him post an elite 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 and help protect Justin Herbert in the passing game.
18. New Orleans Saints: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
With the Drew Brees era now officially in the rearview and the Taysom Hill/Jameis Winston experience returning less than stellar results, the Saints start a new era of football without Sean Payton and sans Deshaun Watson. 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.
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 as excel as a blitzer when called upon. The Utah product 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.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
With Ben Roethlisberger officially announcing his retirement, the Steelers must make quarterback plans for the future even after the signing of Mitchell Trubisky. While the Steelers still have Mason Rudolph under contract as well, 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 Panthers 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.
21. New England Patriots: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
After an impressive rookie showing from Mac Jones, the Patriots need to get some weapons around him. 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 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.
22. Green Bay Packers: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
After the trade of Davante Adams to the Raiders, the Packers acquire this pick and have to start making up for the production lost without Adams. Olave would give Rodgers a strong option in the passing game and his former track prowess would add some of the field-stretching ability the Packers have been looking for without MVS in the fold. Olave is a crispy route runner who has track speed which would fit perfectly with Rodgers in a timing-based passing offense that mixes in a ton of RPO we have seen the Packers deploy over the last few years. He could be the centerpiece of the play-action shot plays and defensive offside free plays that Aaron Rodgers excels at. The former Buckeye had an impressive showing at the combine running a 4.39 at over 6-foot but tipping the scales at 187 pounds. Olave could be a plug-and-play piece for an offense that needs one despite being just under the Packers' desired weight threshold for wide receivers.
23. Arizona Cardinals: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
After losing Christian Kirk to a massive pay day, the Cardinals add another weapon for Kyler Murray by taking 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 Cardinals attack and his deep ball tracking would allow Murray to continue to keep his eyes downfield when he scrambles out of the pocket. 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.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
The Dallas Cowboys have had one of the worst offseasons in recent memory, with the weight of some big contracts forcing them to eschew some major contributors in recent seasons. The holes for the Cowboys are growing, but McDuffie is arguably the best player available and fills a position of need. McDuffie is smaller and quicker than the other corners on the roster and could play immediately in the nickel. He 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 and showed good change of direction in on-field drills. McDuffie could line up over the slot or the outside and provide solid coverage with the hit or miss Trevon Diggs on the other side.
25. Buffalo Bills: Zion Johnson, IOL, Boston College
The Bills are one of few playoff teams without significant assets on the offensive line. Johnson 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. He possesses good technique and always seems to be consistent which is something that could benefit the Bills. Johnson 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. The BC product also smashed the jumps with a 32-inch vertical and 9-foot-3 broad jump. He 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. With rumors that the Bills are looking to improve their run game and potentially even targeting Breece Hall here, I think the better pick would be a stud on the interior.
26. Tennessee Titans: Kenyon Green, IOL, Texas A&M
The Tennessee Titans have been looking for offensive line help, and while in my previous version I had all-world center Tyler Linderbaum ending up here, after listening more about the scheme and the archetype of player they are looking for, I believe Green is a better fit. Green has an impressive recruiting pedigree to match his massive 6-foot-4 323-pound frame. He's started 35 games for the Aggies and his ability to move people in the run game would be a big addition to the Titans and allow them to keep the run as the centerpiece of their game. 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. The former Aggie did not excel at the combine but did measure with good size and good arm length, but also posted a horrid shuttle score that ranks in the bottom 10% of guards. Green could compete for the right tackle spot in Tennessee or slot in at one of the guard spots and provide an instant impact.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got their best draft pick of the season when Tom Brady up and un-retired, since then a lot of the free agents have started to find their way back to town. While Ali Marpet’s retirement left a gaping hole on the line, Licht traded for Shaq Mason but the team also lost Alex Cappa to the Bengals. While the offensive line remains a concern, the hole on the defensive side of the ball may be slightly larger. Wyatt blazed a 4.77 at over 304 pounds and posted a RAS of 9.63 which ranks among the top 5% of all defensive tackles. Wyatt is a disruptor on the inside and can make plays in both the run and the pass game helping to create some of the havoc for the guys coming off the edge.
28. Green Bay Packers: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa
The Packers used the first pick from the Davante Adams trade to draft a receiver to help replace him, with their own first-round pick, they make a typical Packers move and draft an offensive lineman in Tyler Smith. At least this time, Smith could potentially step in on the right side of the line immediately whether it be at guard or tackle. Smith hits two of the three thresholds the Packers look for in offensive lineman and posted a RAS among the top 15% of athletes at the tackle position. Smith has long arms and has a nastiness to his game that fits the profile of Packer lineman.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
With the recent trade of Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs must now look for ways to surround Patrick Mahomes with some weaponry, and while one player won't be able to do it alone, Jahan Dotson has the quickness to do some of the things Hill did in Kansas City. 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. Dotson would be an intriguing piece in Kansas City as Andy Reid has extensive history of working with smaller wide receivers and getting them the ball in YAC situations.
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 free agents, the Chiefs need to add some youth and athleticism to their back end. Booth has the blend of both 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. The former Tiger did not compete in on-field testing due to a quad injury which is not considered serious, but with Clemson’s March 17th Pro Day having come and gone, Booth will not have any official testing scores on his profile. After adding Justin Reid to the back end, the addition of Booth would help as an influx of new blood for a secondary that needs one.
31. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Linderbaum, IOL, Iowa
After narrowly losing the Superbowl to the Los Angeles Rams, the Bengals' lone focus this offseason has been to get more protection for Joe Burrow after he was sacked 70 times last season. 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. The Bengals, 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 and move free agent acquisition Ted Karras over to left guard to compete with Jackson Carman. The Iowa product 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, he plays with great leverage and his athleticism allows him to make recoveries when needed. Tyler would help finish an offensive line makeover for the Bengals that could have as many as four new starters this season.
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 No. 1 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. 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.
