Aggressively Early 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Sam Howell, Kayvon Thibodeaux top class
By Randy Gurzi
George Pickens. player. 46. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. WR. Georgia. 19
19. Indianapolis Colts: George Pickens, WR, Georgia
It was clear that Chris Ballard wanted to improve the defensive end position for Indianapolis this year because he spent the first two draft picks on the EDGE. Kwity Paye should be ready to produce from the first day and Dayo Odeyingbo is a great developmental prospect that could play on the edge as well as inside as a three-technique on passing downs.
Looking forward, the next spot to try and improve could be wide receiver. They have Michael Pittman and T.Y. Hilton but Hilton is closer to the end than the beginning — and is on just a one-year deal.
For that reason, they take Georgia wide receiver George Pickens with their first-round pick in 2022. Pickens could have been the first wideout taken had it not been for a torn ACL in the spring. Still, he should go early and the Colts would be wise to land a player who they can groom across from Pittman.
20. player. 32. Pick Analysis. Drake Jackson. EDGE. USC. Scouting Report
20. Arizona Cardinals: Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
In 17 career games, Drake Jackson has 17 career sacks. Measuring in at 6-4 and 255 pounds, he’s perfectly built for an outside linebacker role in a 3-4 defense, and the Arizona Cardinals are going to need to start thinking about life after Chandler Jones.
Jackson could easily take over as their next pass-rushing threat and there are a couple of very impressive veterans in Arizona that he could learn from.