Aggressively Early 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Sam Howell, Kayvon Thibodeaux top class
By Randy Gurzi
OT. Penn State. Rasheed Walker. player. 123. 23. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
23. Dallas Cowboys: Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State
For the first time in their existence, the Dallas Cowboys went with defense on their first six draft picks this year. We can argue about whether or not they reached on some of those selections (spoiler alert, they did) but the truth is, they got better on defense and absolutely had to after the disastrous season they had on that side of the ball in 2020.
While that made sense to do, they did ignore the offensive line which was also a mess last season. In doing so, they’re putting all their hopes on Tyron Smith and La’el Collins bouncing back from injury but chances are that won’t go well. Sure, Collins should be fine but Smith has dealt with injuries for the past five seasons with his being major problems — such as back and neck injuries.
Josh Ball was added at No. 138 but he has issues off the field and it’s probably a risk trying to lean on him. With that being said, they grab Rasheed Walker from Penn State here. A redshirt junior in 2021, Walker already has 22 career starts and could improve his stock with another big season.
Miami. Zion Nelson. 24. 55. Pick Analysis. OT. Scouting Report. player
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Zion Nelson, OT, Miami
The Pittsburgh Steelers also addressed big needs in the draft by landing Alabama running back Najee Harris and Penn State tight end Pat Freiermuth. They also needed O-line help and waited until the third and fourth rounds which is where they took guard Kendrick Green from Illinois and Dan Moore, Jr. from Texas A&M.
They might prove to be starters one day but Pittsburgh would be wise to invest in more talent on the line as they replace come older talent. That’s what they do here by taking Zion Nelson from Miami.