2022 NFL Mock Draft: Malik Willis in the top 5, Cowboys get elite EDGE

By Randy Gurzi | Sep 6, 2021

Dec 26, 2020; Orlando, FL, USA; Liberty Flames quarterback Malik Willis (7) runs the ball in for a touchdown as Coastal Carolina Chanticleers safety Alex Spillum (10) defends during the second half of the Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports /

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TUCSON, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 14: Linebacker Drake Jackson #99 of the USC Trojans lines up during the second half of the PAC-12 football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on November 14, 2020 in Tucson, Arizona. The Trojans defeated the Wildcats 34-30. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Pick Analysis. EDGE. USC. 8. 44. Scouting Report. Drake Jackson. player

8. Atlanta Falcons: Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC

It’s been a while since the Atlanta Falcons had a legit edge rusher on their roster. While they did have the No. 1 sack artist in 2016 when Vic Beasley registered 15.5 on the year, he was never the consistent player they needed. In fact, it’s probably been since the days of John Abraham (2006 through 2014 although he only played one game during his final season in Atlanta) that they have had a guy they truly knew could make life hard on the opposing quarterback from the end position.

Thankfully, they have had someone who can make plenty of noise in Grady Jarrett from the interior, but they need that edge rusher to really get their defense back on track. For that reason, they use their first-round pick in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft on USC’s Drake Jackson.

At 6-foot-4 and 250-pounds, Jackson enters his junior season as a player to watch. He has yet to really break out but he’s already declared this as his final season with the Trojans and his immense athleticism and versatility to play with his hand in the dirt or as a stand-up pass rusher stand out as reasons for him to make good on his promise. As long as he does that, he should be one of the top pass rushers off the board.

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