2022 NFL Mock Draft: Falcons hit reset at QB, Packers plug hole on defense
2022 NFL Mock Draft – Picks No. 9-12
9. player. 28. . IDL (Texas A&M). Las Vegas Raiders. DeMarvin Leal
Jon Gruden’s Raiders have had plenty of issues since he arrived but one obvious one has been, despite some efforts, the lack of a consistent force up front on defense. DeMarvin Leal could change that.
A player The Athletic’s Dane Brugler (subscription required) compared to Jonathan Allen, the 6-foot-4, 290-pound Aggie plays like a player 50 pounds lighter than he is in terms of agility and bend but has the bruthe force and frame to dominate on the interior. Needless to say, Las Vegas needs that type of force.
OT (Washington). Cincinnati Bengals. Jaxson Kirkland. 10. player. 56.
Despite how good Ja’Marr Chase looked — and how many people he proved wrong — in the rookie wide receiver’s debut, it’s hard to forgive the Bengals for taking him over Penei Sewell. The Cincinnati offensive line remains an issue, one that Jaxson Kirkland can help. He was dominant for the Huskies in the shortened 2020 Pac-12 season and now looks to continue that. There were some struggles early in the season but the tool chest is there for him to be a quality NFL tackle.
IDL (Georgia). Philadelphia Eagles. Jordan Davis. 11. player. 54.
(Pick via Colts if Wentz plays 75 percent of snaps, which he has so far) – As mentioned, the Eagles only get this pick if Wentz plays three-quarters of the Colts’ snaps at quarterback. Otherwise, it’s a second-rounder coming to Philly.
But with the Eagles having the pick in this 2022 NFL mock draft, Jordan Davis is too good to pass up. His biggest problem prior to 2021 was consistency because his size, strength and explosiveness all flashed. Thus far, he’s been downright scary up front for Georgia, which gives hope he can be a game-wrecker on the interior in the NFL.
Matt Corral. 12. player. 58. . QB (Ole Miss). Washington Commanders
Taylor Heinicke is a great story as he fills in for Ryan Fitzpatrick. However, Washington fans shouldn’t get ahead of themselves — they still need a future at the position, not a player who is a feel-good moment but also still limits the ceiling of the offense. Matt Corral has the ability to do that. Efficient in the Ole Miss offense, he’s a quick riser in this draft class but he has the make-up of a quarterback worthy of being a top-15 pick every day of the week.