2022 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 25-26
25. Tennessee Titans: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
In the NFL today, nothing is more important for the linebacker position than players being able to stay on the field for all three downs.
Nakobe Dean, needless to say, has been one of the best three-down linebackers in college football this season.
He’s allowed a passer rating of 40.6 into his coverage this year, per Pro Football Focus.
Not only has he been outstanding in coverage, Dean has been extremely effective blitzing and rushing the passer. He has 3.5 sacks in seven games and when he’s sent on a blitz, he has great speed off the edge and plays way bigger than his listed 6-feet, 225 pounds.
26. Cincinnati Bengals: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
The Cincinnati Bengals have a relatively easy job in the 2022 NFL Draft — protect Joe Burrow.
They made the decision to go with Ja’Marr Chase over Penei Sewell in the 2021 NFL Draft, and that wound up being the best decision they’ve made.
Chase is on pace to post the best numbers of any rookie receiver in NFL history.
After this season, however, the Bengals can shift their focus to the offensive line and the tackle position here could get a significant upgrade in the form of Northern Iowa’s Trevor Penning.
He is big, strong, nasty, and he’ll help keep Joe Burrow clean.