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2022 NFL mock draft: Eagles take Kenny Pickett, Desmond Ridder to Broncos

By Sayre Bedinger

Oct 23, 2021; Pasadena, California, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) tries to get past UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Alec Anderson (70) in the second half at Rose Bowl. Oregon defeated UCLA 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2021; Pasadena, California, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) tries to get past UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Alec Anderson (70) in the second half at Rose Bowl. Oregon defeated UCLA 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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2022 NFL Mock Draft
DeMarvin Leal, 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports /

2022 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 11-12

11. New England Patriots: DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M

DeMarvin Leal. 11. player. 47. DL. Texas AM. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

The New England Patriots just recently used a second-round pick on Alabama’s Christian Barmore, a move that has given them some big-time potential on the interior defensive line.

Even with Barmore in place, can New England pass on a player like DeMarvin Leal here with this pick?

If this situation presents itself, I don’t think New England would be able to resist the chance to pair up Barmore and Leal for the foreseeable future on the defensive interior. That kind of power and athleticism on the interior defensive line makes life unbearable for opposing offensive linemen.

Leal has 5.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss so far this season and considering the high expectations on him this season, it’s safe to say he’s delivered. Some are considering Leal as a candidate to move out to EDGE at the next level, but that won’t necessarily matter in Bill Belichick’s defense. Leal can play a variety of positions for him.

12. Denver Broncos: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

QB. Cincinnati. Desmond Ridder. 12. Scouting Report. 45. Pick Analysis. player

After some stellar play in a 3-0 start, it looked like the Denver Broncos might be able to start drawing up some contract extension papers for Teddy Bridgewater. Four games and four losses later?

It’s clear that this Denver Broncos team does not have the future franchise QB on the roster.

Barring something miraculous from Bridgewater or Drew Lock down the stretch of this season, the Broncos will be in the market for QBs in 2022.

Although veteran options may be preferable, Desmond Ridder is a fascinating candidate for teams in the first-round market. He’s a “veteran” of the college game and some wouldn’t take him here because of some issues with accuracy.

But Ridder has some of the best dual-threat abilities in this class, a very strong arm, and he’s made some outstanding throws. You can win in today’s NFL with his arm and athleticism while he gets up to speed in the decision-making process.

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