29. Arizona Cardinals: Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
The Arizona Cardinals defense has been pretty good at getting after the quarterback this season. Markus Golden has been the best with 11 sacks and Chandler Jones has 9.5. However, Jones is a free agent this offseason, and Golden will be 31 in 2022 — plus he’s not been very consistent throughout his career.
That’s why the Cards bring in Drake Jackson from USC. Tall and long, Jackson is a great prospect to play in the stand-up pass-rushing role for Arizona. His addition also wouldn’t mean they have to let Jones walk because he could serve as a rotational player while getting his feet wet in the NFL.
30. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
They took a quarterback with their first pick and now the Detroit Lions are back on the clock at No. 30 — one of the two first-rounders they got from the Rams for shipping off their old quarterback. This time, they turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball where they land Nakobe Dean from Georgia.
A playmaking linebacker, Dean has racked up 132 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two picks the past two seasons for the Bulldogs. He’s always around the ball and should help get the ball back for the Lions’ offense much more than they’re used to.