2022 NFL Mock Draft: Washington, Pittsburgh land top QBs
2022 NFL mock draft: Picks 21-24
CB. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 59. Clemson. Andrew Booth Jr. 21. player
Cornerback may not be the immediate position of need for Miami, but the value here is too good to pass up. Additionally, Byron Jones has struggled to live up to his contract and Xavien Howard cannot cover the whole field by himself. As such, South Beach takes Andrew Booth Jr, who comes from a heralded college football program in Clemson.
A First-team All-ACC selection, Booth had five tackles in the season opener against Georgia and finished the year with 35 tackles and three picks. Though the Tigers fell off this past season, Booth was one of the bright spots for the team and will now take his talents to Brian Flores’ unit in hopes of turning them around.
Miami’s defense has been an issue this season, but a large portion of it can be attributed to the lack of talent on the roster. Flores was given the time to fix it and having a player like Booth can help turn things around given how the AFC East has Buffalo riding high and New England returning to the mix.
DT. Pick Analysis. Georgia. Travon Walker. 22. player. 47. Scouting Report
If Sunday’s game against Buffalo didn’t emphasize the need for another body upfront for the Foxborough Faithful, then nothing will. New England has lost two games in a row, and their defense has largely struggled.
Despite spending over $160 million in the offseason, New England will likely end up as a Wild Card team instead of a division champion. Ending up with Walker in the draft at this stage would be an instant upgrade over what currently occupies the trenches.
Walker’s 2021 season was not the flashiest, but he shined under the spotlight, which is what Bill Belichick covets. Should the Pats make him their newest member, expect him to get on the field sooner than later, mainly due to New England’s deficiencies needing addressing.
54. WR. David Bell. 23. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Purdue
In initial mock drafts, Bell was looked at as a second or third-round pick. However, his upside is too much to ignore, and Philadelphia needs weapons at the moment. Moreover, given how Philly got this pick courtesy of the Carson Wentz trade, they can afford to take a chance on here on Bell, who does have a strong resume to warrant a high pick.
93 catches for over 1,200 yards and six touchdowns is impressive. Additionally, Bell showed out in the Boilermakers upset of then No.3 Michigan State with 217 yards on 11 catches and a touchdown. Against then No. 2 Iowa, Bell went off for 240 yards on 11 catches and a score. In other words, against highly ranked teams, he shows off.
While he is likely not going to have games like that on a consistent basis in the NFL, he can translate well, and his presence alone will have teams double-teaming him, opening up more opportunities for DeVonta Smith and Jalen Reagor. There’s a lot to like here.
Pick Analysis. Kaiir Elam. 24. 32. Scouting Report. CB. Florida. player
Having a father and uncle both play in the NFL helps when it comes to dealing with the constant struggle for success. Kaiir Elam should have no trouble at all, and that type of player is essential for the Arizona Cardinals.
Right now, the desert boasts an offense capable of competing with the best in the NFL but has regressed since their win over Chicago. Though they have clinched a playoff berth, the road is still a rocky one, a far cry from what endured throughout the early part of the season where they were the top team in the NFC.
Elam is one of the more pro-ready prospects and should fit in very well with Vance Joseph’s scheme. Also, he will have a teammate in Budda Baker who can take him under his wing and help him transition to the NFL. It’s not about where you go; it’s what you do when you get there.