2022 NFL Mock Draft: Buccaneers replace Tom Brady with sleeper QB

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Desmond Ridder #9 of the Cincinnati Bearcats drops back to pass during the first half of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Desmond Ridder #9 of the Cincinnati Bearcats drops back to pass during the first half of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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2022 NFL Mock Draft
SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 23: Kyle Hamilton #14 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs with the ball after intercepting a pass against the Boston College Eagles in the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 40-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

3. Houston Texans: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

The Houston Texans could end up with several extra picks in the 2022 NFL Draft should they trade Deshaun Watson away. They’re still reportedly asking for a bounty for their former starting quarterback even though his off-field issues are still not resolved. And there are also still some teams interested in landing him.

Perhaps they do trade him and if so, they could land a quarterback to try and replace Watson. Until that happens, they can’t afford to gamble on a signal-caller and each of the prospects in this class are considered gambles.

With only one chance in this mock, they go for one of the better all-around talents in Kyle Hamilton. The Notre Dame safety was a chess piece for the Irish and should continue to be so in the NFL. He can play in deep coverage, in the slot, and can also attack the line of scrimmage.

As for the quarterback spot, the Texans could roll with Davis Mills for another season. He played in 13 games with 11 starts and completed 66.8 percent of his passes for 2,664 yards with 16 touchdowns against 10 picks. He was just 2-9 as the starter but with a better defense, that could improve. Hamilton helps in that regard, and we’ll have to wait to see if it’s enough.