2022 NFL mock draft: Aaron Rodgers to Broncos, Derek Carr to Commanders

2022 NFL mock draft picks 3-4

3. Houston Texans: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

The Houston Texans are moving forward with Lovie Smith as their head coach, and Pep Hamilton is coming back in 2022 but as offensive coordinator.

Everything that has happened so far in the 2022 offseason is good news for young Davis Mills, who may not have posted incredible stats in 2021 as a rookie but he certainly passed the eye test and looks like someone that the Texans might be able to build around.

With that in mind, adding along the offensive line is a great idea for Houston in a draft class that is absolutely loaded up front.

Evan Neal could easily go first overall but if he’s on the board at 3, the Texans could draft him as an eventual replacement to Laremy Tunsil but he’s also played on the right side at Alabama as well as at left guard.

4. New York Jets: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

Ultimately, this was a pretty tough call for the Jets. I debated between Thibodeaux, Derek Stingley Jr., Kyle Hamilton, and even offensive tackle Charles Cross.

There are so many directions the Jets could go especially since they have another pick coming up again soon, but ultimately, I went with the risk-reward option of Kayvon Thibodeaux here, keeping all options on the table with the Jets’ second first-round pick.

Thibodeaux needs a situation in the NFL where the coaching staff is going to help get the most out of him, and Robert Saleh can help do exactly that.