2022 NFL Mock Draft: Kayvon Thibodeaux slides, Drake London rises
By Randy Gurzi
Nakobe Dean. 47. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. LB. Georgia. 21. player
21. New England Patriots: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
It’s never easy to figure out where the New England Patriots are going with the picks, with 2021being an exception because it seemed like everyone knew Mac Jones was not getting past them. They’re known for taking the best players available and then figuring it out from there and the best on the board right now is Nakobe Dean from Georgia.
A sideline-to-sideline linebacker, Dean was already a sensational prospect even before his explosion during the team’s National Championship run. He became a household name as he stood out on a stacked defense and now joins another great defense, where he can continue to stand out.
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. OT. player. Mississippi State. Charles Cross. 22. 28
22. Las Vegas Raiders: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
The Las Vegas Raiders might finally start to take players from schools other than Alabama and Clemson in the first round with Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden gone. Now with Josh McDaniels at coach, they look to re-tool their roster and they do that by taking Charles Cross from Mississippi State.
Like McDaniels’ former team at pick 21, this is all about taking the best player on the board. Cross has the talent to suggest he goes much higher but due to other linemen standing out, he’s there at 22. Rather than reaching simply to take someone from a certain school, Vegas takes the best talent – which is something new for fans to get used to.