2022 NFL Mock Draft: Kayvon Thibodeaux slides, Drake London rises
By Randy Gurzi
Jermaine Johnson. 9. player. 45. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. EDGE. Florida State
9. Denver Broncos: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
Listed at 6-foot-5 and 260-pounds, Jermaine Johnson is built like an NFL defensive end. He also played for one of the better defenses with the Georgia Bulldogs where he had 16 tackles and five sacks in a rotational role in 2020.
Then in 2021, he went to Florida State where he took off with 70 tackles (17.5 for a loss) and 11.5 sacks. Here, he lands with the Denver Broncos who need someone to take over for Von Miller and while those are some huge shoes to fill, Johnson is a player who could have a long and very successful NFL career.
Scouting Report. CB. 10. player. Pick Analysis. Cincinnati. Ahmad Gardner. 30
10. New York Jets (via Seattle Seahawks): Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
One defender was not enough for Robert Saleh and the New York Jets. That’s why when they come back on the clock at No. 10 — with the second day one pick they got from Seattle for Jamal Adams — they take Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner.
Just how good is this kid? Well, according to Field Yates, he allowed no touchdowns in his career and in 2021, allowed no receptions beyond 13-yards.
Two crazy stats Cincinnati CB Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, who stands at 6-3, 200 pounds:
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) February 21, 2022
▪️He didn’t allow more than 13 yards to any receiver in a game this past season
▪️He didn’t allow a TD catch in his *entire* college career
🔒 pic.twitter.com/fWjLIwMehI
Any defense that has a lot of success usually has to have an elite pass rusher and a cornerback capable of taking away the opposing team’s No. 1 wide receiver. The Jets just landed both with their two picks in this opening round.