Post-combine 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Jaguars take surprise pick at No. 1
By Randy Gurzi
Cincinnati Bengals address O-line in 2022 NFL Mock Draft
56. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Tulsa. Tyler Smith. 31. OT. player
31. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa
We can’t say the Cincinnati Bengals made a mistake in taking Ja’Marr Chase because he was far and away the best offensive rookie in the NFL. He also had Jalen Ramsey beat for what would have been a Super Bowl-winning touchdown play.
However, they couldn’t make the play because Joe Burrow was sacked and that’s due to the fact that their offensive line was still a problem. In an effort to fix that in this draft, the Bengals use the No. 31 pick on Tyler Smith from Tulsa.
Smith is impressively built at 6-foot-5 and 324-pounds and plays with a mean streak. He’s powerful and his play is contagious, which is exactly what the Bengals need on their line.
player. 50. Scouting Report. QB. Cincinnati. Desmond Ridder. 32. Pick Analysis
32. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
With the 32nd pick in Round 1, the Detroit Lions close things out. They will also be back on the clock in a couple of picks as they have an early selection in Round 2 but they elect to use this one on Desmond Ridder from Cincinnati. Ridder had a great showing at the combine which surely helped improve his stock as he looks to prove he can be the guy at the next level.
He might not seem to be a sure-fire day one pick but the reason for taking him here and not in Round 2 makes sense. Adding him as a Round 1 pick means they can have him under contract for the next five seasons — which will be huge if he does turn out to be a legit starter.