2022 NFL Mock Draft: Chiefs replace Tyreek Hill, Panthers land Pickett
By Randy Gurzi
player. San Diego State. Cameron Thomas. 23. 32. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. EDGE
23. Arizona Cardinals: Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State
With Chandler Jones heading out of town, the Arizona Cardinals find themselves in need of a new pass rusher to work opposite J.J. Watt, which leads them to Cameron Thomas at No. 23. There will be calls for a wide receiver as well after losing Christian Kirk, but with this class being so loaded at that position, they decide to wait and take the edge rusher first.
Thomas is a big-bodied defensive end who could be going much higher than this had he played for a program with more prestige. As it stands, he ends up being a huge steal for the Cardinals who get a pretty technically sound player at No. 23.
Michigan. player. 123. EDGE. David Ojabo. 24. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
24. Dallas Cowboys: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
Randy Gregory looked ready to rejoin the Dallas Cowboys but then Stephen Jones did what Stephen Jones does — he made sure the player and agent understood that he cared more about the bottom line than the player themselves. While some would say that’s good business, doing so blatantly often leads to players exiting, which happened here as Gregory backed out of a deal to head to Denver.
With him out, the Cowboys now have a huge need at defensive end but they fill that with David Ojabo. There’s really no reason Ojabo should be available at 24, but the Cowboys find themselves able to draft him since he suffered an unfortunate Achilles tear at his pro day.
Ojabo’s status for the early part of 2022 is up in the air and since Dallas has DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons on the roster, they can get by until he’s healthy. Once he is ready to roll, they will look brilliant for making this move.