2022 NFL Mock Draft: Dallas Cowboys reach for surprise EDGE
By Randy Gurzi
DT. Travis Jones. player. 56. Pick Analysis. Connecticut. 31. Scouting Report
31. Cincinnati Bengals: Travis Jones, DT, Uconn
Entering the offseason, it seemed to be a foregone conclusion that the Cincinnati Bengals were taking an offensive lineman with their first pick in this draft. But then, they added Ted Karras, Alex Cappa, and La’el Collins in free agency. After fixing three starting positions, they can now go for another spot in the draft which leads to them taking Travis Jones at No. 31.
Jones can replace Larry Ogunjobi and while he’s not as good in the pass-rushing department, he will be able to shut down the opposing teams running game. Cincy was close to winning it all and they continue to stockpile great talent as they look to finally win their first Lombardi Trophy.
Cincinnati. 32. 50. Desmond Ridder. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. QB
32. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
The Detroit Lions already took Aidan Hutchinson at No. 2 overall and they have another pick coming up early in the second round ‚— which they could use on Desmond Ridder should they want to add the Cincinnati quarterback. However, it’s smarter to take Ridder here as they would be able to give him a fifth-year on his rookie deal should he develop into a starting quarterback.
There are those who are still not sold on Ridder but he did a lot with Cincy and was absolutely dealing in the College Football Playoffs — even though there were a lot of drops in that game.
Detroit would be wise to bring in competition for Jared Goff and Ridder could end up being a diamond in the rough.