2022 NFL mock draft: Full first-round mock after huge Eagles-Saints trade

2022 NFL mock draft, picks 21-22

21. New England Patriots: Quay Walker, LB, Georgia

One of the draft buzz tidbits I think people should start buying into is that Quay Walker could go much higher than anticipated, even higher than his more hyped teammate Nakobe Dean, potentially.

Leave it to the New England Patriots to make somewhat of a jaw-dropping pick. The Patriots have never really cared about the perceived value of the guys they draft and Bill Belichick is almost a virtual lock to use his top pick on someone from either the Alabama or Georgia program.

Quay Walker has outstanding size at 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, and could slide right into a starting role for Bill Belichick’s defense.

22. Green Bay Packers: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue

You didn’t think the Packers were just going to instantly replace Davante Adams did you?

The Packers have unfortunately made it a habit to not use early-round picks on the wide receiver positions in recent years. Specifically, they have failed to surround Aaron Rodgers with first-round talent on the offensive side of the ball for a decade-plus.

At this juncture, the value of the remaining receivers simply doesn’t match up with the value of a player like Karlaftis, who could replace Za’Darius Smith and give the Packers a versatile option to add to their talented defense.