2022 NFL mock draft: Desmond Ridder soaring in final predictions
![2022 NFL mock draft - Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) walks onto the field before the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind.Cincinnati Bearcats At Notre Dame Fighting Irish 208 2022 NFL mock draft - Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) walks onto the field before the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind.Cincinnati Bearcats At Notre Dame Fighting Irish 208](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/455479f7e0e8e0166f0c852966a3ede0ed083e56b9bb950c6c247ad52126facf.jpg)
3. Houston Texans: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
There are plenty of directions the Houston Texans could go with this pick that would make sense.
They could go with a lineman like Ikem Ekwonu or Evan Neal to really fortify that unit.
They could take Sauce Gardner, who didn’t allow a single touchdown in his time at Cincinnati.
They could surprise everyone and go with another edge rusher, maybe Jermaine Johnson or Kayvon Thibodeaux.
The one rumor that makes the most sense right now, however, is that the Texans are enamored with Derek Stingley Jr. out of LSU.
Stingley was considered a top-five lock prior to the injury he suffered this past year and it’s funny how things come full-circle sometimes. He has the potential to be a true lockdown player at the NFL level and the Texans’ defense needs a foundation-type of player more than the offensive line needs an upgrade at guard or right tackle.
4. New York Jets: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
The rumor mill has been swirling lately regarding what the New York Jets could be up to with their two top-10 picks.
Could they use one of them to trade for Deebo Samuel? A Deebo Samuel trade could make this mock draft irrelevant in no time, so keep your eyes peeled for that.
The latest rumor involving the New York Jets is that Florida State pass rusher Jermaine Johnson, a breakout player in 2021, could be in play for that fourth overall pick. A number of teams picking in the top 10 this year need edge help, and Johnson is one of the better prospects in the class with his size, athleticism, and length.
Would this be a slightly surprising pick? Sure, but the Jets need edge help and Johnson can be an instant impact player for them.