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Philadelphia Eagles lead top 5 steals from Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft

By Michael Johnson

2022 NFL mock draft: Nakobe Dean #17 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Sanford Stadium on October 2, 2021 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
2022 NFL mock draft: Nakobe Dean #17 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Sanford Stadium on October 2, 2021 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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2022 NFL Draft, Philadelphia Eagles
Apr 28, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Liberty quarterback Malik Willis on the red carpet at the Fountains of Bellagio before the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Malik Willis, QB, Tennessee Titans

Malik Wills was the talk of the draft after Senior Bowl week. NFL Draft media couldn’t get enough of the elite arm talent and athleticism. He didn’t run the 40, but he showed escapability and enough speed in the open field.

However, he was raw coming from a simple offense, which made him a Day 2 prospect, right? After all, sites like The Draft Network had him ranked in the 30s.  Willis’ arm talent was so jaw-dropping mock drafts all over had Willis going in the first round. Well, we were wrong.

After Kenny Pickett went in round one, we saw Desmond Ridder get selected in round three. Willis eventually heard his name called by the Titans.

This is a blessing in disguise for a player who can sit and learn behind a good quarterback, Ryan Tannehill. Willis doesn’t have to worry about being the savior of a dying franchise. He can now hone his skills and take over in a year or two and make teams regret passing on him.

1. Nakobe Dean, LB, Philadelphia Eagles

Coming into the 2022 NFL Draft, many draft sites had Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean ranked inside the Top 20 prospects. In fact, CBS Sports had him ranked 14th overall. Most sites had him as their LB1, with his biggest knock being his size.

However, on draft day, we learned some soft tissue injuries and a pec tear caused his stock to fall. The Philadelphia Eagles were smart to jump on a guy who projects as an All-Pro even if he doesn’t play his rookie season.

Dean is a dynamic playmaker who drops into coverage in both man and zone. He can line up in the slot and take on tight ends or cover running backs. The UGA standout is the perfect linebacker for today’s NFL. With the NFL needing more cover guys, having a linebacker who can do so brings value.

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