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2022 NFL Mock Draft: Matt Corral becomes the future in Atlanta

By Christopher Thomas

Oct 9, 2021; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Matt Corral (2) during warmups prior to the game against Arkansas Razorbacks at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2021; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Matt Corral (2) during warmups prior to the game against Arkansas Razorbacks at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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2022 NFL Mock Draft Sep 25, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal (8) in action during the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Texas A&M Aggies at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
2022 NFL Mock Draft Sep 25, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal (8) in action during the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Texas A&M Aggies at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Houston Texans: DeMarvin Leal, Defensive Lineman, Texas A&M

The Houston Texans could find themselves in an interesting situation if they do not land the first overall pick in the upcoming draft, which is the case in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Last offseason the Texans essentially blew up their roster and put band-aids over all the holes on their roster. So this offseason the Texans could potentially look completely different from how they look right now.

A popular pick for them could be a quarterback in the first round. However, since this quarterback class has not looked super impressive Houston may try to wait another season before potentially addressing that position in the first round. The Texans would need a quarterback who can contribute right away.

If Houston goes with the recommended best player approach from this spot they have a difficult decision to make. They can choose between LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton, and Texas A&M defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal. In this scenario, the Texans go with the in-state prospect Leal because normally pass rushers are valued higher earlier in drafts rather than the other positions.

What makes Leal so impressive as a prospect is not only how talented he is but his versatility. Leal can play anywhere across a defensive line in any scheme. In recent years there have been a few players versatile to play multiple positions across offensive lines including Stephon Tuitt, Arik Armstead, Solomon Thomas, and Marlon Davidson. Tuitt and Armstead have had more success than Thomas and Davidson because their coaching staff figured out where to line them up and how to use their versatility as an advantage rather than playing the player at one position whether they play well there or not. Leal has a higher projected ceiling than all of them, including Thomas who was taken third overall in his respective draft.

Houston would be drafting a foundational piece for their defense in Leal that could set the framework for how defensive coordinator Lovie Smith builds their front seven going forward. Wherever he lines up will already be a strength for this Texans defensive front.

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