2022 NFL Mock Draft: Edge Rushers Fly Off The Board, 3 QBs In Round 1
By Evan Bachman
27. Detroit Lions (via LAR): Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
The Lions will receive this selection from the Rams via the Matthew Stafford trade. They were projected to take the draft’s best player in Kayvon Thibodeaux earlier in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, and now they can look to add a quarterback if they chose with this selection.
Sam Howell’s stock has gone down this season as he has had some struggles as a passer, however he’s still shown enough to be a first round pick. Howell is a three-year starter for North Carolina and has been consistently good. One thing that I liked about Howell coming into the season was how well he threw the ball downfield, and unfortunately this season he hasn’t done that nearly as well.
He has, however, shown what he can do as a runner, as he’s rushed for over 700 yards, nine touchdowns and has forced 55 missed tackles this season.
28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Drake London, WR, USC
With both Antonio Brown and Chris Godwin set to be free agents after the season, the Buccaneers will most likely have to replace at least one of them this offseason. So, adding Drake London to this offense makes sense for them in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
Drake London is someone who’s flown up draft boards this season with his remarkable play this season. Before an ankle injury ended his season, he caught 88 passes for 1084 yards and seven touchdowns in just eight games.
London has a lot of areas to his game to really like. First off, standing at 6-foot-5, he’s excellent in contested catch situations. According to PFF he hauled in 19 contested catches this season, which is an incredible number considering he only played eight games.
Another thing there is to like about him is his quickness and ability to force missed tackles with the ball in his hands. Usually you don’t expect tall, lanky built receivers like London to be quick and elusive, but he is and has proven that by forcing 22 missed tackles this season at USC.