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2022 NFL Mock Draft: Jets Defense Rebuilt In 3-Round Projection

By Christopher Thomas

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 18: Derek Stingley Jr. #7 of the LSU Tigers warms up prior to a game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Tiger Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 18: Derek Stingley Jr. #7 of the LSU Tigers warms up prior to a game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Tiger Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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2022 NFL Mock Draft, David Ojabo, 2022 NFL Draft. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
2022 NFL Mock Draft, David Ojabo, 2022 NFL Draft. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

32. Arizona Cardinals: David Ojabo, Edge Rusher, Michigan

The Arizona Cardinals have maintained the best record in the NFL almost the entirety of the season. Unlike last season the Cardinals have been able to play at a consistently high level all year. They made some great additions on both sides of the ball including former Pro Bowlers J.J. Watt, A.J. Green, James Conner, and Rodney Hudson. They also drafted another deep threat for Kyler Murray in Rondale Moore. This team looks like it has what it takes to end the second-longest playoff drought in the NFL.

Unfortunately, Arizona will have a few major free agents this offseason including Chandler Jones, Markus Golden, A.J. Green, Christian Kirk, Chase Edmonds, and James Conner. Arizona will be forced to make some tough decisions on which players they will let go in free agency. Almost one thing is certain though about Arizona’s upcoming offseason. They will not be able to retain both Chandler Jones and Markus Golden. One of Arizona’s pass rushers will walk in free agency opening up a void on their extremely talented defense.

Arizona’s 2021 first-round pick Zaven Collins can lineup at both inside and outside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme so he can help fill the void. However, Arizona should spend a premium asset on a pass rusher. Even if they retain one or somehow both they should consider drafting a pass rusher because their top three pass rushers are all over the age of 30.

One of the hottest risers in the NFL Draft community the last couple of weeks has been Michigan edge rusher David Ojabo. The Cardinals grab the Michigan pass rusher here at the end of the first round of this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. He would fit perfectly in Arizona’s 3-4 defensive scheme. Those who are high on Ojabo feel he could be selected in the top-10. While those who are down on him think he benefits from lining up opposite Aidan Hutchinson. If the latter is the case then he should benefit from playing alongside future Hall of Famers Chandler Jones (if he is resigned) and J.J. Watt. This has the potential to be a steal for Arizona if Ojabo reaches his potential playing for the Cardinals.

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