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

43. Minnesota Vikings: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan

Minnesota should continue to address the defensive side of the ball in the 2022 NFL Draft. Last offseason Minnesota lost safety Anthony Harris in free agency. Harris was a real playmaker for Minnesota’s defense. Not only was he capable of putting up 100+ tackles in a season but he also was great at creating turnovers. The Vikings could look at Michigan safety Daxton Hill as a potential replacement for Harris. Hill is a versatile defensive back that could cover like a nickel-cornerback and can tackle like a safety. He could be the difference-maker the Vikings have been looking to add to this rebuilding defense.

44. New Orleans Saints: George Pickens, WR, Georgia

After Emmanuel Sanders and Jared Cook left in free agency, their group of pass-catchers was exposed. The Saints need to make a major investment in wide receiver this offseason. Georgia wide receiver George Pickens could be a steal in the second round. When healthy Pickens has shown that he is capable of being a number one wide receiver at the next level. He would likely be in the conversation for best receiver in college football if he played the entire season. Pickens spent eight months recovering from an ACL injury that should be healed by the time he’s drafted. He could elevate this Saints offense if he was drafted to New Orleans. Whether Michael Thomas is in New Orleans or not next season the Saints should consider adding a talent like Pickens to their rebuilding offense.

45. Atlanta Falcons: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

At this point, it appears that Matt Ryan is the only piece on this Falcons offense that works. However, it would be hard for Arthur Smith to pass up the opportunity to coach and develop a quarterback prospect like Cincinatti’s Desmond Ridder. He has the size, arm strength, and drive that offensive coordinator’s dream of. He likely won’t be ready to play until 2023 but would be learning from a former MVP quarterback in Matt Ryan and a very smart offensive coach in Arthur Smith during that time. Matt Ryan should be the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback next season but Ridder has the tools to be their starter long-term.

46. Cleveland Browns: John Metchie III, WR, Alabama

It seemed unlikely that both Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry would be a part of the Cleveland Browns roster next season. Beckham Jr. didn’t make it through the entire season with the team. The Brown have some promising young players at receiver in Donovan Peoples-Jones and Anthony Schwartz but they still need to add another playmaker on the outside. John Metchie III is highly regarded as his former Alabama teammates that were first-round picks. Metchie’s strength is his route running. He would be a great fit for the number one wide receiver role in Cleveland’s offense that doesn’t need to feature a superstar receiver because of their elite running attack.

47. Pittsburgh Steelers: Zion Johnson, IOL, Boston College

After addressing the quarterback position the Pittsburgh Steelers need to invest in their offensive line. Before the season they lost Pro Bowl guard David DeCastro to a likely career-ending surgery. They have replaced DeCastro with veteran Trai Turner who has been solid this season. Boston College guard Zion Johnson could be a great addition to this rebuilding offensive line. In a couple of seasons, Johnson could be a Pro Bowler that has people wondering how he fell to the Steelers in the second round.