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

53. Los Angeles Chargers: Brandon Smith, LB, Penn State

The Los Angeles Chargers need to continue to build up their front seven if they want to defend better against the run. Los Angeles’ 2020 first-round pick Kenneth Murray has been disappointing since they traded up to draft him. Both Drue Tranquill and Kyzir White have been solid but White will be a free agent this offseason. Penn State linebacker Brandon Smith would be an upgrade over White. Smith is a freak athlete that has drawn comparisons to Isaiah Simmons. Chargers head coach would love to add a chess piece like Smith to his defense that is already loaded with talent. There are not enough people high on Brandon Smith and he’s the type of player you look back on and wonder how he was not selected higher in the draft.

54. Denver Broncos (via Los Angeles Rams): Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma

It was the end of an era in Denver when they traded Von Miller to the Los Angeles Chargers. Since Denver drafted Miller in 2011 they have built their defenses around a dynamic duo of pass rushers. Denver had paired Miller with Elvis Dumervil, future Hall of Famer DeMarcus Ware, 2015 first-round pick Shane Ray, Shaquil Barrett, and 2018 first-round pick Bradley Chubb. Former undrafted free agent Malik Reed has played well this year and currently leads the team with 5.5 sacks. However, Denver should use their added draft capital to add another pass rusher. Oklahoma pass rusher Nik Bonitto has been a really good player at Oklahoma but falls to the late second round due to the depth at the position. If Denver makes this selection they could have two young pass rushers that could terrorize the AFC West for the second decade.

55. Cincinnati Bengals: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

Outside of their offensive line, the only position on offense Cincinnati needs to upgrade is tight end. They drafted Drew Sample in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. It was a confusing pick at the time and it hasn’t panned out. He has been passed on the depth chart by veteran C.J. Uzomah. This offseason Uzomah will be a free agent and could leave the team. This offense is too good to have a glaring hole at a position like tight end. Colorado State tight end Trey McBride is a rock-solid tight end. He does everything a traditional tight end is asked to do. Many believe he could end up being the number one tight end in this class. McBride is a good blocker and a good receiver as well. He doesn’t that the size to create mismatches with defensive backs. But he could be a solid starter for this Bengals offense that is close to finishing their rebuild.

56. Buffalo Bills: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama

The Buffalo Bills should address the running back position early in the draft. But they may opt to bring in a veteran free agent after whiffing on Devin Singletary and Zack Moss. Part of the reason why their defense is so good every season is the dynamic safety duo they have of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. It might not be a bad idea for Buffalo to plan for the future or have a capable backup incase one has to miss time. Both will be 31 years old next season. Buffalo could add a really good player in Jordan Battle out of Alabama. He is one of the best safeties in the country and an important piece of a very talented Alabama defense. Battle would be great insurance for one of the best safety tandems in the league. Then he work his way into a prominent role for one of the leagues best defenses.

57. Kansas City Chiefs: Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State

The biggest difference maker for Kansas City’s defense and possibly their entire team all season has been adding former Pro Bowl edge rusher Melvin Ingram to their defense. His addition moved Chris Jones back to the interior where he is one of the best in the league. That pass rush helped the Chiefs win their last couple of games. This offseason the Chiefs should attempt to find a long term starting defensive end. One player in the second round that Kansas City could target is Ohio State pass rusher Zach Harrison. He would fit Kansas City’s 4-3 defensive front and be a great pro at the next level. He can get after the quarterback and is a good run defender. He could be a solid starter for a defense that may need some retooling this offseason for this team to be Super Bowl contenders.