2022 NFL Mock Draft: Jets Defense Rebuilt In 3-Round Projection
58. Dallas Cowboys: Adam Anderson, EDGE, Georgia
The breakout player for the Dallas Cowboys this season has been pass rusher Randy Gregory. In a contract year, he is playing like the player many thought he would be back when Dallas drafted him in 2015. It may be difficult for Dallas to resign Gregory at market value with the other large contracts Dallas has on their payroll.
Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys have a reputation for taking risks when it comes to bringing players onto their team with off-the-field issues, Gregory was an example of that. Dallas may take a chance on a player who had a first-round grade earlier this year in Georgia pass rusher Adam Anderson. His draft stock will depend on how his issues off the field play out. However, on the football field, Anderson has shown to be a dominant pass rusher for Georgia’s defense. The Cowboys could hope lightning strikes twice by taking a chance on Anderson if he begins to fall in the draft.
59. Atlanta Falcons (via Tennessee Titans): Travon Walker, DL, Georgia
Not only do the Falcons need to retool their offense they also need to build up their defense that has been near the bottom of the league for a while. For the second pick in a row a Georgia defensive player comes off the board in Travon Walker. He is a versatile defensive lineman who can lineup as a 3-4 defensive end or as an edge rusher. Defensive coordinator Dean Pees could move Walker around early in his career to see his best fit. But for a defense in a constant rebuild Walker is a talented player who can help fill multiple roles for this team.
60. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma
One major free agent the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have to replace is former Pro Bowler Ndamukong Suh. If they have to let Suh walk in free agency the Buccaneers are going to need a space-eater to help clog running lanes and open up rushing lanes for pass rushers. At 6’4″ and 291 lbs Oklahoma defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey can do just that. From a size standpoint, Winfrey compares favorably to Suh. He is raw as a pass rusher, but that is okay considering the Buccaneers have plenty of other players on their roster capable of getting after the quarterback. Similar to Suh, Winfrey wouldn’t have to get after the quarterback for this defense to succeed. He will just need to open opportunities for his teammates to do so. Then if he develops as a pass rusher under Todd Bowles that would be an added bonus.
61. New England Patriots: Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama
It would be shocking if New England did not add one of Alabama’s defensive stars in the 2022 NFL Draft. After trading Stephon Gilmore the Patriots appear to be fine at cornerback. It is unlikely that New England lets J.C. Jackson explore free agency. The Patriots are still likely to add a defensive back early in the draft because Bill Belichick loves a deep group of defensive backs. They could take Alabama cornerback Josh Jobe who could be a good pro at the next level. He could work his way into the starting lineup playing opposite J.C. Jackson.
62. Green Bay Packers: Sean Rhyan, OT, UCLA
Green Bay doesn’t have many needs but they need to add reinforcements on the offensive line. At this point of the season, the Packers are down to second and third stringers upfront. Amazingly it isn’t affecting their play but it doesn’t help to get deeper and younger upfront. Since Bryan Bulaga left in free agency in 2020 Green Bay has trusted veteran Billy Turner as their starting right tackle. Turner has been solid, but the Packers could use an upgrade at the position. UCLA tackle Sean Rhyan has been one of the better tackles in college football this year and would potentially be a first-round pick if not for the deep tackles class. If drafted by Green Bay Rhyan could be the team’s swing tackle for a season then take over for Turner after his contract expires next season.
63. Baltimore Ravens: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
The Baltimore Ravens spent a first-round pick on Odafe Oweh last year. However, the Ravens will n need to once again add to their group of pass rushers. Former Pro Bowler Justin Houston will be a free agent this offseason recreating a void for an edge rusher. One player they could look to fill that need is Florida State pass rusher Jermaine Johnson. He is having a breakout season in his first year at Florida State. At Baltimore, Johnson could start in a rotational role with Tyus Bowser and then eventually take over the job starting opposite Odafe Oweh. By making this pick Baltimore once again has one of the more dangerous pass rush duos in the league.
64. Arizona Cardinals: Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU
Last offseason the Arizona Cardinals parted ways with former Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson. The Cardinals did not do a great job replacing Peterson in their secondary. Former Super Bowl hero and Pro Bowler Malcolm Butler was supposed to fill that role but he opted to retire before the season started. This has forced Byron Murphy to play on the outside where he tends to struggle. Arizona could go after TCU cornerback Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson at the backend of the second round. Hodges-Tomlinson is great in coverage, his knock is that he is undersized. If the Cardinals can live with his size he could be a starter for them on the outside knocking Byron Murphy back to the nickel.