2022 NFL Mock Draft: Aidan Hutchinson Goes First, Four QBs In Round 1
By Evan Bachman
21. Philadelphia Eagles (via IND): Drake London, WR, USC
This selection is from the Carson Wentz trade with the Colts in the offseason. It is conditional, however with Wentz playing every game for the Colts this year, it’s looking very likely a first rounder will end up in Philly.
The Eagles have had some bad misses on receivers in recent drafts in Jalen Reagor and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, so they still need to improve their receiving core. Drake London can likely provide what they hoped Arcega-Whiteside would be as a possession receiver.
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 as 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, skinny receivers like London to be quick and elusive, but he is and has proven that by forcing 22 missed tackles this season at USC.
22. Miami Dolphins (via SF): Darian Kinnard, OT, Kentucky
The Dolphins biggest need is pretty clearly offensive line. Tua Tagovailoa has looked pretty good in his second year, however they have to make it a priority this offseason to give him better pass protection to set him up for more success and reduce the chances he gets injured.
Darian Kinnard has been very impressive over his three seasons at Kentucky as he’s recorded a grade of 89+ each season. Doing that in the SEC is simply remarkable and is a big reason why he’s a first rounder in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
Kinnard is very good in both run blocking and pass protection, which is a good fit in the Dolphins offensive line that needs to get better in both areas.