2-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Combine Mock Has Trades Galore!

Speaking of Kyle Hamilton, he is going to the Lone Star state with the No. 3 overall pick. The Texans are in a complete rebuild. They will be looking to add the most talent — regardless of position — in order to form a solid foundation to build around, and that’s the thought process here in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.

Tytus Howard played very well at tackle and — despite reports of a Laremy Tunsil trade being imminent — I don’t believe the Texans will approach this pick with any specific need. Ideally they would want one of the edge rushers to be here, but since both are gone they happily select the Swiss Army knife out of Notre Dame.

Hamilton has a sparkling standing among scouts, with evaluators praising his versatility and picturesque frame. He is roughly 6’4, 225 pounds, which makes him a true hybrid player at the next level. Years ago, this term was considered a major red flag for a prospect.

However, with the increasing number of “position-less” players in the league, teams are starting to view it in a different light. Hamilton is fast enough to play in the slot, rangy enough to be a deep safety, strong enough to play in the box, and explosive enough to wreck the backfield. Hopefully the Texans fill needs in free agency so they aren’t kicking themselves for passing on this kid.

In the 2020 NFL Draft, the New York Jets selected another 6’7, 350+ pound offensive tackle with the No. 4 overall pick. In this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, they hope to pair Evan Neal with Mekhi Becton for the foreseeable future. Alijah Vera-Tucker, a 2021 first-round pick, is also a core piece moving forward on the interior of the line. Adding Neal gives insurance at left tackle if Becton and the team are unable to repair their rocky relationship, but in a perfect world he will return to hold down the left side and let Neal play his more natural position on the right side.

Neal started 40 games in Tuscaloosa, with experience all over. That experience jumps off the tape when you see just how polished his technique is. He is a people mover as a run blocker and gets around extremely well for his size, helping him hold up against talented pass rushers and their onslaught of moves. Joe Douglas loves the trenches, and second-year quarterback Zach Wilson would be the happiest man on Earth if he was set up to take snaps behind a line of that caliber.