2022 NFL Mock Draft: Panthers, Steelers, Lions All Take QBs In Round 1
By Evan Bachman
23. Arizona Cardinals: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
The Cardinals could address multiple different spots on the roster, but corner is probably their biggest need, as Marco Wilson probably isn’t a CB1 in the NFL. Luckily for them, this corner class is very strong and Kaiir Elam would be a welcome addition to the Cardinals secondary, joining his former teammate Wilson.
Elam has ideal traits for a corner as he’s got good movement skills to go along with good size (6-foot-2, 193 pounds). He’s also shown he can cover well against high-level SEC competition, which makes it very encouraging that he can translate smoothly to the NFL.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Zion Johnson, G, Boston College
With Connor Williams leaving to sign with the Dolphins in free agency, the Cowboys are left with a hole at guard. Zion Johnson and Kenyon Green are both potential options here and in this 2022 NFL mock draft scenario they get Johnson.
Johnson projects well to the NFL as both a run blocker and a pass protector. He’s got the strength to move defenders in the run game and fend off any bull rushes, and he uses his hands well when blocking.
His strong play at left guard for Boston College last season proved he’s worthy of a first round pick and with how many teams need offensive line help, particularly in the late first round I think he’s pretty much a lock for the first round at this point.