2022 NFL Mock Draft: Panthers, Steelers, Lions All Take QBs In Round 1
By Evan Bachman
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Travis Jones, DL, Connecticut
The Buccaneers would likely target a guard in this spot if Zion Johnson or Kenyon Green are on the board, however in this 2022 NFL mock draft scenario they’re both off the board. With Ndamukong Suh being a free agent, interior defensive line could be a potential position group they target on draft night.
Connor Rodgers mocked Jones to the Buccaneers on a recent episode of the NFL Stock Exchange Podcast on PFF, and his rationale which made a lot of sense to me was that Todd Bowles is going to want to build the defensive front to a point where they won’t need to load the box to stop the run. Jones would provide that as he is exceptional against the run, holding the point of attack and handling multiple offensive linemen.
28. Green Bay Packers: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
Aside from wide receiver, the Packers also need to improve their offensive line. Drafting Bernhard Raimann would allow them to move Elgton Jenkins back inside and Raimann could start at right tackle.
Raimann is another lineman who simply looked way too strong and athletic to be playing against the competition level that he was going against. He demolished his MAC competition all season long on his way to earning the second-highest grade for an offensive tackle at 94.6.
Raimann certainly helped his draft stock at the combine with an all-around good performance. He now has a pretty strong case to be drafted round one, and comes off the board at 28 to the Packers in this 2022 NFL mock draft.