2022 Mock draft —- NO TRADES

[indyman411]

Inspired by Jared, I did 3 mocks without trades. Let me know which you’d prefer and/or what you think. A long read, I apologize. 
 

Mock A
42) Trey McBride

TE Colorado State

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 246 | RAS: 8.18

At 6'4" and 260 pounds, Trey McBride passes the size requirement for a starting NFL tight end. But he doesn't just fit the bill from a size standpoint. McBride is a rare breed of tight end in that the offense runs through him. He's caught 6 passes in every game this season, topping 100 yards four times and owning a season-low 44 yards (a solid day's work for most TEs around the nation).

 

The Rams TE flashed potential the past two years, but he already has 55 receptions and 637 yards in seven games in 2021. The cherry on top is McBride's willingness as a run blocker, consistently sealing the edge and even reaching the second level for his running backs.

 

-James Fragoza

 

73) Leo Chenal

LB Wisconsin

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 250 | RAS: 9.99

Interestingly enough, Leo Chenal is of an almost completely different mold than (Tennesse LB Jeremy) Banks. While Banks profiles as a coverage-oriented linebacker given his size, Chenal is a 6'2", 255-pound thumper who lives for gritty, low-scoring affairs.

 

Chenal dominated in Wisconsin's recent win over Purdue, logging 9 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. With his burst and all-out energy, Chenal is a dangerous blitzer. But he also plays with anticipation in congestion, and he knows how to free himself to make those decisive plays.

 

-Ian Cummings

 

122) Wan'Dale Robinson

WR Kentucky

Height: 5-8 | Weight: 178 | RAS: 7.32

Quickly, Robinson's dynamic ability shows up on tape — and it all stems from his athleticism. The Kentucky WR is an amped-up athlete with a skill set that's conducive to pure creation. Robinson is incredibly explosive in the open field. He accelerates quickly and elongates space, and has the speed to turn the corner and get outside on schemed touches.

 

Even more than his explosiveness, however, Robinson has elite agility as a runner. He's a shifty ball carrier who runs with his hips on a swivel. He leans into and out of cuts with ease and stacks moves in rapid succession. He can also set up cuts with a brutal roll step, then transfer his weight in the blink of an eye. Robinson features a smooth and deadly brand of shiftiness in congested areas.

 

-Ian Cummings

 

159) Akayleb Evans

CB Missouri

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 197 | RAS: 9.55

All three members of Pro Football Network's Draft Team have a draftable grade on the Missouri cornerback. Tony Pauline has a Day 2 grade on Evans. However, I think an early Day 3 selection is the more probable destination unless he provides an excellent showing at the Senior Bowl.

 

So, what is it about Evans' scouting report that suggests this level of talent? Well, it starts with his size. Listed by Missouri at 6'2" and 198 pounds, Evans has good size for the cornerback position at the next level. More importantly, the Missouri cornerback has good length. He's listed as having 32.5-inch arms, which is apparent on tape.

 

-Oliver Hodgkinson

 

179) Obinna Eze

OT TCU

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 321 | RAS: 5.36

It doesn't take long to see that Eze has great potential. The TCU OT stands at around 6'8", 334 pounds, with an impressive build. He has an extremely long, high-hipped frame with tremendous reach and a strong, densely-built base. His upper body is a bit leaner than his lower body, but Eze's length affords him a great deal of natural leverage.

 

Some tackles with Eze's size don't have the requisite mobility to succeed, but Eze doesn't fall into that trap. The TCU OT has great quickness off the snap and the mobility to be a pulling blocker on running plays. He's also flashed smooth lateral mobility and freedom heading into the second level. Furthermore, Eze has good corrective athleticism. He can engage inside, then shift to outside rushers as plays develop.

 

-Ian Cummings

 

216) Bubba Bolden

S Miami-Fl

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 209 | RAS: 8.09

The size and length combination makes up an exceptional athletic profile. Although Bolden isn't the fastest defensive back in the 2022 NFL Draft class, he has outstanding short-area speed, covering ground effortlessly. This is particularly apparent when he comes flying downhill with purpose. That explosion and a remarkable change-of-direction ability make him a dangerous proposition as a blitzer.

 

Where versatility is increasingly becoming the best ability, Bolden will be incredibly valuable at the NFL level. He has experience playing deep, in the box, and in the slot. Furthermore, he has a history of special-teams excellence. Moreover, the redshirt senior exhibits solid football intelligence, reading and diagnosing the play and fighting his way to the ball.

 

-Oliver Hodgkinson

 

239) Thomas Booker

DT Stanford

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 301 | RAS: 9.88

 

 

 

————————OR——————————

Mock B

42) Trey McBride

TE Colorado State

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 246 | RAS: 8.18

At 6'4" and 260 pounds, Trey McBride passes the size requirement for a starting NFL tight end. But he doesn't just fit the bill from a size standpoint. McBride is a rare breed of tight end in that the offense runs through him. He's caught 6 passes in every game this season, topping 100 yards four times and owning a season-low 44 yards (a solid day's work for most TEs around the nation).

 

The Rams TE flashed potential the past two years, but he already has 55 receptions and 637 yards in seven games in 2021. The cherry on top is McBride's willingness as a run blocker, consistently sealing the edge and even reaching the second level for his running backs.

 

-James Fragoza

 

 

Other options:

Tyler Smith, OT

Tyler Linderbaum, OC

Breece Hall, RB

Kenneth Walker III, RB

Travis Jones, DT

 

73) John Metchie III

WR Alabama

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 187 | RAS: N/A

Metchie is a genuine speed threat at the wide receiver position. He can get downfield in a hurry, and once open, there's very little chance that he's going to be caught. His speed gives him the ability to create and maintain separation at all three levels of the field.

 

In addition to his speed, Metchie displays impressive route-running ability. He exhibits quick football work and excellent change of direction, which enables him to fake out coverage, allowing for even greater separation. But Metchie is not just a downfield threat; he is equally adept at coming across the middle on slant routes.

 

-Oliver Hodgkinson

 

Other options:

Troy Andersen, LB

Carson Strong, WB

Jalen Tolbert, WR

Skyy Moore, WR

Abraham Lucas, OT

 

122) Darrian Beavers

LB Cincinnati

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 237 | RAS: 9.6

A physical, imposing, intelligent LB prospect who possesses versatility both from a positional and schematic perspective, Beavers should be high on the radar for teams who are multiple in their defensive formations.

 

Beginning his scouting report with the football intelligence that allows Beavers to be so versatile, the Cincinnati linebacker reads the game exceptionally well. He showcases the ability to diagnose run concepts and react to them accordingly. Furthermore, as a pass rusher, he identifies pass-rush moves to take advantage of specific situations. Finally, in coverage, he’s adept in zone. He’s able to drop to the correct depth and identify players entering his zone.

 

 

 

-Oliver Hodgkinson

 

Other options:

Khalil Shakir, WR

Wan’Dale Robinson, WR

James Cook, RB

Bailey Zappe, QB

Jeffrey Gunter, EDGE

 

159) Matt Henningsen

DT Wisconsin

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 291 | RAS: 9.27

Say what you will about stereotypical Wisconsin football. Yes, their average score in victories is 7-3. Yes, their style would be considered retro in the 1990s. But Wisconsin knows how to develop football players — especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Badgers have a few highly rated NFL Draft prospects this year, and Henningsen is on that list.

 

Henningsen was perhaps a late emergence on the NFL Draft stage. But now, everyone knows who the burly Badgers defender is. He blew up the Wisconsin Pro Day with excellent numbers — among them a 37.5″ vertical, a 119″ broad jump, a 7.15 three-cone, and 22 bench reps.

 

-Ian Cummings

 

Other options:

Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE

Dare Rosenthal, OT

Alex Wright, EDGE

Akayleb Evans, CB

 

179) Akayleb Evans

CB Missouri

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 197 | RAS: 9.55

All three members of Pro Football Network's Draft Team have a draftable grade on the Missouri cornerback. Tony Pauline has a Day 2 grade on Evans. However, I think an early Day 3 selection is the more probable destination unless he provides an excellent showing at the Senior Bowl.

 

So, what is it about Evans' scouting report that suggests this level of talent? Well, it starts with his size. Listed by Missouri at 6'2" and 198 pounds, Evans has good size for the cornerback position at the next level. More importantly, the Missouri cornerback has good length. He's listed as having 32.5-inch arms, which is apparent on tape.

 

-Oliver Hodgkinson

 

Other options:

Chasen Hines, OG

Otito Ogbonnia, DT

Grant Calcaterra, TE

Shaun Jolly, CB

Kolby Harrell-Peel, S

 

216) Cordell Volson

OG North Dakota State

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 315 | RAS: 4.74

Firstly, Volson looks the part of an NFL offensive lineman. His transformation during his time at NDSU has been impressive. Standing at probably a little under his listed 6’7" and 313 pounds, he’s a difficult man to navigate in pass protection. Furthermore, he appears to possess impressive relative length. Volson is routinely able to long arm his opponents away from the path of his quarterback in pass protection.

 

We’ll get to his ability as a pass protector shortly, but I want to begin Volson’s scouting report in the area where I believe he excels. He’s a straight-up mauler in the ground game. After studying him, I came away with the impression that he just hates people. He especially hates those who try to stop him from creating lanes for his running backs.

 

-Oliver Hodgkinson

 

Other options:

Amare Barno, EDGE

James Mitchell, TE

Josh Jobe, CB

Bubba Bolden, S

Kalin Barnes, CB

 

239) Ty Chandler

RB North Carolina

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 204 | RAS: 8.84

Chandler capped off his Shrine Bowl experience with 69 yards on 11 attempts in the all-star game itself, rattling off two runs of 15+ yards. Yet, the UNC RB wasn’t done. He turned his attention toward the NFL Combine, logging a 4.38 40-yard dash (third-fastest among RBs), 31″ vertical, and 10’1″ broad. While his jumps were solid, the 40 time is what will have NFL scouts giving Chandler another look.

 

Although he entered the year under the radar outside of the Tennessee fan base, Chandler has risen into the mid-Day 3 discussion for the NFL Draft. It’s a deep running back class, but I believe the North Carolina RB has done enough to separate himself from the lower tiers.

 

-James Fragoza

 

Other options:

Emeka Emezie, WR

Christopher Allen, EDGE

Jack Coan, QB

Peyton Hendershot, TE

 

 

 

—————————OR—————————

Mock C

42) Desmond Ridder

QB Cincinnati

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 211 | RAS: 9.6

Desmond Ridder is a toolsy, dual threat quarterback that started 36 games for the Bearcats over three seasons. Experienced as both a passer and a runner, Ridder put up 57 touchdowns through the air and another 22 on the ground from 2018-2020.

 

-Kent Lee Platte

 

Ridder has found success as a dual-threat QB for Cincinnati due to his athleticism. Although he's tall at 6'4", he moves exceptionally well. He's not incredibly fast like a Lamar Jackson, but his long strides allow him to cover ground well. Ridder also displays stellar change-of-direction ability. He can turn quickly to escape the pocket and will use his elusiveness in the open field.

 

Another impressive element of Ridder's scouting report is his competitive toughness. The Cincinnati QB can be found chasing down busted plays (interceptions, etc…), never giving up on the play until it's dead. Furthermore, he shows this toughness when grinding out yardage with quarterback sneaks. Ridder battled injury in 2019 but still played through it. Additionally, he has demonstrated time and time again that he can take a hit, dust himself off, and get back into the action.

 

-Oliver Hodgkinson

 

73) Matt Waletzko

OT North Dakota

Height: 6-7 | Weight: 312 | RAS: 9.95

Early on, Waletzko passes the eye test. At 6’7″, 310 pounds, the North Dakota OT has an outrageously long frame — measuring in with a 86-inch wingspan. His long, lumbering strides cover a lot of ground in space, and he’s a rangy blocker with a wide reach. With his length, Waletzko can generate good artificial power with his extensions. Even with his lighter frame, he has decent power capacity, and he can knock players off-base with heavy clubs.

 

On top of his length, Waletzko is also a good athlete. He’s surprisingly nimble in pass protection. He appears as a springy athlete with easy mobility around the arc. He’s light on his feet when matching defenders, and he keeps a wide, active base in the passing phase. As a run blocker, Waletzko is explosive off the snap. He has the mobility to get to the second level and enter space, and he can pop defenders with power, paving open lanes. The North Dakota OT can bully smaller defenders with his physical tools.

 

-Ian Cummings

 

122) Zyon McCollum

CB Sam Houston State

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 199 | RAS: 10

Tall, long, and fast, Sam Houston State Bearkats cornerback Zyon McCollum ticks all the aesthetic boxes as a CB prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft. Furthermore, he’s been consistently one of the most productive ball hawks in the FCS during his five-year career.

 

-Oliver Hodgkinson

 

159) Sterling Weatherford

S Miami-Oh

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 224 | RAS: 9.2

Box score statistics do not make an evaluation. However, some numbers stand out more than others and have a genuine bearing on a scouting report. Those numbers are in feet, inches, and pounds, and they’re critical to understanding the first part of Weatherford’s scouting report.

 

The Miami safety has a unique build for the position. The established rule of thumb is that safeties are around 6’0″ and 200 pounds. There are of course anomalies, and even in this class, Kyle Hamilton is a perfect example. Weatherford joins the Notre Dame safety in this regard at 6’4″ and 230 pounds.

 

In addition to pure size, Weatherford is blessed with length, which helps the coverage element of his scouting report. The Miami safety is adept at getting his long arms to the ball to make a play and can get his arms through to disrupt the ball when trailing behind an intended target. From an overall coverage perspective, Weatherford’s size and athletic ability ensure that he can effectively cover tight ends and bigger slot receivers.

 

-Oliver Hodgkinson

 

179) Daniel Bellinger

TE San Diego State

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 253 | RAS: 9.66

 

216) Bo Melton

WR Rutgers

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 189 | RAS: 9.23

Once upon a time, size was a prerequisite for receiving success in the NFL. But as the game has evolved, teams have diversified their desires at the position. Tyreek Hill has shown that speed kills, and if you can get open with speed, you’re a valuable commodity. Melton isn’t on Hill’s level. Nonetheless, he showcases excellent speed, with a late-4.3-second 40-yard dash possible when he attends the 2022 NFL Combine.

 

Yet, Melton’s athletic ability isn’t solely predicated on long speed. The Rutgers WR can accelerate with impressive suddenness. You can routinely see him deceiving defenders with a jogging pace that explodes into a sprint that leaves them yards behind. Additionally, he possesses decent lateral agility and change-of-direction ability. He uses these tools to separate as a route runner, but he also becomes a dangerous weapon after the catch.

 

-Oliver Hodgkinson

 

239) Thomas Booker

DT Stanford

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 301 | RAS: 9.88

 

[Yoshinator]

You have some good mixes here. I don't prefer Tre McBride at 42. That's a little too rich for my blood. I honestly think he should go around 64 to the Broncos if I'm randomly choosing a range for him. You said Tyler Smith in this thread at one point, I'd take him at 42 tbh. Great run blocker, average pass blocker, high ceiling, needs some coaching, but great athlete and great in college. 

 

Most of the players you have on here I like in one form or another, and I appreciate that you put out a scenario with a QB at 42. Some people may be surprised if that happens in a week and it's something that Ballard could come out of left-field with IMO. 

 

Good effort with your mocks, I always appreciate the hard work and the mention!  

[Archer]

You've got a lot of players I really like in there, including Eze, Henningsen, and McCollum.  Eze is actually one of those super Christians that would fit in so well with Reich...

[Dr. T]

Don't forget to join the annual draft contest (pinned above).