2022 NFL Mock Draft: Houston Texans land Matt Corral
By Brad Weiss
Picks No. 15 through 18
54. . Linebacker. Philadelphia Eagles. Nakobe Dean. 15. player
With their third of three picks in the first 15 selections of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Eagles complete the rebuild on the defensive side of the ball. By selecting Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean, Philadelphia adds a player on all three levels of the defense, giving them three instant starters on a side of the ball that is a real issue right now.
Philadelphia hit the lottery with DeVonta Smith, a player who is going to be an All-Pro eventually and plays the game with a ton of passion. The NFC East is up for grabs every season, and with this haul, Philadelphia puts themselves right back in the mix.
. Defensive Tackle. Cleveland Browns. DeMarvin Leal. 16. player. 53
The Cleveland Browns have been having issues playing consistent football this season, and they got their doors blown off by the New England Patriots in Week 10. As they move forward, it will all depend on whether or not they feel Baker Mayfield is worth the kind of money he will be expecting to get.
On defense, they need to get better along the defensive line and to get a player like DeMarvin Leal this late in round one would be an excellent get. Leal could be the best defensive tackle in this draft class, and Cleveland certainly needs help against the run.
player. 56. . Cornerback. Cincinnati Bengals. Andrew Booth Jr.. 17
Early on in the 2021 NFL season, it looked like the Cincinnati Bengals were going to be legitimate contenders in the AFC. However, they came crashing down to earth before the bye week and will look to get back on track against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11.
Holding the No. 17 overall pick, the Bengals turn their attention to the defense, this after adding offensive talent the last two years in Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. Andrew Booth Jr. is one of the best cornerbacks in this class and would be a significant upgrade for them at the position.
player. 28. . Cornerback. Las Vegas Raiders. Ahmad Gardner. 18
To look at the Las Vegas Raiders this season is to see a team that has had many ups and many downs already through ten weeks. They have released both of their two 2020 first-round picks, and for good reason, and will now look to replace one of them, Damon Arnette, here at pick No. 18.
Ahmad Gardner from Cincinnati is a tremendous prospect and one who seems to always rise to the occasion. Las Vegas has a good young corner in Trayvon Mullen, as well as fifth-round pick Nate Hobbs, so Gardner could be the final piece of the puzzle.