Tony Mario's 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Final Mock 7 Rounds

Round 3

Tony Mario follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: April 28, 2022.

65. Jacksonville Jaguars: Rasheed Walker, RT, Penn State
    
    
    Rasheed Walker started at right tackle in High School before making the conversion to left tackle at Penn State. With last years starting offensive tackles left tackle Cam Robinson and right tackle Jawaan Taylor in contract years, Jacksonville drafts Rasheed Walker here. Walker Little will probably be the starting left tackle with Rasheed Walker as his bookend right tackle in 2023 once Trevor Lawrence enters his third year. Adding this depth at offensive tackle puts lots of pressure on Robinson and Taylor to step up. Plus, the bookend tackle tandem of Little and Walker will deliver in 2023 once the dead weight at offensive tackle is gone assuming Robinson and Taylor play like they did in 2021 during the 2022 NFL Season.
    
    
    
66. Detroit Lions: Bryan Cook, FS, Cincinnati
    
    
    Detroit gets a starting safety next to strong safety Tracy Walker. Cincinnati safety Bryan Cook is versatile enough to play strong safety or free safety. He's my sixth best safety in this draft and I believe he can be the third day 1 starter for Detroit with their first four picks with quarterback Matt Corral being the only non day one starter.
    
    
    
    
    
67. New York Giants: Alontae Taylor, CB, Tennessee
    
    
    New York gets their fourth day 1 starter in this draft. Tennessee cornerback Alontae Taylor is a perfect replacement to James Bradberry.
    
    
    
68. Houston Texans: Carson Strong, QB, Nevada
    
    
    Houston needs a better backup then Jeff Driskel even if Davis Mills led the NFL with completions of 20 yards or more as a rookie. Carson Strong gives Houston a viable backup as well as a quarterback with a higher ceiling then Mills. This is a team that could end up starting Carson Strong by the middle of the season if Davis Mills sucks with a fully healthy Laremy Tunsil, Tytus Howard, and Evan Neal on this offensive line.
    
    
    
    Chris Ransom posted a film cut of Nevada quarterback Carson Strong VS UNLV. This is one of three film cuts of Strong that the CEO of Draft Utopia posted, but in this film cut you see him putting together a nice show at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders against the UNLV Rebels. One person who commented on our video described Strong as promising.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
69. New York Jets: Quay Walker, MLB, Georgia
    
    
    New York needs depth at linebacker for their nickel defense despite having two quality starters in Quincy Willliamson at 4-3 right outside linebacker and C.J. Mosley at middle linebacker whose under contract until 2025. Williamson enters a contract year in 2022 while C.J. Mosley finally stayed healthy in 2021 after two season ending injuries with the New York Jets in 2019 and 2020. Cutting C.J. Mosley in 2023 saves you $15.5-million and cutting him in 2024 before his contract is up in 2025 saves you $17-million in cap space. Quay Walker will begin his career as Mosley's backup, but if Mosley gets injured just once in the next two years, Walker could win the starting middle linebacker job for the New York Jets down the road and Mosley won't get that job back.
    
    
    
70. Jacksonville Jaguars: Channing Tindall, 3-4 MLB, Georgia
    
    
    Right now Foyesade Oluokun and Shaq Quarterman are the starting 3-4 middle linebackers on the Jacksonville Jaguars. Drafting Channing Tindall here gives the Jaguars their first potential day 1 starter since drafting Aidan Hutchinson first overall. I gave the Jaguars long-term starters at wide receiver and right tackle, but the guys I gave the Jaguars may not play much as rookies.
    
    
    
    
    
71. Chicago Bears: Abraham Lucas, RT, Washington State
    
    
    Chicago needs depth behind left tackle Teven Jenkins and right tackle Larry Borom. Borom started more games then Jenkins as a rookie because Jenkins was out most of the year with injuries, but I honestly believe Abraham Lucas is talented enough to beat out Larry Borom for the right tackle job as a bookend to Teven Jenkins. The right tackle competition between Abraham Lucas and Larry Borom could go either way if I'm being honest since Borom was alright as a rookie.
    
    
    
72. Seattle Seahawks: David Ojabo, RE, Michigan
    
    
    David Ojabo can take over as a starter in 2023 when he recovers from his torn ACL that he suffered at Michigan's Pro Day. Seattle is pretty much guaranteed a top 3 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft with guys like L.J. Collier, Darrell Taylor Jr., and Alton Robinson as their top 3 defensive ends. I also have Seattle taking Will Anderson out of Alabama with Seattle's first 2023 first round pick, so Seattle could be looking at a Will Anderson Jr. and David Ojabo edge rusher tandem in 2023 or Seattle could play Ojabo and Taylor Jr. at defensive end with Will Anderson Jr. as a third edge rusher from one of the outside linebacker spots. Either way, that's something for Seattle fans to be excited about if the Seahawks land David Ojabo in the third round. The last Michigan edge rusher Seattle drafted was Frank Clark whose now on the Kansas City Chiefs.
    
    
    
    
    
73. Indianapolis Colts: Verone McKinley III, SS, Oregon
    
    
    Remember how I said the Colts didn't have any cornerbacks under contract past 2024 which is why I mocked Roger McCreary there. Well the Colts only safety under contract until 2024 is Julian Blackmon. When you take the extensions that Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr. are going to get into account, Indianapolis will only have cap space to bring back either Khari Willis or Julian Blackmon. The Colts won't be able to bring back both safeties.
    
    
    
    Khari Willis the Colts 2019 fourth round pick turns 26 in May. Verone McKinley III turns 22-years-old in July. Verone McKinley III can sit behind Willis this year and then take over as the starting strong safety in 2023.
    
    
    
74. Atlanta Falcons: Luke Fortner, C, Kentucky
    
    
    Even if Atlanta keeps all five starters on their offensive line, the backups on this offensive line are absolutely horrendous. Drafting Luke Fortner gives Atlanta's offensive line one quality backup at center.
    
    
    
    
    
75. Denver Broncos: Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M
    
    
    Even with a bad combine and bad 2022 Texas A&M Pro Day, I'd still make a case for Jalen Wydermyer on day 2. This is because Jalen Wydermyer is the youngest tight end in the entire 2022 NFL Draft. Jalen Wydermyer gives Denver a replacement to Noah Fant as well as competition to Albert Okwuegbunam, who will take over for Fant as the number one tight end. Jalen Wydermyer would start by 2024 once Albert Okwuegbunam's rookie deal is up. Wydermyer could start earlier if Albert Okwuegbunam struggles in his first season as the number one tight end.
    
    
    
76. Baltimore Ravens: Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi State
    
    
    Baltimore needs bodies at cornerback to compliment Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey who are both coming off season ending injuries since Jimmy Smith, Tavon Young, and Anthony Averett are no longer on the Ravens. Baltimore drafts Martin Emerson here who compliments both cornerbacks quite well in Baltimore.
    
    
    
    
    
77. Minnesota Vikings: Zachary Carter, 3-4 RE, Florida
    
    
    Minnesota doesn't have a starting 3-4 right end next to nose tackle Dalvin Tomlinson and 3-4 left end Harrison Phillips. Zachary Carter is a guy who could start for Minnesota right out of the gate at five-technique if he can beat out Armani Watts and Jaylen Twyman for the 3-4 right end job. Derek Stingley Jr., Jaquan Brisker, and Zachary Carter give the Vikings three day 1 starters with their first three picks.
    
    
    
78. Cleveland Browns: Sean Rhyan, LT, UCLA
    
    
    Cleveland needs a better backup left tackle to Jedrick Wills Jr. than Chris Hubbard or James Hudson. Sean Rhyan held his own against Kayvon Thiobdeaux and could thrive in Cleveland as a backup left tackle. Jedrick Wills Jr.'s gonna get his fifth year player option after this season at left tackle while right tackle Jack Conklin is an unrestricted Free Agent in 2023. Deshaun Watson is going to suffer the same fate as Baker Mayfield if the Browns don't get a third offensive tackle for insurance at swing tackle if Jedrick Wills Jr. or Jack Conklin gets injured in 2022.
    
    
    
    
    
79. Los Angeles Chargers: Jamaree Salyer, RG, Georgia
    
    
    The Chargers need a starter at right guard. Jamaree Salyer gives the Chargers a day 1 starter at right guard.
    
    
    
    The Chargers offensive line for Justin Herbert and Austin Ekeler now features Rashawn Slater at left tackle, Matt Feiler at left guard, Cory Linsley at center, Jamearee Salyer at right guard, and Storm Norton at right tackle. While I would have liked to give the Chargers a right tackle upgrade, all of the day 1 starters at right tackle are gone, plus Storm Norton is a restricted Free Agent in 2023, so if he plays well, the Chargers could end up keeping him at right tackle until 2024.
    
    
    
80. Houston Texans: Jalyn Armour-Davis, CB, Alabama
    
    
    Houston uses their second third round pick on a day 1 starter at cornerback. Jalyn Armour-Davis gives the Texans their fourth day 1 starter in this draft with their first five picks. The one non day one starter is Nevada quarterback Carson Strong whose an upgrade over Jeff Driskel and could push Davis Mills for playing time if Mills struggles in the first half of the season.
    
    
    
    Houston would have a cornerback tandem of Jalyn Armour-Davis as their field cornerback with Steven Nelson as their boundary cornerback.
    
    
    
    
    
81. New York Giants: Phidarian Mathis, NT, Alabama
    
    
    New York Giants nose tackle Justin Ellis enters a contract year. New York Giants 3-4 right end Leonard Williams and 3-4 left end Dexter Lawrence are secure. Getting a viable replacement to Ellis like Phidarian Mathis wouldn't be a bad idea here. I think Mathis is talented enough to beat out Ellis for the nose tackle job giving the New York Giants a fifth day 1 starter.
    
    
    
82. Atlanta Falcons: Mykael Wright, CB, Oregon
    
    
    Atlanta only has two cornerbacks with long-term contracts in A.J. Terrell and Darren Hall whose contracts run through 2025. Atlanta did add Casey Heyward and Isaiah Oliver through Free Agency. The Falcons have good cornerback depth, but still lack long-term stability at the postiion. Atlanta adds a third cornerback with a long-term contract giving the Falcons stability at cornerback as well as great depth at the cornerback position.
    
    
    
    
    
83. Philadelphia Eagles: Kingsley Engabare, LE, South Carolina
    
    
    The Philadelphia Eagles have three defensive ends with long-term contracts with Jermaine Johnson II who I mocked at 15, Derek Barnett, and Josh Sweat. Kingsley Engabare will be a depth piece to Josh Sweat at 4-3 left end and will be Brandon Graham's eventual replacement which allows the Philadelphia Eagles to continue to have quality depth on the defensive line.
    
    
    
84. Pittsburgh Steelers: Thayer Munford Jr., LG, Ohio State
    
    
    Thayer Munford Jr. is versatile enough to play left tackle, left guard, or right guard with his versatility. Thayer Munford gives Pittsburgh depth at left tackle behind Dan Moore jr. and depth at left guard behind Kevin Dotson.
    
    
    
    
    
85. New England Patriots: Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama
    
    
    New England drafts a wide receiver who can push DeVante Parker to be the number one target. Jalen Tolbert does just that giving New England two potential number one targets. You'd also have Jakobi Meyers in the slot, Kenrick Bourne, N'Keal Harry, and Matthew Slater would be backup receivers for depth. Mac Jones would have enough weapons with those wide receivers along with Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith at tight end.
    
    
    
86. Las Vegas Raiders: Spencer Burford, RT, UTSA
    
    
    Spencer Burford lined up at both left tackle and right tackle at UTSA, but he also lined up at left guard and right guard during practices at the 2022 Reese's Senior Bowl. Las Vegas grabs him here to provide some competition for Brandon Parker. I can see Spencer Burford being a bookend offensive tackle to left tackle Kolton Miller at the right tackle position.
    
    
    
    
    
87. Arizona Cardinals: Amare Barno, 3-4 ROLB, Virginia Tech
    
    
    Arizona gets their third day 1 starter in the third round. Amare Barno has tremendous speed and athleticism for a pass rusher. He's an ideal replacement for Chandler Jones.
    
    
    
88. Dallas Cowboys: Ed Ingram, LG, LSU
    
    
    Dallas needs a replacement to Connor Williams at left guard. Ed Ingram is a good replacement. He could be the third day 1 starter for the Dallas Cowboys in the third round.
    
    
    
    
    
89. Buffalo Bills: Max Mitchell, LT, Louisiana
    
    
    Buffalo gets a left tackle for depth behind Dion Dawkins here since the Bills had a problem blocking when moving Spencer Brown the current backup left tackle over to left tackle when Dawkins had Covid-19. Starting left tackle Dion Dawkins and starting right tackle Spencer Brown are both under contract until 2025. However, Dion Dawkins recently turned 28-years-old this week and he'll be 29 by the time the 2023 NFL Draft rolls around. If Dawkins underperforms the next two years, Buffalo can cut Dawkins before he turns 30-years-old and save $10-million in cap space.
    
    
    
    Max Mitchell will mainly be a swing tackle for both Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown. Buffalo's current swing tackle behind those two is Tommy Doyle out of Miami Ohio who would remain the backup right tackle to Spencer Brown while Mitchell would be the backup left tackle to Dion Dawkins.
    
    
    
90. Tennessee Titans: Chris Paul, LG, Tulsa
    
    
    Tennesee gets their second day 1 stater with this pick since Tulsa right tackle Chris Paul showed the versatility to play both left guard and right guard during the 2022 Reese's Senior Bowl. Tennessee's offensive line now consists of Taylor Lewan at left tackle, Chris Paul at left guard, Ben Jones at center, Nate Davis at right guard, and Dillon Radunz at right tackle.
    
    
    
    
    
91. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cole Strange, LG, Chattanooga
    
    
    Tampa Bay drafts their third day 1 starter here. Tampa Bay's offensive line now consists of Donovan Smith at left tackle, Cole Strange at left guard, Ryan Jensen at center, Shaq Mason at right guard, and Tristan Wirfs at right tackle.
    
    
    
92. Green Bay Packers: Chad Muma, 3-4 MLB, Wyoming
    
    
    The Green Bay Packers get a potential day 1 starter in Chad Muma here. Muma checks off nearly every box on tape. He can compliment D'Vondre Campbell at 3-4 middle linebacker. Chad Muma will remind your great grandparents Packers fans of Ray Nitschke.
    
    
    
    
    
93. San Francisco 49ers: Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama
    
    
    San Francisco gets a number two cornerback next to Charvarius Ward. Josh Jobe would give the 49ers their second day 1 starter on day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
    
    
    
94. Kansas City Chiefs: Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia
    
    
    Kansas City needs a number one field cornerback with Charvarius Ward gone and they get one here at 94. Derrion Kendrick was a number one field cornerback at Georgia. This pick is Kansas City's fourth day 1 starter with a long-term piece in Jalen Pitre being the only non day 1 starter at safety who takes over for strong safety Juan Thornhill whose currently in a contract year. Kansas City would have Derion Kendrick and L'Jarius Sneed as their top two cornerbacks in 2022.
    
    
    
    
    
95. Cincinnati Bengals: Tariq Castro-Fields, CB, Penn State
    
    
    Cincinnati gets a cornerback that could be an upgrade over Eli Apple. Chidobe Awuzie and Mike Hilton are the only defensive backs on this roster that don't have expiring contracts in 2023. Tariq Castro-Fields gives the Bengals a potential day 1 starter if he can beat out Eli Apple for the number two cornerback job. Tariq Castro-Fields will be starting next to Awuzie with Mike Hilton at nickel cornerback by 2023 at the very latest.
    
    
    
96. Denver Broncos: Marcus Jones, CB, Houston
    
    
    The Denver Broncos get Marcus Jones as a nickel cornerback now that Patrick Surtain II is ready to move to field cornerback with Kyle Fuller gone. Ronald Darby will stay on Denver as a boundary cornerback. With these three corners along with Caden Sterns and Justin Simmons, Denver will continue to bolster one of the best defensive back units in the NFL. Denver can also use Marcus Jones as a return specialist.
    
    
    
    
    
97. Detroit Lions: Luke Goedeke, RT, Central Michigan
    
    
    The Detroit Lions got this compensation pick at 97 for losing their 2017 third round pick when former Northern Illinois wide receiver Kenny Golladay signed with the New York Giants. Golladay had 37 receptions, 521 receiving yards, and 0 receiving touchdowns with the Giants so it appears Detroit made the right call in letting him walk after his injury history with the Lions.
    
    
    
    Detroit uses their compensation pick to get a better backup right tackle. Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell will remain the starting offensive tackles with Decker at left tackle and Sewell at right tackle. However, if Decker gets injured again in 2022, Sewell will need a bookend right tackle and that's exactly what Central Michigan right tackle Luke Goedeke would be as the Central Michigan right tackle stays in the state of Michigan as an insurance plan for the Detroit Lions.
    
    
    
98. New Orleans Saints: Jermaine Waller, CB, Virginia Tech
    
    
    The New Orleans got this comepnsation pick at 98 for losing 4-3 right end Trey Hendrickson to the Cincinnati Bengals in Free Agency. Trey Hendrickson was a huge addition for the Bengals and a big reason why they made Super Bowl 56.
    
    
    
    New Orleans gets depth at cornerback behind their top three cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, and P.J. Williams. Jermaine Waller may be able to take over for P.J. Williams as a nickel cornerback by 2023.
    
    
    
    
    
99. Cleveland Browns: David Bell, WR, Purdue
    
    
    The Cleveland Browns got this compensation pick at 99 thanks to assistant general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah taking a General Manger job with the Minnesota Vikings. He was Andrew Berry's right hand man the last two years in Cleveland and now he goes to Minnesota to replace Rick Spielman. Andrew Berry has to use this compensation pick to find a future contributor for the Cleveland Browns.
    
    
    
    The Cleveland Browns grab a big body target in Purdue wide receiver David Bell to replace Jarvis Landry giving the Browns their second day 1 starter in this draft. Amari Cooper is Deshaun Watson's number one target with David Bell as the number two receiver and Donovan Peoples-Jones in the slot.
    
    
    
100. Baltimore Ravens: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
     
     
     The Baltimore Ravens got this compensation pick at 100 thanks to wide receivers coach David Culley taking a head coaching gig with the Houston Texans. Culley is no longer with the Texans, but the Ravens have this pick now as this selection is the last of the two compensation picks the Ravens received from the Texans hiring David Culley. Last year the Ravens took Brandon Stevens a cornerback from SMU with their first compensation pick when there were better corners available.
     
     
     
     Baltimore lost J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Justice Hill to season ending injuries in 2021. Dobbins and Edwards are only under contract until 2024 while Justice Hill enters the final year of his rookie deal. Drafting Breece Hall here, and getting him on a much cheaper rookie deal gives the Ravens the flexibility to cut Justice Hill if they wish to do so.
     
     
     
     
     
101. Philadelphia Eagles: Chasen Hines, RG, LSU
     
     
     The New Orleans Saints got this compensation pick at 101 thanks to assistant general manager Terry Fontenot being hired by the Atlanta Falcons. Fontenot scouted with New Orleans for ten years from 2003-2012 before being promoted to director of Pro Scouting, a position he held for seven years before being promoted to assistant general manager and vice president of footbal operations. Atlanta hired Fontenot as General Manager in 2021. New Orleans picked at 105 last year and traded that first compensation pick to Denver who selected Baron Browning who went on to become a starter. New Orleans also traded this pick to Philadelphia coincidentally.
     
     
     
     Philadelphia has Jack Driscoll at left guard and Landon Dickerson at right guard, but Dickerson will move to center once Jason Kelce retires. Philadelphia drafts Chasen Hines to sit for a year before moving him over to center.
     
     
     
102. Miami Dolphins: Sam Williams, 3-4 ROLB, Ole Miss
     
     
     San Francisco got this comepnsation pick at 102 for two reasons with the first reason being that San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh went to the New York Jets as their head coach. The second reason they got this pick was because Martin Mayhew got hired as General Manager in Washington. San Francisco traded their second compensation pick from those hires to Miami in the trade where San Francisco moved up for Trey Lance.
     
     
     
     Sam Williams is an upgrade over Andrew Van Ginkel. He's not guaranteed ot be a day 1 starter here, but Miami would have an edge rusher duo of Sam Williams and Jaelen Phillips while the Dolphins defensive line consisted of Christian Wilkins at 3-4 right end and Emmanuel Ogbah at 3-4 left end. Having that combination of pass rushers on the defnesive line and at outside linebacker compliments Miami's secondary quite well.
     
     
     
     
     
103. Kansas City Chiefs: Wan'Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky
     
     
     Kansas City got this compensation pick at 103 after assistant general manager Ryan Poles took a general manager position with the Chicago Bears. This is the first of two compensation picks that the Kansas City Chiefs will receive thanks to the Bears hiring Ryan Poles.
     
     
     
     Jameson Williams and Wan'Dale Robinson are the two wide receivers in this draft that come the closest to Tyreek Hill. Just imagine what happens if Kansas City drafts both of these guys. Williams may not be ready for the start of the season and Robinson could get more early time. Also, the only other receiver on this depth chart under contract past 2023 is Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
     
     
     
     Kansas City now has their three long-term receivers. Jameson Williams under contract until 2027, Wan'Dale Robinson on his rookie deal until 2026, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling under contract until 2025. If Williams and Robinson both become as good as Tyreek Hill, Kansas City can let MeCole Hardman walk in Free Agency if he has a breakout season in 2022.
     
     
     
104. Los Angeles Rams: Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State
     
     
     The Los Angeles Rams get this compensation pick at 104 because the Detroit Lions hired Los Angeles Rams director of football operations Brad Holmes as their general manager. Brad Holmes killed it for Detroit in the 2021 NFL Draft while the Rams reached for Ernest Holmes in the 2021 NFL Draft while Denver got a starter in Baron Browning. This is the second and final third round compensation pick that the Rams get from the Lions hiring Brad Holmes.
     
     
     
     Los Angeles will draft one of the top five running backs as a replacement to Sony Michel if one falls to 105. Kenneth Walker III goes well with Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson Jr. whose on the final year of his rookie deal. Kenneth Walker III could be the number two running back on the Rams depth chart as early as this season. He'd get a chance to be the number one running back if Cam Akers got injured again in 2022.
     
     
     
105. San Francisco 49ers: Dylan Parham, C, Memphis
     
     
     The San Francisco 49ers get this compensation pick at 105 because San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel got hired by the Miami Dolphins as their new head coach. This is the first of two compensation picks that the San Francisco 49ers will get thanks to the Dolphins hiring Mike McDaniel.
     
     
     
     San Francisco gets Memphis offensive lineman Dylan Parham who can play left tackle, left guard, center, right guard, or right tackle with his versatility. San Francisco's offensive line now has Trent Williams at left tackle, Colton McKivitz at left guard, Alex Mack at center, Daniel Brunskill at right guard, and Mike McGlinchey at right tackle.
     
     
     
     Current 49ers right guard Daniel Brunskill has no dead cap meaning the 49ers can cut him at any point to save $2.4-million in cap space without losing any cap money. However, I have the 49ers getting Parham as a center for depth behind Alex Mack and I have the 49ers getting a right guard for depth with the Mr. Irrelevant pick.