2022 NFL Mock Draft: Trenches dominate the first round

2022 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 25-32

25 – Buffalo Bills: Derion Kendrick – Cornerback – Georgia

The Bills have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL but adding another top-level cornerback opposite Tre’Davious White could elevate the defense to another level. Kendrick has had an eventful road to this point but he’s excelling on the top team in the country. The former wide receiver has among the highest ceilings in the class and should continue to improve.

26 – LA Chargers: Adam Anderson – Linebacker – Georgia

Joey Bosa was an outstanding pick for the Chargers but they’ve struggled to replace Melvin Ingram opposite him. Anderson has been disrupting offensive lines and hitting quarterbacks all season and would be a great addition to Brandon Staley’s defense. In a division with Patrick Mahomes and Derek Carr, there’s no such thing as having too many pass rushers.

27 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Zion Johnson – Guard – Boston College

Tom Brady continues to defy the aging process but he’s never liked interior pressure in his face. Johnson has been dominant in multiple positions and should make a smooth transition to the NFL. If Alex Cappa isn’t re-signed to play right guard then Johnson could slot in next to Wirfs to form an intimidating right side of the line.

28 – Detroit Lions (from LA Rams): John Metchie – Wide Receiver – Alabama

The Lions currently have a very depressing group of wide receivers. Jared Goff is capable of keeping the offense moving but adding a player like Metchie, who can create big plays with the ball in his hands, would certainly make things easier. He’s a smooth route runner who would join D’Andre Swift and T.J. Hockenson to form an exciting young trio.

29 – Baltimore Ravens: Charles Cross – Offensive Tackle – Mississippi State

Ronnie Stanley landing on injured reserve and Orlando Brown being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs has shown that the Ravens could still do with upgrading at tackle. Cross is an outstanding athlete for a man of his size and could be a perfect fit for the Ravens, who have had success developing offensive linemen in the past.

30 – Green Bay Packers: Jameson Williams – Wide Receiver – Alabama

Could 2022 be the year that the Packers finally invest in weapons for Aaron Rodgers? Davante Adams is arguably the top receiver in the league but it’s been a steady stream of disappointments behind him. Williams has been excellent since transferring from Ohio State. He has the speed to separate deep and has proven himself one of the top playmakers in college football.

31 – Tennessee Titans: Nakobe Dean – Linebacker – Georgia

The Titans defense has been a lot more effective getting after the quarterback this season but adding an athletic playmaker at linebacker could take them to the next level. Dean might be a little undersized but he can do it all, giving them a big upgrade in pass coverage and as a blitzer.

32 – Arizona Cardinals: Darian Kinnard – Offensive Tackle – Kentucky

Putting a human the size of Kinnard in front of a human the size of Kyler Murray might not be ideal but the Cardinals could do with upgrading their tackle spots. Kinnard is a behemoth. He isn’t going to be the most athletic offensive lineman in the league but he’s capable of moving around as Murray leaves the pocket and he’d be a worthy addition.