We spend so much time talking about the 1st round, but when you think about it, the 2nd round has been just as productive for the Eagles over the years as the 1st round.
Eric Allen. Brian Dawkins. Randall Cunningham. LeSean McCoy. DeSean Jackson. Zach Ertz. Charlie Garner. Bobby Taylor. Wes Hopkins. Dallas Goedert. Barrett Brooks. Miles Sanders. Jalen Hurts. Sheldon Brown. Guy Morriss. Landon Dickerson. Mychal Kendricks
That’s a pretty formidable group of 2nd-round picks right there.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Philadelphia sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
READ: Top Eagles storylines heading into 2022 NFL combine
So with that in mind, we set out to do a 2nd-round NFL mock draft.
Here’s how we did it: Back in January, we posted a 1st-round mock, and this 2nd round is open to any player not taken in that mock.
Obviously, a lot has changed since January, and some of these players will likely wind up as 1st-round picks, and some guys in our 1st round will go in the 2nd. But in the interest of consistency we simply eliminated all 32 players from the last mock and picked up with pick No. 33.
NFL
Will the Eagles find the next Eric Allen, Dawk, Shady, DeSean or Ertz this year in the 2nd round? Or will it be the next Mike Bellamy, Siran Stacy, Trevor Laws, Quintin Caver, Bruce Walker, Alonzo Johnson or JJAW?
Interesting to note that the Eagles’ last five 2nd-round picks have all been on offense [Goedert, Sanders, JJAW, Hurts, Dickerson], and their last defensive Pro Bowler in the 2nd round was safety Michael Lewis, drafted 20 years ago.
With that in mind, here’s our 2022 NFL Mock Draft second round:
33. Jaguars: Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College: Doug Pederson spent enough time around Andy Reid to share his belief that you build around the lines. After taking defensive end Aidan Hutchinson No. 1 overall, the Jags turn their focus to the o-line in the 2nd round with Johnson, who may have worked his way into the 1stround with his dominating performance in Mobile. But since our 1st-round mock was before the Senior Bowl, Johnson wasn’t on it. So we’ll put him up at the top of the 2nd round providing immediate protection for Trevor Lawrence.
34. Lions: Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan: The Lions took an edge rusher in Kayvon Thibodeaux and a quarterback in Desmond Ridder in the first round, and in Round 2 they get a weapon for Ridder (or Jared Goff). Moore had a monster sophomore season, with 95 catches for 1,292 yards and 10 touchdowns and averaged 83 yards per game in his college career playing in the MAC. Not a burner but should be a productive slot playing at the next level.
35. Jets: Bernhard Raimann, OL, Central Michigan: We had the Jets taking two d-backs in the 1st round (Derek Stingley, Kyle Hamilton), so Joe Douglas goes offense to start off Day 2 and lands an intriguing project in Raimann, a converted tight end who picked up left tackle very quickly as a sophomore at Central Michigan and is only going to get better. Terrific athlete and his technique is already impressive for someone so new to the position.
Subscribe to the Eagle Eye podcast
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Spotify | Stitcher | Art19 | Watch on YouTube
36. Giants: Christian Harris, LB, Alabama: The Giants landed Malik Willis and Tyler Linderbaum with their two top-10 picks, and they go defense in Round 2 and take Harris, a fundamentally sound, versatile and productive linebacker. Harris stands only 6-2, 235 pounds but is the kind of tough, physical, hard-nosed linebacker you’d expect to find in Tuscaloosa.
37. Texans: Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor: After going o-line with Evan Neal with the 3rdoverall pick, the Texans turn their attention to defense and select Pitre, the do-it-all safety from Baylor. Pitre can cover down the field, as he showed at the Senior Bowl, he can play in the box and he can deliver massive hits anywhere on the field. Would love to see the Eagles get him, but he’ll be long gone by the time the Eagles pick in the 2nd round if they stay at 51.
38. Jets [from Panthers]: Jermaine Johnson II, Edge, Florida State: With their 4th pick in the first 38, the Jets select Johnson, an outstanding pass rusher and tireless run defender. At 6-5 ½, 260, Johnson has a wiry frame and he could stand to add some bulk. But he’s already a technically proficient defender who can make plays in a variety of ways from a variety of positions. Didn’t hurt himself with a monster Senior Bowl.
39. Bears [first pick]: Kingsley Enagbare, Edge, South Carolina: The edge rushers keep coming off the board, and this is such a good year for edges you can find good value in the second round, and the Bears do that with Enagbare, a tremendous athlete with great length and a variety of pass rush moves. His injury history and so-so performance against the run will drop him to the bottom of the 1stround or top of the 2nd, but he could wind up being a steal.
40. Broncos: David Bell, WR, Purdue: We have the Broncos taking Kenny Pickett in the 1st round, so we’ll get him someone to throw to in the 2nd round. Bell isn’t going to post numbers at the Combine that jump off the page but a very productive receiver with good size at 6-2, 205 pounds who averaged over 100 yards per game in the Big Ten and scored 21 TDs in 2 ½ seasons.
41. Seahawks: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn: The Seahawks don’t have a 1st-round pick this year, thanks to the Jamal Adams trade with the Jets, so they get started in the middle of the second round with a corner who plays bigger than size and runs faster than his speed. McCreary could boost himself into the 1st round with a solid combine, but there are just so many very good NFL-ready corners in this draft that a couple are going to drop into the 2nd round, simply because there are only a limited number of teams that are going to take corners. McCreary is going to be a good one.
RELATED: A popular Eagles pick emerging in latest mock draft roundup
42. Commanders: Darian Kinnard, OL, Kentucky: Another potential 1st-rounder, Kinnard played right tackle for Kentucky but at 6-foot-5, 325 pounds will probably be a guard in the NFL, although he could be a functional tackle. Kinnard has some work to do on his technique, but he’s such a good athlete and so powerful along with that size that his ceiling seems awfully high.
43. Falcons: Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State: The first running back off the board, Walker had a monster season in his only year at MSU after starting out at Wake Forest. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist after ranking 2nd in the BCS with 1,646 rushing yards and 7th with 18 TDs. Tough, elusive runner with great balance and vision. Not much of a receiver at this point, but he gives the Falcons their first big-time running back since Devonta Freeman was in his prime circa 2015 and 2016.
44. Browns: Devonte Wyatt, DL: How wild is this: Wyatt is the 4th Georgia defensive player we’re mocking, after Nakobe Dean, Jordan Davis and Travon Walker in the 1st round. Wyatt didn’t get the acclaim of those other guys, but he’s one heck of a prospect in his own right and has the potential to be a truly disruptive force lining up in the interior of the d-line. Wyatt tore it up at the Senior Bowl and with a good Combine could easily find his way into the 1st round.
45. Ravens: Drake Jackson, Edge, USC: Jackson is an intriguing edge rusher whose production hasn’t quite lived up to his potential. One thing is for sure – he’s a gifted pass rusher. But he also needs to get stronger and more physical to have success in the NFL. But he’s 20 years old and in Baltimore he’ll have a chance to hone his skills, add some muscle and live up to all that potential.
46. Vikings: Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M: Green is an athletic freak who can play either guard or tackle spot, although long-term he projects as a guard. Big and strong at 6-4, 325 and has the NFL-ready look of a three-year SEC starter. Has a few technique things he needs to clean up but is fairly advanced as a run blocker and pass blocker for an incoming rookie.
47. Colts [first pick]: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State: Dotson’s production increased in each of his four years in State College, and his 90-catch, 1,182-yard, 12-TD senior season propelled him into the draft conversation. Dotson isn’t the biggest guy at 5-11, 185 pounds, but he’s a polished route runner, knows how to get open and has a lot of versatility as far as routes he’s comfortable with and positions he can work out of. Doesn’t have one trait that blows you away but is a very solid prospect who should flourish in Frank Reich’s offense. Whoever the QB is.
48. Chargers: Boye Mafe, DL, Minnesota: The NINTH edge rusher off the board – that’s nine of the first 48 picks. Mafe is a little bit of a project because he didn’t become a full-time starter until this past season. But he produced despite iffy technique, racking up 10 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks this past season. Once he gets into the NFL, it might take a year or two to produce in a big way, but he has the traits to be a legit pass rusher.
49. Saints: Daxton Hill, CB-S, Michigan: After addressing a need on the o-line in the 1st round, the Saints add the versatile Michigan defensive back Hill, who may eventually wind up as a safety. Hill has the physicality and toughness you want from a safety or slot corner and good-enough coverage skills to play outside corner.
50. Dolphins: Dylan Parham, G-C, Memphis: Played both guard and tackle for the Tigers but at 6-2, 315 pounds projects as an interior lineman in the NFL, most likely at center. Small but powerful and athletic lineman who makes up for what he lacks in size with technique, strength and grit.
MORE: How Eagles could still play an international game in 2022
51. Eagles: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State: After focusing on defense in the 1st round with a defensive end, cornerback and linebacker, the Eagles add the intriguing Watson, who put himself on the map with a monster Senior Bowl. Watson stands 6-foot-4, 210 pounds and he showed in Mobile that he can thrive against BCS cornerbacks. You can find WRs in the 2nd round (Michael Thomas, D.K. Metcalf, Deebo Samuel, A.J. Brown, Michael Pittman Jr., Tee Higgins), and while nobody would be surprised if the Eagles go WR in th 1st round and add a veteran free agent, they will have options in the 2nd round, and Watson may be the best of them. Anything so we don’t have to watch Jalen Reagor play another 750 snaps in 2022.
52. Steelers: Jamaree Salyer, OT-G, Georgia: When you take a QB in the 1stround, it only makes sense to draft an offensive lineman in the 2nd round. This draft is jammed with studs from Georgia’s historic defense, but the Bulldogs weren’t bad on the other side of the ball, and Salyer was an immovable force in the middle of their offensive line. At 6-3, 320 pounds and without world-class athleticism he’s probably best suited to guard, where his power and strength will be a terrific fit.
53. Raiders: Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma: Asamoah definitely improved his draft stock at the Senior Bowl, where he was selected as the best linebacker by his teammates. Nobody questioned Asomoah’s ability as a run stopper, but he showed in Mobile that he’s made great strides as a cover linebacker as well and his potential as a three-down linebacker should move him up into the middle of the 2nd round.
54. Patriots: Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming: An intriguing prospect, converted safety who has the speed and coverage ability of a defensive back but plays linebacker with the physicality and aggressiveness of a natural linebacker. Very smart and instinctive and one of those guys who just seems like a Bill Belichick kind of player. This isn’t a great linebacker draft. Nakobe Dean and Devin Lloyd were our only 1st-round LBs, but prospects like Asamoah and Muma could provide terrific 2nd-round value.
55. Cards: Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State: It wasn’t a fun season for Penn State, who lost six of their last eight games after a 5-0 start. But Brisker was a bright light in a disappointing season and despite playing all year with an injured shoulder he showed he’s a smart, instinctive, physical safety who is equally comfortable playing the run up in the box or dropping back into coverage.
56. Cowboys: Daniel Faalele, OL, Minnesota: After selecting Georgia d-lineman Travon Walker in the 1st round, the Cowboys begin fixing their mess of an offensive line with Faalele, a ridiculous 6-8, 390-pound Australian former rugby player (sound familiar?). The difference between Faalele and Jordan Mailata is that Mailata never played football before the Eagles drafted him. Faalele was a three-year starter for the Golden Gophers, but it’s easy to imagine the Cowboys trying to mimic the success the Eagles have had with Mailata and snagging Faalele in the 2nd round.
57. Bills: Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State: After taking a corner in the 1stround, Sean McDermott sticks to defense with Andersen, one of the more versatile linebackers in this year’s draft. Andersen began his career for the Bobcats as a quarterback before moving across to linebacker to take advantage of his strength, speed, athleticism and intelligence. Surprisingly polished player considering his lack of experience at linebacker and still has unlimited potential to improve as he learns the position. Would be an interesting pick for the Eagles if they don’t go LB in the 1st round (and do we really think they will?). But definitely a McDermott type of player.
58. Falcons [from Titans]: Cameron Thomas, DL, San Diego State: After going running back with their first 2nd-round pick, the Falcons go back to defense and take Thomas, who had an opportunity to elevate his draft stock in the Senior Bowl before missing the entire week with a hamstring injury. But Thomas has a lot to offer. At 6-5, 270 he has unusual size for a modern-day edge rusher, and he’s got a vast array of pass-rush moves and plenty of athleticism. Thomas had 20 sacks and 39 tackles for loss the last three years and if he’s healthy for the Combine could work his way into the 1st round.
59. Packers: Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama: The Senior Bowl is a terrific opportunity for someone like Tolbert, who played in relative obscurity in the Sun Belt Conference but had great production. His 2,559 receiving yards the last two years are the most in the BCS, and he showed in Mobile – practicing in his home stadium – that those numbers weren’t hollow. Whoever the Packers’ QB is, Tolbert will give him a reliable option.
60. Buccaneers: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State: Incredibly productive back with 3,044 rushing yards and 41 TDs over the last two years – both tops in the BCS. Also caught 36 passes this year so can be a three-down back. Biggest concern is his workload – he had 800 touches the last three years. That’s a lot of wear and tear. But he’s a tough inside runner, has great vision and good enough speed. If he checks out physically, the production is undeniable.
61. 49ers: Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi State: Thanks to their trade with the Dolphins that landed them Trey Lance, the 49ers are the last team to make their first pick. The Niners continue the run on cornerbacks by taking Emerson, who isn’t a burner but is explosive, has that great size at 6-2 and impressive recognition.
62. Chiefs: Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson: Injuries have limited his production the last couple years, but Ross has a lot of promise and it’s easy to imagine Andy Reid finding ways to use him. With his speed, route-running ability and good hands Ross would probably be a 1st-round pick if it hadn’t been for the injuries that might scare some teams away (including spinal surgery to correct a congenital condition that cost him an entire season). But the ability and playmaking are there.
63. Bengals: Nicholas Petit-Frere, OL, Ohio State: Everybody claims they don’t draft for need, but anybody who watched the Bengals this year knows they have no choice but to upgrade that offensive line. Petit-Frere played at a high level for the Buckeyes in his two years as a starting tackle, and while there’s no question his technique needs to be overhauled before he can be an NFL starter, he’s got the size and physical tools to be a difference maker.
64. Broncos [from Rams]: Nik Bonitto, Edge, Oklahoma: He’s undersized at 6-3, 240 pounds, but if Bonitto can add some bulk without losing his athleticism and quickness, he can succeed at the next level. The production was there at Oklahoma, where he had 16 sacks and 26 ½ tackles for loss the last two years. He knows how to get to the quarterback, and he should find a role as a 3rd-down specialist right off the bat as he grows into a larger role.