2022 NFL Mock Draft (FINAL) | Top 11-15 features Ravens going BPA, Vikings bank on All-Pro potential

This is the second installment of my 2022 NFL Mock Draft (FINAL) based on where each team currently is slated to pick (no trades).

Please keep in mind, that my mocks are based on how I actually see the draft unfolding (based on analytics) & NOT whether or not I would select that player.

I’ll be breaking down the first-round of the draft in increments of 5-10 picks.

Please feel free to spread the word and share/like/comment as we grow our BEASTwriter+ Newsletter Community, I wouldn’t be here without you. Mahalo :)

---

Washington Commanders | R1 (No. 11)

• My Pick | WR Chris Olave

• My hit-rate on Mayhew R1 draft picks | 0/1 (0%)

Analysis:

The Commanders are a team that can go in two directions with the No. 11 pick. Based on how my current mock stacks up--they can select WR or CB.

There are rumors swirling around that WR Terry McLaurin may be traded. Just like with 49ers WR Deebo Samuel and Seahawks WR DK Metcalf, it all comes down to being a 2019 non-first-round pick (last year of contract).

Ryan Sakamoto @BEASTwriter

WAS WR Terry McLaurin is not a household name but should be. He's definitely a Top 10 WR. His deep speed and consistency show up every single week. Watch him go DEEP and make a BIG play tonight vs #Seahawks.

I’m not buying that McLaurin will be moved. Look at McLaurin’s stat line since entering the league as a 2019 R3 pick (No. 76):

• 222 catches for 3,090 receiving yards, 16 TDs

• 3-year average | 74 catches for 1,030 receiving yards, 5.3 TDs

The team also inked forgotten highly prized 2021 free-agent: WR Curtis Samuel Jr.

• 3-year, $34.5M deal ($21.5M fully guaranteed)

Samuel has been dealing with injuries during his first year in Washington--leaving fans skeptical but hopeful for 2022. He’s a wide-back player like Samuel which is why GM Martin Mayhew made the play for him.

The question remains, do they get an insurance policy for McLaurin in case he bolts next season OR select BPA CB Derek Stingley Jr? I highly doubt, Mayhew slaps the non-exclusive franchise tag on McLaurin next offseason.

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera attended WR Chris Olave’s pro day for a reason.

At 6-0, 187, Olave has the NFL traits that scouts covet. He can run the full route tree while gaining separation coming off his stem. He has 4.39 (40-time) speed & can win on all three levels.

A silky smooth receiver, Olave instantly brings a powerful punch to any offense.

While Stingley is still in the mix, I’m sticking with Olave for now, as Mayhew establishes a trio of WRs for QB Carson Wentz to work with.

---

Minnesota Vikings | R1 (No. 12)

• My Pick | CB Derek Stingley Jr.

• My hit-rate on Adofo-Mensah R1 draft picks | N/A

Analysis:

New GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah learned the trick-of-the-trade in contract leveraging via San Francisco 49ers Paraag Marathe. If I had to take a guess, I think Adofo-Mensah will ignore OL at No. 12 and focus on CB or WR.

With Olave off the board just one pick earlier, the Vikings get their boundary CB1 in LSU CB Derek Stingley Jr.

Minnesota has been in dire need of a strong CB1 dating back to former GM Rick Spielman. During Spielman’s tenure as the team’s GM, he invested four R1 picks on cornerbacks.

All but Rhodes have failed.

• CB Xavier Rhodes

• CB Trae Waynes

• CB Mike Hughes

• CB Jeff Gladney

The Vikings brought back CB Patrick Peterson on a one-year, $4M deal. He is clearly past his prime in my DOB grading system and grades out as an average starter at best.

2020 R3 (No. 89) CB Cameron Dantzler is entering a contract year in 2023, meaning the team must stay two steps ahead--adding an insurance policy in case he bolts in free-agency.

Stingley is not only the BPA but would otherwise have been a top-5 pick if injuries and poor 2020-2021 film didn’t derail his draft stock.

Ryan Sakamoto @BEASTwriter

@AdrianAgwire I watched the film all year covering college games, you want some real playmakers at CB. Wait for LSU Derek Stingley Jr. (LSU), Patrick Surtain II (Alabama), etc.

In terms of Stingley’s draft stock, his ceiling is no higher than No. 9 to the Seattle Seahawks. His floor is no lower than No. 14 to the Baltimore Ravens.

Ryan Sakamoto @BEASTwriter

LSU CB Derek Stingley has NFL Pro Bowl traits. But the inconsistency in his game concerns me. Here is a nice play of Stingley taking on the RB in the flat, forcing a fumble TD return. #BEASTwriter | #2022NFLDraft

Strengths:

• Pro Bowl CB traits

• Fundamentally sound in press-coverage 

• Fluid backpedal cutting down false steps

• Displays fluid hip flexors to mirror-match downfield 

• Possesses NFL closing speed for PBUs 

• Shows up in run-support 

Ryan Sakamoto @BEASTwriter

LSU CB Derek Stingley Jr. has NFL Pro Bowl traits...but the film concerns me. Playing off zone coverage (outside leverage), he allows the WR to get behind him in his zone while focusing on RB in flat. (WR runs inside release then bounces back to the numbers. #BEASTwriter