As the 2022 NFL combine gets underway, we’re still in the middle of NFL mock draft season.
And on Tuesday, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. dropped his latest mock, and that means there are some trades he projected in his first round. This time? There’s one to focus on, but before that — his No. 1 overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars is NOT tackle Evan Neal or one of the top pass-rushers.
He’s got another offensive tackle going first: Ikem Ekwonu from NC State.
“Ultimately, I lean toward Jacksonville getting protection for quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who struggled as a rookie,” Kiper wrote. “This could go the other way if the organization brings back Cam Robinson in free agency, but Ekwonu — who is a hot name among NFL teams — would be an immediate upgrade.”
How about that trade?
He has the Cleveland Browns dealing up to No. 9 to grab a receiver: USC’s Drake London!
The Browns have a void at wide receiver and have to add better players around Baker Mayfield. He has shown that he can be an above-average NFL quarterback when he has help around him, and Cleveland should prioritize a top-tier pass-catcher in this draft. The team had just one receiver with more than 35 catches last season (Jarvis Landry with 52).
London is a 6-foot-5 aerial threat with the traits to be an end zone weapon. He averaged 11 catches and 136 yards per game last season, before he broke his ankle in late October. He would make Mayfield better.
That would something (and would make Mayfield happy).
