Dallas Cowboys 2022 7-Round Mock Draft: Post-Senior Bowl Edition
By Reid Hanson
Dallas Cowboys 2022 7-round mock draft
Round 1, Pick 24
Jermaine Johnson, DE
Florida State
No one stood out over the course of Senior Bowl week more than former Last Chance U star, Jermaine Johnson. Johnson took control on Day 1, tossing and controlling the line against a variety of top-tier NFL prospects.
At Florida he stood out as their best lineman. At 6-foot-5, 265lbs, Johnson is long, strong, and versatile. He can start on the end, play some 3-4 edge, and even reduce down to play DT on nickel downs. He has a good first step, great hands and a relentless motor. He’s a well-rounded do-it-all lineman that should go early in the draft.
Currently rated as TDN’s 29th ranked player, he’s there for Dallas right now. But we can realistically expect his draft stock to rise in coming weeks so even here at pick 24 I consider him a steal.
With DeMarcus Lawrence costing the Dallas Cowboys $27 million against the cap this season, rumors are running rampant that he may be a cap casualty. For the past five seasons he’s been Dallas’ best defensive player but his injuries have been piling up and salary along with it.
Fellow starting DE, Randy Gregory, is also a question mark in 2022. Gregory is a free agent and while Dallas wants to re-sign him, we really aren’t sure of that will happen. Today we’re operating under the assumption one will stay and one will go. That means the need at DE is significant.
Based on what we just saw from Jermaine Johnson, he’s NFL ready. He’s a strong run-stopper and pass rusher and should fit in nicely in Dan Quinn’s defense. I could easily see him replace Tank as the base end and be a difference maker in Tank’s role.