2022 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper projects Dallas Cowboys to draft favorite defender

ESPN’s NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper has updated his projections with a two-round mock draft just over two weeks away from the start of the anticipated event. With bold picks across the board, he gifted the Dallas Cowboys one of his favorite defensive players in the class at No. 24 overall.

During an ESPN mock draft special, Mel Kiper debated the merits of the Dallas Cowboys selecting former Penn State edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie in the first round over some more mainstream names.

“Micah Parsons was a great pick out of Penn State, why not go back to the Nittany Lions and go to Arnold Ebiketie? A kid that I’ve loved all year,” said Kiper. “I liked him at Temple, loved him once he got to Penn State. He put it all together as a sack artist coming off the edge. He’s got speed, he’s got power and he’s got a relentless approach flying off the edge. Plays the run better than people give him credit for.

“What the Cowboys need is a guy like Ebiketie. I was talking about them moving up, maybe to get (Kayvon) Thibodeaux or Jermaine Johnson. Hey, if they can see Ebiketie fall to them, I like the kid a lot. … I’ll go down swinging with Ebiketie, I like everything about this kid. He’s going to be a good football player in the NFL.”

In his one Big Ten season, Ebiketie posted 9.5 sacks and 62 tackles with 18 tackles for loss over 12 games.

By pairing former Penn State stars Micah Parsons and Arnold Ebiketie, the Dallas Cowboys could help fill the void left up front after the departure of defensive end Randy Gregory in free agency.

Mel Kiper releases mock draft

Mel Kiper has released a brand new two-round mock draft two weeks before the 2022 NFL Draft. As the highly-anticipated event inches closer, Kiper is putting his updated predictions out into the world.

Prior to getting into the meat and potatoes, Kiper explained his process for creating his latest mock draft.

“I’m projecting these 64 picks based on a combination of my updated rankings, team needs and what I’m hearing from execs, scouts and coaches in the league,” wrote Kiper. “For the second round, in particular, so much could change between now and when teams are on the clock, so I’m using my Big Board as a guide on value.”

In addition to Arnold Ebiketie, Mel Kiper projects that the Dallas Cowboys will select Washington State offensive tackle Abraham Lucas in the second round.