The Detroit Lions go a different route with the first pick in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft while the Philadelphia Eagles add a luxury pick with Treylon Burks
The college football season is coming to an end and the NFL season is getting down to weeks instead of months. That means it’s time to dig even deeper into the incoming rookie class.
With regular-season collegiate play behind us, we have a great idea of what each of these players is capable of — which will help us figure out where each rookie could be best utilized at the next level.
Here we try and place them all where they can succeed, and where the team can fill its biggest holes with a 2022 NFL Mock Draft, Week 13 edition. As always, the order is determined by our latest 2021 NFL Power Rankings, which have the Lions kicking things off — although, they call an audible here and surprise us at No. 1.
Detroit Lions switch it up in 2022 NFL Mock Draft
1. Detroit Lions: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
Kayvon Thibodeaux is the best player in the upcoming draft and has been a favorite at the No. 1 spot in most mocks. He would also make a lot of sense with the Detroit Lions since they need someone capable of taking over on defense.
However, the fact that Jared Goff continues to lose games where he’s not coached by Sean McVay has to be concerning. Even if they think he’s just a stop-gap player, it might be best to bring someone in now who can challenge him — especially since they do still have another pick later in this round.
With that reasoning, the Lions take Ole Miss signal-caller Matt Corral. He’s put together two fantastic seasons in a row for the Rebels and might finally be the answer in Detroit.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
At No. 2 in this mock is the Jacksonville Jaguars, who were probably really hoping Urban Meyer would take one of those big college openings. That didn’t happen, but he will still probably be gone. As for their draft pick, the Jags need to build their offense around Trevor Lawrence and one of the main things they need is a big left tackle, which they land in Evan Neal.
At 6-foot-7 and 345-pounds, Neal can handle power rushers but he’s also nimble enough to take on the speed rushers as well. He’s a franchise left tackle, which will make life easier on their franchise quarterback.
Turning the page on Deshaun Watson in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft
3. Houston Texans: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
You can say all you want that the quarterbacks in this class aren’t good enough to liter the top-10, but we all know how it goes. When a team needs a quarterback, they take them in a hurry. And at pick No. 3, we already have a second team needing a signal-caller as the Houston Texans are on the clock.
They use their pick on Malik Willis from Liberty, who is one of the more exciting prospects in this class. Willis is a dual-threat who may need some time to develop, mainly because he played at a smaller program in Liberty. He originally started at Auburn but had to transfer to get the snaps he needed to succeed.
In Houston, they could look at the possibility of bringing back Tyrod Taylor, giving Willis a great mentor as he prepares for life at the next level.
4. New York Jets: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
At No. 4, we have the New York Jets who luck out big time. The top player on the board is still available since other teams went with needs, leaving Kayvon Thibodeaux there for the taking. And if an elite pass-rusher is on the board, don’t expect head coach Robert Saleh to look in a different direction, even with Carl Lawson slated to return from surgery in 2022.
Saleh was at his best as a defensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers when he had a plethora of pass rushers which included Nock Bosa, Dee Ford, DeForest Buckner, and Arik Armstead. He starts building a similar line here with someone who will be a 10-plus sack player for years to come.
Ohio State wideout Chris Olave slides into the top-five
5. New York Jets (via Seattle Seahawks): Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
You almost have to feel for the Seattle Seahawks. They completely overpaid for Jamal Adams but thought he could be the missing piece in their defense. However, he hasn’t really improved their defense and in 2021, they’ve been as bad as the Jets. And that could lead to them surrendering a top-five pick in the upcoming draft.
For New York, it’s great as they’re able to take two picks in a row which allows them to add the best pass-rusher in the class followed by the best wide receiver. In this mock, Chris Olave is the player they tab as the best wideout, and putting him on the same field as Corey Davis and Elijah Moore could turn this offense into a very respectable unit.
6. New York Giants: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Up next is another New York team as the Giants are on the board at No. 6 overall. They end up taking Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton, who is much more than a normal safety.
Hamilton is a player capable of playing in deep coverage, in the slot, and can even move up close to the line of scrimmage and affect the run game. He’s a chess piece on defense and while the Giants aren’t terrible on that side of the ball, he can really make a huge impact from day one.
The Daniel Jones era should be over
7. New York Giants (via Chicago Bears): Kenny Picket, QB, Pitt
Just like their roommates, New York Giants are on the clock for back-to-back picks in this mock. That’s something that doesn’t happen but just as the Jets made a savvy trade with Seattle and wound up with a top-five pick, the Giants traded with the Chicago Bears last season and ended up looking smart in the process.
They still landed a wideout, even if the jury is still out on Kadarious Toney, and now were able to get the top defensive back in the class followed by a new quarterback in Kenny Pickett.
Daniel Jones continues to struggle and with Jason Garrett being sacrificed as a scapegoat, the rest of the Giants coaching staff is now on notice. That includes head coach Joe Judge. The prediction here is that Judge is out and a new coach will want his own guy.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
The Atlanta Falcons should probably consider a quarterback as well, but they seem to think Matt Ryan has a lot left in the tank. That’s why they again skip on the position, instead electing to go with Aidan Hutchinson from Michigan.
Hutchinson might have been a late Round 1 pick last year had he elected to turn pro but he went back to Ann Arbor and solidified himself as a top-15 pick. In this mock, he slides into the top-10 and will be the best edge player for the Falcons from the day he arrives on campus.
Whoever is the QB, he will need better protection in Carolina
9. Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
Cam Newton, Sam Darnold, it doesn’t matter. No matter who the Carolina Panthers play at quarterback, they’re going to give their team a lot of hope early on, only to let them down in the end. It’s sad, but that’s the way it’s gone for them in 2021 and Matt Rhule has seemed as though he wants to keep trying with the veterans rather than go for a rookie.
That trend continues as they will either re-sign Newton, or pick up another free-agent, in order to push Darnold and use this pick on another major need — offensive tackle. Enter Ikem Ekwonu from North Carolina State. He asserted himself as one of the best linemen in the nation this season and will stay in North Carolina as a reward.
10. Washington Football Team: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
As of late, Taylor Heinicke has been dealing again. It’s still not time to say he’s the future for the Washington Football Team, but he’s turning things around and if that remains the case, Ron Rivera might be inclined to give him another season under center.
In order to make sure they truly evaluate him, the Football Team improves his offensive line with the selection of Kenyon Green. What makes Green a fit in Washington is his ability to play either guard or tackle, which means they can plug him in wherever they feel they need to make a change — and he will perform just fine at either spot.
The New Orleans Saints secondary can use another stud
11. New Orleans Saints: Derek Stingley, CB, LSU
Marshon Lattimore has been everything the New Orleans Saints want him to be but they could still use some help across from him. Paulson Adebo isn’t bad but he’s probably best served as the third option — and in the NFC South with some dangerous wideouts, they could use as many top-tier cornerbacks as they can get.
They end up with a potentially elite one here as the No. 1 cornerback, Derek Stingley, is still on the board when it’s their turn to pick. They land the young man who was a star in their own backyard and pairing him with Lattimore could make their secondary one of the best in the entire league.
12. Philadelphia Eagles (via Miami Dolphins): Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
Another cornerback comes off the board as the Philadelphia Eagles are on the clock at No. 12 and take Andrew Booth, Jr. from Clemson. Philly has been up and down this season and while many eyes are on quarterback Jalen Hurts, they have also struggled to slow down elite pass-catchers.
Adding Booth will help in this regard as they cash in on the pick they obtained from the Miami Dolphins last season in their pre-draft trade when the two franchises were playing musical chairs. It’s also the first of three picks for the Eagles, so get used to seeing them in this mock.
Garrett Wilson stays in Ohio, and is a huge get for the Browns
13. Cleveland Browns: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Even before Odell Beckham, Jr. forced his way out, the Cleveland Browns needed help at wide receiver. He was the only player who could really threaten defenses deep and without him, defenses can crowd the line of scrimmage knowing there’s no one capable of making them regret it.
That’s why they have to get a receiver, and maybe more than one, this offseason. In this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, they end up with a great one as Garrett Wilson is available for them. Fans will love the addition of an Ohio State stud and Baker Mayfield will be elated to enter the final season of his deal with a legit No. 1 threat.
14. Philadelphia Eagles: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
One good defensive pick deserves another. The Philadelphia Eagles are back in the clock after seeing just one selection made following their first and they again grab someone to help them slow down opposing offenses. This time, it’s Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean who has been separating himself from others at the position.
Dean has great speed and can deliver hits in the run but he’s also able to run with tight ends and running backs in the passing game. He will be able to help in a multitude of ways for the Eagles, which is what they need.
Big Ben might be done in the Steel City
15. Minnesota Vikings: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
The Minnesota Vikings are just better when they have an elite defensive line. Danielle Hunter has been great for them, even if he has been struggling to stay healthy as of late. However, there hasn’t been a great No. 2 option across from him in a while.
That changes here as they pick Goerge Karlaftis from Purdue. Gifted with elite size at 6-foot-4 and 275-pounds and has an incredibly high ceiling. Joining a team where he can learn from someone such as Hunter will only help him reach that ceiling.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Once again, it’s become painfully clear that Ben Roethlisberger’s time is coming to an end. The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly thought that could be the case after their epic letdown in 2020, but now they have to admit it and move on.
While some might think Mason Rudolph can be the answer, he’s not. He tied the Lions, which is all you need to know.
His ceiling is a decent NFL backup, but Desmond Ridder could be a playmaker. He’s taken off in the second half of the season and deserves first-round consideration. And in this mock, he joins the Steelers where he can challenge Rudolph as a rookie and will likely take over before the season ends.
The Eagles get Jalen Hurts a big target in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft
17. Philadelphia Eagles (via Indianapolis Colts): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Again, the Philadelphia Eagles are back on the clock and this time, it’s with the pick they obtained in the Carson Wentz trade. With the former No. 2 overall pick playing enough snaps, the Eagles will get this pick from Indy and they finally add an offensive weapon, taking Treylon Burks from Arkansas.
A wideout with plenty of size, Burks will be an excellent complement to DeVonta Smith. He will also help them move on from Jalen Reagor who has yet to live up to his draft status.
This might feel like a luxury pick but with three first-round picks, they can afford such a move. And in the end, it will help the entire offense.
18. Los Angeles Chargers: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Justin Herbert has been everything the Los Angeles Chargers hoped he could be. He’s throwing the ball like a seasoned veteran and will only get better. Especially if the Chargers continue to build the roster in a way that makes it friendly for him.
That’s their goal with this pick as they bring in Tyler Linderbaum from Iowa. The best center in this class, Linderbaum would fill a need in L.A. and more importantly, feels like a ‘can’t miss’ prospect.
Las Vegas fills one of their recently-added holes with Kaiir Elam
19. Denver Broncos: DeMarvin Leal, EDGE, Texas A&M
After trading Von Miller to the Los Angeles Rams, the Denver Broncos are now ready to turn the page on defense. They have some young pieces to build around, including Bradley Chubb — provided he can ever get fully healthy.
Here, they add another defensive centerpiece in DeMarvin Leal from Texas A&M. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 290-pounds, Leal is capable of playing both inside and outside on the defensive line He’s also much more nimble than expected for a man who is approaching 300 pounds.
In 2021, Leal recorded 8.5 sacks this season as he started to really break out. His play should be enough to get him in the top-20 and the Broncos can feel much better about their defense with his addition.
20. Las Vegas Raiders: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
This season has been a tough one for the Las Vegas Raiders. There’s been a lot going on away from the field including the tragic situation with Henry Ruggs and the unexpected meltdown from Damon Arnette. They’ve done well to continue to win with an interim head coach thanks to the Jon Gruden situation but there’s still a lot to be done to fix this roster.
With a couple of ways they can go, Las Vegas settles on Kaiir Elam at No. 20. The Florida star has NFL bloodlines and should be able to help improve their secondary, which has been a problem — and was even before releasing Arnette.
Tua gets a big-time blocker in Charles Cross from Mississippi State
21. Miami Dolphins (via San Francisco 49ers): Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
The Miami Dolphins pick was already used by the Philadelphia Eagles and now, they’re on the clock with the selection they obtained from the San Francisco 49ers in another trade that took place ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Miami was off to one of the worst starts in the NFL this season but they have turned things around in a big way. They still have room to grow and one area that can be better is their offensive line.
They work to improve that here with the selection of Charles Cross from Mississippi State. He should be able to secure one tackle position, helping the entire offense perform at a higher level.
22. Tennessee Titans: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
The Tennessee Titans appeared to be running away with the AFC South this year but have fallen back in recent weeks. Injuries to key players including Derrick Henry, A.J. Brown, and Julio Jones explain the problem but they could be in danger of losing out to the Colts if they don’t start winning again.
Looking ahead to 2022, they could use some help on the defensive side which would make them less dependent on the offense. That leads to the selection of Devin Lloyd from Utah. A playmaking linebacker like Lloyd will go a long way toward improving their defense, while Lloyd will also benefit from the Titans beefy front line occupying blockers.
Dallas needs more talent on the defensive line and Cameron Thomas is a sneaky-good prospect that fits them live a glove
23. Dallas Cowboys: Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State
The Dallas Cowboys defense has been much better this season and Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs are both huge reasons for that. However, they do still have some weaknesses, which includes a defensive line that was bullied by the Saints on Thursday Night Football.
They try and bolster that unit by taking San Diego State defensive end Cameron Thomas at No. 23. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 270-pounds, Thomas broke out with 10.5 sacks and 20 tackles for a loss this season. He’s also big enough that he could slide inside on passing downs and be on the field the same time as Randy Gregory (assuming he’s re-signed), and DeMarcus Lawrence.
That should do wonders for this defense as they continue to get better.
24. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
They got a quarterback at No. 1 and now, they add a wide receiver. The Detroit Lions are on the clock with their first day one pick obtained in the Matthew Stafford trade. They bring in Jameson Williams from Alabama, who has been a breakout star in 2021.
After transferring from Ohio State, Williams put up 1,261 yards on 61 touchdowns with 13 touchdowns in 12 games with Alabama. Detroit needs a playmaker out wide, and he delivers that.
Don’t worry, the Bengals finally get an offensive tackle
25. Cincinnati Bengals: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Yes, Ja’Marr Chase was the correct pick for the Cincinnati Bengals this season. And yes, Riley Reiff has been a decent addition to their line this year. However, they cannot go into 2022 without making some changes, including adding another young offensive tackle.
Enter Trevor Penning from Northern Iowa. Listed at 6-foot-7 and 322-pounds, Penning already boasts an NFL body. He will need some work — and experience against elite talent — but he has a high ceiling and could grow alongside Joe Burrow. That could end up leading to the Bengals being a team to watch in the AFC for years to come.
26. Buffalo Bills: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
The Buffalo Bills were running away with the AFC East, or so it seemed. In recent weeks, the New England Patriots have not only caught them, but they’re now a half-game ahead of the Bills with an important Week 13 showdown on the slate.
Buffalo recently lost Tre’Davious White to an injury and his departure will surely hurt their defense as they hope to close out their pursuit of another East title. It will also show how good he really was for them.
Now in this mock, they decide to get some help for their star corner by taking Ahmad Gardner from Cincinnati. He should be a starter early in his career and will instantly improve the Bills secondary.
Jordan Davis is a large man, who will be a huge help in Baltimore
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Daxton Hill, CB/S, Michigan
As of Week 13, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are first in the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns. However, they’re on the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to defending the pass. Tampa is currently 20th in the league in yards surrendered and 29th in touchdown passes.
While they did well in the postseason last year, this was also an issue in 2020. In an effort to fix this, they take Michigan defensive back Daxton Hill with the 27th pick. Hill is a versatile defender who can play cornerback or safety, allowing him to really improve the Bucs’ secondary.
28. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Year after year, the Baltimore Ravens trot out a strong defense. They can lose star players even and still find a way to be one of the more formidable units in the game. One reason is their stellar drafting when it comes to that side of the ball.
Here, that trend continues as they take the best defensive tackle in this class, Jordan Davis. Of course, many will say Davis is a nose at 6-6 and 345-pounds, but he’s actually more versatile than that.
His ability to stuff the run and also generate a push up the middle will make him an instant favorite amongst the Baltimore faithful.
New England adds a stud pass-rusher for an already impressive defense
29. New England Patriots: Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
The New England Patriots went from an afterthought to a team that may challenge for the No. 1 seed in the entire AFC. They’re currently on a six-game winning streak as they await their first of two matches with Buffalo — who is just a half-game behind them.
Rookie quarterback Mac Jones has been one of the biggest reasons for their turnaround this season as he’s been playing like a seasoned pro with 2,850 passing and a 16-to-8 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Another reason is their strong defensive performance. Look for that to be even better in 2022 should they add a potential premier pass-rusher such as Drake Jackson from USC. Jackson offers great length and athleticism, which Bill Belichick will know how to employ as well as any other coach in the league.
30. Green Bay Packers: Travon Walker, DL, Georgia
The Green Bay Packers have several ways they could go with this pick and while wide receiver makes a lot of sense, they seem determined not to use an early pick on a weapon for Aaron Rodgers. With that being said, they again skip on a pass-catcher and go with Travon Walker from Georgia.
Walker is a 6-foot-5, 275-pound defensive lineman who can play in a couple of different positions. He comes from the best defense in the nation and will help the Packers continue to field one of the better defenses in the NFL.
Kansas City is already scary on offense, now they add another wide receiver for teams to worry about
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Drake London, WR, USC
The Kansas City Chiefs slow start was short-lived — much to the chagrin of every other fan base. They’re playing much better now and will likely win the AFC West and from there, well, we all know where they could end up.
Even with them playing better, it’s hard to forget the times they have struggled to move the ball the way they did in the past. Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce continue to be dominant but they could use another player to take some of the pressure off their shoulders — and Drake London could be an excellent fit.
A big target at 6-foot-5 and 210-pounds, London doubled his career yardage in 2021 when he went for 1,084 yards after netting 1,069 the two years prior. He would be a great weapon on the outside and would command plenty of attention, thus freeing up their superstars to do even more damage.
32. Arizona Cardinals: Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati
This season, the Arizona Cardinals have been the ultimate surprise team. While they had been making progress under Kliff Kingsbury, no one was expecting them to be the final team to suffer a loss this season. Even fewer people had them sitting at No. 1 in the NFC despite losing Kyler Murray for the past three games.
Their success doesn’t appear to be a short-term thing either with much of their offense being rather young. However, they could use some youth on the other side of the ball. That’s where Myjai Sanders comes in. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 255-pounds, Sanders is a high-motor player with plenty of length to cause problems for offensive linemen.
Putting him on the same field as Chandler Jones and J.J. Watt should help him reach his potential and become a fixture in Arizona’s defense.