The Dallas Cowboys get better in the secondary and the Kansas City Chiefs get some more speed on offense in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft at Week 15
Another loss for the Detroit Lions puts them one game closer to locking up the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft. Of course, some other teams continue to struggle, staying within striking distance of the Lions.
It might not exactly be an honor anyone is actively chasing, but there’s definitely an advantage to being the team with the No. 1 pick — especially for a team such as Detroit who also happens to have another pick later in the round.
In our latest 2022 NFL Mock Draft, Detroit kicks things off with an impressive pass rusher while teams such as the Dallas Cowboys improve their secondary and the Kansas City Chiefs get even more explosive.
With all that being said, let’s dive in and see how this one shakes out.
2022 NFL mock draft: Kayvon Thibodeaux on top to Detroit
1. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
The Lions have holes all over the roster which means they won’t have to reach for a certain position. Instead, they can add whoever they truly see as the No. 1 player in the class. While there’s a case to be made for Aidan Hutchinson here, this mock sees Kayvon Thibodeaux from Oregon get the top spot.
Thibodeaux is an athletic freak who can absolutely destroy an opposing passing game with the pressure he generates. Detroit could truly use a player capable of keeping teams off balance.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Evan Neal feels like a perfect fit here. The Jacksonville Jaguars have done nothing to help Trevor Lawrence in his assimilation to the NFL. Adding a 6-foot-7, 345-pound left tackle who is much more nimble than his size would suggest makes too much sense to pass up here.
Jacksonville players already scored a huge win with the removal of Urban Meyer and now, they get an even better roster.
3. Houston Texans: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
David Culley made the right call by naming Davis Mills the starting quarterback from here on out in 2021 for the Houston Texans. The truth is, they need to see if Mills is someone they believe they can groom into a starter, or if they need to use their top pick on a new signal-caller.
In this prediction, they decide he’s not the guy — at least not yet. Rather than wait around for years hoping he catches fire, Houston puts their faith in Matt Corral from Ole Miss.
There’s no real consensus No. 1 quarterback in this class but Corral is a player who can get it done with his arms and legs. He’s a playmaker and with the lack of talent on this roster, they can use someone capable of moving the ball on his own.
4. New York Jets: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
There are plenty of draft pundits who think Kyle Hamilton is a player who should be in the discussion for being the best overall player in this class. He’s listed as a safety but he’s much more than that.
Hamilton can make plays from one sideline to the other and is a star as a deep safety. He can also move up to the line and play in the slot. There’s no real limitation to his game and Robert Saleh’s defense can surely use such a weapon.
5. New York Giants: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
The New York Giants end up with back-to-back picks in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft thanks to their trade with the Chicago Bears last season. Chicago jumped up for Justin Fields and gave the Giants their pick in this draft. Following a frustrating campaign, they have to surrender a top-10 pick.
New York will likely be cleaning house in 2022 and that begins with them using their own selection on Aidan Hutchinson. The defensive end from Michigan increased his stock in a huge way by returning for his senior season, and that catapulted him all the way to No. 5.
6. New York Giants (via Chicago Bears): Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Now for the pick New York received in the Justin Fields trade. The Giants have seen what they need to out of Daniel Jones. And he’s not it.
Malik Willis, however, could be. The Liberty standout is an intriguing prospect who can make plays with his arm and legs. He has some moments where his passes sail on him but when he’s on top of his game, he can be downright deadly.
The Giants have been bad for a long time but these two picks will help them improve on either side of the ball. And if they get the right coach this time (assuming they do clean house), they could finally start to make some progress.
7. New York Jets (via Seattle Seahawks): Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Earlier in this mock, the New York Jets landed the best safety in the class when they took Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton. Now back on the clock with the pick they acquired from the Seattle Seahawks, they go with the best wide receiver in the draft as they take Chris Olave from Ohio State.
The Buckeyes have two players who would be excellent selections this early in Olave and Garrett Wilson and it wouldn’t be shocking to see Wilson leapfrog Olave eventually, it just feels like Olave is the top guy right now. His route-running and clean hands are huge assets not to mention he has more experience.
8. Carolina Panthers: Kenny Picket, QB, Pitt
In his last 11 starts with the Carolina Panthers, Cam Newton is now 0-11. He deserves a lot of praise for being willing to come back to the team that unceremoniously released him but it’s still clear that he’s not the answer. It’s also clear that Sam Darnold isn’t it even though he had a great start to the season.
That’s why Matt Rhule and the Panthers go out and get a new signal-caller in Kenny Pickett. Even before his famous ‘fake slide’, Pickett was climbing draft boards and now, he gets a shot to lead the Carolina franchise.
9. Atlanta Falcons: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
There’s a lot wrong with the Atlanta Falcons right now. Their offense, which is supposed to be the strength of the team, is a mess. The defense is also full of holes, meaning they can go a couple of ways with this pick.
While it is tempting to bolster their passing attack, Atlanta did just draft Kyle Pitts last season. That’s why they elect to look elsewhere and that ends with them taking George Karlaftis from Purdue.
The Boilermakers’ defensive end already boasts an NFL body and is nowhere close to hitting his ceiling. He’s an ascending talent who fills a massive need for the Dirty Birds.
10. New Orleans Saints: Derek Stingley, CB, LSU
They need a wide receiver in the worst way but the New Orleans Saints seem as though they simply will never use a first-round pick on one. It’s even less likely should Derek Stingley fall to them as he does in this mock.
Stingley is the consensus No. 1 pick and the Saints were able to see him up close since he was a star in the same state they play in. Putting him across from Marshon Lattimore almost feels unfair but considering some of the teams they have to go through in the NFC, it would be a smart move.
11. Minnesota Vikings: DeMarvin Leal, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Minnesota Vikings have been a hard team to follow this season. One week they seem ready to figure it out, the next they’re falling apart.
Chances are, this season ends in disappointment (unless they can run the table down the stretch) and the defensive line was a part of the problem.
That’s where DeMarvin Leal comes in. The 295-pounder is solid on the edge and will be a great starter across from Danielle Hunter.
12. Philadelphia Eagles (via Miami Dolphins): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Yes, the Philadelphia Eagles have invested heavily at wide receiver in recent years, including using a first-round pick on Jalen Reagor in 2020 and one on DeVonta Smith in 2021.
So far, Smith has been a solid piece. As for Reagor, he was a major reach when selected and it looks worse the more time passes — especially considering he was taken over Justin Jefferson.
There will be a hesitancy to take a receiver in Round 1 again but teams can’t make their decisions if they’re scared of making past mistakes. On top of that, there do have three picks in this round and Garrett Wilson is on the board, which makes this a no-brainer.
13. Washington Football Team: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
Taylor Heinicke might be the worst thing a franchise such as the Washington Football Team could possibly ask for. He’s a guy who can make some crazy throws and keep his team in a game. He’s a warrior and it seems his team responds to him.
But as we saw in Week 14, he has flaws and was exposed by the Cowboys. The problem is, it’s easier to overlook those flaws and fixate on the parts you want to shine through.
All of that is being said to bring us to their pick —Sam Howell from North Carolina. Howell might not have done a lot to improve his stock in 2021 but that’s the same stuff people said about Justin Herbert. Don’t overthink it, just take the quarterback.
14. Las Vegas Raiders: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Wide receiver has become a huge need with the Las Vegas Raiders who are leaning heavily on Hunter Renfrow right now. Renfrow is a fine player but teams who use a slot receiver as a No. 1 option are often disappointed.
That can be fixed here as they use the 14th pick in our mock draft on Treylon Burks from Arkansas. He’s not the typical burner that the Raiders love to bring in but with a new staff on the way, they may finally make the better pick — rather than just the faster pick.
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Now on the clock at No. 15 — with their own selection in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft — the Philadelphia Eagles decide to go with linebacker Devin Lloyd out of Utah. Lloyd has been able to surpass Nakobe Dean as the top player at the position after a solid final season with the Utes.
He proved during the 2021 campaign that he’s capable of serving as a three-down linebacker which really shot his stock up. In Philly, their defense could use a player like him who can deliver the hits in the running game while also having the versatility to play some zone coverage.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
The reports that Ben Roethlisberger could be out this offseason could have some validity as the Pittsburgh Steelers not only struggled down the stretch in 2020 but have also been up and down throughout the 2021 campaign.
They do have Mason Rudolph under center but he has yet to establish himself as a franchise quarterback. That’s why the Steelers decide to use their pick in this opening round on Desmond Ridder from Cincinnati.
The Bearcats signal-caller has had his share of issues this season but really came on strong at the end of the year. It could be enough to get him a look in Round 1.
17. Cleveland Browns: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Even before Odell Beckham, Jr. forced his way out of town, wide receiver was an issue for the Cleveland Browns. And while many want to point the finger at Baker Mayfield — especially after OBJ has been playing well for the Rams ‚— the Browns are going to go into 2022 with No. 6 as the starter.
In order to make sure he’s the guy beyond that, Cleveland needs to revamp that passing attack. A huge first step comes here as they take Jameson Williams from Alabama. A former reserve at Ohio State, Williams went to Alabama in order to see the field more — and he did not disappoint.
He surpassed John Metchie as the best receiver on the team and is now sure to be taken early in the opening round.
18. Denver Broncos: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
It was an emotional week for the Denver Broncos after learning of the passing of Demaryius Thomas. The former star wideout is on the hearts and minds of this team and they even paid tribute to him on Sunday by starting on offense with 10 players.
As for their plans in the 2021 NFL Draft, they could go a few ways. One of those would be to add talent to the offensive line. That decision is made easy for them with Kenyon Green still sitting on the board.
Easily a top-15 talent, Green is a steal at this point and can play several different spots. Denver can simply decide where he fits best and allow him to go do his thing.
19. Cincinnati Bengals: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
So much was made of the Cincinnati Bengals skipping on Penei Sewell this offseason but that criticism has died down thanks to the way Ja’Marr Chase has played. The rookie wideout has 60 receptions for 1,035 yards and 10 touchdowns — and he has four games left to play.
Of course, there is still a need for a new offensive tackle and that’s the focus in this mock as they take Ikem Ekwonu from North Carolina State at No. 19. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 320-pounds, Ekwonu is described by Joe Marino of The Draft Network as “one of the most dynamic blockers in the country.”
He lauds Ekwonu’s tenacity and power, which will help him stand out for the Bengals as they continue to build their roster around Joe Burrow.
20. Philadelphia Eagles (via Indianapolis Colts): Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
On the clock for the third, and final time, is again the Philadelphia Eagles. This time, it’s with the selection they earned in the Carson Wentz trade. With their former quarterback playing more than 75 percent of the snaps thus far, it seems all but a lock the Eagles will get this pick — and they again focus on defense with the selection of Jordan Davis.
Fletcher Cox has been a star on their defensive line for years but he’s a bit long in the tooth now. Enter Davis, a 6-foo-6, 345-pound defensive tackle who is able to shut down the run but also can penetrate from the interior as a 3-tech.
21. Miami Dolphins (via San Francisco 49ers): Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
The Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers all played musical chairs in the 2020 NFL Draft. In the end, the Dolphins wound up with the 49ers selection, which comes due at No. 21 in our mock. Their selection is Iowa center, Tyler Linderbaum.
While Miami needs help all over the line, Linderbaum ends up being the choice since he not only fills a need in the middle but is also one of the prospects who seems to be a “can’t miss.” Miami has been on a role following a horrific start and they could be an even better team in 2022 with this pick solidifying their line.
22. Buffalo Bills: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
The loss of Tre’Davious White has highlighted how thin the Buffalo Bills cornerbacks room is. They need some help opposite White and if they ever find themselves having to play without him again, they need someone capable of stepping up and covering the best receivers on the opposing team.
Enter Kaiir Elam from Florida. The son — and nephew — of former NFL players, Elam has the bloodlines to be a success. He also has the makings of being a solid player capable of winning in press and zone coverage.
Buffalo’s defense has struggled at times this season but a selection such as this could be what’s needed to get them back on track.
23. Baltimore Ravens: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
There was a time when the Baltimore Ravens had one of the best offensive lines in the game but that hasn’t been the case in 2021. They have relied heavily on veteran Alejandro Villanueva who isn’t the same caliber player he was during his long run with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’s also likely a stop-gap solution for them, which is why they go with Charles Cross from Mississippi State.
Cross is a very talented offensive tackle who can play on either side, much in the same way Orlando Brown did. That means he could play opposite Ronnie Stanley while also potentially filling in on the blindside should they need a replacement due to injury.
24. Los Angeles Chargers: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
The Los Angeles Chargers are an incredibly talented passing defense, currently fourth in the league in yardage according to Pro Football Reference. Of course, that includes some great play they’ve been getting from Cris Harris – who is already 32-years of age. With that being the case, the Chargers look for someone to shadow Harris until he moves on, which is why they bring in Andrew Booth, Jr. from Clemson.
Booth has great size and length for the position and has held his own against some of the better wideouts in the nation during his time with the Tigers.
25. Tennessee Titans: Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M
The Tennessee Titans have a very dangerous offense, when healthy. The problem is, they haven’t been healthy during the second half of the season. Derrick Henry is out for the year and both Julio Jones and A.J. Brown have missed time. They could still win their division but the loss of key players during the year has been detrimental.
With their Round 1 pick, they decide to add to that offensive talent to take some of the pressure off the aforementioned players while also giving them one more player who can step up when injuries do happen.
Their selection is Jalen Wydermyer from Texas A&M. Part of a spread offense, Wydermyer will help by adding a new wrinkle in the passing game, while also helping them fill the void left by Jonnu Smith who was never adequately replaced.
26. Dallas Cowboys: Daxton Hill, CB/S, Michigan
Dan Quinn has done a remarkable job turning this Dallas Cowboys defense around. One of the main reasons he’s been able to get it done is the presence of rookie Micah Parsons, who has been playing lights out.
Dallas decides to reward Quinn by giving him another player capable of moving all over the field and making big plays in Daxton Hill from Michigan. He’s listed as a safety but has also played in man coverage much like a defensive back. His combination of coverage skills and tackling make him the perfect fit in a defense that could use a game-changer at safety.
27. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Drake London, WR, USC
There’s no denying the Detroit Lions need help at wide receiver. Thankfully for them, they end up with a second pick in this opening round and end up finding a player who fits them extremely well in Drake London.
Listed at 6-foot-5 and 210-pounds, London is a big target that will help give Jared Goff someone to actually get the ball to. London blew up this season with 88 receptions for 1,084 yards which was more than double what he did in his first two collegiate seasons.
Adding a potential No. 1 receiver will allow Detroit an opportunity to really evaluate Goff and see if they need to start looking elsewhere or if they can win with him.
28. New England Patriots: Travon Walker, DT, Georgia
Mac Jones is getting a lot of love this season and rightfully so. He’s been the best rookie quarterback and even though he’s not lighting up the stat sheet, he’s playing incredibly efficient football. Having said that, the ground game and defense are the real reason New England is having so much success.
With their pick in this mock, they end up adding more talent to the defense as they take Georgia’s Travon Walker. The 6-foot-5, 276-pound Walker is a huge part of the Bulldogs success and can play in a couple of spots on the defensive line, which is what the Pats will love about him.
29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
There are nearly no flaws on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense. They have talent at just about every position and it’s a huge reason they won it all following the 2020 season. Of course, their defense was also elite during that run but they have had more problems this season, especially in the secondary.
Tampa looks to address those weaknesses with the selection of Ahmad Gardner from Cincinnati. Gardner can play in zone and press and has had three picks in each of his first three seasons. His length and ball skills will pose a problem for opposing offenses.
30. Green Bay Packers: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
The Green Bay Packers hoped to strike gold in recent seasons when they took on veteran players who were let go by their previous teams. First, it was Christian Kirksey who was let go by the Cleveland Browns due in large part to his injury history. Then it was Jaylon Smith who was cut by the Dallas Cowboys after being painfully unaware of anything going on around him.
Neither lasted long with Smith hardly even making an appearance. Now, they solidify the linebacker spot once and for all as they take Georgia’s Nakobe Dean.
A playmaker in every sense of the word, Dean has sideline-to-sideline speed and will instantly improve the Packers’ defense.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
The Kansas City Chiefs offense was off to a slow start but they seem to have things figured out now. Patrick Mahomes and company took it to the Las Vegas Raiders in their most recent game and are likely headed for a showdown with the Patriots in the playoffs again.
Even with their return to explosiveness, they did show some weaknesses early in the season — but that’s addressed with the selection of Jahan Dotson from Penn State. Quick and explosive, Dotson gives the Chiefs even more speed on offense, which is scary for the rest of the AFC.
32. Arizona Cardinals: Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
J.J. Watt is slated to return in 2022 but Chandler Jones is not. Watt may still be able to bring pressure as a pass rusher but his durability has become a major issue — as the Arizona Cardinals saw this season. If they’re unable to retain Jones, and he was frustrated before the season began, they will need some help on the edge.
That’s where Drake Jackson comes in. Long and athletic, Jackson is a dynamic player who can rush from the two and three-point stance.
He would likely be an upright edge in Arizona, much in the way Jones is, and while he doesn’t bring equal talent, he can still develop into a force for the Cards.