The latest 2022 NFL mock draft involves a first-round steal at QB for the New Orleans Saints and a surprise addition on offense for the Las Vegas Raiders.
The 2021 NFL season is over for all but eight teams heading into the NFL’s Divisional Round of playoff action. For 24 other teams, it’s onto the offseason and onto the 2022 NFL mock draft season.
This year’s draft class is an interesting one. There is no clear overall top player at this point. Most draft classes have a clear-cut top prospect at quarterback, off the edge, or at offensive tackle. This draft class has really been floating between four or five guys at the top, so it’s not necessarily the greatest year for the Jacksonville Jaguars to have the top pick.
After landing Trevor Lawrence last year, though, they shouldn’t have much reason to complain. Let’s take a look at how the first round of this draft might shake out without any trades (though mock drafts with trades will be coming soon…)
Jacksonville Jaguars take Alabama OT Evan Neal in latest 2022 NFL mock draft
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
What is the clear direction for the Jacksonville Jaguars here? Before I decided to make this a non-trade mock draft, I toyed with the idea that some team might trade up into this slot, but for which player?
The Jaguars might be motivated to trade down, but they might have to trade down a long way to find a team that might be interested in moving up for someone like Evan Neal or Aidan Hutchinson.
I’m not as bold as Dane Brugler, but maybe you can also factor Ikem Ekwonu in that discussion. Why not?
One way or another, if the Jaguars have to make the choice here between adding a solid EDGE player or taking an offensive lineman that could truly help the development of Trevor Lawrence, they have to go with the latter option.
Right?
2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
At this point, how can you not want to see Aidan Hutchinson to the Detroit Lions happen?
Unless he’s going first overall to the Jaguars or someone else, it feels like this one is a foregone conclusion. The Lions don’t have to ask Hutchinson to move very far from Ann Arbor to Detroit to significantly upgrade their talent defensively.
Aaron Glenn got his first head coaching interview with the Denver Broncos this offseason, and even if he’s not the favorite to land that job, he’s still got a chance to become a head coach sooner rather than later.
Having talented players like Hutchinson is going to help him do exactly that.
Hutchinson is not on the same level of other EDGE prospects we have seen coming out in recent years like Myles Garrett or the Bosa brothers, but he’s pretty outstanding in his own right.
An athletic, versatile EDGE player, Hutchinson can win with length, he can win with overwhelming power, and he can win with speed and quickness.
He’s an instinctive and aggressive player who is only going to get better as time goes on.
3. Houston Texans: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, North Carolina State
The emergence of Davis Mills in 2021 cannot be overstated in its importance for the Houston Texans as a franchise overall.
Going into the 2021 season, I was pretty confident in saying that without Deshaun Watson, the Texans really didn’t have much to build on with their roster at all. Their moves reflected that.
A slew of one-year free agent deals and odd, unbefitting trades for GM Nick Caserio indicated that 2021 was not just a rebuilding year for the Texans, but a total evaluation year and almost just a throwaway.
With Mills showing out and playing well as a rookie, the decision to trade Watson could be a lot easier than it would have been six months ago. Mills has given the Texans an option they can roll with for 2022 while Caserio builds the coaching staff and roster he really wants in place.
Ikem Ekwonu has now ascended to the point that he’s going first overall in Dane Brugler’s 2022 NFL mock draft.
Others have been talking about Ekwonu in the top five picks for a couple of months now, so seeing him that high shouldn’t be overly shocking.
Sure, it’s a reflection of the lack of elite top-end talent in this draft but Ekwonu’s athleticism and power certainly make him an intriguing prospect in the top five picks. For the Texans, he could slide in at the right tackle spot or at guard if they prefer him there for the time being.
4. New York Jets: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
The New York Jets could go a lot of directions with their top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Robert Saleh has a very young roster in general, but defensively the roster is bordering on “blank canvas” status after heavily emphasizing the offensive side of the ball in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Kayvon Thibodeaux was one of the most highly anticipated prospects of the 2021 college football season and at times, he showed why he’s been projected as a top-five pick for a really long time.
Unfortunately, he also struggled through some injuries and inconsistency, playing 10 games and racking up 12 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and two forced fumbles. He would be a fun option off the edge for Saleh to build around.
5. New York Giants: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
After hiring new general manager Joe Schoen from the Buffalo Bills, the New York Giants have major decisions to make.
First and foremost, who will be the team’s head coach? Not far behind that — who is playing quarterback for this team in 2022?
It could be a trade for a star, or it could be running it back another year with Daniel Jones.
Whatever it ends up being, the Giants should have options including the Draft, but here I don’t know how they pass on the chance to get Derek Stingley, even with his injury this past season.
Stingley could be a legitimate CB1 and with James Bradberry already on the roster, this unit could jump into the top 10 next season with this kind of acquisition.
6. Carolina Panthers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Matt Rhule’s job may depend on this selection.
If the selection is a quarterback? His job definitely depends on it.
The Panthers are certainly committed financially to Sam Darnold, but the overall budget for the quarterback position in the NFL these days should allow for this kind of move to be made.
Once upon a time, Pickett committed to play for Rhule at Temple but pulled out. Now, Rhule will ask Pickett to come to Charlotte and save his job.
7. New York Giants: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
After getting Derek Stingley Jr. with their top pick, the Giants come back around and get another weapon for Patrick Graham (so long as he’s retained) and his defense.
This time, Kyle Hamilton joins the fray and unquestionably he’s one of the most physically gifted prospects in this draft class.
Listed as a safety, Hamilton can play all over the formation, but make no mistake about it — he’s going to give you a guy who can play on the back end with range and instincts.
His instincts absolutely fly off the tape when you watch him play and he can change games with his playmaking ability.
8. Atlanta Falcons: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
The Atlanta Falcons have seemingly needed help off the edge in the pass rush department for the last decade.
They couldn’t find consistency with Takk McKinley. They couldn’t find consistency or longevity with Vic Beasley.
This team needs a presence off the edge and there are some who feel like David Ojabo could challenge his teammate at Michigan — Aidan Hutchinson — in terms of draft status. I’m not going to go that far as Hutchinson is a bit more well-rounded and ready to set the NFL edge in my opinion, but Ojabo may have a higher ceiling and he can help your pass rush right away.
9. Denver Broncos: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Denver Broncos fans are probably going to be extremely bored with this selection.
Given how close this roster is to contending for the playoffs, I’m sure pretty much everyone in Broncos Country wants this pick to be traded for a star quarterback. I don’t blame you.
If the Broncos do keep this pick, I could see them going with a variety of positions, offensive tackle being at or near the very top of the list.
Charles Cross has been quickly and quietly ascending up the board and I think in Denver, he would step into a starting role at the right tackle position in year one.
10. New York Jets: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
The New York Jets need to continue to add playmakers to the offense to support Zach Wilson.
Wilson is the type of quarterback who can undoubtedly excel off-script. He needs guys out wide who can help him be good when he plays on schedule.
Wilson is the type of receiver who absolutely can do that. He is constantly finding ways to get himself open and create separation at the catch point. Despite not being the biggest receiver, Wilson plays big and makes himself available at all levels of the field.
The Jets could look at the strategy we saw from the Cincinnati Bengals last year of taking a wide receiver over a tackle early as a way to support their young QB.
11. Washington Football Team: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
If Treylon Burks winds up being picked near the top 10 of the 2022 NFL Draft, he needs to make sure he sends a thank you card to Deebo Samuel annually.
Burks projects in a very similar way to the NFL level as we have seen from Samuel, and with the creative ways the 49ers have incorporated a player like Samuel in their offense as not only a receiver but as a runner, the possibility of utilizing him in that way is even more appealing.
While Samuel is certainly a rare breed, Burks has done some similar things on a smaller scale.
He’s big, physical, he’s fast, he has great body control, and not only does he have all-around receiver skills, but he can also run with the ball out of the backfield. What is Washington going to do about the QB position to get guys like Burks and Terry McLaurin the ball, though?
12. Minnesota Vikings: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
It feels like the Minnesota Vikings take a cornerback in the first or second round just about every other year over the last decade.
Although they’ve certainly had their share of hits and misses, they are currently in need of another hit.
Ahmad Gardner didn’t allow a touchdown in his entire college career, which is certainly something he will always be able to hang his hat on. In addition to that, he was very consistent in his coverage dominance overall.
He would give the Vikings an instant CB1 on the outside.
13. Cleveland Browns: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Projecting him to the NFL, teams are going to need to make sure they are committed to using Davis for more than 50 percent of the snaps.
Although he was extremely effective at Georgia on a limited snap count, he’s going to need to prove he has the conditioning and endurance to play 60-70 percent of a team’s snaps.
For the Cleveland Browns, a force on the interior defensive line like Jordan Davis will not only upgrade their run defense, but will also give them someone who can occupy blockers to make life easier on Myles Garrett and also take advantage of the double teams he receives.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
The Baltimore Ravens never had to look back when they drafted some interior lineman from Iowa named Marshal Yanda.
Linderbaum looks like he’s going to be a decade-long pro (and then some) as well.
Given the Ravens’ overall shuffling on the offensive line this past year, it wouldn’t be shocking to see them try to snag a lineman early in the 2022 NFL Draft.
In this 2022 NFL mock draft scenario, they get the best interior lineman in the entire class. Linderbaum has been a stud since he stepped onto the field for the Hawkeyes. He has a wrestling background and is a freak of an athlete.
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
One of the best all-around defensive players in all of college football this past season, Devin Lloyd could blow up at workouts this offseason and make us look silly for not projecting him as a top-10 pick.
Regardless of his workout numbers, Lloyd projects as an instant starter and impact player at the pro level.
He had 111 total tackles this past season, absurd 22 tackles for loss, seven sacks, four interceptions, six passes broken up, and two defensive scores.
He was the definition of a playmaker for the Utah defense.
16. Philadelphia Eagles: Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson
With their second of two back-to-back picks, the Eagles grab a stud outside cornerback to continue to build the defensive side of the ball.
He has some pretty insane ball skills:
pic.twitter.com/sTzU75oumT https://t.co/GBsEB84FPU
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) January 19, 2022
When you look at a guy like this who has outstanding athletic traits and the ability to win at the catch point in jump ball situations, it’s hard to pass.
Clemson has done a good job lately of churning out cornerback talent and the Eagles would be getting someone who could help their defense improve upon its sub-par 16 turnovers forced in 2021.
17. Los Angeles Chargers: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
The fall of George Karlaftis ends here, for now.
In this 2022 NFL mock draft scenario, we get the chance to at least talk about what a pairing of Karlaftis and Joey Bosa might be like at the next level.
As the Chargers’ season slowly and painfully met its demise against the Raiders, the lack of talent on the defensive front was evident.
The Chargers need an NFL Draft blessing like this and they might get it.
Karlaftis doesn’t have elite physical traits in terms of size and overall length, but he can hustle and finish behind the line of scrimmage. Combine that with his play strength and athleticism, and you’ve got the makings of a deadly edge duo between he and Bosa.
18. New Orleans Saints: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
Finally, the New Orleans Saints use a first-round pick on the quarterback position.
It feels like we talk about this literally every year, and perhaps after the product we saw on the field for the Saints this past season, it was justified.
New Orleans rolled with Jameis Winston this past season, and Winston was actually pretty good for them. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending knee injury. Will he be back in 2022? Smart money probably says yes to that one but there are no guarantees.
Even if the Saints bring back Winston, a player like Matt Corral could make some sense for them. There was a period of time there where he was contending for QB1 of this class before he got injured.
When you factor in his lack of ideal size and now the injury, maybe Corral will go later than this, but I like the idea of his arm talent and athleticism in Sean Payton’s offense.
19. Philadelphia Eagles: Drake London, WR, USC
The Eagles need a true “X” receiver in their offense and Drake London can be exactly that.
With three first-round picks this year, they could probably justify using a first-rounder on the WR position in three straight drafts. In many other circumstances, this would be a really bad look.
However, with the talent the Eagles have offensively, London’s 6-foot-5 frame and insane catch radius might just be the missing ingredient for them to have sustained success in the passing game.
Yes, Jalen Hurts needs refinement, but put guys like London, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert in the mix? You might be onto something there.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
I’m going to keep projecting this pick until Howell’s stock starts to rise again, which could be fairly soon.
It feels like it’s just a matter of time before NFL Draft pundits and analysts alike start to remember how good Howell was when he was surrounded by a bunch of former NFL players. This past season, he was not.
He also seemingly unlocked an aspect of his game many did not know he had in him. Howell rushed for over 800 yards and 11 touchdowns this past season and actually finished with the same number of total touchdowns (35) as he did a season ago when people were talking about him as a QB1.
With his ability to push the ball vertically as well as make plays with his legs, Howell could very well ascend out of Pittsburgh’s range when all is said and done.
21. New England Patriots: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Bill Belichick loves to add players from Kirby Smart’s program at Georgia, and has done so frequently in recent years.
The Patriots spent a boatload of money in free agency last season so I foresee their primary needs being addressed in 2022 via the NFL Draft.
Nakobe Dean was one of the most versatile and impact defensive players in college football this past season. Every time you turned on Georgia, no. 17 stood out on a defense absolutely loaded with star power.
22. Las Vegas Raiders: Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky
Will a new head coach keep Derek Carr at the QB position in Las Vegas? Will a new HC and GM clean house?
I don’t think that would be overly wise, but what do I know?
If Carr is retained, and even if he’s not, the Raiders need to replace what they lost in the tragic situation that involved Henry Ruggs III, who is obviously no longer with the team.
Wan’Dale Robinson compares somewhat to Kadarius Toney coming out of Florida and I’m surprised more aren’t talking about him as a first-round candidate at this point. We saw in Kentucky’s bowl game against Iowa the way Robinson is able to absolutely take over with the ball in his hands.
He has a dynamic element of speed and can create offense at any level of the field.
23. Arizona Cardinals: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
I thought at one point that Josh Jones was going to be the steal of the entire 2020 NFL Draft class, but his development has been much slower than anticipated.
He did start 12 games for the Cardinals this season, but struggled with 12 penalties.
Cardinals offensive line coach Sean Kugler moved him to the guard position, so I think we’ll see him find a long-term home there. With that in mind, Trevor Penning could wind up being the best possible pickup for the Cardinals at this juncture.
He would give them an absolute stud who could play on the right side of the line with tremendous physicality, play strength, and athleticism.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
Free agent guard Connor Williams is slated for free agency, and it seems likely that he won’t be back.
When the Cowboys got Williams, it seemed like they had gotten themselves a steal out of their own backyard.
Here, they get themselves a similar kind of steal, once again right out of their own backyard.
Kenyon Green played and excelled at both the tackle and the guard position. He could play anywhere the Cowboys want but his projection to this particular team is at the left guard position
25. Cincinnati Bengals: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
This might be a bit of a projection, but the Cincinnati Bengals have a chance to get themselves a really athletic offensive tackle here, and I don’t think they should pass up on it.
Bernhard Raimann has been gaining a lot of steam as the year has gone along, but not necessarily first-round hype. He’s been right on the cusp.
We’ll see if the offseason circuit changes any of that.
A converted tight end, Raimann is raw but has been dominant for Central Michigan with his physical prowess.
26. Miami Dolphins: Travon Walker, DL, Georgia
The Miami Dolphins don’t currently have a head coach, but that doesn’t mean they would pass on this kind of a chance to add a big-time threat on the defensive line regardless of who is hired as head coach.
He can play on the edge at the next level and he is a powerful, athletic presence up front.
With his combination of athletic traits and overall strength, you might see Walker go a lot higher than this despite not having elite production statistically.
I like Walker projecting to the next level playing off the edge or matching up on the interior on passing downs.
27. Buffalo Bills: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
This could wind up being the steal of the draft if Jameson Williams is able to come back to full strength from the injury he suffered in the National Championship game.
For the time being, the Bills will be more than just getting by at the wide receiver position with Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis, and Cole Beasley. Whenever Williams is able to play, maybe at the start of the 2022 season, he would bring an explosive element of speed to the Bills’ offense which is already loaded.
Buffalo is one of the rare teams that can actually afford this kind of a luxury pick in round one.
28. Detroit Lions: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
With their first pick in this 2022 NFL mock draft scenario, the Detroit Lions took Michigan edge defender Aidan Hutchinson.
Here, they get his teammate.
I actually love the idea of the Lions taking a shot at a QB here, whether that’s someone like Malik Willis or Desmond Ridder, or even Carson Strong.
However, if they do not go that route, adding more pieces to the defense might be their quickest way to more incremental success as a team as Brad Holmes continues to retool the roster.
Hill is a versatile player in the secondary who could play some safety and nickel for the Lions.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
I have had Chris Olave slotted to the Kansas City Chiefs a number of times already, and I can’t help but love the fit.
Olave is a sure-handed receiver with big-play abilities who could provide Kansas City’s offense with yet another deadly weapon on a loaded offense.
Imagine having a player like Olave who can make big plays all over the field to take pressure off of someone like Tyreek Hill or even Travis Kelce, to a degree.
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
The unceremonious end of Antonio Brown in Tampa Bay came shortly after the season-ending injury to Chris Godwin, effectively depleting the Buccaneers’ wide receiver room.
With Brown completely out of the picture and Godwin hitting free agency, the Bucs are going to need some reinfocements.
Jahan Dotson can give them some more big-play ability and speed at the wide receiver position, as well as a sure-handed threat who can work out of the slot. I think the Bucs will bring Godwin back, but Dotson is too talented to pass up on and the Bucs are in a window with Tom Brady.
31. Tennessee Titans: Logan Hall, DL, Houston
The Titans have been looking for help off the edge, and perhaps Logan Hall could be the one to provide it.
At 6-foot-6, 260 pounds, Hall had 13 tackles for loss and six sacks this past year in a breakout season at Houston.
He can play all over a defensive line and has the traits to jump into the first-round conversation.
32. Green Bay Packers: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
The Packers get themselves an in-line tight end and one of my favorite prospects in the entire class.
The question is, will Aaron Rodgers still be around?
Trey McBride is an outstanding and punishing blocker at the tight end position and not only is he an excellent receiver, but he’s a natural in the open field with the ball in his hands. He knows when to be physical after the catch and when to be elusive.
This past season, he had 90 receptions, over 1,100 yards receiving, and he is going to be everyone’s favorite TE prospect after the Senior Bowl.