2022 NFL Mock Draft: Cleveland Browns shock with Kenny Pickett selection

The Cleveland Browns were looking at quarterbacks at the Senior Bowl which leads to a surprise pick in our latest 2022 NFL Mock Draft

With the Senior Bowl set to be played, we are getting our first good look at prospects who are available for us in this 2022 NFL mock draft. We are also seeing which positions some teams might be targeting.

The Cleveland Browns, for example, might be more interested in a quarterback than previously expected. That was made clear when they quickly met with Kenny Pickett of Pitt.

Cleveland has said they’re all-in on Baker Mayfield but given his struggles over the course of four seasons in the NFL, it’s easy to see why they could still kick the tires on a potential replacement.

In this mock, they surprise their fans as they pull the trigger on a new signal-caller. But first, the Jacksonville Jaguars kick things off by trying to protect their quarterback a bit better in 2022.

Jaguars go with OL in 2022 NFL Mock Draft

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Evan Neal isn’t the No. 1 prospect in this class but the more you look at this roster, the more obvious it becomes they need to fix the offensive line. They make huge strides here as they bring in Neal to play left tackle.

Listed at 6-foot-7 and 345-pounds, Neal is a mountain of a man but he has incredibly nimble feet as well so he can handle speed rushers as well as power. Adding him should help Trevor Lawrence feel much more comfortable under center this coming season.

2. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

With Neal going first, that leaves Kayvon Thibodeaux for the Detroit Lions. There will be calls for Aidan Hutchinson who is a great player in his own right, but this one shouldn’t be overthought. Take Thibodeaux and watch the defensive line prosper.

3. Houston Texans: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

There’s no shortage of positions the Houston Texans can target in this draft. They were one of the worst teams in the NFL and if they didn’t play the Jacksonville Jaguars twice, they could have owned the No. 1 overall pick. Instead, they’re on the clock at No. 3 where they can still land a potentially elite player.

The person they tab to develop into that is Aidan Hutchinson from Michigan. With J.J. Watt no longer on the team, Houston needs someone who can lead their front seven and Hutchinson is the right man for the job. They’ll need much more than this to contend but he can at least offer someone capable of setting the edge in the run game while also being able to pressure the quarterback.

4. New York Jets: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

The New York Jets have two picks in this opening round thanks to the trade they made with the Seattle Seahawks for Jamal Adams. With their own selection in Round 1, they actually replace Adams as they bring in Kyle Hamilton from Notre Dame.

Hamilton is a major weapon on defense that can play just about anywhere. He moves all over the field and if they’re able to retain Marcus Maye, they could end up with an elite duo at safety. Again.

5. New York Giants: Derek Stingley, CB, LSU

There have been a lot of calls for the New York Giants to take an offensive lineman with their first pick in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft and that would make sense. Dave Gettleman promised to fix the issue they had before he got there but he’s out and it’s still a problem.

However, they saw improvement from Andrew Thomas so they decide to skip the position for now and take the best player on their board in Derek Stingley. A potential shutdown corner, Stingley would be a welcome addition to a team that has to face players such as CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper, Terry McLaurin, and DeVonta Smith twice per season.

6. Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

While the Giants pass on an offensive lineman, the Carolina Panthers do not. Dating back to the days of Cam Newton — during his first tenure, not the mess we saw in 2021 — Carolina has had a need at left tackle. They finally address this with the selection of Ikem Ekwonu from North Carolina State.

One of the best all-around offensive linemen in the class, there have been those who have Ekwonu ahead of Evan Neal even. In this mock, it doesn’t fall that way as Neal goes first but the Panthers will be completely happy with things working out this way as they land a stud who played collegiately in the same state they do.

7. New York Giants (via Chicago Bears): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

They’re right back at it again. The New York Giants have selections at pick No. 5 and No. 7 in this opening round — and this one is thanks to the trade they made with the Chicago Bears last draft. Chicago landed Justin Fields and the Giants ended up with this draft pick, which they use to land Garrett Wilson from Ohio State.

New York added some talent to the receiving corps in 2021 but Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney didn’t live up to expectations. It might feel like overkill to add more to the room — especially since Daniel Jones is still the guy who will be overthrowing passes to them — but they need to add some game-changers and that’s what Wilson is.

8. Atlanta Falcons: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

The Atlanta Falcons had a stretch in 2021 where they were playing well which was surprising since their roster is lacking a lot of talent. They desperately need to rebuild their roster and they can stand to get much stronger on the defensive line of scrimmage.

This is accomplished with the selection of George Karlaftis from Purdue who is yet another great defensive line prospect in this class. Karlaftis already has the build of an NFL player and his arrow is still pointing way up.

9. Denver Broncos: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

At the Senior Bowl practices, Malike Willis has been standing out as one of the more intriguing prospects. He’s shown off a cannon for an arm and while his accuracy isn’t always there, he has all the tools to be a success. The question remains whether or not a team can get the best out of him — but someone will try.

And in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the Denver Broncos swing for the fences with Willis. In a class that’s not exactly elite at the position, Willis could end up going first simply due to the fact that his ceiling is so high. If you’re going to gamble, gamble big — and Willis could end up paying off.

10. New York Jets (via Seattle Seahawks): David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan

The New York Jets added two picks in the opening round to their offense last season and now, they again have two picks but this time remain dedicated to the defensive side of the ball. After taking Kyle Hamilton earlier, they now bring in David Ojabo.

He doesn’t have the long sustained career full of success teammate Aidan Hutchinson had for the Wolverines, but Ojabo exploded onto the scene in 2021 and it’s enough to get him into the opening round. Here, he lands 10th as he gives the Jets a dangerous edge rusher who can hopefully complement Carl Lawson should he return to full health.

11. Washington Commanders: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

Matt Corral was injured in his final game but that shouldn’t hurt his draft stock since it wasn’t deemed to be a major injury. He has been one of the top quarterbacks in this class but is passed up by Malik Willis due to his immense upside.

However, it doesn’t take long for his name to be called as the Washington Commanders (the name will take some getting used to) decide to bring him in at No. 11. Corral isn’t as dangerous with his legs as Willis but he can still make teams pay if they leave him some running room.

He’s also able to make all the throws and while he isn’t a sure thing – like all the signal-callers in this class — he proved to be a solid leader and should be able to compete with Taylor Heinicke right away.

12. Minnesota Vikings: DeMarvin Leal, EDGE, Texas A&M

The Minnesota Vikings got their man, and it wasn’t Jim Harbaugh. Instead, Kevin O’Connell is the selection and that’s probably the better move since Harbaugh is known to be rough around the edges and they really just had that in Mike Zimmer — not saying either is bad, but it was probably best to go the direction they did.

As far as their draft pick, Minnesota ends up with DeMarvin Leal from Texas A&M. Ideally, he’s a defensive end and can cause problems there for opposing offensive lines but Leal can also slide inside and at 290-pounds, still hold his own.

Cleveland Browns make a splash with Kenny Pickett in 2022 NFL Mock Draft

13. Cleveland Browns: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt

There’s a civil war going on as of late among Cleveland Browns fans. There are those who think Baker Mayfield is the one and only answer, and they use just the second half of 2020 to judge his play. The belief is, everything else should be excused because circumstances were not perfect — and when they were, he was good.

However, that’s a very short-sighted take. Judging a quarterback on a roughly nine-game stretch and ignoring the other three and a half years is foolish —‚ and the Browns are run by a Harvard grad who is much smarter than that. For that reason, Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski are actually looking at alternatives, evidenced by them being one of the first teams to talk to Kenny Pickett at the Senior Bowl.

Pickett ends up being their choice and he seems to be a good fit in Stefanski’s system. He makes few mistakes and usually knows where the ball needs to go. He might not be a superstar but they don’t need that in Cleveland due to their dominant run game.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

This season, the Baltimore Ravens were done in by injuries and poor offensive line play. Time should help them get healthy and Charles Cross should help the line improve.

He’s seen as a left tackle but the Ravens simply want the best players available and bring in Cross. Could it lead to an issue as they had with Orlando Brown who wanted out to play left tackle? Maybe, but having too many good players is the type of issue every team should want.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (via Miami Dolphins): Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

The Philadelphia Eagles end up with two picks in a row thanks to their pre-draft trade in 2021 with the Miami Dolphins as well as the Carson Wentz trade with the Indianapolis Colts.

First up, is the pick that goes to Philly through Miami. This one they use on Nakobe Dean from Georgia who fills a massive need on defense for them. Dean is a playmaker in every sense of the word who flies from one sideline to the other.

The Bulldogs defense was elite in 2021 and while they had several stars that made that happen, Dean looks to be the best of the bunch and should make an instant impact at the next level.

16. Philadelphia Eagles (via Indianapolis Colts): Drake London, WR, USC

Now with the selection they got from Indy in exchange for Carson Wentz, the Eagles add to their wide receiving corps with Drake London. A 6-foot-5 wideout who also played basketball for the Trojans, London was able to top 1,000-yards this season despite breaking his ankle after eight games.

Adding London across from DeVonta Smith might feel like a luxury but when you have three picks in the top-20, you can go after such luxuries. On top of that, it would also allow them to move on from Jalen Reagor who simply has not developed into the player they hoped he would be.

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

The Georgia Bulldogs won it all this season and Jordan Davis — who is a big, bad dude ‚— was a major part of why they were so dominant. Davis is massive at 6-foot-6 and 340-pounds and is just as strong at pushing the pocket on passing downs as he is when he’s demolishing the run game.

However, if there is a concern it’s endurance as he was sidelined on a lot of plays for the Dawgs. Still, he should be an early pick and the Los Angeles Chargers bring him in here at No. 17. Putting him on the same defensive line as Joey Bosa should help them become even more dangerous on defense.

18. New Orleans Saints: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

Following the retirement of Sean Payton, the New Orleans Saints are still one of the few teams looking for a new head coach. While we can’t predict their choice there we can select a player who would fill a major need on their roster — Treylon Burks.

The Arkansas wide receiver is a massive target and could be a No. 1 receiver on many teams. In New Orleans, he wouldn’t even have to do this should Michael Thomas come back healthy. It could also allow them to have options should the relationship between Thomas and the team sour again — or even if Thomas continues to have injury concerns going forward.

19. Philadelphia Eagles: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

Now on the clock for the third time in this draft, the Philadelphia Eagles add Andrew Booth, Jr. from Clemson. One of the top cornerbacks in this class, Booth would give them some much-needed talent and youth at the position.

Right now, the NFC East has some elite players at wide receiver and Philly has had some trouble with a couple of them. Adding Booth should help them slow down those players.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina

After the 2021 season ended, the Pittsburgh Steelers said goodbye to Ben Roethlisberger who elected to call it a career. They now have to decide what to do going forward and while turning to Mason Rudolph is a plan, it might not be a great one.

Rudolph has done fine when he has played but he doesn’t scream “leader.” That’s why it would make sense for them to target a rookie in this class and while they are rumored to have an interest in Malik Willis, they’re not likely to land him at No. 20 with how much his star is rising.

However, they could still find a potential starter in a man who is flying under the radar, Sam Howell. He didn’t do a ton to put himself over the top this season but Howell is still a solid option and performed well in the Senior Bowl drills. He feels like a guy many have talked themselves out of, but maybe they shouldn’t have.

21. New England Patriots: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

After missing the postseason in 2020 — their first year without Tom Brady — the New England Patriots were back this year. They did lose in Round 1 and that led to many thinking they’re not a serious threat but they are — especially considering they’re in just the second season of a major restructuring.

Looking forward to 2022, they’re likely going to be in the mix again and they’re also surely going to be leaning in their defense once again. Especially if they’re able to strengthen the secondary with the addition of Ahmad Gardner.

Now the only question will be if Gardner is the No. 2 guy across from J.C. Jackson or will they lose him in free agency and expect much more from the rookie?

22. Las Vegas Raiders: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

The Las Vegas Raiders made some progress in 2021 despite a myriad of issues that could have derailed their season. Now, they head into 2022 with a coach who could derail their next few seasons — as he did with the Denver Broncos.

But I digress. The Raiders chose Josh McDaniels and he’s a wild card, to say the least. As for what he needs on offense, that would be an outside receiver.

Hunter Renfrow did great in 2021 but they need someone who can stretch the defense which is why Jameson Williams is the choice. He needs to heal from his torn ACL but when he does, he could develop into the best in a stacked class.

23. Arizona Cardinals: Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State

How fitting would it be for Cameron Thomas to join the Arizona Cardinals and work alongside J.J. Watt since there have been comparisons between the two? Derek Togerson of NC San Diego said the two are similar not only in stature but in how polished they were at rushing the passer even in the collegiate ranks as well.

The big difference is the level of competition the two played in the NCAA but there’s still hardly any doubt that Thomas should be a day one pick. And if he lands with the Cards, it would give them some much-needed youth in the front seven.

24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

A promising season ended after just one postseason game as the Dallas Cowboys once again fell flat in the playoffs. One of their biggest issues all season, and it proved to be a problem in the Wild Card Round against the San Francisco 49ers, was the offensive line.

They need a new center, possibly a new left guard, and it would be smart to address tackle as well since Tyron Smith continues to have a problem staying healthy. While they can’t fix all of that in one offseason, they can land a player such as Tyler Linderbaum from Iowa who is the best center in this class.

Teams often undervalue this position but when there’s a lack of talent there, it’s obvious just how vital it really is.

25. Buffalo Bills: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

Anytime a team gives up a field goal to send a game to overtime with just 13 seconds left, there will be a lot of finger-pointing going on. Yes, the defensive play-calling was terrible as they shouldn’t have been in a prevent defense which opened the field up. Although there were also problems with the players since they couldn’t make a play on that drive or in overtime.

In an effort to fix these issues, they add Roger McCreary from Auburn with their first-round pick. McCreary is another incredibly gifted cornerback who should be a starter at the next level and when he and a healthy Tre’Davious White are on the field together, it could be very hard to move the ball through the air on this team.

26. Tennessee Titans: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

Another team that could use help in the secondary is the Tennessee Titans. They were unable to slow down the Bengals passing attack as Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins both went off, which is why they add Kaiir Elam at No. 26.

His father and uncle were both in the NFL with his uncle, Matt Elam, being a first-round selection for the Ravens. He has NFL bloodlines which means he knows what’s ahead of him at the next level and should be able to make the transition.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

This next season will look different for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they just lost Tom Brady to retirement. He was only there for two seasons but he turned the franchise around and brought them their second Super Bowl.

Now with him out, they’ll have to figure out a path forward and while a quarterback here could be in play, they might just go the veteran route and then add someone such as Trent McDuffie from Washington. This is the third cornerback in a row in our mock but the Bucs biggest need, outside of quarterback, is at corner.

Washington has also produced several solid players at the position and McDuffie is right up there with the best of them.

28. Green Bay Packers: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

Depending on who you ask, the Green Bay Packers are either preparing for life without Aaron Rodgers or preparing to give him a massive new contract. Truly, they would probably prefer to retain him and there’s renewed hope that this will happen.

If they do bring him back, it would be smart to add another wide receiver to help him make the most of his time remaining. However, the Packers seem allergic to doing this so they go with Devin Lloyd from Utah.

The good news is, Lloyd is a great option at this point and is a three-down linebacker. He fills a big need and the Packers could still get pass-catching help in Round 2 since this class is rather stacked.

29. Miami Dolphins (via San Francisco 49ers): Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M

The Miami Dolphins are in the news for all the wrong reasons now as Brian Flores has called out ownership for some foul practices after he was let go. They have to do all they can to handle this without letting it interfere with team building, which is easier said than done.

Here, we can look simply at the team which could be much better if someone such as Kenyon Green really does slide all the way to No. 29. Green played both tackle and guard for the Aggies and the Dolphins need help at each spot.

Chances are, he would play tackle for them, and having someone step in at that spot should help as they look to get over the hump and back into the postseason.

30. Kansas City Chiefs: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

In the first half of the AFC Championship Game, Tyreek Hill was a man possessed. But then in the second half, the Cincinnati Bengals slowed him down in a major way. With Hill not getting the ball, there was no one else who stepped up at receiver which is why Patrick Mahomes was unable to deliver the win.

Kansas City hopes to address that with the 30th overall pick in this mock as they bring in Chris Olave from Ohio State. Again, this class is elite at wide receiver and Olave is a steal at this point.

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

The Cincinnati Bengals are close to winning it all as they made it to the Super Bowl following a huge win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Even with them getting to the big game, a glaring issue has been seen all season — the offensive line.

Cincinnati needs to add some talent to this unit, especially at tackle and they land a good one here in Trevor Penning. As Jim Nagy said recently, he won the top OL award for the National Team at the Senior Bowl and he spent the whole week showing that he’s one of the best in the class.

Penning plays with a mean streak and upset many of the players during the drills which can be contagious along the O-line. Cincy can use some of that edge and Penning will make life even easier on Joe Burrow.

32. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

The Los Angeles Rams made it to the Super Bowl in their first season with Matthew Stafford under center which already makes the trade worth it. For his former team, the Detroit Lions, they end up with the final pick in this mock and use that on wide receiver Jahan Dotson from Penn State.

In desperate need of help at receiver, Dotson could come in and help open up their offense.