2022 NFL Mock Draft: Kayvon Thibodeaux slides, Drake London rises

Defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux drops a couple of spots and wide receiver Drake London climbs in this pre-combine 2022 NFL Mock Draft

Even with some drama surrounding it, the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine is scheduled for this week and we have one more 2022 NFL Mock Draft before the event takes place.

Of course, the workouts shouldn’t have as much bearing on draft picks as they do — but the fact is, we all tend to lose our heads over sensational athletic feats and tend to overlook the film. And this year, we’ll all likely do it again.

But before we let the 40-yard dash, vertical leap, and bench press blow out minds, we offer up one more pre-combine mock draft where Kayvon Thibodeaux slides out of the top couple of picks and Drake London begins to climb.

Evan Neal gets 2022 NFL Mock Draft started

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

There will continue to be calls for the Jacksonville Jaguars to go for the top player and take Kayvon Thibodeaux but Evan Neal just seems like the better choice for them. Neal is listed at 6-foot-7 and 345-pounds and is the best offensive lineman in this class.

Doug Pederson knows that if he wants to have success with this team, he needs to be able to protect Trevor Lawrence. Neal allows that to happen.

2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

At No. 2, the Detroit Lions snatch up Aidan Hutchinson who just feels like a Dan Campbell pick. There might be more overall explosion from Kayvon Thibodeaux and even fellow Michigan pass rusher David Ojabo might possess a higher ceiling.

Having said that, Hutchinson has an incredibly high floor and the Lions need to bring in players who they know will do what they ask. Hutchinson can do it all as a defensive end and increased his stock tremendously by returning to the Wolverines for one more season. Now, he gets to stay in-state and hopes to help turn this struggling franchise around.

3. Houston Texans: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Once again, the Deshaun Watson trade rumors are heating up and the Houston Texans could end up moving on from their former star quarterback. Still, it seems as though his off-field issues need to have more clarity before anyone gives up a ton of assets, but we may soon know if that holds true.

As for their current team, chances are high that new head coach Lovie Smith will be pulling hard for a defensive player in this coming draft and there might not be a more complete one than Kyle Hamilton from Notre Dame.

Listed as a safety, Hamilton can move anywhere in the secondary and can even be used as a linebacker in sub-packages if they really want to get creative. He’s a chess piece and Smith needs players like this who can fill multiple roles.

4. New York Jets: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

Georgia defenders are getting a lot of love but lately, there’s been a claim that they’re still not getting the respect they deserve. That could change after the Combine which is how Travon Walker is able to climb up the boards here.

Head coach Robert Saleh has a history of putting together very strong defenses and adding Walker will help him build exactly that for Gang Green. He has the size to play on the end in his defensive scheme but could even slide inside on third-downs in a four-man line. Versatility is key in this defense and Walker has that to spare.

Kayvon Thibodeaux has a slight fall in latest 2022 NFL Mock Draft

5. New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

It might not feel like a crazy slide for most players but considering Kayvon Thibodeaux is often viewed as the No. 1 overall target, lasting until No. 5 might be a bit of a surprise — even more surprising is that he’s the third pass-rusher taken.

Having said that, the New York Giants shouldn’t hesitate at all to run to the podium if he ends up on the board at No. 5. Thibodeaux is a generational talent and will help transform this defense simply by showing up and doing what he does — making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.

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

This past offseason, the Carolina Panthers made some moves to try and improve their offensive line and they came up rather flat. Instead of looking for a diamond in the rough, they use the No. 6 overall pick in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft to land Ikem Ekwonu from North Carolina State.

There are some scouts who actually believe Ekwonu is the top offensive tackle in this class and while that is debatable, the Panthers should be adding a plug-and-play starter who can finally lock down the left tackle spot. Now if only they could get the quarterback situation figured out.

7. New York Giants (via Chicago Bears): Drake London, WR, USC

There are a whole lot of wide receivers in this class that could help whichever NFL team drafts them immediately. While Drake London might not be the first one who comes to mind, he might need to be.

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 210-pounds, London looks the part of an outside receiver — and while he excels in that area — he’s actually a monster inside as well. In the red zone, he will also create problems due to his size and his basketball background which will help him out-leap everyone.

Daniel Jones could have one final shot to be the face of the New York Giants and adding London to the mix means he has everything he needs to succeed.

8. Atlanta Falcons: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan

Again, there will be calls to replace Matt Ryan, especially with his contract being so outrageous in 2022. But the Atlanta Falcons might not replace the man with the largest cap hit in league history, but could instead re-work his deal and roll with No. 2 once again.

While there’s a real debate to be had about this strategy, this is also not the year to take a chance on a quarterback if you do have someone you believe can lead you where you want to go. With that being said, the Falcons turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball where they land David Ojabo from Michigan.

Ojabo burst onto the scene in 2021 and could work his way into a top-10 positioning with a strong collection of workouts.

9. Denver Broncos: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 260-pounds, Jermaine Johnson is built like an NFL defensive end. He also played for one of the better defenses with the Georgia Bulldogs where he had 16 tackles and five sacks in a rotational role in 2020.

Then in 2021, he went to Florida State where he took off with 70 tackles (17.5 for a loss) and 11.5 sacks. Here, he lands with the Denver Broncos who need someone to take over for Von Miller and while those are some huge shoes to fill, Johnson is a player who could have a long and very successful NFL career.

10. New York Jets (via Seattle Seahawks): Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

One defender was not enough for Robert Saleh and the New York Jets. That’s why when they come back on the clock at No. 10 — with the second day one pick they got from Seattle for Jamal Adams — they take Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner.

Just how good is this kid? Well, according to Field Yates, he allowed no touchdowns in his career and in 2021, allowed no receptions beyond 13-yards.

Any defense that has a lot of success usually has to have an elite pass rusher and a cornerback capable of taking away the opposing team’s No. 1 wide receiver. The Jets just landed both with their two picks in this opening round.

11. Washington Commanders: Kenyon Green, OT/OG, Texas A&M

Here’s a spot where the first quarterback could come off the board but the Washington Commanders still might not take a swing at any signal-callers in the draft. They have been linked to some veteran options including Carson Wentz and that might be a better move for them.

With that being a possibility, they instead go after Kenyon Green from Texas A&M. He played both guard and tackle for the Aggies and did each very well. However, the Commanders could lose Brandon Scherff in free agency and if they do, they need someone who can fill his shoes. Enter Green, who is a day one starter in the NFL.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Derek Stingley, CB, LSU

When new head coach Kevin O’Connell had a chance to commit to Kirk Cousins recently, he decided not to. If they do end up moving on from him, the Vikings could look for a quarterback here. Then again, there are rumors he could be part of a trade that ends with Baker Mayfield in Minnesota.

Whatever happens with Cousins, we won’t know for a while. But as long as he’s there, he’s better than any of the rookie options (at least in 2022) and so we don’t pick a signal-caller here but instead grab Derek Stingley, Jr. from LSU. Like Sauce Gardner, this is a guy who can take away the opposing team’s No. 1 weapon and that would make a major impact on this defense.

13. Cleveland Browns: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

The Cleveland Browns already needed help at wide receiver and that need might only grow as Jarvis Landry is making like Odell Beckham, Jr. and doing all he can to force his way out of town.

Even if that wasn’t happening, this team was likely to go wide receiver at No. 13 and they do exactly that in this mock with Garrett Wilson being their selection. Fans in the Dawg Pound would be ecstatic over this selection as it would bring over a superstar from their beloved Ohio State Buckeyes — not to mention how good he fits with this team.

Cleveland has been in desperate need of someone who can consistently stretch the field and while they hoped OBJ could do that, it never worked and now they try again with Wilson.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

Don’t be shocked if Trevor Penning becomes one of the top offensive tackles in this class. He was dominant at Northern Iowa and while the Senior Bowl isn’t the best tool for scouting, it did show that Penning belonged with those who played in power conferences.

He was mean, powerful, and fun to watch. He fits perfectly with the Baltimore Ravens who struggled with their line this season. Adding Penning helps in a huge way.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (via Miami Dolphins): George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

Once we hit No. 15 in the 2022 NFL Draft, get ready to hear from the Philadelphia Eagles a lot. They own the 15th pick thanks to a trade with the Miami Dolphins last season ahead of the draft, which comes due here. They also have the following pick at No. 16 thanks to the Carson Wentz trade with the Indianapolis Colts. Finally, they will have their own pick at No. 19.

With their first choice, they end up bringing in George Karlaftis from Purdue who is an NFL-ready defensive end. At more than 270-pounds, Karlaftis is a force on the edge and has the potential to be a better pro than he was a collegiate player.

16. Philadelphia Eagles (via Indianapolis Colts): Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

After adding a potential Pro Bowl defensive end, the Eagles again attack the defensive line with pick No. 16 as they bring in Jordan Davis from Georgia. Philly’s defensive line has been solid for quite a while with Brandon Graham at end and Fletcher Cox in the middle but both are getting up there in age.

Now in back-to-back picks, each sees their heir brought in as Davis follows Karlaftis. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 340-pounds, Davis is a player who can push the pocket and muddy things up — something that can throw any offense off rhythm.

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Mike Williams enters the offseason as a free agent and while the Los Angeles Chargers should do all they can to bring him back, there’s no guarantee it will happen. If they do end up losing him, wide receiver becomes a major need for them. If they are able to re-sign him, however, it could still make some sense to go after someone such as Jameson Williams from Alabama.

Williams has the potential to be a No. 1 guy but could need some time to get back to full health following a torn ACL in the National Championship Game. In L.A., he could work his way back slowly while also providing them a three-headed weapon right now with Mike Williams (if he returns) and Keenan Allen. There would also be options down the road with Allen approaching 30.

18. New Orleans Saints: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt

It took a long time for a quarterback to finally be drafted and it might be by a surprise team. The New Orleans Saints could look to bring back Jameis Winston but even if they did, it might be on another short-term deal. Factor in the uncertainty there with a new head coach and it would make sense to add someone such as Kenny Pickett who could wind up being the long-term answer.

This class is far from elite at quarterback but Pickett made some major strides in 2021 and as long as he performs well in interviews, he could end up being the top signal-caller off the board. It’s just weird seeing that happen at No. 18.

19. Philadelphia Eagles: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

After taking two defensive players with their selections they added in trades with Miami and Indianapolis, the Philadelphia Eagles turn their attention to the offensive side where they go after Chris Olave from Ohio State.

This would be the third time in as many years they take a wideout in Round 1 but they have to be willing to move on from Jalen Reagor who has yet to prove he was worth the pick. They also have three selections to use here so a luxury pick isn’t a bad thing.

As for Olave, he’s a burner who could work well alongside Devonta Smith as the Eagles finally have a very talented starting duo.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

With Ben Roethlisberger out, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in need of a change under center. THere’s a chance they go with Mason Rudolph but there are already grumblings about him not being the answer. For that reason, they go after Malik Willis from Liberty.

A transfer from Auburn, Willis went off in 2021 for Liberty, and while there are questions about the talent he faced while with them, it’s hard not to see how a team could fall in love with the prospect of bringing Willis in.

He’s a dual-threat that can pick teams apart with his legs and has a great arm. He struggles with accuracy at times but overall, there’s a lot to like and if an offense builds around him, they can be dangerous.

21. New England Patriots: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

It’s never easy to figure out where the New England Patriots are going with the picks, with 2021being an exception because it seemed like everyone knew Mac Jones was not getting past them. They’re known for taking the best players available and then figuring it out from there and the best on the board right now is Nakobe Dean from Georgia.

A sideline-to-sideline linebacker, Dean was already a sensational prospect even before his explosion during the team’s National Championship run. He became a household name as he stood out on a stacked defense and now joins another great defense, where he can continue to stand out.

22. Las Vegas Raiders: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

The Las Vegas Raiders might finally start to take players from schools other than Alabama and Clemson in the first round with Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden gone. Now with Josh McDaniels at coach, they look to re-tool their roster and they do that by taking Charles Cross from Mississippi State.

Like McDaniels’ former team at pick 21, this is all about taking the best player on the board. Cross has the talent to suggest he goes much higher but due to other linemen standing out, he’s there at 22. Rather than reaching simply to take someone from a certain school, Vegas takes the best talent – which is something new for fans to get used to.

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

With J.J. Watt still missing time at a high rate and Chandler Jones hitting the open market, the Arizona Cardinals would be wise to add someone capable of getting after the quarterback in the 2022 NFL Draft. They get exactly that as they take Cameron Thomas from San Diego State at No. 23 in this mock.

Thomas is listed at 6-foot-5 and 270-pounds and has been compared favorably to the veteran Watt. It would be rather fitting for him to work alongside the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year as he gets acclimated to the next level.

24. Dallas Cowboys: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

In 2021, the Dallas Cowboys were picked on for going after linebacker Micah Parsons at No. 12 since they already had invested heavily in Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch. However, Smith is already gone and LVE could be next with his contract ending after this past campaign. On top of that, Parsons won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award after recording 13 sacks and standing out as the best player on a vastly improved defense.

Here, they add more talent to continue to improve that defense as Devonte Wyatt is their choice. Yet another Georgia Bulldog makes it into Round 1 as Wyatt joins a Dallas defensive line that could use a bully in the middle.

Wyatt might not be as powerful as his counterpart, Jordan Davis, but he’s more capable of playing all three downs and is a disruptive e force.

25. Buffalo Bills: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

The Buffalo Bills season ended in overtime in one of the most explosive games we have seen in years. There was, of course, some frustration following the loss as fans felt they were robbed of seeing Josh Allen in overtime against the Chiefs but the NFL still seems reluctant to look at that rule.

This means the Bills instead need to try and find a way to slow down a high-powered attack such as the one they faced when playing Kansas City, which leads to the selection of Andrew Booth, Jr. from Clemson.

Booth is listed at 6-foot-0 and 195-pounds and had five picks over the past two seasons. He has enough talent to be the No. 1 corner but with Tre’Davious White hopefully back to health, he would be the No. 2 guy which would make this secondary pretty scary.

26. Tennessee Titans: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

The Tennessee Titans are a run-first team and while we can debate whether or not this will ever lead to a title, we cannot debate that’s what they will continue to be — especially with Derrick Henry on their roster. That style of play is why Tyler Linderbaum makes a lot of sense for them at No. 26.

Linderbaum is a mauler in the run game and is one of the more intelligent linemen in this class. He will be a day one starter and has the ability to improve the entire line thanks to his IQ and ability to make line adjustments.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

With several huge names either already gone, or potentially about to be headed out, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to look completely different in 2022. Tom Brady decided to call it a career (even if some don’t want to believe it), Antonio Brown forced his way out of town, and Chris Godwin is set for free agency.

Here, they at least try and recoup some of the talent at receiver as they add Treylon Burks with their first-round pick. Burks is a big-bodied target at 6-foot-3 and 230-pounds. Putting him on the same field as Mike Evans would give the Bucs two very large targets who can bully opposing cornerbacks.

28. Green Bay Packers: DeMarvin Leal, EDGE, Texas A&M

Depending on who you ask, DeMarvin Leal is either an elite prospect or someone who needs a lot of work. According to the Bleacher Report Scouting Department, it’s the latter as they think the explosiveness that Leal has is great but they say he’s not ready to set the edge against the run.

"“Leal has outstanding explosiveness and movement skills for a player his size, but his true position in the NFL is a bit murky to project. He will also need time to develop an anchor against the run regardless of what positions he finds a home at.” — Bleacher Report Scouting Department"

Still, Leal is a first-round talent and while he did slide toward the end, it’s hard to see him being around when Day 2 kicks off. For the Green Bay Packers, they end up with a 290-pounder who can play on the end of their three-man line and has the potential to be very disruptive.

29. Miami Dolphins (via San Francisco 49ers): Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

Mike McDaniel coming in as the head coach should lead to the Miami Dolphins going after an offensive player in the 2022 NFL Draft, right? Well, maybe not.

McDaniel does have an offensive background but he also worked under Kyle Shanahan for years and Shanahan has done a good job building a solid defense in San Francisco. So with the pick his new team obtained from his old one, McDaniel goes for linebacker Devin Lloyd who could be a difference-maker for him in the middle of the defense.

30. Kansas City Chiefs: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan

Tyrann Mathieu is a free agent and while he and the Kansas City Chiefs might want to work something out, the truth is, he’s going to be 30-years old and they’ve started to cut players in an effort to save money. Perhaps that carries over to Mathieu as they could decide to let him walk and try to bring in a younger, more affordable player in the draft.

Enter Daxton Hill from Michigan at No. 30. One of the best coverage safeties in the nation, Hill played both deep coverage as well as some cornerback for the Wolverines — and his versatility means he wouldn’t even be out of the question if Mathieu did elect to come back.

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa

The Cincinnati Bengals proved during the Super Bowl that they need to improve their offensive line to win it all. Of course, there will be those who say they still should have gone Penei Sewell in 2021 but the truth is, they wouldn’t have gotten as far as they did without Ja’Marr Chase.

On top of that, Chase was open for what would have been a Super Bowl-winning touchdown, if Joe Burrow had one more second in the pocket. Here, they get him that one extra second, and hopefully more, as they take Tyler Smith from Tulsa.

He’s a bit younger than Bernhard Raimann who is also in consideration here and he’s also got what this line needs — a bit of an edge. He does need to clean up the penalties but if he plays with the right focus, Smith could be exactly what the Bengals line needs.

32. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

At No. 2 overall in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the Lions picked up Aidan Hutchinson to bolster their defensive line. Now back on the clock at No. 32, they use the first of two picks they got for Matthew Stafford on a new quarterback in Matt Corral.

There’s a sense that the Lions believe Jared Goff can be their guy but not bringing in any competition will be a mistake. Landing Corral here gives them someone who can push or challenge Goff and should he prove to be a capable starter, they would be able to keep him in town for at least five years thanks to him being a Round 1 pick.