With the Scouting Combine behind us, we again predict the first round of the draft with a surprise selection at No. 1 in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
Sunday was the final day of workouts at the scouting combine for the prospects in the 2022 NFL Mock Draft and it’s given us a better idea of the athleticism each of the players possesses.
What stood out was just how deep the wide receiver class is as it seemed as though one after another hit a sub 4.4 in the 40-yard dash. There were other standouts as well, including Jordan Davis who moved incredibly well for a big man, and Ikem Ekwonu who put himself in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick.
Following those workouts, we take another shot at predicting the way the first round of the 2022 NFL Mock Draft plays out.
Ikem Ekwonu takes over as No. 1 pick in 2022 NFL Mock Draft
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
With Evan Neal not working out, the door was left open for Ikem Ekwonu to assert himself as the No. 1 offensive tackle in the class. He did just that as he performed well in every drill and even went under five seconds in the 40-yard dash.
Standing 6-foot-4, there will be those who have concerns about him at tackle but he’s proven time and again that he can get the job done. And adding him to the Jacksonville Jaguars gives them a left tackle to make life easier on Trevor Lawrence.
2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Kayvon Thibodeaux pulled out of the combine early which will continue to lead to questions about his desire and love for the game. As for Aidan Hutchinson, he stood out as a talented athlete and continues to be a great fit with the Detroit Lions.
Hutchinson stays in-state as he joins the Lions, where he will help them rebuild their defensive line.
3. Houston Texans: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
The Houston Texans land themselves a defensive chess piece as they use the third overall pick on Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 220-pounds, Hamilton is a massive defensive back who can give receivers and tight ends a hard time when it comes to fighting for the ball.
Houston has a lot of holes to fill and if they ever do trade Deshaun Watson, they could end up with several picks to try and do just that. The key will be hitting on them all as they do here by bringing in one of the top overall players in the class.
4. New York Jets: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Another player who benefited from Kayvon Thibodeaux bowing out early is Travon Walker. While questions still circle the Oregon pass rusher, Walker came out and displayed his freakish athleticism. His 4.51 time in the 40-yard dash and 123-inch broad jump were insane for a man who is all of 6-foot-5 and 272-pounds.
He’s considered a big run stuffer but he also has the ability to get after the passer. One of many Georgia defenders who stood out this weekend, Walker may have done the most to increase his stock with these drills.
5. New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
Even with the questions, we all know Kayvon Thibodeaux isn’t going to slide very far at all. He’s simply too talented not to get drafted early and the New York Giants, who have needed a star edge rusher for a few years now, would be more than happy to draft him at No. 5 with the first of their two picks in Round 1.
Thibodeaux is by far the most physically gifted defensive end in this class but we don’t know if he did enough in team interviews to prove he loves the game enough to turn that into greatness. Some can shrug off the questions but those usually don’t come from thin air — as they say, where’s there’s smoke, there’s always fire. Still, he’s too good not to take here as the Giants fill a massive need.
6. Carolina Panthers: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
With Ikem Ekwonu taking the top spot, Alabama’s Evan Neal slides to No. 6 but finds a soft landing spot as the Carolina Panthers add him with their first pick. The jury is still out on who will be their starting quarterback but this move at least ensures they will have a much better offensive line.
Neal is 6-foot-7 and a 1/2 and weighs 337-pounds and moves like a man much lighter. He won’t get bullied and can handle the speed rush, making him an instant starter and impact player.
7. New York Giants (via Chicago Bears): Drake London, WR, USC
Drake London was one of the star wideouts who were unable to participate in drills since he’s still recovering from a broken ankle suffered in October. He was able to get his measurements and he was all of 6-foot-4 and 219-pounds.
The former basketball standout was a two-sport star at USC and uses those skills to win jump balls. He winds up landing with the Giants in this mock as they add him to a unit that’s already been overhauled with Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney.
With those three together, they should be able to truly know what they have in quarterback Daniel Jones.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Calvin Ridley seems ready to head elsewhere as he and the Atlanta Falcons are open to a fresh start for each. In an effort to land themselves a new No. 1 wideout, the Falcons use the No. 8 pick on Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson.
Wilson showed off his athleticism with a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash and an impressive 36-inch vertical jump. He went off in his final few games with the Buckeyes and is in the mix to be the first wide receiver taken in this class. He just misses the mark in this mock but it wouldn’t be a mistake if he and London were swapped by these teams as both can be stars.
Malik Willis finds his home in 2022 NFL Mock Draft
9. Denver Broncos: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
The Denver Broncos might be going after a veteran quarterback but if they don’t find a way to get one, they need to go for a new face of the franchise at No. 9. Right now, it looks as though Aaron Rodgers might not be on his way and the rest of the quarterback market seems to have quieted down as well.
What didn’t quiet down over the weekend was the hype for Liberty quarterback Malik Willis. He looked sharp in his workouts and had some excellent touch on his deep ball. Some will point to the overthrows but he also hadn’t really worked with the receivers he was throwing to.
Willis should be able to make it as a pro and his ability to beat teams with his legs while still being able to sling it 60-yards down the field makes him an intriguing prospect. Especially for a team that seems to be a quarterback away from contending.
10. New York Jets (via Seattle Seahawks): Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
After taking Travon Walker with their first pick, the New York Jets are back on the clock at No. 10. This time, they go after Ahmad Gardner who may have asserted himself as the top cornerback in this class.
Gardner was the definition of a shutdown corner in his senior season and the Jets defense should be vastly improved with the addition of him and Walker in this mock.
11. Washington Commanders: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt
No team seems more desperate for a quarterback than the Washington Commanders. They’ve been reportedly calling all around the NFL to ask about the availability of quarterbacks — and there’s even a rumor they asked about Patrick Mahomes. Sure, Mahomes isn’t available but as Michael Scott says:
"“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” — Wayne Gretzky — Michael Scott"
With no quarterbacks coming via trade, the Commanders might have to settle for a rookie and they end up with a good one here in Kenny Pickett. There will be concerns due to his hand size but Pickett threw the ball well at the combine and still has the smarts and accuracy to make it as a pro. He’s also much better than any options Washington currently has.
12. Minnesota Vikings: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
One player who really took off in 2021 was David Ojabo, and the Michigan defensive end continued to impress at the combine. Ojabo ran a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash and is one of the more explosive — and versatile edge rushers in this class.
The Minnesota Vikings are in need of such a player and they should be thrilled to land him at No. 12. He could be a solid starter across from Danielle Hunter, or a solid replacement should he continue to miss time.
13. Cleveland Browns: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
The Cleveland Browns need help at wide receiver, which isn’t up for debate. They were already thin before Jarvis Landry made it clear he had one foot out the door — although this could also be due to the Browns being ready to get younger and faster at the position.
However, this weekend might have shown them they don’t have to go for a wideout at No. 13. This class is so deep that they could wait for Round 2 — and with their desire to target a veteran receiver, this could be the way they go.
In this mock, they do exactly that as they take George Karlaftis from Purdue. Plenty of other edge prospects stood out which could hurt Karlaftis’ stock but it shouldn’t. This kid is a stud and if Jadeveon Clowney is priced out, this could be a great option to start across from Myles Garrett.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Derek Stingley, CB, LSU
At No. 14, the Baltimore Ravens could go for an offensive lineman, or they can try and fix their pass defense which was a major problem in 2021. Here, they go for the pass defense since Derek Stingley is somehow still on the board.
Stingley is in the mix to be the No. 1 cornerback and is slightly edged out by Ahmad Gardner but is still a great prospect who the Ravens will be thrilled to add.
Eagles take combine star at 15 in 2022 NFL Mock Draft
15. Philadelphia Eagles (via Miami Dolphins): Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
One of the biggest stars of the combine was Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis. The 6-foot-6 341-pounder shocked everyone when he ran a 4.78 in the 40-yard dash which was blistering fast for such a large human.
Davis also spoke on how he’s been working on his pass-rushing which is something that could put him over the top. Still, there are some concerns due to his physical conditioning with team worried that he needs to take a lot of time off.
Here, he lands with the Philadelphia Eagles with the first of their three picks in Round 1, and even if he’s just a two-down player for them, he will be a game-changer.
16. Philadelphia Eagles (via Indianapolis Colts): Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
Back-to-back picks for the Eagles ends with back-to-back defensive linemen. They follow up Jordan Davis with Jermaine Johnson II from Florida State who has been a fast riser in recent weeks. He ran a 4.58 at 254-pounds while also showing off incredible length with his 34-inch arms.
A former Georgia Bulldog, Johnson transferred to FSU for his final season and had 17.5 tackles for a loss and 11.5 sacks. Adding him, and his former teammate, Davis, suddenly has the Eagles D-line much younger and much more explosive.
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Mike Williams could be on the way out and Keenan Allen is about to turn 30-years of age, which means the Los Angeles Chargers could be looking for some more talent at the position to grow alongside Justin Herbert. One possible fit is Jameson Williams from Alabama, who transferred from Ohio State and then blew up in 2021.
Unfortunately, his final game saw him tear his ACL which kept him from working out in Indianapolis. Had he done so, he probably would have been another one to blow us all away but since he didn’t, he ends up going in the middle of the star wideouts.
Los Angeles could end up with a steal and unlike other teams that are more desperate for wideouts, they can allow him to take his time and get 100 percent healthy before testing him out.
18. New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Michael Thomas reworked his deal to make sure he will stay with the New Orleans Saints which will help their offense tremendously. Still, they need another receiver to play opposite Thomas and they go to his alma mater to find that as they take Chris Olave.
Olave was another receiver who blew everyone away with his speed and could be one of the better No. 2 receivers in the NFL should he land with a team such as New Orleans.
19. Philadelphia Eagles: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
With their third pick in this first round, the Philadelphia Eagles finally add an offensive weapon as they select Arkansas wideout Treylon Burks. Unlike many of the other receivers in this class, Burks didn’t have a lot of success this weekend. No, he wasn’t terrible but he was average. injust about all of his testing.
Even with that being the case, the 225-pound wideout did enough during his collegiate career to prove he deserves a spot in Round 1. For the Eagles, he could be a great fit as a big-bodied target on the opposite side of the field as DeVonta Smith. A solid on-two punch could be just what Jalen Hurts needs to take his next step as a quarterback.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Trevor Penning is considered a bit of a mauler and is called a throwback player by many scouts. He has an edge to him when he plays and it’s hard to find a team where that fits better than the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In need of a new left tackle, Penning is the choice, and while he didn’t play at a power-five school, he has proven he can hold his own in the Senior Bowl and with some solid drills at the combine.
21. New England Patriots: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
One of the stories that have been developed is the pending free agency of J.C. Jackson. A star for the New England Patriots, Jackson has yet to receive a new deal and he has even voiced some frustration with the team for this. If he does end up leaving, the Pats might use the draft to replace him and Andrew Booth, Jr. could be a solid fit.
He had 37 tackles, five pass defenses, and three picks in his final season with the Tigers. He’s considered a day one starter and it wouldn’t be a shocker at all to see New England once again move on from one of their starters and replace them with a rookie.
22. Las Vegas Raiders: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
The Las Vegas Raiders have seen Kolton Miller turn into a solid tackle but they could use another starter opposite him with Alex Leatherwood appearing to be a guard from here on out. They might not see this as their No. 1 need but when Charles Cross falls to them, it will be hard to pass that up.
Cross is a left tackle by trade but has the smarts and ability to play on the right side as well. New head coach Josh McDaniels has a pretty solid roster that he inherited and now the line becomes much more formidable.
23. Arizona Cardinals: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Another Georgia Bulldog enters Round 1 as the Arizona Cardinals take Nakobe Dean at No. 23. The Cards do need more help rushing the passer and while that’s a possibility here, the most bang for their buck comes by adding Dean, who also fills a need.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com calls him a three-down linebacker who is also “explosive” and will record a ton of tackle for whoever drafts him.
"“Explosive, three-down linebacker with the demeanor and quickness to become a volume tackler while holding down third-down duties at a high level.” — Zierlein, NFL.com"
Dean is the top linebacker in this class and should make an instant impact for the Cardinals.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
The Dallas Cowboys have three safeties hitting free agency this offseason and it’s unlikely they retain all of them. Jayron Kearse seems to be the most likely to stay but the jury is out on Malik Hooker and Damontae Kazee.
If they do lose one, or both, safety becomes a huge need and they address it at No. 24 with the selection of Daxton Hill from Michigan. A fast and rangy safety, Hill fits perfectly as the deep coverage defensive back in Dan Quinn’s defense and can also play in the slot if needed.
Bills land highly coveted defensive back at No. 25 in 2022 NFL Mock Draft
25. Buffalo Bills: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
With Tre’Davious White injured last season, the Buffalo Bills saw the need for more depth at cornerback. At No. 25 in this mock, they take Washington’s Trent McDuffie.
While his talent was on full display during the combine, it’s his smarts that has him in the sights of several NFL teams. During the broadcast, it was mentioned that he met with 27 teams and that some even said he could serve as a defensive backs coach right now if he wanted to.
He likely starts his career as a slot corner but the sky is the limit for this young man.
26. Tennessee Titans: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
The Tennessee Titans could be losing Ben Jones to free agency and if they do, Tyler Linderbaum could be a great replacement. Easily the best center in this class, Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network says he’s only gotten better each year since making a move from defensive tackle to the offensive line.
"“The play maturity he showcases despite a late transition to center from defensive tackle is impressive. He’s been steadily improving over each of the last three seasons and is clearly entering the pros as the best version of himself as compared to 2020.” — Crabbs"
Linderbaum is already a day one starter and is still learning the position and getting better with every game.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
Jordan Davis wasn’t the only Georgia defensive lineman to blow us away with his explosiveness this weekend as even Devonte Wyatt got in on the fun. The 6-foot-3, 304-pound Wyatt ran a 4.77 in the 40-yard dash and cemented himself as one of the more explosive defensive linemen in the class.
Due to the talent at some of the skill positions, he slides further than he should in this mock but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers couldn’t be happier to see this happen. They land Wyatt who could join Vita Vea on an already strong defensive line and turn it into one of the best in the entire league.
28. Green Bay Packers: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
It feels like Brett Favre all over again. The Green Bay Packers are once again waiting around to see what their quarterback wants to do as Aaron Rodgers is supposed to tell them soon if he wants to return or not. While waiting for him to make up his mind, the Packers were scouting potential fits for their roster in 2022.
One player who should have stood out was Jahan Dotson who had an impressive 36-inch vertical jump and ran a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash. Whether or not they lose Davante Adams, adding a playmaker such as Dotson would be a smart move for a team that often seems slow to add skill players on offense in Round 1.
29. Miami Dolphins (via San Francisco 49ers): Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M
Kenyon Green didn’t have a bad workout at the combine but he also didn’t blow anyone away. He didn’t show off the explosion or athleticism that he needed to in order to prove he can play tackle at the next level, which means he’s likely a guard. Still, he could be the best guard in this class and the Miami Dolphins bring him in since their guards have been an issue in recent years.
The question will be whether or not Austin Jackson can kick back out to tackle and be successful. If he can, this line could be much better. If not, they will need to add even more pieces beyond this.
30. Kansas City Chiefs: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
The Kansas City Chiefs have been making moves to save some cap space as they have said goodbye to some of their veteran leaders. One such player is Anthony Hitchens, who was let go early in the offseason.
With the 30th pick, they replace Hitchens with a younger and more explosive player in Devinb Lloyd. This isn’t the deepest class for linebackers but Lloyd and Nakobe Dean both feel like surefire picks who can help on all three downs.
Cincinnati Bengals address O-line in 2022 NFL Mock Draft
31. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa
We can’t say the Cincinnati Bengals made a mistake in taking Ja’Marr Chase because he was far and away the best offensive rookie in the NFL. He also had Jalen Ramsey beat for what would have been a Super Bowl-winning touchdown play.
However, they couldn’t make the play because Joe Burrow was sacked and that’s due to the fact that their offensive line was still a problem. In an effort to fix that in this draft, the Bengals use the No. 31 pick on Tyler Smith from Tulsa.
Smith is impressively built at 6-foot-5 and 324-pounds and plays with a mean streak. He’s powerful and his play is contagious, which is exactly what the Bengals need on their line.
32. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
With the 32nd pick in Round 1, the Detroit Lions close things out. They will also be back on the clock in a couple of picks as they have an early selection in Round 2 but they elect to use this one on Desmond Ridder from Cincinnati. Ridder had a great showing at the combine which surely helped improve his stock as he looks to prove he can be the guy at the next level.
He might not seem to be a sure-fire day one pick but the reason for taking him here and not in Round 2 makes sense. Adding him as a Round 1 pick means they can have him under contract for the next five seasons — which will be huge if he does turn out to be a legit starter.