2022 NFL Mock Draft: 3-rounds with surprise blockbuster trades
By Randy Gurzi
2022 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 33-48
33. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State
Cameron Thomas falls out of Round 1, but not far out. He lands with the Jags here as they bring in a versatile defensive lineman to strengthen that unit.
34. Detroit Lions: Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
Just a couple of selections after trading out of pick 32, the Lions are back and they take Georgia linebacker Quay Walker.
35. New York Jets: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Kaiir Elam is a borderline first-round talent and the Jets land him at 35. He should be a Week 1 starter who helps Robert Saleh
36. New York Giants: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
New York never got what they expected out of Will Hernandez and now they try Kenyon Green as their newest left guard.
37. Houston Texans: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
Davis Mills was better than most third-round picks but going with him alone would be a mistake. Enter Matt Corral who could develop into a future starter for the Texans.
38. New York Giants (via Carolina Panthers through New York Jets): Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Daniel Jones is not the guy. Tyrod Taylor is not the guy. Desmond Ridder could be the guy.
39. Chicago Bears: George Pickens, WR, Georgia
With Allen Robinson out, the Bears swing for the fences at 39 with George Pickens. An ACL tear slowed down his progress but his ceiling is as high as anyone in this class.
40. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos): Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
The best way to help a quarterback room that consists of Drew Lock and Geno Smith is a strong running game, which is why the Seahawks take Breece Hall. As for the fans who have to endure a season of Drew Lock and Geno Smith, they may want to look into the obliviate spell.
41. Seattle Seahawks: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
Maybe they won’t need the spell after all as the Seahawks take Sam Howell at No. 41. He has to be better than what they currently have. Doesn’t he?
42. Indianapolis Colts (via Washington Commanders): Logan Hall, EDGE, Houston
Logan Hall could give the Colts the force on the edge of the D-line they have been looking for.
43. Atlanta Falcons: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
In Round 1, the Falcons landed a wide receiver in Garrett Wilson. Now, they bring in a cornerback in Roger McCreary, who could help them go three-deep at the position.
Trade: Cleveland Browns send pick No. 44, Baker Mayfield, and a conditional third-round pick in 2023 to Detroit Lions for Pick No. 32
44. Detroit Lions (via Cleveland Browns): John Metchie, WR, Alabama
Detroit is on the clock with the pick they got from Cleveland and they use that on John Metchie from Alabama who is one of the more underrated receivers in this class.
45. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Smith, IOL, Tulsa
Baltimore needs more beef on the O-line and Tyler Smith brings that.
46. Minnesota Vikings: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Another defensive back lands in Minnesota as the Vikings take Lewis Cine. The Bulldogs’ defenders continue to dominate this draft.
47. Indianapolis Colts: Jamaree Salyer, IOL, Georgia
Indy now adds another offensive lineman to their improving unit by taking Jamaree Salyer from UGA.
48. Los Angeles Chargers: Zion Nelson, OT, Miami
Justin Herbert is already a star and the Chargers make it a priority to protect him by adding Miami’s Zion Nelson. He played tackle collegiately but might need to kick inside to guard at the next level.