Both the No. 1 and No. 2 picks in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft are used to beef up defensive lines, while three teams find their new quarterbacks
In less than one week, the NFL Draft will have finally taken place. One of the biggest events of the offseason, the league will get together in Las Vegas as a new class of rookies finds out where they will play at the next level.
The 2022 class is loaded at a couple of spots, including wide receiver which is very deep. There’s also a lot of talent on the defensive line, although many of the big names will likely go in Round 1.
In our latest 2022 NFL Mock Draft, that’s exactly what happens as both the Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions bolster the edge of their lines at No. 1 and No. 2.
Aidan Hutchinson goes first overall in 2022 NFL Mock Draft
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
It seemed as though the Jacksonville Jaguars were going to be targeting an offensive tackle at No. 1 overall, which would be logical after adding Trevor Lawrence in 2021. However, after they added Brandon Scherff at guard and franchise-tagged Cam Robinson, it seems they may have other plans.
In this mock, those plans include taking Aidan Hutchinson at No. 1 overall. There might be players with a higher ceiling than the Michigan product but it’s hard to find one with as high of a floor. He does everything asked of him and has the makings of a perennial Pro Bowler — and the Jags can use such a player.
2. Detroit Lions: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
As the draft approaches, it’s become apparent that NFL scouts are higher on Travon Walker than most of us knew. He might have been somewhat overshadowed at Georgia by players with more “flashiness” but he’s got the tools to be a force on the edge.
Walker’s showing in the combine and his pro day only solidified him as a top-five prospect and with the Jags grabbing Aidan Hutchinson, he lands with the Detroit Lions at No. 2 overall.
3. Houston Texans: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
With both the Jaguars and Lions taking defensive ends, it leaves Ikem Ekwonu on the board for the Houston Texans to take. Much like the first two teams in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, Houston could use some help when it comes to rushing the passer — but then again, they can use help everywhere else as well.
Left tackle is a position they hoped to have locked down with Laremy Tunsil but he hasn’t been a top-rated player by any means. Adding Ekwonku could help push him and the worst-case scenario here is that the North Carolina State product takes over at right tackle and helps give Davis Mills a shot at proving he’s the right guy for the job.
4. New York Jets: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
It wasn’t too long ago when Kayvon Thibodeaux was the top prospect in this class. However, concerns about his love for the game eventually surfaced and his early departure from the Scouting Combine did nothing to help end those whispers.
Having said that, he’s easily one of the best prospects in this class and the New York Jets — who need an elite pass rusher as much as anyone — are willing to bring him in and see what they can get. As long as Thibodeaux is committed, they’ll be getting a complete stud who can change the course of the game with a single huge play.
5. New York Giants: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Dave Gettleman left the New York Giants in a bad spot. Their roster is far from competitive and they don’t have much cap room at all to work with. That means 2022 feels like a good time to start stockpiling young talent as they rebuild their roster for new head coach Brian Daboll — and they even have two picks in the top-10 to use in that endeavor.
The first is at No. 5 which they use to acquire Evan Neal from Alabama. The 6-foot-7, 345-pounder is a massive player who can take over on the left side for Andrew Thomas — or even on the right if they feel Thomas will continue to grow. Either way, they solidify their two starting tackles, something Gettleman was unable to do despite his best efforts.
6. Carolina Panthers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt
There will continue to be rumors of Baker Mayfield heading to the Carolina Panthers and while that could still happen, they also reportedly really like Kenny Pickett. There’s a chance the New Orleans Saints jump ahead of them because they too are rumored to be high on Pickett but if the teams stay put, this could be where the Pitt star lands.
Pickett joining the team doesn’t stop the Mayfield move either as the soon-to-be-former Cleveland quarterback has only one year on his deal and would be a better option as a bridge starter than Sam Darnold.
7. New York Giants (via Chicago Bears): Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Evan Neal was the selection for the New York Giants at No. 5 and now back on the clock at No. 7, they go after Kyle Hamilton from Notre Dame as they address the defensive side of the ball. Hamilton is a player who can move all over the field and does just about everything well.
Leading up to the draft, there have been some who are over-thinking things with Hamilton since he didn’t test as well as expected. But if you simply watch him play, you can see he’s a stud and will make an instant impact.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Up until the final moments of the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes, it seemed as though the Atlanta Falcons were about to land themselves a Pro Bowler under center. However, Watson changed course in the 11th hour and went to Cleveland.
Atlanta then traded Matt Ryan and signed Marcus Mariota who is projected to be the starter. They should still look to add more help and Malik Willis could be a perfect fit as an understudy to Mariota who will eventually take over for him.
Willis can destroy teams with his running — which helps on a team lacking wideout depth — but needs to refine his passing. If he can do that, he might turn into a star at the next level.
9. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos): Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
One of the huge trades that happened this offseason was the Seattle Seahawks sending Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a package of draft picks as well as Noah Fant and Drew Lock. There were signs they would look to bring in Baker Mayfield as a potential replacement but after his appearance on the YNK podcast where he tried to casually shift blame to his team, Seattle signed Geno Smith and it looks as though he and Lock will compete for a job.
Whoever ends up starting will have a much better pocket after the first pick acquired in that trade is used on Charles Cross from Mississippi State. Seattle needs a new left tackle and Cross will be a day one starter and should lock the job down for the next decade-plus.
10. New York Jets (via Seattle Seahawks): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
It’s tempting to go after another defensive player for the New York Jets but with a second pick in the top-10, they instead go after the best player on their board and bring in Garrett Wilson from Ohio State.
In a stacked receiver class, he seems to be the No. 1 guy on most boards. For New York, they now have three starters to depend on with Wilson joining Corey Davis and Elijah Moore. If Zach Wilson is unable to succeed with that offense, it will be a Zach Wilson problem.
11. Washington Commanders: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
One of several teams to get a new quarterback this offseason, the Washington Commanders brought in Carson Wentz who spent the 2021 season with the Indianapolis Colts. Wentz now joins an offense that has some of the key pieces including wide receiver Terry McLaurin and running back Antonio Gibson.
Now, they start to build up their defense as they take the top cornerback prospect in Ahmad Gardner. The Cincinnati product was the definition of a shutdown player and in the NFC East where Washington plays against the Dallas Cowboys who have CeeDee Lamb and the Philadelphia Eagles with DeVonta Smith, they need such a player.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Derek Stingley, CB, LSU
It has to be frustrating for the Minnesota Vikings to still have a need at cornerback after spending first-round picks on Mike Hughes and Jeff Gladney but here they are. They also can’t let the past misfires make them gun shy, especially when someone such as Derek Stingley falls into their lap.
Stingley was widely considered the No. 1 prospect at the position during the 2021 season but then when Cincinnati went on their run, Ahmad Gardner was able to show off his skills. That doesn’t mean Stingley is a consolation prize and there could still be an argument made that he’s going to be the better pro.
In the end, both players will likely be sold and the Vikings will finally have their No. 1 pass defender.
13. Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns): Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
After taking Ikem Ekwonu with their first selection, the Houston Texans are back on the clock with the first of three day one picks they got from the Cleveland Browns in their Deshaun Watson trade. Here, they bring in Jermaine Johnson from Florida State, who fills a big need on the other side of the ball.
Johnson was a former community college standout who then got a shot with the Georgia Bulldogs. He finally broke out with the Florida State Seminoles in 2021 and parlays that into a spot in Round 1.
He’s an explosive player who can really get after the quarterback which is something the Texans are sorely lacking right now.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
There are a couple of ways the Baltimore Ravens could go with this pick and while linebacker might not stand out as the biggest need, it is a spot where they could stand to upgrade a little. Devin Lloyd offers that as they can start him next to Patrick Queen in their 3-4 defensive front and have two players capable of racking up the tackles.
Lloyd did a great job proving he’s capable of playing all three downs and that not only helped him jump into the top-20 here, but he winds up being the first linebacker off the baord. That in itself is no easy feat with Nakobe Dean in the same class.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (via Miami Dolphins): Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
The Philadelphia Eagles had three picks in this draft but after making a trade with the New Orleans Saints, they now have selections at No. 15 and No. 18. While they won’t be dominating this stretch of the draft the way it seemed initially, they can still come away with a lot of talent to help build up their roster.
At 15, they grab Jordan Davis from Georgia, giving them a huge nose tackle that can replace Fletcher Cox. Philly had released Cox before bringing him back on a more affordable deal and now he gets paired with Davis, who can turn into an absolute monster at the next level.
16. New Orleans Saints (via Philadelphia Eagles through Indianapolis Colts): Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Chances are high that the New Orleans Saints will be making another move in the 2022 NFL Draft. It would be very odd for them to have given up a future first-round pick just to see who falls to them at 16 and 19.
However, in this mock there aren’t trade predictions so the Saints do exactly that and they make out rather well with their first pick. Alabama wideout Jameson Williams tore his ACL in the NCAA Championship Game but once healthy, he could end up being the top receiver in this class.
New Orleans is hopeful Michael Thomas can return to full health and if he does, they will have two legit No. 1 wideouts. If he doesn’t, they’re protected there as well.
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Justin Herbert has already established himself as one of the better young quarterbacks in the NFL and the Los Angeles Chargers have made sure he’s comfortable in his surroundings. They already re-signed Mike Williams, who has become his favorite target, and can make things even better for him by adding Trevor Penning from Northern Iowa at No. 17.
Penning performed at a high level throughout his collegiate career but there were questions since he played at a smaller school. But when he showed out at the Senior Bowl against elite talent, it proved he can still be a bully even when the competition gets stronger.
18. Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans Saints): Drake London, WR, USC
After fixing the interior of their defensive line with Jordan Davis, the Philadelphia Eagles now turn their attention to their receiving corps. They added Jalen Reagor in 2020 but he has yet to prove he was worth the Round 1 selection. Last season, they went with DeVonta Smith who proved he can be a No. 1 wideout.
Now, they make it three years in a row where they add a receiver as they take Drake London from USC. This selection not only gives Jalen Hurts enough weapons to take his next step but also allows them to move on from Reagor.
19. New Orleans Saints (via Philadelphia Eagles): Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
The New Orleans Saints are back on the clock at No. 19 and after adding a wideout at 16, they now bring in Andrew Booth from Clemson. Pauslon Adebo did a pretty good job in 2021 but the Saints could still use an upgrade across from Marshon Lattimore.
Booth is someone who improved every season for the Tigers and should be able to develop into a regular starter during his rookie season.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Mitchell Trubisky is likely going to start for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season, although there’s a chance they could land Baker Mayfield if he were to be released by the Cleveland Browns. Of course, a release makes little sense for Cleveland and even if Mayfield was in town, there’s no guarantee that he would beat out Trubisky — or that he could be the long-term answer.
Having said that, the Steelers bring in Desmond Ridder from Cincinnati at No. 20. Ridder has shown he can run an efficient offense and even when things didn’t go well for the Bearcats, he was doing his job.
A good example was in their loss to Alabama where the numbers looked ugly but he was actually throwing the ball incredibly well despite tons of pressure — the receivers were just not pulling in the tough catches. He might need some time to hone his skills but could be the answer in the Steel City.
21. New England Patriots: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
There might not be a player who fits the New England Patriots better than Trent McDuffie. The Washington cornerback not only fills a huge need — especially after losing J.C. Jackson to the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency — but his approach to the game fits their culutre.
New England football is all about being smart and doing your job, which is McDuffie in a nutshell. He’s praised for his high football IQ and while he might not have a ton of flashy plays, he’s also rarely out of position which is what Bill Belichick likes to see.
22. Green Bay Packers (via Las Vegas Raiders): Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
With Davante Adams now part of the Las Vegas Raiders, the Green Bay Packers need to add some talent to their receiving corps. With the first draft pick they got from Vegas for Adams, they do exactly that as they bring in Chris Olave from Ohio State.
One of two stars from the Buckeyes offense, Olave showed off his speed and athleticism at the Scouting Combine when he ran a sub 4.4 in the 40-yard dash. He’s capable of getting deep and having Aaron Rodgers throwing him the ball should lead to some huge plays for the Packers.
23. Arizona Cardinals: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
J.J. Watt is still under contract with the Arizona Cardinals but they did lose Chandler Jones in free agency. This means they could use another pass rusher and they luck into George Karlaftis from Purdue. Karlaftis is one of the better power rushers in this class and has an NFL-ready frame.
He hasn’t even hit his ceiling yet but there’s already plenty about his game to love. Playing alongside someone such as Watt will only help him find his footing in the NFL.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College
With Connor Williams heading to the Miami Dolphins, the Dallas Cowboys now have an opening at left guard. Connor McDermott was hopeful to take the job but considering he was unable to take over for Williams during a 2021 campaign that saw him benched for excessive flags, Dallas might still consider the job wide open.
In the end, they fill that role with the selection of Zion Johnson who has experience all over the line. Known as an incredibly smart player, Johnson was a two-time team captain and should be able to start right away but he also has the versatility to move inside to center or even outside to play tackle.
Dallas saw a huge decline with their offensive line over the past couple of seasons and they’re in the midst of some change with Williams and La’el Collins on the way out. Getting a young guard such as Johnson who can handle his job for the next several years will help as they re-tool that line.
25. Buffalo Bills: Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
While everyone else was upset about a coin toss determining the Buffalo Bills playoff loss to the Chiefs, general manager Brandon Beane was moving forward and saying they could have made sure not to put themselves in a position where a coin toss means so much.
"“We could’ve done things in the game to not let it get to a coin flip,” Beane said according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. “The first thing you’ve got to do is look at yourself. I go back and look at what could I have done with the roster better, and I’m sure, as great as Josh played, there’s things he goes, ‘Maybe if I had done this.’ Or somebody on defense, or a coach, or whoever. We all just, that’s how we’re wired.”"
He’s absolutely right and with this pick, he adds Kyler Gordon from Washington to help slow down the opposing passing attack.
26. Tennessee Titans: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
A.J. Brown wants a new deal and there are rumors he could wind up being on the open market. However, the Tennessee Titans have tried to throw some cold water on that notion saying they don’t foresee trading him — nor should they.
But as a means of protecting themselves, it wouldn’t hurt to add Treylon Burks from Arkansas at this point. Not only does he fill in for Brown if a holdout or trade happens but he could be an ideal player opposite him should they be able to make things work with their No. 1 receiver.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost Alex Cappa to the Cincinnati Bengals — who completely revamped their lin this offseason. With him out, the Bucs need a new guard and Kenyon Green could be a perfect fit for them.
Green played both guard and tackle for the Texas A&M Aggies but is clearly a guard at the next level. This became more evident when he tested at the scouting combine and wasn’t as agile as others who will be playing tackle.
That’s not meant as a knock on Green, who should be a day one starter and have a lot of success at the next level.
28. Green Bay Packers: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Chris Olave gave the Packers a new No. 1 receiver and now, they turn their attention to defense. With their own selection at No. 28 overall, the Packers bring in Nakobe Dean from Geoergia who would give them ain incredible duo when paired with De’Vondre Campbell in their 3-4 defense.
Dean is a player who seemed to get lost in the names surrounding him at Georgia — some names that we have already seen come off the board. However, he ended up making a huge name for himself down the stretch as the Bulldogs won the NCAA Championship — thanks in large part to Dean and his defensive teammates.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via San Francisco 49ers through Miami Dolphins): Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
There’s no way it was an easy decision for the Kansas City Chiefs to trade Tyreek Hill but they did get quite the haul in return. The first draft pick they received in the package comes due here and they use that to add Boye Mafe from Minnesotta.
Mafe is 6-foot-4 and 261-pounds and really showed off his explosiveness at the combine when he ran a 4.53 in the 40-yard dash and 38-inch vertical leap. He’s also a powerful player who broke out in 2021 for the Gophers.
30. Kansas City Chiefs: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
Back-to-back picks come at 29 and 30 for the Kansas City Chiefs and now they add Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson. In need of another speedy wideout who can fill some of the roles that Tyreek Hill had, Dotson comes in and has some big shoes to fill.
He should be up to the task after recording 2,757 yards on 183 receptions in his career for the Nittany Lions. He also improved every season up until he went for 1,182 yards and 12 touchdowns with 91 receptions in his senior season.
Kansas City is going to miss Hill but with players such as Travis Kelce, Mecole Hardman, and JuJu Smith-Schuster under contract, they should be just fine — especially if they add a home run threat such as Dotson in this draft.
31. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
This offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals signed Ted Karras, Alex Cappa, and La’el Collins which gives them three more starters on the line. So why would they go out and add another with their first pick in the draft? Because Tyler Linderbaum is simply too good to pass up.
While Karras did sign a three-year deal worth $18 million, Linderbaum could develop into a better overall player. Not only that, but they could mix things up and find a way to put Linderbaum and Karras on the field together.
The only way this move doesn’t happen is if they’re 100 percent sold that Jackson Carman is the guy at left guard. Because with Joe Burrow playing the way he is right now, they need to make sure to get this line figured out and continue to rack up the wins.
32. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Daxton Hill, S/CB, Michigan
With the final pick in this opening round, the Detroit Lions look to the Michigan Wolverines to bolster their secondary. They ended up missing out on Aidan Hutchinson at No. 2 but they grab his teammated, Daxton Hill, to close the round out.
Hill is listed as a safety but has the versatility to play cornerback as well. He’s capable of moving all around the back end of the defense, making him a player who should have an instant impact for Detroit.