It’s time for the final 2022 NFL mock draft of the year with some big predictions, including Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder soaring up the board.
The 2022 NFL Draft is finally upon us. It’s finally time for the final 2022 NFL mock draft of this year’s circuit, and as always, it’s critical to keep in mind that predicting the first round of the NFL Draft is even more inexact and unlikely than attempting to make a perfect bracket in the NCAA basketball tournament.
Getting even half of the picks in a first-round mock draft projection correct is bordering on legendary status, and with a class as unpredictable as the one we’re currently looking at, even getting 10 picks right might rank you among this year’s best.
Teams don’t just willingly give away their strategies this time of year, and there’s plenty of smoke out there to deceive, but there are insiders around the NFL with information worth listening to when it comes to predicting the NFL Draft.
We’re going to connect as many dots as possible. We’re going to aggregate as much information as possible and try to bring you the most accurate first-round prediction of the 2022 NFL Draft possible.
Onto the picks…
2022 NFL mock draft: Travon Walker completes his meteoric rise
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
After all the build-up, the Jacksonville Jaguars end up taking Travon Walker, who had a meteoric rise over the last six months as one of the many very gifted members of the vaunted 2021 Georgia Bulldogs defense.
Although Walker had some intriguing production, this pick would be almost all about choosing the guy with superior traits (Walker) over the guy with superior production (Hutchinson).
Trent Baalke solidified his offensive line in free agency by tagging (and recently re-signing) Cam Robinson at the left tackle spot as well as bringing in offensive guard Brandon Scherff in free agency.
Walker is an outstanding athlete, a hard worker, and a genuinely humble young man who is also just 21 years old.
He’s built like a traditional defensive end but was frequently dropped into coverage for the Bulldogs and excelled thanks to his athleticism and range.
This is anything but a home run pick, but it’s certainly a justifiable selection for the Jaguars with high upside.
2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
The Detroit Lions really couldn’t script this any better.
Over the last handful of months, I think everyone in Detroit has been hoping the Jaguars would go with someone other than Aidan Hutchinson so he could stay in the state of Michigan.
This pick would sell a lot of jerseys, there’s no doubt, and Hutchinson would immediately become a cornerstone player for the Detroit Lions’ defense.
If anyone in this draft class exemplifies what the Lions want in terms of “knee-biting” players, Hutchinson is exactly that.
He may not be the longest defender off the edge but Hutchinson is an impact player who finds a number of different ways to get pressure on the quarterback and impact games in a significant way.
That’s exactly what the Detroit Lions need right now in Aaron Glenn’s defense. Even if there are plenty of additional needs for this team to address besides just edge, I think Hutchinson would be an outstanding foundation piece for this Detroit rebuild defensively.
Last year, the Lions went with a core piece in the trenches offensively with Penei Sewell, and this year, they go with Hutchinson to build their defense around.
3. Houston Texans: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
There are plenty of directions the Houston Texans could go with this pick that would make sense.
They could go with a lineman like Ikem Ekwonu or Evan Neal to really fortify that unit.
They could take Sauce Gardner, who didn’t allow a single touchdown in his time at Cincinnati.
They could surprise everyone and go with another edge rusher, maybe Jermaine Johnson or Kayvon Thibodeaux.
The one rumor that makes the most sense right now, however, is that the Texans are enamored with Derek Stingley Jr. out of LSU.
Stingley was considered a top-five lock prior to the injury he suffered this past year and it’s funny how things come full-circle sometimes. He has the potential to be a true lockdown player at the NFL level and the Texans’ defense needs a foundation-type of player more than the offensive line needs an upgrade at guard or right tackle.
4. New York Jets: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
The rumor mill has been swirling lately regarding what the New York Jets could be up to with their two top-10 picks.
Could they use one of them to trade for Deebo Samuel? A Deebo Samuel trade could make this mock draft irrelevant in no time, so keep your eyes peeled for that.
The latest rumor involving the New York Jets is that Florida State pass rusher Jermaine Johnson, a breakout player in 2021, could be in play for that fourth overall pick. A number of teams picking in the top 10 this year need edge help, and Johnson is one of the better prospects in the class with his size, athleticism, and length.
Would this be a slightly surprising pick? Sure, but the Jets need edge help and Johnson can be an instant impact player for them.
5. New York Giants: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, North Carolina State
The Giants would probably be high-fiving in their war room just like the Detroit Lions were last year if this scenario were to play out.
There have been rumors that Ikem Ekwonu could go as high as first overall in this draft. In the end, the Giants may be able to stay put with the fifth overall pick and still get the top offensive lineman on their board.
That would be a huge haul for them because offensive line is their top area of need. With the recent improvements made by Andrew Thomas at left tackle, Ekwonu would probably have to move to the right side for Brian Daboll but that shouldn’t be a huge issue.
6. Carolina Panthers: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
For the longest time, I have had the Carolina Panthers taking Kenny Pickett at this slot. The tea leaves no longer lead me to believe that’s going to be the case.
Although Pickett and Matt Rhule go way back, I think the Panthers have something in place to trade for either Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo using 2023 NFL Draft capital sometime after this year’s draft.
I think they are desperate for offensive tackle help in this draft and there are some out there who believe Cross could wind up being the best of the bunch.
7. New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
The New York Giants have done a ton of work on Oregon pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, enough to make me think they have effectively talked themselves into picking him with one of their two picks here in the top 10.
I’m sure the Giants would love to trade down from one of these picks, but what for?
How often does the opportunity to make two picks in the top seven overall come along?
Kayvon Thibodeaux has been rumored as a top 3 pick and he’s been rumored to slide into the teens. I think landing in the middle on an EDGE-needy team like the Giants sounds about right.
A haul of Ikem Ekwonu and Kayvon Thibodeaux would be a great start to this draft for new GM Joe Schoen.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Sauce Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
For the longest time, I’ve been floating between quarterback and wide receiver here for the Atlanta Falcons.
Ultimately, this roster is so depleted I don’t know how they can justify taking anything but the best player available.
In this case, the best player available is Sauce Gardner, who has been projected to go as high as third overall to the Texans.
In case it hasn’t been stated enough, Sauce never allowed a touchdown as a member of Cincinnati’s defense. With Atlanta, he would join one of the best corners in the game right now, AJ Terrell, as well as free agent pickup Casey Hayward, to give the Falcons an excellent group of corners and legitimate long-term roster strength.
9. Seattle Seahawks: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
As promised, Desmond Ridder is the QB1 of this here mock draft scenario.
Ultimately, will this actually happen? That remains to be seen, but the buzz has certainly been building since the Senior Bowl regarding Ridder, and the Seahawks have consistently proven that they do not care what anyone else thinks regarding their draft board.
After the Russell Wilson trade, the Seahawks have Drew Lock and Geno Smith at the QB position but that simply isn’t going to cut it.
Could they go tackle here? Sure.
Ultimately, people might think the ideal way for Seattle to go about this is to trade back and get Ridder at a better “value” spot but if you love a guy at QB, just take him.
10. New York Jets: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Could this pick be utilized in a Deebo Samuel trade? As of right now, everyone thinks the Jets are the most likely landing spot given their plethora of draft capital this year but if they don’t pull off a trade for Deebo, they could still use this pick on a receiver.
This would be a risky selection, but the high risk could yield a high reward.
Williams was on pace to be the WR1 of this class prior to an ACL injury in the National Championship game, and he looks well ahead of schedule in his recovery.
The Jets take him here and bank on his recovery process going smoothly. This is a long-term move, it’s not about Week 1.
11. Washington Commanders: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
We all know how much the Commanders love Alabama prospects, and in this case, they are not only getting a member of the Crimson Tide but an absolute steal at pick 11 overall.
Evan Neal is one of the best offensive line prospects in this draft class and sometimes there’s really no rhyme or reason why a great prospect slips a little bit other than teams have different priorities.
The Commanders wouldn’t complain, and they would certainly be able to find a spot for Neal on their offensive line. He has played a variety of positions and even with Charles Leno Jr. playing well, Samuel Cosmi looking like a hit, and the addition of Andrew Norwell at left guard, Neal would be a plug-and-play starter from day one.
I think the Commanders have to do something here to support the acquisition of Carson Wentz and getting a stud like Neal is certainly one way to do that.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
The Vikings missed out on the top two cornerbacks in this 2022 NFL mock draft scenario, but they would be jumping for joy if they were looking at a scenario with Kyle Hamilton and Trent McDuffie still on the board.
Ultimately, Hamilton is going to be too high on their overall board to pass on for perhaps a more pressing “need” at cornerback, although the Vikings seemingly love McDuffie.
Hamilton would join a fellow former Golden Domer, Harrison Smith, on the back end of the Vikings’ secondary.
13. Houston Texans: Drake London, WR, USC
The Houston Texans just gave an extension to wide receiver Brandin Cooks. They used one of their top picks last year on Michigan’s Nico Collins, although to be fair, that pick was in round three.
The Texans need more receivers if they’re actually going to give Davis Mills a fair look in 2022, and one of the more NFL-ready guys in this class — at least to me — is USC’s Drake London.
When you talk about catch radius and body control, this guy’s got them in spades. Houston went with Derek Stingley Jr. atop this class and going London here would mean going with two guys that have some injury questions right now, but these are long-term moves.
I think London has a chance to be one of the most impactful rookies in this class and he’ll make Davis Mills’ life a lot easier.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
The Baltimore Ravens may not necessarily take a “best player available” approach in that they will forsake some team needs, but they can’t pass up on Trent McDuffie in this slot.
Although no pun was intended, McDuffie could come in immediately and play the slot for the Ravens and eventually work his way into a full-time role on the outside. Marcus Peters is 29 and entering the final year of his contract with the Ravens.
McDuffie has the type of physical style of play the Ravens love and I think he’s a great fit here at 14.
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Jordan Davis, IDL, Georgia
Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is nothing if not a sucker for athletic big men.
Roseman built one of the most impressive teams in the last decade through the trenches first and foremost. That has always been his priority and it will continue to be so here in this mock draft scenario.
Although some are not keen on the idea of Jordan Davis in the top 15 because of the limited snap count he played at Georgia, he’s capable of taking on a bigger role at the next level and is an absolute force on the interior when he’s at his best.
The Eagles will need to find ways to extract the best out of Davis consistently, and if they can, watch out. This guy is one of the rarest athletes you will ever see with his combination of size, length, strength, speed, and explosiveness.
16. New Orleans Saints: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
The New Orleans Saints made a curious trade to acquire multiple first-round selections in this year’s draft, which initially had everyone thinking quarterback. After re-signing Jameis Winston to a two-year deal, perhaps QB is not on the docket for the Saints right now.
At least, not a rookie.
The bigger need right now for the Saints is likely at the left tackle position where Terron Armstead vacated a post he has held for the better part of the last decade.
With Armstead in Miami, the Saints move forward with a bookend duo of Ryan Ramczyk and Trevor Penning, who will give teams fits with their physicality and intensity.
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Well, this would be a nightmare if you’re another team in the AFC West.
Justin Herbert has quickly established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He already has one of the top receiver duos in the NFL in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, who just re-signed to a long-term deal.
Then here, you add Garrett Wilson to the mix?
The Chargers have a big need at the right tackle position, but if Wilson is on the board, tackle will have to wait.
18. Philadelphia Eagles: Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College
I said it before — Howie Roseman likes to build through the trenches and this would back that up.
Zion Johnson has really been rising in the pre-draft process and he would help solidify the interior of the Philadelphia Eagles offensive line which brought back center Jason Kelce and has 2021 second-rounder Landon Dickerson back as well.
Johnson had elite testing scores at the Scouting Combine and while he was at Boston College, started at least 10 games at right tackle, left guard, and left tackle.
He’s got outstanding versatility and I think the trenches will be prioritized over wide receiver. Could Howie Roseman go receiver three years in a row in the first round? It’s not impossible by any means but with Drake London and Jameson Williams off the board, I think the focus will be elsewhere.
19. New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
There’s very little doubt that the Saints need wide receiver help after what we saw from that group last season.
Without Michael Thomas, it was tough to watch. Marquez Callaway led the Saints in targets last season, so when no. 13 is fully healthy, his return to the field will be a welcomed sight.
How about pairing up Thomas with another Buckeye?
Chris Olave is a smooth route runner with good speed, the ability to stretch the field, and reliability.
Olave can create separation at every level of the field and would give the Saints a desperately needed WR2 to pair with Thomas.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Ultimately, the biggest question about this pick is — when does it happen?
Last year, it felt like the Steelers had badly telegraphed their interest in Najee Harris. This year, they have seemingly made no secret their interest in Liberty QB Malik Willis.
Will they have to jump into the earlier portion of round one to get him?
This is general manager Kevin Colbert’s final draft with the Steelers, so he might as well go out with a bang. If Pittsburgh believes Willis can reach his massive potential in their system, perhaps starting out behind former no. 2 overall pick Mitchell Trubisky, then they should absolutely go for it.
21. New England Patriots: Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
The first off-ball linebacker off the board is not Devin Lloyd or Nakobe Dean, but Quay Walker, whose name has been picking up a lot of steam in the weeks leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft.
What is something we know to be true about Bill Belichick?
He is not afraid of the perceived “reach”.
What’s something else we know to be true about Belichick?
He loves players from Georgia and Alabama, and rightfully so. Those are two powerhouse college programs that consistently crank out NFL-ready talent.
Quay Walker is one of many outstanding athletes from the Bulldogs’ legendary 2021 defense and he’ll be an instant starter for the Patriots.
22. Green Bay Packers: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
Although everyone has been predicting the Packers will finally take a receiver in round one since the Davante Adams trade, I’m not so sure about that.
Here, the Packers do end their streak of not taking offensive players (not including Jordan Love) with the underrated Bernhard Raimann, a converted tight end out of Central Michigan who is a great fit in the zone blocking scheme.
Raimann doesn’t have ideal length at the position, and he’s perhaps a bit of a project, but he could be an immediate starter at right tackle for the Packers while Elgton Jenkins could play his more natural position on the interior.
23. Arizona Cardinals: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
The Arizona Cardinals may have other more pressing needs besides the wide receiver position, but none of the players at those positions match the value or potential year one impact of Jahan Dotson.
The Andy Isabella pick hasn’t worked out for Arizona. AJ Green is back, but only on a one-year deal.
With Deshaun Watson and Rondale Moore in the fold, Dotson becomes an immediate option to play inside in the slot or outside for the Cardinals and help create offense for quarterback Kyler Murray.
Assuming Murray is still in Arizona.
Dotson’s name has been linked to the Cardinals too many times and for too long to merely be a coincidence or chatter at this point. I’m guessing the interest here is legit.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
As of this point in time, it feels like Treylon Burks is the apple of Jerry Jones’ eye.
Burks hails from Jones’ alma mater Arkansas, and could fall in the first round due to some unexpected poor measurables at the Scouting Combine.
Here in the later portion of round one, the Cowboys snag the versatile Burks to replace Amari Cooper, who was traded to the Cleveland Browns in a disappointing salary dump.
Burks is an exciting playmaker who has some skills reminiscent of Deebo Samuel, who almost single-handedly knocked the Cowboys out of the playoffs on their own field.
25. Buffalo Bills: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
The Buffalo Bills have been consistently projected to go with just the best player available here at pick no. 25 and that’s exactly what they should do.
We’ve seen in free agency how important the trenches are to Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane, but there needs to be a little emphasis in the Draft on the interior offensive line.
The Bills did bring in veteran Rodger Saffold, albeit on a one-year deal.
Kenyon Green played a variety of positions at Texas A&M on the offensive line and really thrived at the left guard spot, where I think he could start as a rookie for the Bills.
26. Tennessee Titans: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
In this 2022 NFL mock draft projection, Kenny Pickett falls about as far as I have had him falling throughout this whole process.
Pickett could still go as high as no. 6 overall and maybe teams are doing a really good job of veiling their true interest in him as the Draft draws near, but you also can’t help but wonder how much the hand size thing is going to bother teams.
The Titans have a quarterback who has played rather well for them in Ryan Tannehill who also has some of the smallest hands of any starting QB in the NFL. Maybe that doesn’t matter to them as much as it might for other teams.
The Titans have also been considered a potential sleeper team in this year’s draft to select a quarterback. If a situation like this presents itself, you can’t help but wonder…
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devonte Wyatt, IDL, Georgia
As of the time this mock draft is being made, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have not brought back veteran defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh.
Although they have plenty of other areas to address especially with the departure of two starting guards in free agency, a starting safety in free agency, and the tight end position is a question mark right now as well.
Despite the hype Jordan Davis has received, Devonte Wyatt is actually the top interior defensive lineman on some boards this year and understandably so. He’s got outstanding get-off and burst at the snap, and could be an absolute monster at the 3T in Todd Bowles’ defense.
28. Green Bay Packers: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
The Packers could “reach” for a receiver here or they could snag themselves a steal in one of the best overall defenders in this year’s class, Devin Lloyd.
Some feel like Lloyd is a top-10 pick, some may have him dropping out of round one completely.
I think teams at the bottom of round one will have an easy time talking themselves into Lloyd, especially a team like the Packers with multiple selections here.
Lloyd would pair up with breakout player De’Vondre Campbell to give the Packers a fearsome, versatile duo at the position for the foreseeable future.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Dax Hill, DB, Michigan
The Kansas City Chiefs need help at every level of their defense.
Although the team brought in Justin Reid and said goodbye to Tyrann Mathieu, is Reid really a one-for-one replacement for what Mathieu brings to the table?
I’m not so sure about that.
The Chiefs need more help in the secondary especially considering their lost their top cornerback — Charvarius Ward — as well as saying goodbye to Mathieu.
Dax Hill can play the deep free safety position, he can come into the box, and he can cover the slot. His toughness, speed, and versatility would be great for Kansas City’s defense.
30. Kansas City Chiefs: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
After the Achilles injury at his pro day, Ojabo has almost completely fallen out of first-round mock draft projections. Apparently, we should slow down on that thought a little bit.
Prior to the Achilles injury, Ojabo was considered a potential top 10 player in this draft.
The Chiefs have 12 picks in this class and unless they trade a bunch of them to maneuver around the board, it’s hard to believe that 12 rookies will make the Kansas City roster this year.
Ojabo would be a great stash pick for the Chiefs, who are not necessarily in any rush. They’re going to contend regardless of who this pick is, so why not spend it on a guy who could give you the best bang for your buck, even if it’s not until the playoffs or next season?
31. Cincinnati Bengals: Logan Hall, DL, Houston
The Bengals should be considered a prime trade candidate here in case anyone wants to move into the back end of the first round for a quarterback, wide receiver, offensive tackle, or literally anything else.
If the Bengals stay put, they could get some nice value in Logan Hall, a versatile defensive lineman who has done just about everything for Houston from playing over the center to playing off the edge.
Having a deep defensive line rotation was critical for the Bengals in their run to claim the AFC crown this past season. They let Larry Ogunjobi walk in free agency, so they need to bring in some additional depth.
32. Detroit Lions: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
The Detroit Lions cap off round one with the selection of Georgia safety Lewis Cine, who becomes the fifth Georgia defender selected in the first round of this mock draft, an insane number for one side of the ball of one college team.
That doesn’t include former Georgia transfer Jermaine Johnson, and linebacker Nakobe Dean could find himself in the first round mix as well.
For the Lions, Lewis Cine could be a great fit in round one. I thought Detroit would go hard after a safety in free agency like Marcus Williams, but they didn’t land anybody.
Lewis Cine has outstanding athleticism and range, and combined with Aidan Hutchinson would give the Lions a very solid foundation to open up this draft.