2022 NFL Mock Draft

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With the NFL Draft less than a week away we are in the final calls for mock drafts. Here is my first round of the 2022 NFL Mock Draft.

No. 1 Jacksonville Jaguars: EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan

The Jaguars re-signed Cam Robinson and signed Brandon Scherff in free agency to protect franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

In this 2022 NFL Mock Draft the Jacksonville Jaguars select Aidan Hutchinson to serve as the leader of the defense and usher in a new era of Jaguars football.

No. 2 Detroit Lions: QB Malik Willis, Liberty

While the Detroit Lions still have Jared Goof as their QB, it’s likely he is not in the Lions long term plans.

Head Coach Dan Campbell wants an electric team that can run the football well and have electric passing plays. Malik Willis can do both.

No. 3 Houston Texans: OT Ikem Ekonwu, North Carolina State

A shocker as the consensus tackle is not chosen. I believe Ikem Ekonwu will be the first tackle taken in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Ekonwu fits well compared to what the Houston Texans blocking scheme calls for. A zone blocking scheme that calls for twitchy, smooth movers that can glide with excellent speed.

No. 4 New York Jets: DB, Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame

Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh is open to taking a skill position player early if he is the right player.

“Depends on how good he is”

Robert Saleh on taking a safety early

Never say never to a unicorn like Kyle Hamilton who is the consensus number one defensive back in this years draft class. He’s a swiss army knife.

No. 5 New York Giants: EDGE Travon Walker, Georgia

This pick may upset Giants fans on this 2022 NFL Mock Draft and is a classic projection vs production debate. Walkers projection at the NFL level outweighs his production levels at Georgia.

In a crowded yet star studded defense, Walker was still a bright spot opening up opportunities for his teammates.

Travon Walkers’ traits scream high upside. He has the ability to cover running backs and tight ends, is an excellent run defender. Furthermore, Walker showcases raw power and rushing ability throughout his tape.

No. 6 Carolina Panthers: QB Matt Corral, Ole Miss

Amidst the talk about the Carolina Panthers swinging big for a quarterback, Malik Willis is already off the table. Peter Schrager of Good Morning Football says to not be surprised if the Panthers select Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral.

Routinely we have seen quarterback needy teams bring in one to two year stop-gap veterans to make way for a franchise quarterback and Matt Rhule believes Corral is their guy.

One of the strongest arms in this years class, quick feet and pocket presence are a couple of traits the Panther organization are sold on.

No. 7 New York Giants: OT Evan Neal, Alabama

The Giants continue to build through the trenches in this mock draft. Firstly, by pairing up Azeez Ojulari and Travon Walker on the defense.

Secondly, Daniel Jones has solid pass protectors and Saquan Barkley has valuable run defenders in Andrew Thomas and Evan Neal.

The Giants could pair up both Thomas and Neal on the left side or Neal could be their starting right tackle. Either way the Giants get the consensus number one tackle with terrific value.

No. 8 Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon

It’s no secret the Atlanta Falcons have a pass rush problem and Kayvon Thibodeaux is just the player to mitigate it.

Thibodeauxs’ explosiveness pops out on tape and consistently performs well against the run. He brings excitement into a defense that has been lacking it

While Thibodeaux has fallen down draft boards the last few weeks, the Atlanta Falcons should not over think this selection as he is a pure pass rusher that can also defend the run.

No. 9 Seattle Seahawks: DB, Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Cincinnati

Ahmad Gardner is a Cover 3 zone corner and the Seahawks with Pete Carroll are known for primarily utilizing Cover 3 scheme.

Gardner should bring the length, size, speed and swagger that the Seahawks secondary has been missing since the Legion of Boom days. This should help Seattle build up their defense.

No. 10  New York Jets: WR, Drake London, USC

The Jets have made it known that they are looking to add a premier wideout into their offense to help Zach Wilson.

Drake London is just the wide receiver that fits into their offense. London is known as a deep threat and is willing to put his body on the line around the middle of the field. This bodes well for Zach Wilson’s gun slinger mentality and strong arm as London has a big catch radius.

Not only can London gain yards after the catch but he will be a important piece in LaFluer’s offense as a run blocker.

No. 11 Washington Commanders: EDGE Jermaine Johnson II, Florida State

Former “Last Chance U” start turned Senior Bowl standout Jermaine Johnson is selected by the Commanders to line up opposite of Chase Young.

He has massive upside as a pass rusher with all athletic tools you could wish for. Johnson is still relatively new to the position and was dominant in college.

I expect him to have a big impact at the next level, especially in Washington and possibly put up double-digit sack numbers

No. 12 Minnesota Vikings: CB, Derek Stingley Jr., LSU

The Minnesota Vikings are privy to drafting LSU talent and I would not doubt them picking up Stingley in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Minnesota was 22nd in passing touchdowns allowed and 28th in passing yards allowed last year. They picked up Patrick Peterson to shore up the secondary and will get stronger if Stingley is the pick.

Stingley is terrific at press man, defending against the run and explodes in space.

No. 13 Houston Texans: WR, Jameson Williams, Alabama

The possibility exists for Williams to be ready by Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season; also, it feels like a good idea for the Texans to surround Davis Mills with offensive talent.

His blazing speed and stellar route running coupled with his ability to stretch the field vertically and track the deep ball would be an electric addition to a lackluster Texans offense.

No. 14 Baltimore Ravens: OT, Charles Cross, Mississippi State

Charles Cross has elite potential as a pass protector and is one of the the best in this years class.

Yes, the Baltimore Ravens do have Ronnie Stanley, Morgan Moses and Ju’wan James on the roster; however, Stanley’s ankle injuries have been a cause for concerns.

At worst, Cross can start as a left guard and then transition into the left or right tackle position. Undoubtly, it will help Lamar Jackson to have time in the pocket to throw more.

No. 15 Philadelphia Eagles: CB, Trent McDuffie, Washington

Trent McDuffie is one of the most versatile defensive backs in this years class and a reason as to why I have the Eagles drafting him in this 2022 NFL Mock draft.

Philadelphia is lacking corners badly. He might not be the best press corner in Jonathan Gannon’s scheme, but he will be critical in their zone looks. McDuffie can be moved to safety if needed as he has safety reps from his time in Washington.

No. 16 New Orleans Saints: QB, Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh

It’s the dawn of a new era in the bayou. The Saints are rumored to have interest in Kenny Pickett as their potential franchise quarterback.

Pickett possesses a good arm and is capable of making most NFL throw easily. The Panthers product fits the Saints offensive system as he can drive the deep ball out to the sideline from the opposite hash and has no problem threading the needle between closing defenders.

No. 17 Los Angeles Chargers: WR, Garrett Wilson, Ohio State

The Chargers always seem to have the best luck in best players avaliable. This time the Chargers fill a need and get one of the best route runners in the draft.

Wilson is a dynamic prospect at the receiver position that leverages his athleticism with equal success when the ball is in his hands. Helps that Justin Herbert is his quarterback.

No. 18 Philadelphia Eagles: EDGE, George Karlaftis, Purdue

Philadelphia has hosted numerous pass rush prospects for their private workouts and it is no secret they are looking to draft an EDGE rusher.

Karlaftis was not eye-opening on the stat sheet but his film speaks for himself. Routinely, the Boilermaker product would be double teamed. Thus, allowing other teammates to be free and make plays on the quarterback and backfield.

He is an athletic EDGE rusher than can play inside and outside, the Eagles could use his versatility to create opportunities on defense.

No 19. New Orleans Saints: OT, Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa

After the loss of Terron Armstead in free agency, the Saints select Trevor Penning in this 2022 NFL Mock draft.

Penning is a massive human with prototype traits to be a starting left tackle in the NFL. He’s athletic enough to be a starting left tackle and strong enough to be a right tackle.

While Penning is not the best pass protector just yet, he’s a mauler in the run game which could benefit the Saints backfield and Kenny Pickett.

No 20. Pittsburgh Steelers: iOL, Zion Johnson, Boston College

Lots of noise coming out that the Pittsburgh Steelers are rumored to select Desmond Ridder at the 20th pick.

The smart route would be to solidify the interior offensive line to help Najee Harris and the running game before drafting a rookie quarterback.

Pittsburghs key decision makers met with Johnson at the senior bowl a whopping five times. Johnsons’ versatility is a major plus for a Steelers team that is trying to solidify the trenches.

No 21. New England Patriots: CB, Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson

Drafting a cornerback seems like a relatively safe bet for the New England Patriots. Considering they lost J.C. Jackson in free agency and Stephon Gilmore last season, Andrew Booth is a perfect injection to their secondary.

The Tiger product is a terrific press man corner that fits in Belichicks cover 1 scheme. Booth is physical, plays the ball well and has the potential to be left on an island early on his career.

No 22. Green Bay Packers: WR, Treylon Burks, Arkansas

Treylon Burks visited the Green Bay Packers for an individual workout, and history shows that the Packers draft players they usually bring in for workouts.

Green Bay has an obvious need at the pass catching position following the loss of MVS and the trade of Davante Adams.

Burks brings the YAC ability Aaron Rodgers has been missing since 2008 and a big bodied big play target.

No 23. Arizona Cardinals: iOL, Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa

Regardless of the fact that the Cardinals should extend Kyler Murray, Linderbaum would be the best pick if the board falls this way.

Linderbaum solidifies the interior offensive line and can be a replacement for Rodney Hudson. The Cardinals value flexibility along the offensive line and the Hawkeye product could play guard and then transition to the center position.

No 24. Dallas Cowboys: iOL, Kenyon Green, Texas A&M

Kenyon Green has played all over the offensive line as an Aggie and it makes him a versatile weapon.

“Being able to play everything isn’t just to help you, but it’s also to helps your team out”

Kenyon Green

The Cowboys released La’el Collins and lost Conor Williams in free agency leaving a guard and a tackle spot open. Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones said offensive line help is likely to be a target somewhere in the first three rounds.

Green has all the potential in the world – he has elite strength, is very quick for his size, and has tremendous drive in the running game

No 25. Buffalo Bills: CB, Kaiir Elam, Florida

Sean McDermott and Leslie Frazier’s cornerbacks are meant to be tall, long and physical cornerbacks.

Elam has all of those traits and is suited towards a zone scheme, which the Buffalo Bills run.

Levi Wallace left to Pittsburgh in free agency which leaves up a hole opposite Tredavious White. Elam would be a solid CB2 and the Bills staff will be able to coach up his inconsistencies.

No 26. Tennessee Titans: LB, Devin Lloyd, Utah

While the Titans don’t have any pressing needs and opt for the best player available.

Picture Devin Lloyd, a fast, hard hitting linebacker, who wraps well, and an excellent pass rusher on the edge, next to Jayon Brown and Rashaan Evans.

Lloyd can produce downhill and make plays in coverage, solidifying the linebacker core in Tennessee.

No 27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DL, Jordan Davis, Georgia

The Bucs’ four-man rush wasn’t the most effective in 2021. Per Sports Info Solutions, the Buccaneers defense was 17th in sack percentage when rushing four defenders and 29th in pressure rate (17.2%) when rushing four defensive linemen.

This is where Jordan Davis comes into play. Davis, while a powerful defensive tackle can also beat people with speed in quickness inside the interior gaps.

A massive human such as Davis can engulf multiple blockers allowing teammates to get after the quarterback.

No 28. Green Bay Packers: OL, Bernhard Raimann, Central Michigan

In this 2022 NFL Mock draft, the Green Bay Packers select Ramann to to play along their offensive line.

The Packers may not have Elgton Jenkins by the time the season starts so Raimann can play tackle and move to guard to gain more experience.

No 29. Kansas City Chiefs: WR, Jahan Dotson, Penn State

The Chiefs will look to draft a wide receiver after losing Byron Pringle and Tyreek Hill.

Jahan Dotson just gets open and is one of the better deep threats in this years draft class. He’s been productive with below average quarterback play.

Routinely, Dotson has shown the ability to make tough acrobatic catches. He’s got great burst, is an excellent route-runner, has dependable hands, and comes back to the ball well.

No 30. Kansas City Chiefs: DT, Travis Jones, Connecticut

With back to back first round picks, the Chiefs elect to shore up their run defense in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft by drafting Senior Bowl Standout Travis Jones.

Kansas city has had their run game woes on defense and Travis Jones solves those issues.

No 31. Cincinnati Bengals: OT, Tyler Smith, Tulsa

We saw the Bengals reach the super bowl with a below average offensive line. Tyler Smith is an ultra-aggressive mauler and a nasty streak along in pass protection and run blocking.


He’ll help to protect Joe Burrow to get back to the Super Bowl.

No 32. Detroit Lions: OLB, Nakobe Dean, Georgia

Nakobe Dean will be a culture changer in Detroit and someone Dan Campbell will love to have.

The Bulldog product is a matchup weapon on defense that can be utilized as a pass rusher, run defender and coverage linebacker.

**This Article was originally published on ATB Network***

 

Hussam Patel is a Miami Dolphins contributor and Lead NFL Draft analyst at Five Reasons Sports Network, Director of Scouting at PhinManiacs and Editor at Dolphins ATB. Follow him on Twitter at @HussamPatel

 

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