Hussam Patel’s Final 2022 Mock Draft
With the NFL Draft less than a week away we are in the final calls for mock drafts. Here is my 2022 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
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 2.0 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.
I’ve watched every snap of Malik Willis’s 2021 season. An outstanding campaign.
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) April 22, 2022
My favorite moment comes after the whistle in Liberty’s bowl win over Eastern Michigan…How can you not love this fire?
@malikwillis @LibertyFootball @gmfb pic.twitter.com/DpfJwmsG0b
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: EDGE, Travon Walker, Georgia
This pick riles up the Jets fan base 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. Robert Saleh will have fun with Walker.
No. 5 New York Giants: EDGE, Kayvon Thibodeuax, Oregon
Joe Schoen has legitimate interest in Oregon superstar Kayvon Thibodeuax and would be a fantastic pairing opposite Azeez Ojulairi.
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 New York Giants should not over think this selection as he is a pure pass rusher that can also defend the run.
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 Kayvon Thibodeuax 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, Jermaine Johnson II, FSU
Former “Last Chance U” star turned Senior Bowl standout Jermaine Johnson is selected by the Atlanta Falcons in a rebuilding year.
Learn more about Last Chance U Alum Jermaine Johnson (@ii_jermaine) @NFL @FSUFootball pic.twitter.com/YtuJr6gn9e
— Last Chance U (@LastChanceUAlum) April 16, 2022
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 Atlanta and possibly put up double-digit sack numbers
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: DB, Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame
The Commanders released Landon Collins and have a void in their three-safety package on defense. Kyle Hamilton is versatile enough to play any position in the secondary.
The right player in Washington’s buffalo nickel package is Kyle Hamilton.
That Kyle Hamilton guy isn’t bad huh… pic.twitter.com/O9qbxel3rK
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) April 21, 2022
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. 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, Trevor Penning, Northern Illinois
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 concern.
Trevor Penning is a solid selection to develop in Baltimore and take part in a fearsome ground attack with Lamar Jackson, Mark Ingram and JK Dobbins, when healthy.
As promised,
— Cory (@realcorykinnan) February 4, 2022
A Week at the Senior Bowl with Trevor Penning pic.twitter.com/rGsjEUskR3
At worst, Penning 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 2.0.
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: OT, Charles Cross, Mississippi State
Charles Cross has elite potential as a pass protector and is one of the best in this years class.
The Saints get a fantastic pass protector to replace Terron Armstead who left in free agency.
No. 17 Los Angeles Chargers: WR, Garrett Wilson, Ohio State
The Chargers always seem to have the best luck in the best players available. 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 that can play inside and outside, the Eagles could use his versatility to create opportunities on defense.
No 19. 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 20. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB, Desmond Ridder, Pittsburgh
The Steelers are in the midst of finding a franchise quarterback after the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. Pittsburgh opts to draft a high ceiling rising quarterback in this 2022 NFL mock draft 2.0.
From @NFLMatchup
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) April 20, 2022
Our breakdown piece on #Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder.
• Pace & touch thrower
• Ability to isolate/eliminate
• Plays with poise & composure @gregcosell pic.twitter.com/9af7xtP4rl
Ridder is pro-ready coming from a pro-style offense in Cincinnati and fits what Matt Canada’s offensive scheme looks like for a quarterback.
No 21. New England Patriots: DB, Daxton Hill, Michigan
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, Daxton Hill is a perfect injection to their secondary.
Hill does everything, can be a slot corner, play center field, tackles well, gets after the quarterback and defends the run. Versatility is the name of the game in a New England defense.
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: CB, Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson
One component Cardinals’ defensive coordinator Vance Joseph loves is physical cornerbacks, which makes Booth an option for the Cardinals.
Booth plays the ball well, fits a zone system and can be put on an island if needed.
Cornerback remains a critical position the Cardinals must address heading into the draft.
No 24. Dallas Cowboys: iOL, Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa
Linderbaum would be the best pick if the board falls this way and fills a need.
Linderbaum solidifies the interior offensive line and can be a replacement for Tyler Biadsz. The Cowboys value flexibility along the offensive line and the Hawkeye product could play guard and then transition to the center position.
No 25. Buffalo Bills: CB, Kyler Gordon, Washington
The Buffalo Bills love players with athletic potential and versatility. Kyler Gordon can play as a secondary cornerback and as a slot corner.
.@UW_Football @trent_mcduffie & @kyler_gordon are 2 good looking prospects who have been taught well in all aspects of coverage. Both have a chance to begin their #NFL careers a week from Thursday night. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/suXHcOohzA
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) April 16, 2022
Levi Wallace left for Pittsburgh in free agency which leaves up a hole opposite Tre’davious White. Gordon would be a solid CB2 and the Bills staff will be able to coach him up.
No 26. Tennessee Titans: OL, 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”
Green has all the potential in the world – he has elite strength, is very quick for his size that can help protect Ryan Tannehill and has tremendous drive in the running game.
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 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 and 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, Zion Johnson, Boston College
Zion Johnson is a plug-and-play starter at guard, and has the versatility to kick out and play right tackle at the next level.
He even took snaps at center during Senior Bowl week. That type of versatility could make him an attractive target for the Packers with the 28th overall pick in this 2022 NFL mock draft 2.0.
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.
Jahan Dotson: Has the best hands among the top prospects in this class and sports a 96th percentile (!!) success rate vs. zone coverage in RP. Just a damn good player.
— Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) April 22, 2022
Full #ReceptionPerception profile:https://t.co/a25x5BrXg3 pic.twitter.com/mENOwISZn7
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: LB, Devin Lloyd, Utah
Devin Lloyd is a tall athletic linebacker with great range and lean build. The loss of Melvin Ingram opens up a pass rush position for the Chiefs.
Lloyd could be the centerpiece of Steve Spagnulos defense with Nick Bolton in the linebacker core.
The Utes product can line up as a MIKE, outside, EDGE rusher and as a big slot defenders.
No 31. Cincinnati Bengals: CB, Kaiir Elam, Florida
The Bengals are expected to draft a cornerback in this years NFL Draft and do just that in this 2022 NFL Mock draft 2.0.
“A guy with length, a guy with speed, can change direction, go get the ball—those are some of the qualities you look for, especially higher in the draft”
Bengals Defensive Coordinator Lou Anaroumo
Elam has all of those traits and is suited towards a zone scheme, which Bengals run
No 32. Detroit Lions: LB, 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.z
**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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