Well it’s here, my final mock draft of the 2022 NFL Draft cycle and boy am I glad. Removing the quarterback position, this group was a blast to evaluate and I’m happy for each and every player as they transition into the NFL. However, this has also been the most difficult NFL Draft to predict in some time, especially with the uncertainty surrounding the number overall pick.
I don’t what I’m doing and neither do the people who are more qualified than me. Despite that fact, here is my final predictive mock draft for the 2022 NFL Draft. There will be no trades whatsoever, nor will this reflect my rankings either.
1: Jacksonville Jaguars – Travon Walker – EDGE – Georgia
Personally, this is most certainly NOT what I would do with the first pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, obviously. But do I think the Jacksonville Jaguars, or more specifically, Trent Baalke is bold enough to do this? Yes. According to ESPN, Travon Walker’s odds of going number one overall has been steadily rising as of late despite Aidan Hutchinson remaining the favorite.
No one can deny that Walker is a tremendous athlete as well as a top-tier run defender. He displays plenty of upside as a prospect however, he is incredibly raw as a pass rusher that relies purely upon power and athleticism rather than technique. If Jacksonville can bring out the best in Walker then this pick could very well look genius in a few years’ time.
2: Detroit Lions –. Aidan Hutchinson – EDGE – Michigan
In this scenario, Jacksonville passes on Hutchinson and so he falls here to the Dan Campbell at the second overall pick. Hutchinson displays great power at the point of attack and is diverse with rush moves against the pass that can fit in multiple defensive fronts. He is exactly the type of pass rusher Detroit covets and will form a powerful duo alone with Romeo Okwara.
3: Houston Texans – Ikem Ekwonu – Offensive Tackle – NC State
The first offensive lineman off the board is Ekwonu here to the Houston Texans and gives them plenty of versatility. Although Kayvon Thibodeaux should be a strong consideration with this pick, Houston must put pieces around Davis Mills if he is their quarterback going forward. Ekwonu is a physical, intelligent, and technically sound lineman that can be a franchise guard for them.
4: New York Jets – Kayvon Thibodeaux – EDGE – Oregon
The New York Jets have famously ignored the pass rusher position for the last decade and haven’t had a stalwart pass rusher since John Abraham. This is not to say Thibodeaux is guaranteed to be Abraham, however, this athletic pass rusher from Oregon could be a dominant edge defender for a long time.
5: New York Giants – Evan Neal – Offensive Tackle – Alabama
The Giants brass is reportedly in on Charles Cross, the offensive tackle from Mississippi State. However, that love becomes null and void here with this pick. Evan Neal is a versatile offensive tackle that can easily slide into the starting right tackle job for Giants, finally giving them two bookends for Daniels Jones.
6: Carolina Panthers – Malik Willis – Quarterback – Liberty
Ultimately this pick could very well be Kenny Pickett on Thursday night however Carolina should bet on the tremendous upside of Malik Willis. With incredible athleticism and a fantastic arm, Willis has impressive intangibles but is certainly a project that given their desperate situation, could be worth the risk.
7: New York Giants (from CHI) – Sauce Gardner – Cornerback – Cincinnati
Sauce Gardner is likely going earlier to the Giants at five but here they stay patient and get their CB1. Rumors have swirled all off-season that due to cap reasons, James Bradberry will be dealt in a trade. Even so, Gardner is a long-limbed corner with incredible athletic traits in addition to his high football acumen in coverage. He could be a shutdown corner for a long time in New York.
8: Atlanta Falcons – Garrett Wilson – Wide Receiver – Ohio State
The Atlanta Falcons roster is #notgood. They need pass rushers, some offensive lineman, a quarterback, and a few above-average defensive backs. But more importantly, they need a number one receiver without former first-round pick, Calvin Ridley, playing this year. Wilson is a high-floor receiver who possesses an incredible route-running ability that can step in along with Kyle Pitts and spearhead this offense.
9: Seattle Seahawks (from DEN) – Charles Cross – Offensive Tackle – Mississippi St.
Truthfully, this pick will likely be Derek Stingley or Trevor Penning, but as board value dictates, Cross is the best player on the board. The Seahawks tackle situation is less than ideal with Stone Forsythe and Jake Curhan as their starting bookends. Cross is an immediate upgrade due to his high marks as a pass protector.
10: New York Jets (from SEA) – Drake London – Wide Receiver – USC
The Jets have been willing to move heaven and earth to add wide receiver talent, having been a significant player in the Tyreek Hill sweepstakes. They didn’t land Hill, however, they get their top offensive weapon here with Drake London. Before the injury, London was the best receiver in the country due to his ball skills and physicality at the catch point. He can play outside but could be used as a big slot at the next level.
11: Washington Commanders – Jameson Williams – Wide Receiver – Alabama
This might be Kyle Hamilton when it’s all said and done however the Commanders seem concerned with adding more talent around Carson Wentz. Despite an ACL tear, Williams is incredible with the ball in his hands and will be an excellent pairing with Terry McLaurin.
12: Minnesota Vikings – Derek Stingley Jr. – Cornerback – LSU
The Vikings are in a desperate situation with their cornerback room. Currently, they’re fielding an aging Patrick Peterson and Cameron Dantzler who’s had inconsistent tape in Minnesota. Stingley, barring injury, has the potential to be a top player at his position and could thrive in Minnesota.
13: Houston Texans (from CLE) – Kyle Hamilton – Safety – Notre Dame
The Texans manage to come away with two of the best players in the class with their two, first-round picks. Hamilton is an undervalued prospect despite his natural instincts and agility in coverage. He has the potential to be a leader for this defense and easily become their best player.
14: Baltimore Ravens – Jermaine Johnson – EDGE – Florida State
As a Ravens myself, this is the dream scenario and could very well be the pick if there are no surprises in the top ten. Johnson had the best off-season out of any prospect, elevating himself from a round two projection to a top 15 player. He plays with great bend, good counters, and quickness to win around the edge. He and Odafe Oweh would make for an exciting pass-rush duo.
15: Philadelphia Eagles (from MIA) – Jordan Davis – Defensive Line – Georgia
With the Ravens going with Johnson, the Eagles take Jordan Davis to bolster their interior defensive line. Davis is an athletic unicorn with great run defense and change of direction skills. Fletcher Cox doesn’t project to be an Eagle for much longer, so getting a player Davis now is a must.
16: New Orleans Saints (from PHI) – Trevor Penning – Offensive Tackle – UNI
The Saints lost franchise left tackle to the Terron Armstead to the Miami Dolphins, and so there is a gaping hole on their offensive line. Despite his technical flaws, Penning has plenty of upside as a left tackle given his tenacity. He’s a risk New Orleans might have to take if the board falls this way.
17: LA Chargers – Devonte Wyatt – Defensive Tackle – Georgia
With all of the tackles gone already, the Chargers pivot to their secondary need at defensive tackle. Wyatt, despite some recent doubts from media evaluators, is an incredible talent with his hand quickness and football IQ. Wyatt is the final piece on a stacked defensive line.
18: Philadelphia Eagles (from NO) – Chris Olave – Wide Receiver – Ohio State
Philly needs more receiver talent to pair with DeVonta Smith and Jalen Reagor. Chris Olave is a wide receiver one for many people and rightly so. He has been a high floor route runner with some incredible catches on his film. Another receiver for Jalen Hurts will do wonders for his success.
19: New Orleans Saints (from PHI) – Treylon Burks – Wide Receiver – Arkansas
Speaking of success, Treylon Burks is an ideal player for the Saints. He can be played from any alignment either as a slot or an outside receiver with gadget plays thrown into the mix. This pick would allow New Orleans to get the most out of Jameis Winston.
20: Pittsburgh Steelers – Trent McDuffie – Cornerback – Washington
They’ll go quarterback however I’m so sick to death of this class I’m predicting them to go corner out of pure spite. Unprofessionalism aside, McDuffie can thrive as an inside corner due to his ability to channel route stems and incredible vision. He could easily go higher however I like him in Pittsburgh.
21: New England Patriots – Devin Lloyd – Linebacker – Utah
New England typically values larger linebackers a la D’onta Hightower or Ja’Whaun Bentley so taking Devin Lloyd here is a little unorthodox by their standards. Even so, Lloyd is a versatile chess piece in New England’s defense and as far as downhill attackers, he’s one of the best. Oh, and he can cover.
22. Green Bay Packers (from LVR) – Tyler Smith – Offensive Line – Tulsa
My brand has come full circle with this pick. Tyler Smith has been one of my guys ever since June of last year. He’s a young, high upside tackle with an incredible demeanor as a run blocker. Green Bay needs an offensive tackle desperately, and Smith could develop into one of the better players at his position.
23. Arizona Cardinals – Zion Johnson – Guard – Boston College
The Arizona Cardinals have had a tumultuous off-season with their star quarterback Kyler Murray, who was rumored to be on the trade block after it seemed he was fed up with the organization. Those rumors have since died down, however, Arizona needs to keep their young passer happy on the field and clean in the pocket. Zion Johnson is the best all-around guard in the 2022 NFL Draft and his plus athletic attributes will be a seamless fit with the Cardinals.
24: Dallas Cowboys – Kenyon Green – Guard – Texas A&M
The Dallas Cowboys could go receiver at 24 but protecting Dak Prescot via offensive line help isn’t a bad idea either. Kenyon Green should be looked at as an intriguing guard due to his ability to cut off defenders and excel in the run game.
25 Buffalo Bills – Breece Hall – Running Back – Iowa State
Running back in the first round has become a cardinal sin by many in the football community, especially since it’s seen as a luxury. Well luckily for Buffalo, their team can afford such a luxury. Breece Hall is not my personal RB1, however, his athleticism and the pass-catching upside is should be enough for Brandon Beane to pull the trigger here.
26: Tennessee Titans – Desmond Ridder – Quarterback – Cincinnati
A true shocker in the first round! The Titans need offensive line help but the board hasn’t fallen that way for them. If this is the case, finding the next guy to replace Ryan Tannehill could be in the cards for them. For as much criticism as I’ve levied towards Desmond Ridder, his high IQ and athletic prowess are intriguing. He could very well wind up being the best quarterback out of this class.
27: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Daxton Hill – Safety – Michigan
Admittedly the Tampa Bay Buccaneers do not need much on their roster aside from the interior offensive line. The board hasn’t fallen perfectly for them, however, we can guess from history, that safety could be on their radar. Todd Bowles loves collecting safeties, especially ones with versatility and high upside. Daxton Hill can fill many different roles for Tampa, and with a number of DBs set to hit the open market in 2023, this could be the right move.
28: Green Bay Packers – Logan Hall – Defensive Lineman – Houston
My love for Logan Hall has come full circle with this pick here with the Green Bay Packers. I’m not totally convinced the Packers will select a receiver in round one so getting a starting five-technique is next on their itinerary. Hall had an incredible off-season, showing his quickness and power off at the Senior Bowl. Hall is another upside-type that could grow into a key contributor to the Packers defense.
29: Kansas City Chiefs (from MIA/SFO) – George Karlaftis – EDGE – Purdue
One of the most important needs for Kansas City is an edge rusher and they need to address it early tomorrow. Karlaftis is a big 4-3 defensive end who plays with great hand technique against the run and can be an immediate contributor from day one.
30: Kansas City Chiefs – Skyy Moore – Wide Receiver – Western Michigan
Hill is gone and Kansas City has been seeking to add another weapon to replace the former All-Pro receiver. Skyy Moore is a recent favorite to jump into the back end of the first round, and for good reason. He has excellent route-running skills and was an incredible vertical separator at Western Michigan. Adding him to a group that includes JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman is a scary thought.
31: Cincinnati Bengals – Kaiir Elam – Cornerback – Florida
The Bengals front office moved heaven and earth to retool their offensive line this off-season so here they may go elsewhere. The elsewhere in question is the defensive backfield at cornerback. Kaiir Elam’s fall stops here and he’s an immediate upgrade over Eli Apple who was exposed in the Super Bowl
32. Detroit Lions (from LAR) – Jahan Dotson – Wide Receiver – Penn State
Nakobe Dean should be the pick here however Lions have one receiver that could legitimately threaten teams next year. Jahan Dotson has the potential to be a great outside threat due to his ball skills and lateral quickness.
33: Jacksonville Jaguars – Tyler Lindenbaum – Center – Iowa
34: Detroit Lions – Lewis Cine – Safety – Georgia
35: New York Jets – Andrew Booth Jr – Cornerback – Clemson
36: New York Giants – Boye Mafe – EDGE – Minnesota
37: Houston Texans – David Ojabo – EDGE – Michigan
38: New York Jets (from CAR) – Nakobe Dean – Linebacker – Georgia
39: Chicago Bears – George Pickens – Wide Receiver – Georgia
40: Seattle Seahawks (from DEN) – Kyler Gordon – Cornerback – Washington
41: Seattle Seahawks – Arnold Ebiketie – EDGE – Penn State
42: Indianapolis Colts (from WAS) – Christian Watson – NSDU
43: Atlanta Falcons – Jaquan Brisker – Safety – Penn State
44: Cleveland Browns – Perrion Winfrey – Defensive Tackle – Oklahoma
45: Baltimore Ravens – Travis Jones – Nose Tackle – UConn
46: Minnesota Vikings – Jalen Pitre – Safety – Baylor
47: Washington Commanders (from IND) – Sean Rhyan – Offensive Line – UCLA
48: Chicago Bears (from LAC) – Bernhard Raimann – Offensive Tackle – CMU
49: New Orleans Saints – Kenny Pickett – Quarterback – Pittsburgh
50: Kansas City Chiefs (from MIA) – Tariq Woolen – Cornerback – UTSA
51: Philadelphia Eagles – Quay Walker – Linebacker – Georgia
52: Pittsburgh Steelers – Sam Howell – Quarterback – North Carolina
53: Green Bay Packers (from LVR) – John Metchie III – Wide Receiver – Alabama
54: New England Patriots – David Bell – Wide Receiver – Purdue
55: Arizona Cardinals – Cameron Thomas – EDGE – San Diego State
56: Dallas Cowboys – Kingsley Enagbare – EDGE – South Carolina
57: Buffalo Bills – Roger McCreary – Cornerback – Auburn
58: Atlanta Falcons (from TEN) – Christian Harris – Linebacker – Auburn
59: Green Bay Packers – Leo Chenal – Linebacker – Wisconsin
60: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – DeMarvin Leal – Defensive Lineman – Texas A&M
61: San Francisco 49ers – Dylan Parham – Guard – Memphis
62: Kansas City Chiefs – Josh Pachal – EDGE – Kentucky
63: Cincinnati Bengals – Trey McBride – Tight End – Colorado State
64: Denver Broncos (from LAR) – Chad Muma – Linebacker – Wyoming