After spending all draft season beating around the bush in regards to mock drafts, today I bring my first of many 2022 NFL Draft simulations. This years’ class is good overall with some positions appearing far more promising than others, namely edge defender, cornerback, and of course wide receiver.
Despite the talent present in this class, the draft community at large appears to be in total disagreement about who will go where and when. Not that the NFL media is ever perfectly clairvoyant or in total agreeance, however, it seems as though this year is especially tricky to predict.
As such, I plan to attempt a perfect prediction of the 2022 NFL Draft’s first two rounds while also infusing a few of my own choices. By my guess, at least three of these picks may come to fruition and that is being generous.
Round One
1: Jacksonville Jaguars – Aidan Hutchinson – EDGE – Michigan
This isn’t the pick I would make (obviously), however, given the recent moves made by Jacksonville it’s the most sensible one. The Jaguars brass seems content with Walker Little, Cam Robinson, and Jawaan Taylor as their starters so the offensive line is out of the question for now. 2020 first-round edge K’Lavon Chaisson hasn’t quite panned out thus far and doesn’t seem to be in the long-term plans of the new coaching staff. Hutchinson on the other hand is a high floor player that can give the Jaguars immediate production at edge rusher.
2: Detroit Lions – Kyle Hamilton – Safety – Notre Dame
Despite the rumblings of quarterback here to the Lions at number two overall, the most likely outcome is they will add another defensive piece. With Hutchinson gone and all of the bluster around Kayvon Thibodeaux, the next best option for Detroit is Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton. Testing numbers aside, Hamilton is an elite defender with great field vision and range with the potential to be one of the best at his position.
3: Houston Texans – Travon Walker – EDGE – Georgia
Speaking of moves I don’t agree with, Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker is the pick at number three overall. Walker has had quite the ascension within the last month after an impressive showing at the Combine. He’s still an early round-two player on film for me, however, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge his ceiling. Walker is already a great run defender, but if he develops the way the Texans hope, he and Jonathan Greenard could become one of the better edge duos in the NFL.
4: New York Jets – Ikem Ekwonu – Offensive Tackle – NC State
The New York Jets have been rumored to be all in on NC State tackle Ikem Ekwonu so this is the most logical pick here. Ekwonu has put up some impressive tape, playing with promising athleticism and sound technique in his pass sets. New York’s offensive line looks to be reshuffled once again with yet another talented player.
5: New York Giants – Evan Neal – Offensive Tackle – Alabama
Speaking of a retooled offensive line, this offseason newly appointed General Manager Joe Schoen added center John Felciano and guard Max Garcia to fill out gaps in their offensive line. The one piece still missing here is a stalwart right tackle to pair with Andrew Thomas and Evan Neal fits that bill.
6: Carolina Panthers – Malik Willis – Quarterback – Liberty
The Carolina Panthers could use an offensive tackle. However, with the Sam Darnold trade crashing and burning as we speak, the pressure to add a quarterback may be too much. Malik Willis has an incredibly high ceiling with plenty of athleticism to boot. The ultimate boom or bust quarterback, Willis is a worthy gamble here at number six overall.
7: New York Giants (from CHI) Ahmad Gardner – Corner – Cincinnati
As a Ravens fan, I am plenty familiar with Don “Wink” Martindale and what he likes in his players. The Giants also seem bent on trading James Bradberry at some point which gives Schoen to go get Sauce Gardner for his defensive coordinator. Gardner’s combination of size and speed is rare in addition to his already impressive technical prowess.
8: Atlanta Falcons – Jameson Williams – Wide Receiver – Alabama
In another mock draft, I wrote a few weeks ago, I emphasized the need for a receiver here with an eighth overall pick. And once again, the Atlanta Falcons take a receiver here but this time it’s Alabama’s, Jameson Williams. Injury notwithstanding, Williams is the best receiver in this class, blending truly elite speed and plus route routing. When healthy he could be an immediate threat along with Kyle Pitts.
9: Seattle Seahawks (from DEN) – Charles Cross – Offensive Tackle – Mississippi State
Seattle had one of the more exciting offseasons after trading former-franchise quarterback Russell Wilson for a bevy of picks. Here they opt not to draft a replacement but rather get some protection for whomever they add later. Charles Cross has zero business falling out of the top ten who can be an immediate plug-and-play replacement for Duane Brown.
10: New York Jets (from SEA) – Kayvon Thibodeaux – EDGE – Oregon
The Jets are on the clock again here at number ten overall and this time Robert Saleh gets his high caliber edge rusher. After missing out on the Chandler Jones sweepstakes, Kayvon Thibodeaux is the obvious pick given his high upside as a pass rusher.
11: Washington Commanders – Garrett Wilson – Wide Receiver – Ohio State
If it were my personal choices rather than predictions, the Commanders would go cornerback at number eleven overall. However, if Ron Rivera plans on getting the most out of Carson Wentz, then putting plenty of weapons around him is a must. Garrett Wilson is an elite receiver and is a master route runner. He and Terry McLaurin could form one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL.
12: Minnesota Vikings – Derek Stingley – Corner – LSU
The Minnesota Vikings have now brought back Patrick Peterson but he isn’t getting any younger and there aren’t many talented corners around him. Derek Stingley in spite of his injuries is a top-three player when healthy and could easily be CB1 in this defense.
13: Houston Texans (from CLE) – Andrew Booth Jr – Corner – Clemson
If there were an offensive tackle here, that would be the pick but Andrew Booth Jr is a great consolation prize. Booth has the traits to be a top-tier starter at the position and is easily the best corner on the Texans roster.
14: Baltimore Ravens – Jermaine Johnson – EDGE – Florida State
The Baltimore Ravens have made a few key additions this offseason, including an attempt to bring back edge rusher, Za’Darius Smith. Unfortunately for Baltimore, that deal fell through and now they must look to the draft to add another pass rusher. Jermaine Johnson is another player who has risen considerably this offseason after an incredible performance at the Senior Bowl. He is one of the most complete pass rushers in this class and is exactly the type of play Baltimore covets.
15: Philadelphia Eagles (from MIA) – Treylon Burks – Wide Receiver – Arkansas
For the third year in a row, the Philadelphia Eagles select a receiver in round one of the draft. Devonta Smith showed promise in year one while Jalen Reagor continues to slide into obscurity. As such, adding a potential all-purpose weapon like Treylon Burks is the smart move here.
16: Philadelphia Eagles (from IND) – Trent McDuffie – Corner – Washington
With their next pick, the Eagles address a need on the opposite side of the ball. Darius Slay is getting older and Avonte Maddox has been very inconsistent for the Eagles during his tenure. Outside of them, Philadelphia lacks a true difference-maker in their secondary, and McDuffie could fill that void.
17: LA Chargers – Jordan Davis – Defensive Tackle – Georgia
The Los Angeles Chargers’ dream comes alive here as they get their run-stuffing defensive tackle here at pick seventeen. They spent money adding Austin Johnson and Sebastian Joseph-Day in free agency however Davis adds much more as a run defender due to excellent strength and athleticism.
18: New Orleans Saints – Chris Olave – Wide Receiver – Ohio State
This is another team dream scenario as the Saints get Chris Olave here in the first round. The temptation to upgrade the quarterback position here is palpable, however, it seems New Orleans is bent on moving forward with bridge quarterbacks. As such, Chris Olave is a great companion to Michael Thomas due to his excellent route-running savvy and stable hands.
19: Philadelphia Eagles – George Karlaftis – EDGE – Purdue
With their final first-round pick the Eagles go back to the pass rusher well here with George Karlaftis. They signed Haason Reddick in free agency and brought back Derek Barnett on a short-term deal however their work isn’t done. Brandon Graham has a few voidable years on his contract and could be a free agent in 2023. Karlaftis is one of the best at his position and will be an immediate contributor.
20: Pittsburgh Steelers – Zion Johnson – Guard – Boston College
If Willis isn’t here at 20, I’m not convinced the Pittsburgh Steelers will look at quarterback this early. Instead, they could continue to build up their offensive line with Zion Johnson at left guard. Pittsburgh spent money to improve their offensive front and Johnson would fit their scheme like a glove.
21: New England Patriots – Drake London – Wide Receiver – USC
Cornerback is a distinct possibility that shouldn’t be ruled out here for the New England Patriots. However, continuing to build around Mac Jones should be a priority and Drake London is an ideal move. London’s big frame and impressive catch radius could make him a reliable target in New England.
22. Green Bay Packers (from LVR) – Trevor Penning – Offensive Tackle – UNI
Billy Turner is gone and there is a very large gap at right tackle for the Green Packers that needs to be filled. Penning is the best tackle on the board with great physicality in addition to his plus run blocking skills. This may not be a receiver but now is not the time for fear Packers fans, the weapon comes later.
23. Arizona Cardinals – Kaiir Elam – Cornerback – Florida
The Cardinals should not have to rely on Marco Wilson opposite of Byron Murphy and thus corner seems quite logical here at 23. Kaiir Elam has been underrated during this process despite being an exceptional man cover corner.
24: Dallas Cowboys – Kenyon Green – Guard – Texas A&M
Guard has seemed to be the ideal pick here for the Cowboys since the departure of Connor Williams. Kenyon Green is a local talent that possesses inside-outside versatility in addition to his prowess in pass protection.
25 Buffalo Bills – Breece Hall – Running Back – Iowa State
With all of the top corners gone, the Buffalo Bills may be stumped here at the back end of round one. From my perspective, taking a running back in round one is a foolish decision however Buffalo struggled mightily in the run game last year. Breece Hall is one of the top backs in this draft and his athletic profile in addition to a need for an improved running game may force their hand here.
26: Tennessee Titans – Tyler Smith – Offensive Lineman – Tulsa
The Tennessee Titans are facing a crucial offseason and must fix their offensive woes if they want to keep their playoff window open. A good way to start that process is by taking an offensive lineman here, especially someone of quality like Tyler Smith from Tulsa. Smith is an incredible run blocker with room to grow in pass protection.
27: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Devonte Wyatt – Defensive Tackle – Georgia
The Russell Gage signing has axed the possibility of receiver here in the first round so the next best option is to defensive tackle. Ndamukong Suh is currently a free agent and is not guaranteed to come back, leaving a hole at three-technique. Wyatt is a great prospect and is incredibly athletic, one that could be an immediate starter for the Buccaneers as they load up for another Super Bowl run.
28: Green Bay Packers – Jahan Dotson – Wide Receiver – Penn State
Here at 28 the Packers finally get Aaron Rodgers a weapon in the absence of Davante Adams. Dotson is not an upgrade over Adams however Green Bay could do a lot worse here.
29: Kansas City Chiefs (from MIA/SFO) – David Ojabo – EDGE – Michigan
Kansas City currently has Frank Clark and Mike Danna as their starting defensive ends which is sub-optimal, to say the least. Despite this, the Chiefs could afford to play both of them while David Ojabo gets healthy. This is a long-term selection here, one that could pay off considerably if Ojabo hits his ceiling.
30: Kansas City Chiefs – Daxton Hill – Safety – Michigan
Despite signing Justin Reid this offseason, the room could be made for Daxton Hill on this defense as a slot corner. Hill is one of the more well-rounded defenders and could do a lot to strengthen this Kansas City defense.
31: Cincinnati Bengals – Tyler Linderbaum – Center – Iowa
The Cincinnati Bengals have been incredibly proactive in their quest for an improved offensive line. They signed La’el Collins to play right tackle, Alex Cappa to play guard in addition to Ted Karras who might slide in at center. Even so, Tyler Linderbaum is the final piece of the puzzle. Karras can slide over to left guard as Linderbaum slides into that center position.
32. Detroit Lions (from LAR) – Devin Lloyd – Linebacker – Utah
The Lions with their final first-round pick get another great defensive chess piece with Utah’s Devin Lloyd. He is a quick athlete with even better football acumen and can be another defensive star along with Hamilton.
Round 2
33: Jacksonville Jaguars – Lewis Cine – Safety – Georgia
34: Detroit Lions – John Metchie – Wide Receiver – Alabama
35: New York Jets – Christian Watson – Wide Receiver – North Dakota State
36: New York Giants – Boye Mafe – EDGE – Minnesota
37: Houston Texans – Jalen Pitre – Safety – Baylor
38: New York Jets (from CAR) – Kyler Gordon – Corner – Washington
39: Chicago Bears – George Pickens – Wide Receiver – Georgia
40: Seattle Seahawks (from DEN) – Cameron Thomas – EDGE – SDSU
41: Seattle Seahawks – Tariq Woolen – Cornerback – UTSA
42: Indianapolis Colts (from WAS) – Logan Hall – EDGE – Houston
43: Atlanta Falcons – Arnold Ebiketie – EDGE – Penn State
44: Cleveland Browns – Skyy Moore – Wide Receiver – Western Michigan
45: Baltimore Ravens – DeMarvin Leal – Defensive Lineman – Texas A&M
46: Minnesota Vikings – Perrion Winfrey – Defensive Tackle – Oklahoma
47: Washington Commanders (from IND) – Jaquan Brisker – Safety – Penn State
48: Chicago Bears (from LAC) – Bernhard Raimann – Offensive Tackle – CMU
49: New Orleans Saints – Kenny Pickett – Quarterback – Pittsburgh
50: Kansas City Chiefs (from MIA) – Calvin Austin III – Wide Receiver – Memphis
51: Philadelphia Eagles – Darian Kinnard – Offensive Line – Kentucky
52: Pittsburgh Steelers – Roger McCreary – Corner – Auburn
53: Green Bay Packers (from LVR) – Nakobe Dean – Linebacker – Georgia
54: New England Patriots – Sean Rhyan – Offensive Line – UCLA
55: Arizona Cardinals – Drake Jackson – EDGE – USC
56: Dallas Cowboys – Kingsley Enagbare – EDGE – South Carolina
57: Buffalo Bills -Ed Ingram – Guard – LSU
58: Atlanta Falcons (from TEN) – Desmond Ridder – Quarterback – Cincinnati
59: Green Bay Packers – Travis Jones – Defensive Tackle – UCONN
60: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Dylan Parham – Guard – Memphis
61: San Francisco 49ers – Mario Goodrich – Corner – Clemson
62: Kansas City Chiefs – Isaiah Thomas – EDGE – Oklahoma
63: Cincinnati Bengals – Trey McBride – Tight End – Colorado State
64: Denver Broncos (from LAR) – Nik Bonitto – EDGE – Oklahoma
