2022 NFL Mock Draft
-
Jaguars Travon Walker EDGE Georgia— Trent Baalke has a history of picking genes and potential over polish and college production. Walker is one of the freakiest athletes in the draft, and while I would not draft him over Aidan Hutchinson I fully expect Baalke to do so.
-
Lions Aidan Hutchinson DE Michigan— If Aidan Hutchinson does not go first overall, the Lions should sprint this pick to the podium. The Michigan man stays home and represents what Dan Campbell wants from his players.
-
Texans Derek Stingley Jr. CB LSU— Stingley is never afraid to tackle and if healthy, the best cornerback in this year’s draft. In Lovie Smith’s base Tampa Two defense, Stingley will be asked to tackle and help out in the run game. On third down, he will be tasked with manning up against the opposing team's number one receiver. Stingley is a perfect fit for Smith’s defense.
-
Jets Sauce Gardner CB Cincinnati— The Jets need a true number one cornerback to play the “Richard Sherman role” in Robert Saleh’s defense. That is exactly what Gardner will do, he is a phenomenal cover-three corner that can also play cover four and man up if need be.
-
Giants Ickey Ekwonu OT NC State— Brian Daboll wants to see what Daniel Jones is really all about. If that is truly the case, they are going to surround him with pieces so he can be successful. I can see them going with any of the top three tackles, but I think it’ll be Ekwonu when it is all said and done.
-
Panthers Evan Neal OT Alabama— While there is a lot of smoke about the Panthers potentially trading back and taking Kenny Pickett, I don’t see any team wanting to trade up. Evan Neal is the most athletic offensive lineman I have ever seen. The Panthers need to win with Matt Rhule being on the hot seat, I see Neal giving them the best shot to do that!
-
Giants Jermaine Johnson II EDGE Florida State— Jermaine Johnson II is Wink Martindale’s type of pass rusher. He has a high motor and a versatile pass rush package. Johnson’s the highest riser in this year’s draft, and I don’t think he gets past this pick right here.
-
Falcons Garrett Wilson WR Ohio State— Garrett Wilson is my number one receiver in this year’s draft. His physicality, ball skills, and athleticism make him the perfect fit to be the Falcons' number one receiver as a rookie!
-
Seahawks Charles Cross OT Mississippi State— The Seahawks are in rebuild mode, and everything starts upfront. Charles Cross is the best pass-protector in this year’s draft and has one of the cleanest pass sets I’ve ever seen from a player coming out of college. While it’s not the flashiest pick, it could be the most meaningful pick if Seattle wants to rebuild what they once had.
-
Jets Kayvon Thibodeaux DE Oregon— This may be the biggest steal of the draft. If the Jets are able to get my number one overall player with the tenth pick, it is hard to see Thibodeaux falling this far, but if he does the Jets will be all over him.
-
Commanders Drake London WR USC— It is no secret the Commanders need help at receiver. With Terry being the savvy route runner I see them going with the best 50/50 ball receiver in the draft. London is a big-time weapon and will be Carson Wentz’s safety blanket and big-play guy.
-
Vikings Trent McDuffie CB Minnesota— The Vikings cornerback depth chart is not as deep as you’d like. Trent McDuffie is a physical corner and a safe player. The Vikings need a corner they can rely on, that’ll be McDuffie.
-
Texans Jordan Davis DT Georgia— After going with a player in the secondary with their third pick, I believe the Texans will choose to beef up their defensive line. Jordan Davis is the most dominant player in this year's draft and he’ll be a hard player to pass on. For a team that has to play Jonathan Taylor and Derrick Henry twice a year, Davis is an easy pick for Houston.
-
Ravens Kyle Hamilton S Notre Dame— While the Ravens don’t necessarily need a safety, Hamilton is a player whom they can just put on the field and let go to work. He is one of those prototypical Ravens players. He is a high IQ, high effort player— he is a perfect culture fit with Baltimore.
-
Eagles Jameson Williams WR Alabama— This is the best-case scenario for the Eagles. Jameson Williams is the most explosive receiver in this year’s draft, and that is exactly what the Eagles need. They need someone who can take the top off of the defense and give Jalen Hurts a player they can target downfield.
-
Saints Trevor Penning OT Northern Iowa— The Saints lost Terron Armstead in free agency who was a major part of their offense. Penning is the best tackle left in the draft, and I don’t think he is a player the Saints can hesitate on.
-
Chargers Zion Johnson G Boston College— The Chargers need to beef up their interior offensive line. Johnson is the smartest player in this year’s draft, he is a high IQ guy and will get along perfectly with Justin Herbert. While it isn’t the sexiest pick, I believe it has a chance to be one of the most impactful ones.
-
Eagles Devin Lloyd LB Utah— The Eagles aren’t known for taking first-round linebackers, but Devin Lloyd is so damn good. Having talked with him, I can tell you he is personable, genuine, and very intelligent. Lloyd will be the leader of the Eagles’ defense and the player that lights the spark for this team.
-
Saints Chris Olave WR Ohio State— The Saints have been needing a number two receiver for what seems like Michael Thomas’ whole career. Olave is the smoothest player in this year’s draft and will be the finesse to Thomas’ power. This Ohio State collaboration will be a perfect fit in Pete Carmichael’s system.
-
Steelers Malik Willis QB Liberty— There is no quarterback that is a better culture fit for the Steelers than Malik Willis. Willis is a leader, someone who brings the team together, and an alpha in the locker room. His mobility will be a breath of fresh air for Steelers fans, and his work ethic will be inspiring for his fellow teammates. This is an awesome pick.
-
Patriots Nakobe Dean LB Georgia— As I said earlier, there are certain picks that make you say “wow that is a total ______ pick”. Just like the Ravens have their type of players, the Patriots have their type of player. Nakobe Dean is a total Patriots player, a demanding leader that doesn’t stop until he gets excellence.
-
Packers Jahan Dotson WR Penn State— The Packers are desperate for a receiver, and I think they’ll get heart eyes over Jahan Dotson. He is a speed demon, a savvy route runner, and a contested-catch monster. I really see the Packers falling in love with him.
-
Cardinals George Karlaftis EDGE Purdue— With Chandler Jones leaving in free agency, the Cardinals need a new edge rusher. Karlaftis is physically imposing, a great power rusher that can get after the quarterback in multiple ways.
-
Cowboys Dax Hill DB Michigan— The Cowboys don’t have any urgent needs so I think they go with a player they can move all around the defense. Hill gives the Cowboys positional versatility and a way to confuse opposing offenses.
-
Bills Breece Hall RB Iowa State— It seems like this is the popular fit for a running back if one goes in the first round. The Bills' only dire need is at the running back position, so I think they go with the best one available. Hall is very similar to Joe Mixon; he is a patient back that has tremendous vision and knows how to hit the hole.
-
Titans Arnold Ebikete EDGE Penn State— The Titans need a guy on the edge who can get after the quarterback. With Jeffrey Simmons clogging up the middle, I believe Ebikete will be a guy who can use speed and bend to get to the quarterback from the outside.
-
Buccaneers Kyler Gordon CB Washington— Last year, the lack of cornerback depth for the Buccaneers is what got them in the end. The Buccaneers don’t necessarily need a player to come in right away and dominate at the position. Gordon is a physical guy who loves to tackle— a perfect fit in Todd Bowles’ defense. This is a great move in the long run for the Buccaneers.
-
Packers Kenyon Green G Texas A&M— After getting Aaron Rodgers some help earlier in the first round, I think the Packers choose to get him some protection with their later pick. Green can move all around the offensive line but is best at guard. Green will be Rodgers’ bodyguard for the rest of his career in Green Bay.
-
Chiefs Andrew Boothe CB Clemson— After losing Charvarius Ward in free agency, the Chiefs need to bolster up their secondary. Boothe is not afraid to tackle and will be a great fit in Kansas City.
-
Chiefs Christian Watson WR North Dakota State— This might be my favorite pick of the entire first round. Christian Watson is one of my favorite players in this entire draft, and I believe he’ll be the Chiefs' number one receiver as soon as he steps in the door. He is a perfect fit for Kansas City and will be a guy Andy Reid can move all around the field.
-
Bengals TRADE the 31st pick to the Seahawks for picks 40, 72. Seahawks Kenny Pickett QB Pittsburgh— It is rare to see the Seahawks move up in the draft, but with a few extra picks this year and Pickett sliding, I don’t think they have a choice. They got his protection earlier in the draft, now they have their quarterback for the future.
-
Lions Treylon Burks WR Arkansas— It sounds like Treylon Burks is beginning to fall, and in this mock draft, Burks falls perfectly into the Lions' lap. Burks gets after it after the catch and is a gritty player. He alongside of Amon-Ra St. Brown makes up arguably the most physical receiver room in the NFL. This couldn’t have been a better draft for Detroit.