2022 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Post-Super Bowl Mock!
While the actual season is obviously the best part of the year for a true football fan, the 1-2 months leading up to the NFL draft can be nearly as fun. So much movement up and down the board by prospects, so many projections, so many rumors, and more. Last off-season, we produced 4 official mocks leading up to the draft, we will do AT LEAST that many this time, likely a couple more. It is also always fun to compare the first mock draft of the off-season with the last one or the actual results of round 1. Today we aren't going to have any trades because it is just the first one, but in the near future we will add them in! With that, the Jacksonville Jaguars are on the clock!
Evan Neal, Offensive Tackle, Alabama
The Jaguars find themselves picking no. 1 overall for the second straight year, and to ensure that they don't for a third straight year in 2023, they need to make Evan Neal the top pick in the draft. There are a lot of players that they could wind up taking here, and this very well may change in the coming weeks, but as of now, it should be Neal. Neal is a behemoth of a human being. Standing a 6'7" and weighing in at 350 pounds, it is simply impossible to get around him, but he is also quite technically sound, especially as a pass protector which makes him even more polished and worthy of the top selection. The Jags go out and make sure life will be easy for Lawrence with this selection.
2. Detroit Lions select: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge Rusher, Oregon
Just like Jacksonville, we have no honest idea at the current moment which direction the Lions might go. A lot of people will like Michigan rusher Aidan Hutchinson here over Thibodeaux, especially to keep him in the state, but I think Thibodeaux will end up being the pick when it is all said and done. While he fought injuries during his time at Oregon and did have a couple quiet games, there is no denying his freakish talent and athleticism. Thibodeaux is 6'5", 260 lbs, but has that elite bend you look for in edge rushers along with the talent and prowess to defend the run. The Lions need that elite level player on their defense to build around, and I think Thibodeaux will catch Dan Campbell's eye after probably tearing up the combine and his pro day. While he might not be the favorite now, I expect him to rise up the boards soon.
3. Houston Texans select: Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame
Hamilton is the best player in the class in my opinion. It is rare that there is Safety prospect that I could see going this high, but Hamilton checks every box and deserves it. I don't want to keep just listing sizes, but Hamilton is a true unicorn. He's 6'4" and weighs 220 pounds, but is likely going to test in the 4.3s or 4.4s for speed. This is simply the highest caliber athlete you can find. Hamilton can play in the box, he can play deep, he can defend the run, or cover the pass. Hamilton is one of the few guys you are able to line up against receivers with the "mismatch" label like a DK Metcalf or Kyle Pitts. The Texans could go in any direction here, but might as well take the best player in the draft who can be moved all around your defense to succeed. Think a taller Derwin James or Jamal Adams with Kyle Hamilton!
4. New York Jets select: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge Rusher, Michigan
While some might not like me having the Lions pass on Michigan man Hutchinson, it was for fair reason. Now the Jets get a bit of a steal at 4 with a guy who some say is the best player in the class. There was a true argument to be made that Hutchinson was the best PLAYER in the country this season. He finished second in Heisman voting and was the force that led Michigan and their stout defense to the CFB playoff. Hutch had a whopping 14 sacks for the Wolverines this season + was a tackle for loss/run defending machine. Robert Saleh wants to build his defense up, and he starts it with a home-run, blue chip prospect that is Hutchinson. This would be a dream scenario for the Jets.
5. New York Giants select: Ikem Ekwonu, Offensive Tackle, NC State
Each of the top 5 picks in my opinion have a chance at ending up going no. 1 during the real draft in April. While the combine and pro days are yet to happen, a name already rising heavily is Ikem "Icky" Ekwonu from NC State. Ekwonu was a guard last year for the Wolfpack and excelled there, but then moved to tackle for his final season and was arguably even better. Everyone you ask about him will mention how nasty he is as a blocker. He WANTS to throw you down and get you in the dirt. Ekwonu is the best and most polished RUN blocker in the draft, but is still a great pass protector as well, just needs some work there. The Jags will strongly consider him at 1, but for now, he falls to 5 where the Giants get an incredibly necessary upgrade on the line, one that will especially benefit Saquon Barkley at RB.
Malik Willis, Quarterback, Liberty
QB ALERT! The first QB comes off of the board at 6. QBs are going to be a big of an enigma heading into the draft this April. I'm sure it will all come clearer as we get closer to the real thing, but for now, there's a chance no QB goes top 10 or even 15. I expect it to happen, but it may not. Malik Willis is easily QB1 in this draft for me. While he was inconsistent at times this season, his ceiling is sky-high. Think Lamar Jackson, but with a bigger and more accurate arm. Willis is electric on the ground, creating time for himself and also rushing, but his arm talent is what will also 'woo' evaluators. The Panthers may need some reinforcements on the O-line, but they can focus on that whenever. It is rare a QB with this skillset comes available, and Matt Rhule will feel like he's best man for the job of coaching him up to succeed in the NFL.
7. New York Giants (via CHI) select: David Ojabo, Edge Rusher, Michigan
Two Michigan edge rushers in the top 7! The Giants hit a home run with their 5th overall pick by securing a great piece for the offensive line, and now two picks later, they shift and hit a potential home run on the defensive line. David Ojabo is a super fascinating prospect. Ojabo is 6'5", 250, with a lightning quick first step and the most bend of anyone in this draft class. While he's still a bit raw, with the right coaching, he could be the best rusher from this class. The Giants brought in veteran DC Wink Martindale, who is a defensive line genius, who would marvel over getting to develop a guy with the athleticism of Ojabo and probably get the most out of him. Next to Leonard Williams, Ojabo could thrive. Don't forget, he was raw, but he still had an elite 11 sacks last season for Michigan.
Derek Stingley Jr., Cornerback, LSU
I know that Stingley has been banged up and somewhat inconsistent for the past two seasons, but there is no denying the true talent we have seen from him before. Stingley Jr. had one of the greatest college CB seasons we've ever seen when he was a freshman a couple of years back. Since that year when he flashed elite coverage and ball skills along with being able to shutdown anyone, he has again, been oft injured and less consistent. Still, this is a guy you can't pass on if you are Atlanta. They have their CB1 of the future in AJ Terrell who is entering his third NFL season (coming off of an All-Pro level second year). If they can pair Stingley with Terrell, it could quickly become of one, if not the, best CB duos in football. Atlanta needs something like that desperately if they are going to continue to play with a putrid pass rushing unit that simply can't ever get home.
9. Denver Broncos select: Jermaine Johnson, Edge Rusher, Florida
If you ask anyone, including me, the Broncos are probably the hardest team to mock for right now of anyone. The reason for this is we all fully expect them to make a strong run at reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers. We don't need to get too deep into that, but if they are able to get him, it is quite likely this pick would be on the move. Even if they don't get him, I'd expect them to get some sort of proven veteran QB instead of opting for a rookie right here. Say they get a QB and don't trade this pick somehow, Jermaine Johnson would be the move. Denver doesn't have many holes on their roster right now aside from the QB position, but getting a good edge rusher to bookend Bradley Chubb with, is a big need. Johnson absolutely tore up the Senior Bowl. He was so good that he didn't even come to the final day because there was really nothing more for him to prove. That really boosts his stock. Johnson is coming off of an elite senior season in which he produced 12 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and over 70 tackles. If Denver gets him, he and Chubb would potentially form an elite future pass rushing duo (just like Von Miller/DeMarcus Ware of the past).
10. New York Jets (via SEA) select: Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, Cornerback, Cincinnati
Ahmad Gardner, also known as "Sauce", may just be the best corner in this class. The Jets getting him at 10 for the moment could be a major steal. After Robert Saleh and the new regime went all offense in the early rounds of last year's draft, it is time to build up the defense, and I think they would be very pleased if this was how their two top 10 picks ended up playing out. Aside from potential best player in the draft Aidan Hutchinson falling to them at 4, they snag potentially the best CB in the draft here at 10. Sauce Gardner was a revelation for Cincinnati this season. He may have been the best player on their historically good roster. Garnder is a long corner with elite coverage skills along with the swagger to play the position at a high level. He's 6'2" which is elite for a CB in today's NFL and has true lockdown potential. He let up pretty much nothing this year for the Bearcats, and he will instantly slot in as the CB1 in Saleh's up and coming defense. This pick would fill a HUGE need.
Washington is similar to Denver in the fact that they feel like they are a QB away, and will also be in the market for some of the top veteran signal callers in the game this off-season. All of that being said, I'm not as confident in them to make a move as I am with Denver. I think they will keep this pick, and to their luck and surprise, Kenny Pickett will be there for them at 11. Many will have Pickett as the QB1 in the class. Similarly to Mac Jones, he is probably the most NFL ready QB prospect here. He has a solid arm, he's sneakily mobile, and he makes good decisions with the ball. He was in Heisman contention this year after his amazing season at Pitt in which he had a 42:7 TD:INT ratio. While there are concerns about his hands being minuscule, and gripping an NFL football, it hasn't proved to be an issue yet. I think Ron Rivera will fall in love with the young signal caller and hope he can be their week 1 starter and a guy they can win with right away, similarly to Mac Jones with New England this year.
12. Minnesota Vikings select: Trent McDuffie, Cornerback, Washington
This feels like the ceiling for Trent McDuffie. The board shakes out poorly for the Vikings here, who would have loved either Derek Stingley Jr. or Sauce Gardner, but instead have to go with the next best option which is the Washington Husky McDuffie. Just like other former Husky DBs who are in the NFL, McDuffie is a decent athlete with very good and very sound coverage skill. The Vikings are in desperate need of consistency from the CB spot, and they just got it with McDuffie. I don't think this is an instant home-run pick, but in time, he should be able to be a very good CB1 in Minnesota. Also note, the Vikings could be in play for QB here, should one fall to them that they like.
13. Cleveland Browns select Garrett Wilson, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
The 2022 draft class presents a good problem for all talent evaluators, how the hell do you rank this outstanding WR class? I myself am pretty undecided on how and where I rank the top guys, but it is nearly impossible to rank them as all are so so good but in so many different ways. Here, the Browns get the pick of the liter and go with pre-season top guy Garrett Wilson. Wilson fits what the Browns need on offense the best in my opinion. A smooth, elusive route-runner with next level body control and ability to make moves in the open field after the catch. The way Wilson is able to adjust to the ball in mid-air is spectacular and Cooper Kupp level. OBJ is out of town and Jarvis Landry isn't a true WR1, the Browns who are giving Baker Mayfield one last shot, give him a guy who can be his WR1 for years to come.
14. Baltimore Ravens select Charles Cross, Offensive Tackle, Mississippi State
The Ravens could go in a number of directions with their rare top 15 pick, and while I could see D-line or interior offensive line being a bigger priority, the team wouldn't be able to pass up on Charles Cross if he actually falls this far. Many have Cross locked in as a top 7 pick in this upcoming draft, and for good reason. He has great size, is rock-solid in pass protection (probably the best pass protector in the class) and also has some versatility. The Ravens are notorious for going best player available and getting some steals over the years, and Cross is the latest example. Star OT Ronnie Stanley has been oft-injured in the past two years and other tackle Alejandro Villaneuva is 34 and nearing his end. Whether he starts day 1 for this team or not, this would be an A+ pick if he somehow fell to them at 14.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA) select: Treylon Burks, Wide Receiver, Arkansas
The Eagles feel like they are on the brink of taking a WR for the THIRD straight season in round 1. This year, they are very equipped to do so with THREE top 20 picks. With their first of the three, Burks makes all of the sense in the world. If the Eagles are truly rolling with Jalen Hurts, which they look to be, getting him all of the weapons possible is a must. DeVonta Smith was a home-run pick last year, but they need another guy to complement him. Burks can easily be that guy. He is a special prospect. He is huge at 6'3", 225 pounds, but he has elite 4.3/4.4 speed and plays like a running back. I've heard some call Burks, a "horse in the open field" as he is impossible to bring down due to his tackle breaking ability along with his size and speed. He could be moved all around the offense like Deebo Samuel in SF. Offensive HC Nick Sirianni would love to be able to experiment an offense centered around versatile guys like Hurts and Burks (plus Smith on the outside).
16. Philadelphia Eagles (via IND) select: Nakobe Dean, Linebacker, Georgia
With their second pick in a row, the Eagles shift from offense to defense and make the versatile Nakobe Dean the first LB off the board. While the race for LB1 honors is close between Dean and Lloyd, I think Lloyd may be better, but Dean fits the Eagles better. Helping lead the Bulldogs to a national championship, Dean was a force on defense. He's a small, agile LB who can do everything for you on defense. He can cover pretty much any position with his elite sideline-to-sideline speed, and also his high quality coverage skills, but he is also an awesome tackler and run defender. The Eagles absolutely need this juice in the middle part of their defense, and Dean would certainly bring it.
17. Los Angeles Chargers select: Jordan Davis, Defensive Tackle, Georgia
If Jordan Davis is here at 17, I don't think I've ever seen a more perfect fit in the draft. The Chargers run defense was absolutely horrific last season. It cost them multiple key games including late in the game against the Raiders that ultimately cost them a playoff spot. This team is too talented to miss out on the playoffs. Being able to get big Jordan Davis would be one of the best pickups they could make. Davis was the heart and soul of the Georgia defense line. He wasn't an every down player, but whenever he was on the field, he would tend to command two blockers on him which would create opportunities for other pass rushers. Despite being doubled a fair amount, Davis was one of the most effective run-stuffing DTs we've seen in awhile. This would be a must-add, if available. With both of their starting NTs hitting FA, this need becomes EVEN bigger, so Davis would be an A+ fit.
Drake London, Wide Receiver, USC
I strongly considered Matt Corral here for them, but ultimately feel like they will find a way to bring back Jameis Winston, in which case their priority would immediately become finding him receiver talent. The Saints are in salary cap hell and need to hit on this pick, London is a very safe pick with ELITE upside. If Winston is back, combining London with Michael Thomas would create an amazing WR duo in the big easy. London towers over DBs standing at 6'5, but with a slender frame. This allows him to move very fast however, which makes him that much more of a mismatch and threat to opposing defenses. The comparison he will get from many is Mike Evans, and I agree. Tall but fast, can make any circus catch or a go-up-and-get-it grab on any given play. Winston loved Mike Evans when he was with Tampa, and may have a chance to play with a guy very similar to him if the Saints bring in London here (who may be the WR1 in the class).
19. Philadelphia Eagles select: Travon Walker, Edge Rusher, Georgia
With the final of three firsts, the Eagles take their second straight Georgia defender as they opt for the surprisingly versatile Travon Walker. The trend to note with all three of these Eagles picks are that they are very versatile players in their own rights. While Travon Walker still is somewhat raw as a pure pass rusher, he has all of the physical tools and certainly the athleticism to get there quickly. Walker had a nice 6 sacks for Georgia this season. Still, at 6'5", 275 pounds, Walker is able to be moved around the line, and even drop into shallow coverage at times. This is extremely rare and shows the kind of athlete Philly would be adding here. Their pass rush is awful, but Walker instantly brings some juice to it that it did not have before. Jonathan Gannon will be able to do a lot with this guy right away.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers select: Matt Corral, Quarterback, Ole Miss
In this mock with no trades, the Steelers sweat it out all the way to their pick, but are stoked when Matt Corral has fallen to them. In future mocks, I can easily see the Steelers trading up for a Corral, Pickett, or Willis. It is the worst kept secret in the world right now that the Steelers are looking to draft a QB in round 1. Mike Tomlin is enamored with the mobility of Corral or Willis and is probably going to be willing to do whatever it takes to land one of them. Corral is an interesting prospect. He's a little undersized for a QB, and his arm is nothing extraordinary, but he feels like he has the 'IT' factor, and is an elite runner from the QB spot. The Steelers want a guy who can move around as they have dealt with no mobility from Big Ben for the past 15 years. Corral is a high-character leader that this team could get behind. I would love to see what he could do for a Mike Tomlin-coached team, even though he is unlikely to be a day 1 starting type of talent. He has a bit of work to do first.
21. New England Patriots select: Devin Lloyd, Linebacker, New England Patriots
This isn't personally who I would take if I was New England, but knowing Bill Belichick and his weird drafting history, this feels a lot like the pick that he would make. Devin Lloyd is an awesome player. He could easily be a top 10 pick and the first LB off the board. This time, the board doesn't shake out too well for him but he is able to end up in a great situation in New England. Lloyd is the prototypical Belichick LB. Tall, strong, do-it-all, production. You name it, Lloyd can and will do it. I don't want to get too high on him, but he seriously could be the next Luke Kuechly. His do-it-all ability is simply unmatched from a draft prospect in awhile. Just last season, Lloyd racked up 110 total tackles, 22 TFLs, 4 INTs, and 8 sacks. That is otherworldly production and DPOY in the NFL worthy. Belichick simply wouldn't pass on a prospect this good and decorated, especially with D'Onta Hightower an FA.
22. Las Vegas Raiders select: Jameson Williams, Wide Receiver, Alabama
It's a shame that Jameson Williams tore his ACL in the college football playoff, because he would potentially be a top 10 pick if he were healthy. Still, he doesn't fall too far as he should be able to play most, if not all, of his rookie season. Williams showed off in his lone year at Alabama. He was the definition of a big-play threat as he racked up over 1,500 yards and 15 TDs this year at Bama. There were games when he simply would just not be stopped. With Darren Waller the big-time threat at TE and Hunter Renfrow emerging as an elite route-runner / slot option, adding the pure explosiveness of Jameson Williams could do wonders for Derek Carr and this offense. Offensive minded new HC Josh McDaniels would not be able to pass up Williams if he was here for the Raiders to get during his first draft as the head man in Vegas.
23. Arizona Cardinals select: Tyler Linderbaum, Center, Iowa
24. Dallas Cowboys select: Daxton Hill, Defensive Back, Michigan
One of my favorite underrated prospects in this class is Daxton Hill of Michigan. Aside from Kyle Hamilton, safeties are getting no love in this class. Hill is primarily a Safety, but can play corner as well. Dax Hill is one of the best athletes in this class. I expect his stock to rise greatly after combine and pro days, he is going to run very fast. He can play all over the back end of this Dallas defense, and he will fly. He also is underrated in coverage. I promise you, this would be a really good fit for the Cowboys. Similarly to Byron Jones a few years back, the Cowboys are going to fall in love with him due to his freak athleticism.
25. Buffalo Bills select: Andrew Booth Jr., Cornerback, Clemson
Booth is an interesting CB prospect. Some are super high on him while others hate him. I am sort of in the middle here. Booth feels like a high-floor, low-ceiling kind of player, but that could be perfect for Buffalo. When Tre' White went down for the Bills, they struggled in coverage (from the CB spot). Levi Wallace, who isn't even great, will be an FA as well. If the Bills let him walk, they are very thin at the spot, making a CB pick here feel pretty likely. Booth would fit in nicely next to White. He can do a bit of everything in coverage, and do it well. He also is an underrated ball hawk. The more I talk about Booth, the more I like him. This would be a great selection for the Bills who want to prevent anymore 13 second scores in the future.
26. Tennessee Titans select: Trey McBride, Tight End, Colorado State
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Chris Olave, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
After the sudden retirement of Tom Brady, the Bucs are in a weird place, with suddenly a lot of holes. I don't see them going QB here, unless one of the three who went earlier was here, and so they instead go with a guy to boost the offense for whoever does play QB for them next year. Chris Olave is the last of the elite WR prospects in my opinion, and boy would he fit in nicely to this offense. Due to cap constraints, it is unknown if they will be able to get stud route-runner Chris Godwin back. Even if they do, it is clear that this offense thrives with 3 great WRs in the mix (remember AB). Olave is the definition of a deep threat. There were many times at Ohio State in which he would get wide open downfield due to his silky smooth route running coupled with his next-level speed. Whether Godwin is in the picture or not, this pick is really great, and really important for the Bucs.
28. Green Bay Packers select: Christian Watson, Wide Reciever, North Dakota State
29. Miami Dolphins (via SF) select: Trevor Penning, Offensive Tackle, Northern Iowa
Charismatic offensive mind Mike McDaniel is the new HC of the Dolphins, and his primary focus will be turning this offensive unit into a juggernaut. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the Dolphins have the worst offensive line in football. Pretty much everyone except for interior man Robert Hunt needs to be upgraded. McDaniel will jump at the chance to bring in Trevor Penning. Some have him as a top 15 pick, so this is great value here. Penning brings A+ toughness and a nasty streak to the table. McDaniel loves hardnosed players, and they would certainly be getting one here in Penning. This is a great move to further show belief in Tua Tagovailoa.
30. Kansas City Chiefs select: George Karlaftis, Edge Rusher, Purdue
The Chiefs have a few big needs, but edge rusher could be their biggest. That being said, Karlaftis would be a home run pick here for them. It feels like with the amount of great prospects there are, there is always going to be 1-2 guys that are going to fall a lot further than they should. Karlaftis finds himself in that spot here this time as a potential top 10 pick goes 30th. While he wasn't AS good this year, we can't forget about the monster 2019 season he had. While he still has always lacked ELITE sack production, he gets to the QB and fights through double teams effectively, he also is an elite run defender from the edge and has produced some eye popping TFL numbers in the past. This would be quite a steal for the Chiefs who need a guy to bring consistent pressure opposite Frank Clark. Karlaftis has DROY potential on KC's defense.
31. Cincinnati Bengals select: Daniel Faalele, Offensive Tackle, Minnesota
32. Detroit Lions (via LAR) select: Jahan Dotson, Wide Receiver, Penn State
The Lions close out our mock draft by getting an underrated perimeter threat to pair with Amon-Ra St. Brown in this Lions offense. I don't think any of the QBs are worthy projects for the Lions who should punt the QB pick to next season. Instead, they continue to try and build up a passing attack for that potential franchise QB. Dotson is a guy Dan Campbell is going to really like. While he is small at 5'11", 185 pounds, he makes up for it with his style of play. Despite being such a small guy, he has long arms and a catch radius as large as Texas. Similarly to St. Brown, he is amazing after the catch and in the open field. Detroit knows they are building for the future, and after getting potential superstar edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux at 2, they make a really smart investment for the future in the underrated Dotson at 32.
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