2022 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Post-Combine/Wilson + Wentz Trades!

 The new league year/free agency hasn't even started yet and this has been one of the wildest off-seasons in a long time ALREADY. A guy like Russell Wilson is virtually NEVER traded at this point in his career with seemingly zero lead-up to the move as well. Hours after Wilson was shipped to Denver, Seattle informed one its other top players in franchise history in Bobby Wagner that he was getting released. What an end of an era in Seattle. Then today, Carson Wentz was traded to Washington for multiple 2nd/3rd rounders to be their potential franchise QB! All of these moves + the scouting combine shakes up our mock draft! In our 3.0., we will include mock trades as well, but for now, it is shaken up enough to stick with the current order which feels destined to change some more in the next month before the draft.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Ikem Ekwonu, Offensive Tackle, NC State

I went back and forth on what to do here, but ultimately I've changed my mind once again on who I see the top pick being. While it very well still could be Evan Neal (who I personally like better than Ekwonu), the surprising franchise tagging of current Jags OT Cam Robinson leads me to change to Ickey. With Robinson locked in at tackle for at least another year, the Jags may shift to taking an elite OL like Ekwonu who we know can also excel playing guard. I think they weren't sure if they wanted to pay Robinson long term or not thus they tagged him, and by taking Ekwonu, they would have the ability to move him around the line as they pleased while they take some time to decide on Robinson. This is a great move for ushering on the development of Trevor Lawrence.

2. Detroit Lions select: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge Rusher, Michigan

While I'm a lot lower on Hutchinson than most, in feels nearly inevitable that the Lions are going to take him here. I'd personally take Kayvon Thibodeaux over Hutchinson at this spot in a heartbeat, but at the current moment, it appears this is the direction things could be headed. Hutchinson parlayed an unreal senior season at Michigan to climbing up draft boards all the way to going no. 2 to Detroit. The Lions need that elite rusher who they can rely to create pressure on any given down. Dan Campbell is going to fall in love with Hutch who gets to stay in the state of Michigan and head down to Detroit from Ann Arbor. In just the span of a few weeks my mock draft goes from Neal and Thibodeaux at 1 and 2 to Ekwonu and Hutchinson.

3. Houston Texans select: Evan Neal, Offensive Tackle, Alabama

This is starting to feel a lot like a potential trade down spot. The Texans could try and move down a few spots and pick up some more much needed draft capital in the process. This pick was a tough one to make as there were a ton of great options for this team which has so many needs. Ultimately, Evan Neal is the favorite to be the no. 1 pick in the draft and to get him at 3 has to feel good for the Texans. If they trade OT Laremy Tunsil, tackle becomes an even bigger need but even if they don't, adding Neal would make this offensive line set for the next 5-10 years. Neal is a monster of a human being with surprising athleticism and footwork. Davis Mills is going to need to have OL stability if the Texans truly think he can be their franchise guy, and adding Neal is a major vote of confidence toward Mills being able to do so.

4. New York Jets select: Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame

I think the Jets' top choice would be either Ekwonu or Neal here, but with them both gone, they opt for the best player on the board (and probably the best overall player in the class) in Kyle Hamilton. While his seemingly 'slow' 40-yard-dash time at the combine has some low on him, I take it with a grain of salt. Hamilton looks quick and explosive when he's actually on the field and he's also 6'4 and 230 pounds. 4.5 speed is great at safety for someone of that size, and he does play faster than that. Hamilton will instantly become the face, heart, and soul of this Jets defense. He is potentially an even better version of a guy the team is pretty familiar with, Jamal Adams. This would be a great pick for the Jets who add the best player in the class at 4 and still have another top 10 pick to go.

5. New York Giants select: Charles Cross, Offensive Tackle, Mississippi State

While Evan Neal and Ickey Ekwonu may be the top OTs in the class, I think Charles Cross is the best fit for the OL-needy Giants. Sitting at 5, they are in prime position to be able to snag one of the elite tackles. Cross is a pure pass protecting tackle, and he's great at it. Miss. State passed the ball so early and often that Cross didn't even have the chance to show off that he's honestly even a decent run-blocker. Still, pass protection has been completely horrendous for the Giants in the past couple of years and so adding a guy who has potential to become one of the top pass protectors in the NFL very quickly feels perfect. This would be an ideal pick at 5 for NY.

6. Carolina Panthers select: Malik Willis, Quarterback, Liberty

With a ton of the QB dominoes already fallen all of the sudden, the Panthers feel like the biggest question mark left. They definitely don't have their QB1 for 2022 on the current roster, and if it's not in the draft, I don't know where they plan to find him. Deshaun Watson appears to be the apple of their eye, but he said he wouldn't waive his no trade clause for them last off-season, so I don't know why he suddenly would now. If the Panthers can't figure it out soon, they will be in a prime spot to take whoever they like most a QB in the class. Malik Willis is my personal QB1. While he's still raw, he has an MVP like ceiling. The Panthers are going to be desperate and after dominating the combine with his raw arm strength, I can see Matt Rhule falling in love here.

7. New York Giants (via CHI) select: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge Rusher, Oregon

The board plays out perfectly for the Giants as they get a perfect fit OT and then somehow the potential best player in the class in Kayvon Thibodeaux falls to their other pick at 7. I don't see why KT is falling in so many mocks. He's a little banged up right now, but so are a lot of other guys. His intangible athleticism is off the charts and he seriously has the upside to be a Khalil Mack type of success. He ran his forty in the 4.5s, at 6'5 and 260 pounds that is incredible. The bend he has off the edge and the way he takes over certain games is next-level. The Giants fill their top 2 needs with arguably the two best players at each position. This one feels like a major steal.

8. Atlanta Falcons select: Travon Walker, Edge Rusher, Georgia

After completely tearing up the combine, the hype train is going off of the tracks for Walker. I've seen him mocked as high as no. 2 overall to the Lions as the sudden top edge rusher in the class. I LOVE Travon Walker and have from the start, but that feels a little excessive to me. Going in the range of 5-10 feels a bit more realistic. The Falcons have needs everywhere you look, and they go best player available here with Walker who in turn, is able to move all around the front of the defense with his crazy versatility. At the combine, Walker ran a near 4.5 flat forty at 270 pounds along with looking so skilled in on-field drills. At Georgia, we saw him dominate both off the edge and at DT and we've even seen him make some unreal plays dropping back into coverage. The national champion from Georgia stays in state and becomes the future of this Falcon D.

9. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) select: Sauce Gardner, Cornerback, Cincinnati

After the blockbuster move to acquire Russell Wilson, suddenly here the Seahawks are at 9. How the next few weeks play out for this team is going to change who they make take here a lot, including the fact that they are reportedly exploring trades for Deshaun Watson (which would likely include this pick). I think if they don't get him and Malik Willis was here, they would go for Willis, but in this mock he is not, and we don't know their QB situation yet, so they go for potentially the best defensive back in the class in Sauce Gardner. Pete Carroll would be ecstatic to add a guy like Sauce to the defense. The Seahawks have been somewhat thin at CB for awhile and Gardner fits Carroll's ideal prototypical CB in that he's tall, fast, and plays amazing in coverage. Again, I'm not sure what the Hawks will be looking like come draft day, but as of now, Sauce Gardner would be a great pick for this team anyway.

10. New York Jets (via SEA) select: Trevor Penning, Offensive Tackle, Northern Iowa

You have to think that the Jets would have loved either Neal or Ekwonu at 4 and then a guy like Sauce Gardner here at 10, while neither of those work out, Kyle Hamilton and Trevor Penning is not a bad plan B. The Jets know they can't afford to surround Zach Wilson with a great supporting cast like they did with Sam Darnold, so while some might consider it a little bit of a reach, Trevor Penning is the next best OL in this class. Penning is known for the nasty demeanor he brings to the table. He wants to get you on the ground and will stop at nothing to do so. Lineman with this mentality usually end up succeeding big time. At 6'7, 325 he ran a 40 in the 3.8s to go alone with his mentality and prowess in run blocking and his recent developments in pass protection. This is the kind of grinder that Robert Saleh looks for, and he just sured up the edges for Wilson with Penning on one-side, and the monster that is Mekhi Becton on the other.

11. Washington Commanders select: Drake London, Wide Receiver, USC

After making the big-time move to acquire Carson Wentz to be their QB of the future, the 11th pick in the draft becomes an unbelievable asset to bring in another big-time weapon for Wentz to play alongside Terry McLaurin. While I'm still torn on the top receiver in the class, at this current moment I'd have to give the nod to London who reminds me a bit of Wentz' favorite target from Indy this past season in Michael Pittman. London is a massive wideout who plays above the rim and is surprisingly faster than you might think. He is the perfect compliment to McLaurin and will give Wentz potentially the best receiving core he's had in his career. Love this pick for them with Wentz, who loves to throw it deep down the field where London can really go up and get it.

12. Minnesota Vikings select: Derek Stingley Jr., Cornerback, LSU

Even midway through the season, if someone told me that the Vikings would be able to snag Derek Stingley Jr. with the 12th pick in the draft, I would have called you crazy. That shows you how much perceptions of players can change so quickly. Stingley has the highest ceiling of pretty much any CB prospect I've looked at in the past 5-10 years. He had the best freshman season a CB has really ever had but has been injured a ton since. The Vikings know they need to build up a secondary for them to win games, and I'm sure the staff would be elated to get a blue chip talent like Stingley who I strongly believe could be a superstar player in the NFL very soon. Having his national championship teammate Justin Jefferson around will make this pick make even greater sense.

13. Cleveland Browns select: Garrett Wilson, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

Garrett Wilson fits exactly 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. Wilson showed this all off at the combine, and I know the Browns would probably take him over any WR in this class if given the chance. I can't explain in words how much I would love this fit, I think he would be an 1,000+ yard receiver in his rookie year with Cleveland.

14. Baltimore Ravens select: Jordan Davis, Defensive Tackle, Georgia

No one did more for their draft stock during the combine than Jordan Davis. Many saw Davis as a second-round prospect going in, but after, he is firmly in top 15 range. At 6'6, 350 pounds, Jordan Davis ran a 4.78 forty yard dash. Like that can't be for real. That's faster than guys like Patrick Mahomes who Davis will be chasing after in the backfield. The scary part is, he is only scratching the surface as a pass rusher, if he can develop in that facet of the game, he will be one of the best defensive players in the NFL. The Ravens need a Calais Campbell replacement and he instantly fits the bill and is also the best player on the board. There is no chance the Ravens would pass on him here as they get an absolute menace for their spotty DL.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA) select: Jermaine Johnson, Edge Rusher, Florida State

The Eagles have many needs, so it is a great thing that they have three first rounders in the 15-20 range. With the first one, they snag Senior Bowl riser Jermaine Johnson. With guys like Derek Barnett hitting FA this off-season and their other rushers getting older, they need to add a big-time sack-artist like Johnson. He's got everything, 6'5, 260 pounds, 4.5 speed, a broad jump of over 10 feet. Johnson also produced 12 sacks last season, so he's no slouch on tape either. He's got all of the tools and already proved how dominant he can be against the best of the best at the Senior Bowl, Philly knows they need a guy like him on their DL to help finally generate some pressure.

16. Philadelphia Eagles (via IND) select: Trent McDuffie, Cornerback, Washington

Not the flashiest name or pick, but Trent McDuffie is going to get it done. While he's a little smaller than some NFL teams like (5'11), he makes up for it with his coverage skill. He's right up there with Sauce Gardner as the best coverage player in the draft. While Darius Slay had an All-Pro caliber season last year, he won't be at this level forever due to his age, and the Eagles could use a shutdown CB beside him. At 5'11, some teams won't want to play him outside, but that is truly where he belongs. Again, not the flashiest pick in the world, but this will be a pick Eagles fans look back on for years with joy.

17. Los Angeles Chargers select: Devonte Wyatt, Defensive Tackle, Georgia

If the board were to fall the way it does here, I'd expect the Chargers to look to trade down at least a few spots but we aren't doing those in this mock, so the Bolts settle for major combine riser Devonte Wyatt. The Chargers' dream pick is going to be his Georgia teammate Jordan Davis, but Wyatt is no slouch himself. If not for Davis' otherworldly combine, Wyatt would have likely been the star of the event. At 305 pounds he ran a 4.77 forty yard dash along with posting amazing totals in the jumping events. While he isn't the absolute animal that Davis is in terms of stopping the run, he's pretty damn good at it himself. He's also a much better and more refined rusher from the interior than Davis is. After his amazing combine, Wyatt feels like a surefire first rounder, and I can see the Chargers ending up with him one way or another.

18. New Orleans Saints select: Jameson Williams, Wide Receiver, Alabama

QB is in play here, but at the moment, I feel like Jameis Winston still could return. Either way, the Saints really need a WR. Williams would have probably been the no. 1 receiver off the board if not for tearing his ACL in the CFB playoff. Still, he's ahead of schedule in rehab and may not miss any of the upcoming NFL season. Playing alongside Michael Thomas, Williams would become one of the best no. 2 options in the NFL. At 6'2 and 180 pounds, he's got it all you could want in a WR. He is one of the fastest receivers in the class and had an explosive play in every game this year for Bama. If you are looking for a separator, Williams is that guy. Home-run pick for the Saints.

19. Philadelphia Eagles select: Chris Olave, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

The Eagles are probably kicking themselves with Jameson Williams going off of the board one pick before them, but they don't have to feel too bad about it with Chris Olave right there for the taking. Philly has 4 pressing needs, EDGE, CB, WR, and LB. While it was tough, they pick the first three and leave LB for a later pick in a strong class for the position. The thought of having Olave, who is the ultimate deep threat and ran a 4.39 forty, opposite of Devonta Smith is too enticing for HC Nick Sirianni who really wants to make it work with Jalen Hurts as the team's QB.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers select: Kenny Pickett, Quarterback, Pittsburgh

In this mock, the board works out beautifully for the Steelers who don't even have to sweat trading up for a QB as only one goes in the first 19 picks. Kenny Pickett may be the top QB in the class and certainly feels like the one that is the most NFL ready. Mike Tomlin is going to be ecstatic to be able to get Pickett, the Pittsburgh native who can play right out of the gate for this team who wants to win now. Sure, they'd settle for Malik Willis or Matt Corral if they had to, but I think the idea of getting a guy who can play right away will be Mike Tomlin's dream. This is a match made in heaven as the Steelers get an ultra-athletic QB with a high floor to start for them right away. In Pittsburgh's system, I think Pickett could have comparable success to 2021 rookie Mac Jones.

21. New England Patriots select: Devin Lloyd, Linebacker, Utah

Despite a rough combine, Devin Lloyd is still the pick here at 21 for the Patriots. Lloyd is the CLASSIC Bill Belichick pick/LB. He takes the guys with proven tape, college production, not usually the flashiest, and a lot of the time seemingly didn't have a good combine. Lloyd would thrive as the Dont'a Hightower replacement in the heart of this defense. He is a massive LB who can do it all similarly to future Hall of Famers like the recently released Bobby Wagner or Panther great Luke Kuechly. 

22. Las Vegas Raiders select: Treylon Burks, Wide Receiver, Arkansas

Burks was viewed as some as the top WR in the class heading into the combine, but after a rough performance in which he ran a 4.5 forty yard dash, his stock has dropped hard. While it feels like the 'open-field horse' is still a lock to go in round 1, he is looking more like the 4th or 5th WR to go now instead of one of the first 3. The Raiders have a lot of needs and a lot of different directions they could go with this pick, but Burks feels like he is the clear pick after the Russell Wilson trade. New offensive HC Josh McDaniels knows his offense is going to have to keep up with the three All-Pro caliber QBs in the division now, and while Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller are elite targets, they are not enough alone anymore in this division. Burks is 6'4, 230 pounds and runs with 4.3/4.4 speed in game. He seriously draws a ton of comparisons to guys like Deebo Samuel as he is so big and hard to bring down in the open field. With a guy like McDaniels running the show, they would get the most out of him in what figures to be a high-flying silver and black offense in 2022, especially with Burks in the fold. Zay Jones can't be your WR2.

23. Arizona Cardinals select: Andrew Booth Jr., Cornerback, Clemson

Arizona has a couple of really big needs, but corner feels like their biggest with Robert Alford likely out the door in FA. Aside from Byron Murphy, this CB room is so thin and needs to improve quickly with the division of stud WRs they play in. Booth would be a steal here. He is a low ceiling but high floor kind of player who can start outside day 1. He is great in man and zone and has proven to be a bit of a ball-hawk himself. He does a bit of everything and that is exactly what the Cardinals need on the outside right now. This is a smart pick for them, even if it isn't the best player on the board.

24. Dallas Cowboys select: David Ojabo, Edge Rusher, Michigan

The Cowboys run this pick up to the podium if it happens. David Ojabo is a STEAL here at 24. He is probably a top 15 talent in the class that could go in the top 10. Dallas needs edge rusher badly right now as they are set to lose Randy Gregory and possibly Armstrong to FA and they might have to cut DeMarcus Lawrence as he refuses to take a paycut. They are about to be thin and dry at the edge rusher position, which is one of the most important spots in the league. Ojabo falling to them all the way at 24 is a major blessing. While still super raw, Ojabo was able to have an amazing 2021 season in which he recorded 11 sacks. Most guys who are still developing don't have that kind of production in college. Ojabo probably also possess the best bend in the class and is a twitchy freak athlete at the position. This pick would seriously be the potential steal of the first round and at a position of great need for Dallas.

25. Buffalo Bills select: Kaiir Elam, Cornerback, Florida

Just like in my first mock, I think the Bills would have really wanted Andrew Booth here, but with him off the board a few picks earlier to Arizona, Kaiir Elam is a really great consolation. While he was dropping due to a couple of different issues, his stock appears to be back on the rise after a good combine week in which he ran a 4.39 forty yard dash. Elam is going to be an attractive pick as he has the speed and also elite size at 6'2 to be a stud outside CB in the NFL. He also played in the toughest division in college and really held his own. Elam is very NFL ready and the Bills absolutely NEED help at CB2 to go next to Tre White. They can't let teams pass up and down the field on them like we saw the Chiefs do to end their season. Elam would be a key day 1 starter for the Bills.

26. Tennessee Titans select: Tyler Linderbaum, Center, Iowa

The Titans luck out big time here. OL is a big need for them, especially center as their 33 year old previous starter, Ben Jones is likely walking in FA. What are the odds that the best center prospect in the past decade falls to them all the way at 26. This is a steal and a perfect fit for the Titans who need to improve protection for Ryan Tannehill. Linderbaum is elite in every aspect of blocking and will make this offense as a whole very happy. This is a Creed Humphrey year 1 level talent.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Zion Johnson, Offensive Guard, Boston College

The Bucs were probably not too happy to see an elite center prospect go off the board one pick ahead of them, but it isn't all bad as another stud IOL is available for the picking in Zion Johnson. The Bucs suddenly have holes all over their roster, but offensive line is beginning to look like the biggest. They are in danger of losing C Ryan Jensen and G Alex Cappa in FA and other Pro Bowl G Ali Marpet shocklingly retired a few weeks back. While Johnson obviously doesn't fill all of these voids, he can be an elite fill to at one of them. Zion really improved his draft stock after showing off his top tier strength at the combine, producing the most bench press reps with 32 of any player. He's a top notch pass blocking guard and despite his massive size, he's smooth on his feet and is just a great athlete overall. Johnson will be a huge pick f for rebuilding this line. 

28. Green Bay Packers select: George Pickens, Wide Reciever, Georgia

This might shock some people and could be considered a little bit of a reach, but I'd LOVE this pick for Green Bay. Pickens has drawn a ton of comparisons to Davante Adams during his time at Georgia, and while he didn't play a ton this year coming back from injury, he's still an unbelievable WR talent. At 6'3 and 200 pounds, Pickens can overpower any DB on him and also go up and get passes. How do you stop two Davante Adamses. Answer, you can't. Pickens could develop into that kind of talent learning from Adams himself and playing with Rodgers at QB. The Packers have needed that consistent WR2 threat, and I think Pickens would make a ton of sense here. With Rodgers coming back, the feel is that they will finally start doing things his way, including potentially drafting a WR in the first round FINALLY.

29. Miami Dolphins (via SF) select: Kenyon Green, Offensive Guard, Texas A&M

Wide Receiver is definitely in play here and will be tempting for offensive minded rookie HC Mike McDaniel, but he's a smart guy, and knows that they won't succeed until the disaster of an offensive line they have is fixed. Just like for Zion Johnson to the Bucs, one pick can't solve multiple holes on the line, but it can still go a long way. Green is the perfect pick here for Miami. He has experience all over the OL and can slot in anywhere they want him to play right away. While he wasn't amazing at the combine, it doesn't change the team's needs and how versatile he is. He is a powerful blocker and will do wonders for improving Miami's front.

30. Kansas City Chiefs select: Daxton Hill, Defensive Back, Michigan

A guy who improved his draft stock largely during combine week was UMICH DB Dax Hill. I've been high on Hill for awhile now, but he's finally starting to get his well deserved respect. Hill is awesome in coverage, has elite speed (4.38 forty), and is a great and willing tackler. KC has been iffy on the back-end for some time now, and it really feels like they are also about to lose Tyrann Mathieu as well in FA. Even if they don't getting a versatile defensive back with some amazing traits would be very smart for the Chiefs. If the Honey Badger does leave, Hill can slot right in and replace him. I love this pick for the Chiefs.

31. Cincinnati Bengals select:
Daniel Faalele, Offensive Tackle, Minnesota

This pick should not shock anyone. The Bengals have to go O-line, all day, everyday this off-season. They were able to make it within inches of winning a Super Bowl with one of the worst offensive lines we've seen in awhile. Just imagine this offense if Joe Burrow had time to set and make the best throws he could. They start the overhaul by snagging the biggest O-lineman I've ever seen in Daniel Faalele. Faalele clocks in at 6'8", 380 pounds. He isn't just some mountain though with nothing else, he is nimble on his feet and has demonstrated good technique during his time at Minnesota. Joe Burrow instantly has a tackle that will oversize any NFL player. If he can develop, man he has All-Pro potential. 

32. Detroit Lions (via LAR) select: Nakobe Dean, Linebacker, Georgia

While the Lions certainly have larger needs than LB, it is still one of their bigger ones, and there is no way they'd be able to pass on a talent like Dean falling to them at 32. I hate that I have this guy dropping this far. He's an easy top 15 talent in the class and just do to positional needs and such, he falls here. I expect him to end up going higher on draft day, but if somehow he doesn't what a steal the Lions would be getting for their rebuilding defense. Dean is going to be the heart and soul of the middle of their D for the next decade. While a bit undersized, he makes up for it in every way possible. He is insanely fast and athletic, he can cover anybody in the middle of the field, he is one of the best tacklers in the draft, and he's also an unreal blitzer. Turn on his tape and you will not find a player much more fun to watch than Dean. He is just lightning in a bottle and if he somehow fell to Detroit at 32, Dan Campbell and co. would be celebrating in the streets.