2022 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Post-FA + Blockbuster Moves (WITH MOCK TRADES)

 It's been weeks since we released our last mock draft and time has come for a new updated edition. So much has changed and gone down since our last one with all of the big free agent moves going down, more crazy trades, and now we are going to include mock trades in this as well. This is where 'draft season' really heats up and a lot of turnover in these mocks from here on out is likely. Let's get into it with the draft about a month away!

1. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge Rusher, Michigan

After franchise tagging OT Cam Robinson and then spending big bucks on OG Brandon Scherff in free agency, O-line is no longer the primary need for this Jags team. They shift to their other top need which is edge rusher and get the consensus top guy there. Aidan Hutchinson was the Heisman runner up for his week in and week out production and juice off of the edge. There is really no consensus TOP guy in this class, but Hutchinson feels the closest too that of anyone. With this pick their defense is going to be insanely improved as they will have one of the top young edge rushing duos in the league with Hutchinson and stud Josh Allen.
Pick Change (from last time): Ikem Ekwonu, OT

2. Detroit Lions select: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge Rusher, Oregon

I think the talk of Thibodeaux falling in this draft is just smoke and feels weird to me. In my opinion, he's the top rusher in the class and at the same time has the highest potential of pretty much any player in the class. Since his freshman season he has been widely regarded as the next big thing at the position and now with just a couple of tweak injuries you are going to tell me he isn't? I think Dan Campbell and co. are creating some smoke but will ultimately take a guy who can be the cornerstone of this defense and make everyone around him better. Detroit needs a difference maker at pass rusher and I think they get that here with Thibodeaux.
Pick Change: Hutchinson

3. Houston Texans select: Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame

With Evan Neal still on the board, I think he becomes very tempting, but I can't see Houston passing on a generational chess piece talent like Hamilton when they are years away from contending anyway. The Texans are going to have multiple firsts for the next 3 seasons and so getting a stud offensive lineman isn't even necessary right now when you will have the chance to get one in many other spots. Guys like Hamilton don't come around too often. The 6'4, 230 pounder with great speed and agility can play safety, linebacker, even rush. The Texans need any kind of difference maker they can get, and Kyle Hamilton is that and then some.

4. New York Jets select: Ikem Ekwonu, Offensive Line, NC State

There are many players in play here at 4, mainly being Ekwonu, Evan Neal, and edge rusher Travon Walker. While I was tempted to go Walker for them, with big money rusher Carl Lawson returning from a season-ending injury last year, their D-line may already be the strongpoint of this team. They know they have to get it right with Zach Wilson and continuing to invest in his protection is the way to go. Notice how I listed Ekwonu at OL instead of purely OT because that is what he is. He is elite at both guard and tackle giving the Jets much versatility and able to play him wherever makes sense compared to Neal who is a pure tackle. With Mekhi Becton and then George Fant at tackle, I think Ekwonu on the interior could add to what is shaping up to be one of the better young OLs in the NFL. Zach Wilson rejoices!
Pick Change: Hamilton

5. New York Giants select: Evan Neal, Offensive Tackle, Alabama

The board shakes out incredibly well for the Giants who are able to get the arguable best player/tackle in the class. OT and OL in general is a major need for the Giants. While I commend them for making some good signings for their interior OL during FA (like Mark Glowinski), it shows they are set to draft a top tier OT in the draft. Neal is a monster. He's 6'7 and over 330 pounds. He is simply unmovable and has actual skill and athleticism to go with it aside from simply just being a large man. For the new front office in place that is emphasizing the development of the offense, getting Neal would be a dream come true.
Pick Change: Charles Cross, OT

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

Third mock draft of the year and I'm still sticking with Malik Willis. It is the worst kept secret in the world that the Panthers are going to draft a QB at 6. They struck out on all the top options in FA/trade and now must get one of the top rookie signal callers or it could be it for Matt Rhule and company. Willis wowed at his pro day with his sheer arm talent, mobility, and top notch character. Rhule was one of only two head coaches in attendance which shows how serious they are about Willis. I'd be careful with letting him start week 1 as he needs time to develop, but the sky is the limit for this kid and I think the Panthers are making an elite move here by getting him.

7. New York Giants (via CHI) select: Travon Walker, Edge Rusher, Georgia

Quite a top 10 haul for the G-men. They start by getting one of the top offensive lineman in the class who falls to them at 5 and then at 7 they go to the defensive side of the ball and snag a guy who some see going no. 1 overall in Travon Walker. I think the hype train has gone a little off the rails for Walker, but I still view him as an elite prospect. I don't see him above guys like Hutch or Thibs because he is still more of a developing prospect than them, but his potential may be better than both. After tearing up the combine, Walker has shot up boards due to his pure athleticism and we know he is able to play off the edge or even inside or EVEN drop back into shallow coverage. This is a guy who may not be a star right away, but eventually he could become the best player in the class.
Pick Change: Thibodeaux

MOCK TRADE: Atlanta Falcons send pick #8 to Houston Texans for pick #13 + 2022 second & fourth rounders

8. Houston Texans (via ATL) select: Charles Cross, Offensive Tackle, Mississippi St.

Since the Texans have a chest full of draft picks for the future, they use a couple to move up 5 spots and secure one of the last stud OL in the class. Cross is one of the best pure pass protecting offensive lineman I've seen in a couple of years and the Texans know they need to build up the offensive line for Davis Mills to give him a fair shot at showing he can really be their franchise guy. Atlanta has holes everywhere so adding nice mid round picks is huge for them when they wouldn't have even had a surefire guy to pick at 8.

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

I think the team would consider going QB here IF Malik Willis was still available, but he isn't, so the team settles on giving Drew Lock the reins for a year and pivots to best player available. Sauce Gardner is one of the more complete CB prospects in a long time. He's super long, ran and tested extremely well at the combine, and was one of the best cover corners in the history of college football. Sauce didn't allow a single TD during his three years as a Bearcat. This is the prototypical Pete Carroll corner and he will jump at the chance of adding him.

10. New York Jets (via SEA) select: Drake London, Wide Receiver, USC

I'm fairly sure the Jets would be on the phones, exploring trade up opportunities to get London, but when none really materialize, they are beyond stoked when he is still there at 10 for them. London is getting some darkhorse hype to go in the top 5, but I don't see it. I think the Jets would have maybe given it a slight thought at 4, but can't pass on Ikcey Ekwonu. Instead, they wait it out, and are overjoyed to give Zach Wilson his new WR1. With two great top 10 picks, the Jets offense is going to be ready to blossom at any moment.
Pick Change: Trevor Penning, OT

MOCK TRADE: Washington Commanders send pick #11 to Philadelphia Eagles for pick #15 + third & fifth round picks

11. Philadelphia Eagles (via WAS) select: Derek Stingley Jr., Cornerback, LSU

With three firsts, the Eagles are not going to be content to sit back and watch the top players go off the board that they want. I think they get aggressive here and make sure they can add the blue-chip talent that is Derek Stingley. While he's been banged up and a bit inconsistent since his freshman season for the ages, there is no denying his talent or potential. Playing and LEARNING alongside All-Pro CB Darius Slay, Stingley could really realize his full potential in Philly. Howie Roseman is tired of missing out and screwing up on not getting the top guys. This pick is like a do-over for missing out on Justin Jefferson a few years back.

MOCK TRADE: Minnesota Vikings send pick #12 to Pittsburgh Steelers for pick #20 + second & fourth round picks

12. Pittsburgh Steelers (via MIN) select: Kenny Pickett, Quarterback, Pittsburgh

I think the Steelers really really wanted Malik Willis, but with the Panthers taking him at 6, there was no chance they could get up that high so they have to settle for making a move up to 12 for the next best thing in Kenny Pickett. Pickett feels like the most NFL ready QB prospect, and Mike Tomlin is going to love him. He went to college at Pitt and is the athletic, strong armed QB that the team has not had in decades with Big Ben as their guy. Even with Mitch Trubisky in the fold, it is a bit of a smokescreen so the Steelers could trade up for their potential future franchise QB.

13. Atlanta Falcons (via HOU) select: Jermaine Johnson, Edge Rusher, Florida St.

After moving down and acquiring some more premier draft assets, the Falcons get the guy they would have maybe taken back at 8 in Jermaine Johnson. Johnson was wildly productive and physically imposing for opposing teams during his final year at FSU. He is one of the most NFL ready prospects in this class and will bring constant pressure off the edge for Atlanta. The Falcons have needs everywhere, but none may be bigger than edge rusher, and they just got a guy who reminds me in some ways of Brian Burns coming out of college. Smart thinking by the Falcons front office.

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

The Ravens could go a number of different directions here at 14, but I think they go with a mix of best player available / big team need. Jordan Davis was the combine's MVP. We have already discussed this a ton but he showed off that he is one of the most athletically gifted, freak prospects we've ever seen. He was known for his time at Georgia as one of the best run stuffers in the history of college football, but with this athleticism, it's only a matter of time before he comes more than that at the next level. The Ravens love prospects like this, and with a huge need a DT after Calais Campbell was released, Davis makes all the sense in the world. Great add for a team who will not be picking this high again next season.

15. Washington Commanders (via PHI) select: Chris Olave, Wide Receiver, Ohio St.

SHOCKER! After Washington moves down 4 picks to get some more draft capital, they take an Ohio State receiver...just not the one everyone is linking to them in mocks. Chris Olave is gaining a lot of hype lately just like we see with a WR or two every year going into the draft. Henry Ruggs made a meteoric rise to the top a few years back and then we saw the same thing with Jaylen Waddle last year. Olave is that guy this year. He's probably the best route runner in the class, he is explosive down the field, and he brings elite level speed. Pairing him up with Terry McLaurin for Carson Wentz will be amazing for this offense.

16. Philadelphia Eagles (via IND) select: Garrett Wilson, Wide Receiver, Ohio St.

After moving up for Derek Stingley, Philly fans rejoice AGAIN when somehow Garrett Wilson has fallen to them at 16. A lot of people are super high on Wilson and see him as a top 10 pick, however, he falls here. The Eagles already have DeVonta Smith as their WR1 of the future, but they need more for Jalen Hurts. Wilson is in a way a jack of all trades in that he is very very good at pretty much everything but not elite at one specific thing. This is inviting for Philly who needs to add another do-it-all type of playmaker to their offense next to Smith. 
Pick Change: Trent McDuffie, CB

17. Los Angeles Chargers select: Trevor Penning, Offensive Tackle, Northern Iowa

The Chargers have had an amazing off-season and it continues here by getting a steal at 17 with Trevor Penning. I feel like the Chargers will be looking to move up if he falls out of the top 10-11 picks, but with other teams being more aggressive to trade up for different players, they wait and see what happens, and get rewarded when he falls to them at 17. Penning has all of the physical tools and a nasty demeanor about him to be a star tackle in the NFL. LA snagged Rashawn Slater in the mid first last year who already looks like one of the best tackles in football and also added All-Pro Center Corey Linsley. Now adding Penning to the right side will nearly complete this offensive line for Justin Herbert. The Chargers are building something very special.
Pick Change: Devonte Wyatt, DT

MOCK TRADE: New Orleans Saints send pick #18  to Green Bay Packers for picks #22 + second & third round picks

18. Green Bay Packers (via NO) select: Jameson Williams, Wide Receiver, Alabama

The Packers swing a massive trade with the Saints, giving up a ton of early picks to secure the move to 18 and get the last ELITE wide receiver prospect in the class. The team couldn't afford to bring back Davante Adams and are now left with just Randall Cobb at WR. For a team whose Super Bowl window is dwindling by the year with Rodgers' age, they need to go all in. Jameson Williams has superstar potential. He was probably the best WR in college football this past season before an ACL tear limited his draft stock. Still, he is expected to be well ahead in his recovery and could be back in time for week 1. The Packers overpay a little to ensure they get this guy who will be a rookie of the year favorite as Aaron Rodgers' new top toy.

19. Philadelphia Eagles select: Devin Lloyd, Linebacker, Georgia

Even after the move-up to get Derek Stingley earlier and then still drafting Garrett Wilson at 16, the Eagles didn't have to part with their third 1st-rounder. With this pick, they go with our top LB in the class which is none other than Devin Lloyd. Lloyd didn't test well at the combine but his tape speaks for itself. He is one of those do-it-all type LBs that you only see a few of at the next level. The Eagles have needed LB for some time now, especially with Alex Singleton heading to Denver, and so now they have the chance to add the LB1 in the class at 19. What a haul for the Eagles, getting arguably the LB1, WR1, and CB1 (based on opinions), in this class.
Pick Change: Olave

20. Minnesota Vikings (via PIT) select: Trent McDuffie, Cornerback, Washington

This is just awesome luck for the Vikings. After the Eagles went up right in front of them and took the guy they would have taken (Stingley), they move down 8 spots and acquire great capital and then still get the guy they would have been taking at 12. Trent McDuffie would be the CB1 in most classes. He is a smart and instinctive corner with the talent to play both outside or in the slot at the next level. The Vikings have improved a ton with their moves this off-season, but none will be bigger than finally getting their much needed CB1.

21. New England Patriots select: Andrew Booth Jr., Cornerback, Clemson

While I really didn't like the fact that the Pats let star CB JC Jackson walk to the Chargers in FA, this pick is going to go a long way to replacing him. Booth in a lot of ways reminds me of Jackson. Simply just a ball-hawking corner who plays very good in coverage, though tackling is a slight issue with Booth. Still, the Pats clearly need CB now as Malcolm Butler (who sat out this season) is not your answer at the position. Booth would be a huge pick for this defense, and learning under Belichick, I'd expect him to become very very good.
Pick Change: Lloyd

22. New Orleans Saints (via GB) select: Treylon Burks, Wide Receiver, Arkansas

New Orleans made the deal with Green Bay to move down and picked up some really high day 2 picks. There wasn't anyone they were pressing to take at 18, so the move made a ton of sense. With the trade down, they still get a guy they were likely considering at 18. Treylon Burks is a problem. The 6'4, 230 pound receiver is an absolute threat wherever he is on the field. He ran a little slower than expected at the combine, but it doesn't take away from the kind of threat he will be at the next level. Think a bigger Deebo Samuel. In an offense with Kamara and Michael Thomas, Burks will be just another added aspect to worry about. 

23. Arizona Cardinals select: Tyler Linderbaum, Offensive Guard, Iowa

This could be a trade down spot, but with a ton of the top tier interior offensive lineman on the board, the Cards stick with their spot and get the pick of the litter, in which they take Linderbaum. Iowa has been producing top tier NFL blockers like a well-oiled machine, and Linderbaum stands to be the next big thing. While he works best as a Center, he is well equipped to play guard as well. He is a day 1 starter and will instantly be one of the better interior lineman in football and fill a big need for the Cardinals. This is a pick that will hopefully make the soured relationship between team brass and Kyler Murray better.
Pick Change: Booth Jr.

24. Dallas Cowboys select: Tyler Smith, Offensive Line, Tulsa

Dallas certainly would have wanted Linderbaum, but he goes one pick earlier, leaving them to take someone else. That someone else is versatile swing tackle/guard Tyler Smith. The Tulsa product is similar to Trevor Penning or Ickey Ekwonu in his nasty demeanor in which he blocks and plays the game. Dallas loves dawgs like that in their trenches and with La'El Collins gone at RT and Tyron Smith the LT who is oft injured, Smith will be a versatile stud they can move around depending on what they need on a week-to-week basis.
Pick Change: David Ojabo, EDGE

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

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: Nakobe Dean, Linebacker, Georgia

I considered a lot of other players here for the Titans, but ultimately went best player available as they do have a lot of needs. Linebacker is one of their bigger ones, but taking Dean is a huge solution to it. Dean is an easy top 12-15 talent in this draft, but LBs do not usually go very high which leads to him falling into Mike Vrabel's lap. Dean is such an instinctive, rangy, do-it-all LB. He is a little undersized but makes up for it with everything else. The biggest addition he will bring to this defense is his elite run stuffing abilities along with his tackling. I love this pick for the Titans.
Pick Change: Linderbaum

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

I had the Bucs taking Johnson in my mock before FA, and while it still is the pick, things are much different. The Bucs were on the verge of collapsing just three weeks ago. Now they've got Brady back, they traded for Pro Bowl guard Shaq Mason and brought back Ryan Jensen. Still, with Alex Cappa leaving, their other guard spot is open, which leaves it there for Zion Johnson. Johnson has risen astronomically throughout the pre-draft process and is now a surefire first rounder. His sheer strength and pass blocking prowess has teams drooling. With Johnson in the fold, Brady will have a rebuilt OL that will have him ready to go at another Super Bowl in his age 45 season.

28. Green Bay Packers select: David Ojabo, Edge Rusher, Michigan

After swinging the huge trade up to land Jameson Williams, the Packers are sitting pretty again. WR is no longer that huge need and now they can get whoever they want. This is the rare instance when an injury helps a contender. David Ojabo tore his Achilles at his pro day last week, and as a result will likely miss much, if not all, if his rookie year. Still, before the injury he was a top 15 talent in the class and teams at the backend of the first will not forget that. The Packers need to replace Za'Darius Smith and with a guy as talented as Ojabo there for them, they snag him, willing to play the long game. I like this idea a lot for Green Bay as they need to look a bit for the future.
Pick Change: George Pickens, WR

29. Kansas City Chiefs (via MIA) select: Jahan Dotson, Wide Receiver, Penn State

The Chiefs obviously made headlines when they moved Tyreek Hill due to money issues, and with that move, they added this first but also a massive need a WR. Sure, they brought in Juju Smith and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, but they need another guy for Mahomes. Enter Jahan Dotson, one of the most tantalizing prospects in the class. While he may be under 6 feet tall, he is electric. Dotson runs extremely quick, and can make every catch with his abnormally long arms. Dotson is not Tyreek Hill, but he's an excellent replacement for him and gives Mahomes and the Chiefs a nice WR trio to go along with Travis Kelce.

30. Kansas City Chiefs select: George Karlaftis, Edge Rusher, Purdue

With their second straight pick, they shift to the defensive side of the ball. Edge Rusher has long been the Chiefs' biggest need (before the Hill trade), and now they fill it big time with Karlaftis. While he is still developing as a pure rusher, he's already an unreal run stuffer off the edge. His production at Purdue was awesome. He also is huge and has all of the skills to develop into that elite rusher some are expecting him to become. Playing opposite Frank Clark and on the same DL as Chris Jones, Karlaftis will not struggle much producing right away.
Pick Change: Daxton Hill, S

31. Cincinnati Bengals select: Daxton Hill, Defensive Back, Michigan

The Bengals thankfully did what we all hoped they would in FA which was address the offensive line. They are about to welcome at least 3 new starters to what was formerly one of the worst lines in football. With OL squared away, they can shift to their second biggest need which is CB. There are a bunch of decent options here at the back of the first round but I think the versatility and pure athleticism that Daxton Hill boasts will make him too tough for the Bengals to pass up. This is a flashy, athletic roster with guys flying around and Hill fits that perfectly, he can play CB or S for the Bengals and will fill a huge need.
Pick Change: Daniel Faalele, OT

32. Detroit Lions (via LAR) select: Desmond Ridder, Quarterback, Cincinnati

To end off the first round we get our third QB off the board! The Lions pick again in two picks (in the early second round) and so they make sure to take the QB they want here as they get that extra 5th year option with him being a first round pick. Ridder has been wowing scouts during the pre-draft process which has propelled him seemingly above guys like Matt Corral or Sam Howell. Ridder is wildly athletic with so much potential and I think the Lions are going to fall in love. He won't start day 1 with Goff in the fold, but by mid-to-late season, the Lions may be able to put him in and hope he can be their franchise guy!
Pick Change: Dean