FINAL 2022 NFL Mock Draft 2 Rounds w/ Trades: Most Unpredictable Draft Ever?

 I can't believe how quickly we got here. After months of waiting and speculation, we have officially hit the eve of draft night. Draft night may be the best day of the year for NFL fans. It's just so exciting to see what happens with each team and where the cream of the crop of the best young prospects will go and start their NFL careers. We've had ever-changing mock drafts throughout this off-season and our final one here tonight will be our best shot at trying to predict what happens. This is a two round mock draft, but getting second rounders right might be even harder than just the first so take round 2 with an even greater grain of salt than rd. 1. Let's get into this!

1. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Travon Walker, Edge Rusher, Georgia

First of all, I can't think of a year in which I changed my top pick prediction multiple times. That shows the unpredictability of this class. Secondly, Travon Walker ascends to the top?? Yup! On the eve of draft night, it appears Walker's meteoric rise to the top of the board is complete. He was a second round projected player by some heading into the off-season and now it looks as if he will be the top pick. This isn't necessarily what I would do if I was the Jags, but it's what I think they will do. GM Trent Baalke is notorious for making weird and unique choices, and this one is right in tune with that. Walker is an athletic specimen with all the upside in the world, but right now, he's not a polished player. He had just 6 sacks last season but has shown the ability to come off the edge, play inside, or even drop back into shallow coverage. Walker has All-Pro potential, but will the Jags be able to unlock it?

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

Brad Holmes is going to have people in the war room pinching him so he can make sure he's really not dreaming this. Aidan Hutchinson has been the apple of Detroit's eye all off-season but it didn't feel plausible that he could be there at 2 for them. With Walker rising all the way to the top the team is able to secure the guy they've wanted all along and quite honestly the guy who deserves to go no. 1. Hutchinson is coming off of a monster year at Michigan in which he totaled over 14 sacks and unlimited pressures. He is already an elite producer and feels to be a surefire future Pro Bowler. While I wouldn't completely rule out QB Malik Willis here, the Lions will not pass if a bonafide star edge rusher in Hutchinson falls to them at 2. 

3. Houston Texans select: Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, Cornerback, Cincinnati

This was such a tough pick to make...and we are only at the third slot. I seriously went back and forth between Sauce and 3+ other prospects here. While I personally would go offensive line, I ca see Lovie Smith prioritizing the CB position here and snagging a guy who checks every single box in Sauce Gardner. In my eyes, Sauce is the best player in the class, and I'm sure much maligned GM Nick Caserio will not have an issue adding that to his talent deficient roster. Gardner is a rare island CB prospect who can go one-on-one with anyone. He's incredibly long, ran a blazing 4o-time, and has never allowed a TD in his collegiate career. I could be very wrong with this selection, but the Texans are hard to read and Sauce feels like the direction they could be going.

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

This fourth pick has changed so many times over the course of my mocks, but if Ekwonu was on the board at 4 (which I expect him to be), I don't see the Jets passing on him. Ekwonu has experience both inside and outside on the OL and excels in both. He's a particularly good run blocker. By good, I mean NASTY. He leaves defenders on their asses. For the Jets, they don't know what's going on with injured young OT Mekhi Becton and so they get Ekwonu who can be their star tackle of the future or even be an elite guard if Becton plays. This is a home-run pick for protecting Zach Wilson and makes a ton of sense strategically. 

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

Another name that has recently been on the rise big-time is BIG tackle Charles Cross. The Giants love the fact that Cross played in an air-raid style offense under Mike Leach that rarely saw him run blocking but instead showcasing his elite pass protecting abilities. Cross is easily the best pure pass blocker in the class which is a welcome sight for the Giants and their offense that desperately needs more time to throw the ball, especially with a young Daniel Jones under center. The best thing about Cross is that he actually really is quite an underrated run blocker which the Giants will love to help him work on. 

MOCK TRADE: Carolina Panthers send pick #6 to the Minnesota Vikings for pick #12 & pick #46 (rd. 2) + 2023 third rounder

6. Minnesota Vikings (via CAR) select: Derek Stingley Jr., Cornerback, LSU

I think the Panthers are desperately going to try and trade back to recoup some of the picks they lost in the Sam Darnold trade. Before this trade, Carolina doesn't pick again until R4 after pick 6. The Vikings have a major crush on Derek Stingley and swing for the fences by making this big move up. The Vikings have LSU connections down the line on their team, most notably, their current CB1 Patrick Peterson who can mentor Stingley and bring him along. Secondary is a major need for Minnesota and they are thrilled to move up and get the ultra-athletic and productive (when healthy) Stingley to hopefully become their All-Pro CB1 of the future. 

MOCK TRADE: New York Giants send pick #7 & #147 to the Pittsburgh Steelers for pick #20 & pick #84 + 2023 first rounder

7. Pittsburgh Steelers (via NYG) select: Malik Willis, Quarterback, Liberty

Back-to-back mock trades! The Steelers and Giants make a blockbuster move that sees the Steelers vault 13 picks up the board to reel in the guy they think can be their future franchise QB. Mike Tomlin's team has not kept their affection for Willis a secret and the team is willing to move a future first rounder to ensure he will be in their locker room. Willis is a raw talent at QB but has all of the traits to develop into a future MVP caliber signal caller. He has the biggest arm in the class, he's accurate at times, he has Lamar Jackson level speed and elusiveness and is also a natural born leader. While Mitch Trubisky is likely the QB1 for this season, Willis will learn behind him and be in the team's plans to take over in 2023 and beyond.

8. Atlanta Falcons select: Jameson Williams, Wide Receiver, Alabama

I could see the Falcons trading down here, but I'm also not sure who is coming up. It is a shock that two blue chip prospects in Thibodeaux and Neal remain on the board, but I can't see Atlanta trading down with anyone outside of maybe Houston who likely won't be willing to give up what Atlanta would seek to move up just 5 spots. Sticking with their pick, the Falcons take the guy they've long been rumored to be heavily interested in. Jameson Williams may be recovering from an ACL tear, but he is still the best WR in the class and it's not close in my opinion. The 6'2 Williams has incredible deep speed, runs a great route tree, and has great hands. He reminds me of a slightly slower but much taller version of Tyreek frickin' Hill. The Falcons won't be good this year, but they are slowly going to build up this offense to have great weaponry around whoever their eventual QB of the future is. 

9. Seattle Seahawks select: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge Rusher, Oregon

The Seahawks are notorious for trading down, but with two huge trades already taking place in the top 10, I don't see a ton of teams desperately on their line to make a move up. With no good offer to take, Seattle simply goes with their best available player which is Kayvon Thibodeaux. I still personally believe that Thibodeaux is an easy top 3 prospect in the class and should go top 3, but NFL teams seem to feel differently. Thibodeaux is a blue-chip prospect. He's a freaky athlete with bend and the size and frame to be a future DPOY candidate. At Oregon he was injured often, but when he's on the field, there is no denying his talent. Pete Carroll and co. could not pass on a guy like Thibodeaux if he was here at 9, even with Evan Neal staring them down.

DOUBLE MOCK TRADE: New York Jets send pick #10 to the San Francisco 49ers for WR Deebo Samuel, pick #93, and a 2023 third rounder ...

THEN, the 49ers send pick #10 to the New Orleans Saints for pick #16 & pick #49

10. New Orleans Saints (from NYJ via SF) select: Evan Neal, Offensive Tackle, Alabama

That was madness! The Jets and Niners swing another blockbuster move which sends disgruntled Deebo Samuel to New York for a haul of early draft picks, then the Niners who want even more capital trade the 10th pick down to the Saints for 16 and another second rounder. Wow. That was a lot. Now that we are through that, the Saints see a falling star at their main position of need and do not hesitate to move up. That mid-second rounder was nice to have, but if they can get Evan Neal and still have their pick at 19, there is no reason not to do this. Neal was once consider the clear cut no. 1 pick. A behemoth of a man, Neal stands at about 6'7 and 330 pounds yet is incredibly agile and athletic along with very refined in both the pass and run blocking games. The Saints have a gaping hole from Terron Armstead signing with Miami and know they can get a potential perennial pro bowl replacement right here by trading up for Evan Neal. 

11. Washington Commanders select: Chris Olave, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

We all expect the Commanders to look to get Carson Wentz another wideout here at 11, but I don't think anyone expects it to be Chris Olave if pretty much all other options are still on the board. Every year there is a WR prospect who goes way higher than anyone expects, and with Jameson Williams already off the board to Atlanta at 8, Ron Rivera gets his own guy in Olave at 11. I think the team fell in love with Olave's deep speed and ability to track the ball along with his seamless route running ability. Rivera dreams about Wentz heaving it deep to a wide open Olave 40 yards down the field. While Drake London would be my personal pick here, I expect some major shocks on draft night, and Olave would be that in this spot. 

MOCK TRADE: Carolina Panthers send pick #12 to the Los Angeles Chargers for pick #17, pick #79, and pick #123

12. Los Angeles Chargers (via CAR) select: Trevor Penning, Offensive Tackle, Northern Iowa

The trades are coming in bunches now. The Panthers traded down from 6 to 12 to get some more capital earlier, and now they make another one to snag even more. The Chargers are clearly all in on this season and beyond, and with no huge gaping holes on the roster minus the tackle slot opposite Rashawn Slater, they aggressively flip some mid-round picks to come up 5 spots for the guy they've like all along in this process. Penning is raw, but the talent is there and frame is there. He's 6'7 and 300+ pounds and is an absolute mauler. Like Ekwonu, he leaves defenders in the dirt. The Chargers have their bookend tackles set for the future along with Justin Herbert. This offense is going to be good...for a LONG time.

13. Houston Texans (via CLE) select: Jermaine Johnson, Edge Rusher, Florida State

Jermaine Johnson has been another huge riser of late and could be consider a major steal right here at 13 for Houston. Some are saying that the Jets are very interested in Johnson who could go to them at 4, but that feels a little rich for me. Instead, the board and trades make the board shake out a certain way which leaves the productive Johnson available to the Texans at 13 who are stoked to have the opportunity to add him. I think some might be surprised to see Houston to double down on defense with picks 3 and 13, but they simply are playing the board. Johnson has a high floor and was ultra-productive in college. It feels like a very sure thing that he can be an elite no. 1 rusher at the next level. Lovie Smith could not be more thrilled with adding both Sauce Gardner AND Jermaine Johnson to his defense. 

14. Baltimore Ravens select: Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame

Baltimore's 'tradition' of blue chip talent falling into their laps continues here with the jack-of-all-trades Kyle Hamilton ending up on the board for them here at 14. Hamilton's draft stock has taken a hit of late, but he's still one of the best players in the entire class and might be the best athlete there is as well. While he looks like an LB (and has the play traits of one), he's easily more nimble and has awesome coverage ability. The Ravens are masters at getting the most out of their players and having a chess piece like Hamilton moving all around their defense will be a nightmare for the rest of the league. Similarly to Micah Parsons last year, a lot of teams will be scratching their heads at this time next year wondering how they let a player this good end up on a major contender's roster instead of theirs.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA) select: Drake London, Wide Receiver, USC

Philly lucks out big time here with potentially the top WR in the class falling to them at 15. While the Eagles have gone WR in the first round in each of the past two years, it makes all the sense in the world for them to do it once more. Devonta Smith was a home run pick for this offense last year but Jalen Reagor a year before is turning out to be a bust. The team is all-in this season with giving Jalen Hurts every chance to prove he's the QB of the future. To give him a fair shot they need to get him another weapon in this offense. London would be an A+ solution to that. He's a MASSIVE wide receiver target at 6'4/6'5 but sneaky fast and plays above the rim. Think of guys like Mike Evans, Alshon Jeffrey, or Michael Pittman. Hurts will be over the moon to get a guy who catches any high ball in his vicinity. 

16. San Francisco 49ers (via NO) select: Treylon Burks, Wide Receiver, Arkansas

Now this might come as yet another shock. The Niners who have made a ton of noise already on draft night go with sleeper Treylon Burks over the guy who many have as the WR1 in the class in Garrett Wilson. While Wilson is more refined as a prospect and surely the safer pick, the Niners have their own plans. Burks has caught the major comparison of Deebo Samuel in the pre-draft process, and the Niners will see themselves as geniuses if they can simply just insert him into their offense in the same type of role as Deebo while saving 10s of millions of dollars and acquiring even more draft capital. Burks obviously isn't AS elusive or versatile as Deebo (yet at least), but he's much bigger as well and harder to tackle one on one. My favorite word for Burks that I've heard is 'horse' which is what someone called him "in the open field". John Lynch is playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers.

17. Carolina Panthers (via LAC) select: Kenny Pickett, Quarterback, Pittsburgh

After swinging multiple trades to go from picking 6th to 17th, the Panthers finally stay put at secure their QB of the future in Kenny Pickett. I think this was all great work from GM Scott Fitterer who acquired tons of mid-round picks in the process of moving down and still get the guy they may have taken at 6. Pickett has the chance to save Matt Rhule's job. Sam Darnold is so clearly not the franchise QB there and if Rhule gives him another year, he will be canned before he has a chance to think twice about it. While Pickett will not be set up perfectly for success, it could be worse. The OL is bad, but he will have DJ Moore and Robby Anderson along with Christian McCaffrey to work with and Rhule is a great offensive coach as well. I could see Mac Jones-esque success in year 1 from Pickett in Carolina.

18. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO) select: Trent McDuffie, Cornerback, Washington

The Eagles couldn't have dreamed of the board falling any better. Somehow Drake London was there for them at 15 and then at 18 they have the chance to add potential superstar CB Trent McDuffie as well. While size is the knock on the UW corner, there isn't much else to knitpick on with him. He's an elite coverage player already and has the speed to make up for his lack of height at 5'11. McDuffie excelled outside and in the slot at Washington and would likely be able to do the same at the next level. While I think Philly would use him as an outside CB (which they should), I also think he would become the top slot CB in football within a year if they went that route. With Darius Slay and then McDuffie at CB, the Eagles would be looking mighty fine in the secondary going into next season. 

19. New Orleans Saints (via PHI) select: Garrett Wilson, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

I don't want to keep saying the same thing over and over again, but the board just broke insanely well for the Saints. While they did have to move up to secure OT Evan Neal earlier, they were still able to do so and hold onto their second 1st-rounder. Now at 19, the potential no. 1 wideout in the class is still there for the taking! Garrett Wilson is going to have a chip on his shoulder after this one. Wilson is a blue chip prospect. He can do everything well that you would want from a wideout in today's NFL. Speed, check. Route running, big check. Hands, double check. He's got it all. Jameis Winston loves to go deep and now with Wilson and fellow Ohio State alum Michael Thomas coming back, this Saints receiving core could be lethal. Steal alert!

20. New York Giants (via PIT) select: Devin Lloyd, Linebacker, Utah

After getting their guy at tackle with Charles Cross at 5 and then making the major trade-back from 7 to 20 (adding a 2023 first), the Giants go with best player available at a major position of need here and bring in Devin Lloyd. It's a shame that LB is not valued as highly as it once was, because Lloyd would be an easy top 10 pick. It is rare that there is an LB prospect that is already so polished and had so much production in college. Lloyd reminds me a little bit of a young Luke Kuechly. He's an aggressive tackler, amazing in run support, and can even apply tremendous pressure to the QB off the blitz. He's more than just a tackler which is what Giants GM Joe Schoen will love and will run this card up to the podium to be the new anchor of the G-men defense for the next decade.

21. New England Patriots select: Jordan Davis, Defensive Tackle, Georgia

While DT is certainly not the biggest need for the Pats, they do not care. Jordan Davis is a top 10 talent in this class and due to positional value and the flurry of mock trades, he somehow falls into Bill Belichick's lap at 21. Belichick knows the value of a dominant and huge defensive tackle (see Vince Wilfork) and will jump at the chance to get a guy who could literally be as good. Davis was the winner of the combine as he ran a sub 5 second forty yard dash at 340 pounds and continued to show off his athleticism in on-field drills. While he isn't much as a pass rusher yet, his size and dominance inside give him every opportunity to develop into the best interior rusher in the league in time. Davis is faster than guys like Patrick Mahomes...at 6'4 340 pounds. How do you stop that?

22. Green Bay Packers (via LV) select: Arnold Ebiketie, Edge Rusher, Penn State

Wide Receiver is the clear major need for the Packers, but none are worth reaching on here at 22 after Garrett Wilson went a few picks earlier, so the Packers settle for another position of need and punt the receiver decision to their later first rounder. Arnold Ebiketie is a huge riser of late. He suddenly feels like a near lock to be a first round pick. This kid brings the juice off the edge. He has a never-stopping motor and does not quit on a play. I think he's still a bit raw, but he was able to put up 9.5 sacks last year anyway, showing how good he ALREADY is. Green Bay needs edge rush help desperately, and Ebiketie can be their guy for the future. I like this pick a lot for them. 

MOCK TRADE: Arizona Cardinals trade pick #23 to Kansas City Chiefs for pick #29, pick #62 (rd. 2), and pick #243

23. Kansas City Chiefs (via AZ) select: George Pickens, Wide Receiver, Georgia

The Chiefs have quite the amount of draft ammunition following the Tyreek Hill trade, and they use a sliver of it to come up as high as they can and get the wideout they want who is still on the board. I think the Chiefs will probably try to get into the top 20 but won't pay the crazy price to move up from 29 to the top 20 so instead they wait for the second tier of receivers and get the one they want most. George Pickens is that guy. A lot of people say to think of him like the Derek Stingley of WRs in this class. When fully healthy this guy has the talent and has shown us the production that he could be the best player at his position in the draft. Health just becomes the main question; character issues too with Pickens some say. KC's front office knows that if Pickens is healthy, Pat Mahomes and Andy Reid will get the absolute most out of the big target who reminds me a little bit of a young Davante Adams. While it's a very different type of target, trading up for Pickens goes a decent way towards attempting to replace Hill. 

24. Dallas Cowboys select: Devonte Wyatt, Defensive Tackle, Georgia

Notorious for going best player available, the Cowboys do it again as a falling star ends up in their laps. While Jordan Davis gets all the hype, Devonte Wyatt quietly is probably the better player at the current moment. Davis is currently the renowned run stuffer while Wyatt is the pass rusher. Many are super high on Wyatt's ability and think he's an easy top 15-20 talent in the class. I agree. I've heard Wyatt has a little Chris Jones in him with the juice he brings. While Kenyon Green is tempting and probably the more logical pick here, Jerry Jones (who makes the calls as he says) won't pass on Wyatt for him. 

25. Buffalo Bills select: Breece Hall, Running Back, Iowa State

The Bills take an RB round 1 in what many have deemed as the worst RB class of the 2000s. I'm personally very against taking RBs in round 1 unless they are someone like Saquon Barkley coming out of college, and in this year's draft especially against it. Still, there is always at least one team who shocks everyone and does it, and this year it is going to be Buffalo. Their offense has been so good over the past few years, but it has been without basically any run game at all. Breece Hall can change that. Hall is a super elusive and patient runner with elite pass catching skills out of the backfield. He can be a workhorse but also a threat in the short passing game. He perfectly complements Josh Allen and this offense and the Bills pull the trigger. Someone does it every year, so don't be TOO shocked here.

26. Tennessee Titans select: Tyler Smith, Offensive Tackle, Tulsa

I don't think Tennessee anticipated themselves having the choice of pretty much all of the second wave OL in the class here at 26. Even with Linderbaum, Zion, and Green on the board, the Titans go for small school tackle with a big nasty demeanor in Tyler Smith. Smith is what the Titans thought they were getting when they took major bust Isaiah Wilson in the late first round a couple of years back. A huge tackle with guard flexibility who is very athletic for his size but also plays with a nasty streak (similar to Ekwonu and Penning earlier). Tennessee needs to upgrade it's blocking for Tannehill and Henry and Smith is an excellent choice to try and do so. 

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

The Bucs have 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. The Bucs know that OL is the priority with an ancient Brady under center, and they leave no voids with this pick.

28. Green Bay Packers select: Christian Watson, Wide Receiver, North Dakota St.

The Pack was definitely disappointed that all of the top tier WRs in the class were gone by their earlier first rounder, but they have to make due with what they can control, and so after going with edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie at 22, they finally get their first round wideout here at 28 with Christian Watson. Watson has been another big pre-draft riser. The 6'5 freak athlete from NDSU is going to have a lot of teams drooling. At his towering height he is still freakishly fast and athletic as he ran a 4.3 forty at the combine. He reminds me of someone like former Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling but even more gifted. Watson was a guy who played outside, in the slot, took bubble screens, and even returned kicks in college. He has that level of athleticism and versatility. Just imagine what Matt LaFleur will be able to do with him. Aaron Rodgers is going to be happy with this new toy.

29. Arizona Cardinals (via KC) select: Kenyon Green, Offensive Guard, Texas A&M

The Cards had multiple players they liked at 23 and had a hunch that at least 1-2 would still be there for them if they moved down to add some more picks. Turns out they were right as they move to 29 and still are able to get the ever-versatile Kenyon Green. Green played all 5 positions on the OL during his time at A&M and excelled greatly while doing so. Guard remains his best spot which is conveniently an area of large need for AZ. The Cards are trying to please Kyler Murray, and with Green in the fold along with more picks (potentially to grab another wideout), Murray should be over the moon!

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

After already landing George Pickens with their previous first, the Chiefs pivot to the defensive side of the ball next to snag a much needed reinforcement on the edge. George Karlaftis is a name who isn't getting much recognition right now, but he's an unbelievable player. This feels similar to when TJ Watt went near the end of the first round when he came out of Wisconsin. Karlaftis is still learning technique, but even at a more average level, is already a great player. The sky is the limit for him. Karlaftis feels like a player who could become a perennial double digit sacker with high upside in run support. KC's defense gets a lot better with the much needed addition of GK.

31. Cincinnati Bengals select: Tyler Linderbaum, Center, Iowa

While Daxton Hill feels like such a good pick here, the Bengals could not pass up on a blue chip prospect like Tyler Linderbaum. Linderbaum is the best center prospect I've seen. He is an easy top 10 talent in the class but his position makes his draft stock much lower than anyone else in the top 10. Linderbaum is strong, athletic, and SUPER refined in all blocking aspects. He allowed very few sacks and pressures during the entire course of his college career. The main knock on Linderbaum is he's a little small for an NFL Center but he's so skilled that it doesn't worry me one bit. After bringing in La'El Collins and Alex Kappa in FA to beef up the OL, Cinncy just completed it with Linderbaum. Their line is about to go from worst to one of the best in the league in just one off-season. It's Burrow time baby!

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. A trade is definitely in play here for another team looking to do the same thing. 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 will have fallen 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!

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ROUND 2

33. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Nakobe Dean, Linebacker, Georgia

The Jags open the second round by sticking with defense and getting the energizer bunny-like LB Nakobe Dean whose sideline to sideline range and unbelievable run support abilities will be a welcome add to the Jags front 7. 

34. Detroit Lions select: Andrew Booth Jr., Cornerback, Clemson

After passing on the big need that is DB twice in round 1, the Lions come back with their early second rounder and address the need by getting a first round talent in Andrew Booth. Booth is long and tremendous in coverage along with keen at getting interceptions. This will be a huge add for Dan Campbell's defense.

35. New York Jets select: Kaiir Elam, Cornerback, Florida

The Jets ended up with Ickey and then Deebo Samuel in R1, not bad. They follow up that A+ R1 with an A+ pick in early R2 by getting Kaiir Elam who is another long corner whose speed is evident everytime he's on the field and is able to man up with a team's best wideout. The Jets need CB help and Elam is their guy.

36. New York Giants select: Lewis Cine, Defensive Back, Georgia

The DBs continue to fly off the board as the Giants snag Lewis Cine after passing on DB twice in R1. While there are a ton of great S/CB hybrids still on the board, the Giants pinpoint Cine out from the rest due to his pure speed and coverage skill he showed at Georgia. Cine played Safety, slot CB, outside CB and even some LB last season. 

37. Houston Texans select: Daniel Faalele, Offensive Tackle, Minnesota

The Texans got two of the best defensive players in the class with their two top 15 picks, ignoring their big need at OT. With their early second rounder they focus on that. Daniel Faalele is one of the most interesting prospects in this class. He's 6'9 and nearly 400 pounds, yet shockingly athletic and nimble on his feet with decent pass protection refinement. He still has a ways to go, but if he can develop his game to match his mountain-like size, he could be a future All-Pro.

38. New York Jets (via CAR) select: David Ojabo, Edge Rusher, Michigan

The Jets have yet another high pick following (this one from the Sam Darnold trade). They've already filled so many needs in this class that they can figure to wait around for a player like Ojabo who is likely to miss his entire rookie season with a torn Achilles he suffered at his pro day. Still, at full health, Ojabo was considered a top 20 pick lock. His bend and juice off the edge is pretty much unmatched in this class. An amazing draft and stash prospect for the Jets who will be thrilled to add him next season.

39. Chicago Bears select: Jahan Dotson, Wide Receiver, Penn State

The Bears make their first pick all about Justin Fields. With not much at WR, Chicago catches a falling stud in Jahan Dotson (who is a first round talent) who can be a huge contributor right out of the gate for the team. Dotson may be under 6 feet, but he has crazy long arms, top end speed, and catches anything in his vicinity like a much taller player. He will be a welcome add for Fields.

40. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) select: Daxton Hill, Defensive Back, Michigan

Seattle is shocked yet thrilled to see Daxton Hill fall to them at 40. Hill feels like a first round pick but could fall due to the way the board will shake out. While Seattle is set at Safety (Diggs/Adams) they have a huge need at CB. Hill is an explosive athlete who has great cover skills and could play all throughout their secondary. Hill feels like a very Pete Carroll kind of player.

41. Seattle Seahawks select: Quay Walker, Linebacker, Georgia

Another Georgia defender off the board. Seattle lost Bobby Wagner this off-season and is thin at the LB spot outside of Jordyn Brooks. Walker is a massive LB who can do it all and is unlike anyone Seattle has had in their second level in years. A Brooks/Walker duo of the future could turn out to be like the Wagner/Wright one of old.

42. Indianapolis Colts select:
Calvin Austin III, Wide Receiver, Memphis

The Colts don't have a ton of big needs, but WR is one huge one. Outside of Michael Pittman Jr., they have nothing to scare opposing defenses. With Matt Ryan at QB, he's going to need some other weapons to be able to squeeze any last gas out of the tank. Austin may be tiny at 5'8, but he sure is explosive. He ran a 4.32 forty yard dash and is tough to tackle once he gets moving. This would be a fun pick for Frank Reich's offense. 

43. Atlanta Falcons select: Jalen Pitre, Defensive Back, Baylor

One of my draft crushes, Jalen Pitre would be a welcome add to the talent efficient Falcons. Atlanta's secondary has nothing outside of stud AJ Terrell, but adding Pitre would change that. Pitre was a stat sheet stuffer at Baylor and can do a little of everything while playing Safety, but is also very effective at slot CB. The Falcons could move him around and get a lot out of him while making him one of the centerpieces of their rebuild.

44. Cleveland Browns select: Logan Hall, Defensive Line, Houston

Cleveland has few needs (and also few picks) following the Deshaun Watson trade, so they essentially go best player available here. Hall is a powerful interior rusher who can play off the edge as well. His versatility to play inside or out is exciting and he can pressure the opposing QB quite well. The Browns will enjoy rotating him in.

45. Baltimore Ravens select: Cam Jurgens, Center, Nebraska

The Ravens need a new starting center after losing Bradley Bozeman and Jurgens is a great plug and play option. Jurgens is a good run blocker with great strength which will be a quality add for the OL.

46. Carolina Panthers (via MIN) select: Bernhard Raimann, Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan

The Panthers got Kenny Pickett after trading down twice in R1, and now they finally get a much needed tackle with their newly acquired second round pick. Raimann is an interesting prospect. He only started playing football a few years ago and was initially a receiver before moving to tackle. Despite being new to the position, the nimble Raimann is surprisingly refined and has a ton of potential. The Panthers have to take the risk here on him. 

47. Washington Commanders select: Roger McCreary, Cornerback, Auburn

One of the best pure press cover corners I've seen, Roger McCreary has a very high ceiling. The Commanders need help at CB and are willing to gamble with McCreary developing in other facets of his game due to him already being so good in press. This will help Washington match up against the other talent wideouts in the conference.

48. Chicago Bears (via LAC) select: Zach Tom, Offensive Line, Wake Forest

The Bears stole Jahan Dotson earlier in the second, and now continue to help Justin Fields by going with Zach Tom from Wake. Tom has 5 position experience and flexibility on the offensive line which is huge for a team that is unsure of every single player currently on their line. 

49. San Francisco 49ers (via NO) select: Tariq Woolen, Cornerback, UTSA

The Niners capitalize on their new second rounder by going with the most polarizing player in the class in Tariq Woolen. At 6'4, Woolen ran a forty in the 4.2s and is still learning the position. His physical traits are off the charts and if the Niners can develop him, they will have their CB1 of the future with this specimen. 

50. Kansas City Chiefs (via MIA) select: Amaré Barno, Edge Rusher, Virginia Tech

While KC went edge with Karlaftis in the end of round 1, they double down here as they need to get deeper at the spot. Barno is a pre-draft riser after running a 4.36 forty yard dash at 6'4/6'5 along with an over 10 foot broad jump. This is a crazy edge athlete with a lot of raw talent. The Chiefs take him and hope to develop him into a match-up nightmare off the edge.

51. Philadelphia Eagles select: Troy Andersen, Linebacker, Montana State

The third straight ATHLETE in a row off the board. Troy Andersen was second in the nation with a whopping 150 tackles last season which shows he actually produces and isn't JUST a 6'4 linebacker with eye popping speed and amazing tackle technique. LB is a major need for Philly but Andersen could be their guy for the future. What a first 3 picks for Philly (London, McDuffie, & Andersen).

52. Pittsburgh Steelers select: Skyy Moore, Wide Receiver, Western Michigan

With Malik Willis in the fold, the Steelers will now try and surround him with the most talent possible. Moore is a major pre-draft riser due to his fast forty time and renowned after the catch ability. He becomes a great and obvious replacement for Juju in that offense.

53. Green Bay Packers (via LV) select: Trey McBride, Tight End, Colorado State

The first TE off the board! The front office got Rodgers his new WR toy with C. Watson at the end of R1 and now they go back and get him the top TE in the class in McBride. I love this fit. McBride was an 1,000+ yard player last season and showed off some insanely tough catches as well. Rodgers will love him and he should have a big role immediately from day 1. 

54. New England Patriots select: Kyler Gordon, Cornerback, Washington

While Gordon's stock took a hit with bad testing over the off-season, there's no denying the talent we saw from him on tape. He plays faster than he tested and has pretty good zone cover skills. New England needs new blood at CB with JC Jackson gone.

55. Arizona Cardinals select: Alec Pierce, Wide Receiver, Cincinnati

Mission keep Kyler happy is underway. After snagging a top tier interior OL in R1, they go back to offense and get Kyler another weapon here in round 2. Pierce is one of the more underrated WR prospects in the class. He's big a 6'3 and 210 pounds but runs as if he's Christian Kirk. This is exactly the kind of player that Murray will love to go long with. 

56. Dallas Cowboys select: Cole Strange, Offensive Guard/Center, Chattanooga

Dallas passed on IOL in R1 for Devonte Wyatt but are quite glad when a good option for that spot is there for them in late round 2. Strange started almost 50 games at Chattanooga and was an anchor for their offensive line. He has a high floor. Dallas needs consistency and strength on that offensive front which Strange brings to the table. 

57. Buffalo Bills select: Zyon McCollum, Cornerback, Sam Houston State

The 6'4, 190 pound corner who is surprisingly fast and a bit of a ball-hawk himself would be an awesome add for the Bills who are searching for that CB2. McCollum has work to do, but with his frame, if he were able to become an above average CB2 behind Tre' White for the Bills, it could be bad news for opposing AFC contenders.

58. Atlanta Falcons (via TEN) select: Matt Corral, Quarterback, Ole Miss

Well, it took longer than many might have expected, but the first QB of round 2 is off the board! The Falcons got Jameson Williams in R1 and then Jalen Pitre earlier in round 2 (two playmakers to build around) but now they take the guy that could be the future of their franchise. Corral reminds me a little of their current bridge QB Marcus Mariota and with innovative HC Arthur Smith, Corral could develop really nicely in this offense. He is able to run the ball very effectively and has a live arm.

59. Green Bay Packers select: Boye Mafe, Edge Rusher, Minnesota

The Packers get more great value here with their 4th pick in the draft by getting a guy who some see going in round 1. Mafe is raw but is one of the most athletic rushers in the class. If Green Bay can tap into his full potential, they may have something here as they try and deepen their edge rushing group.

60. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Marcus Jones, Cornerback, Houston

Tampa has the luxury of pretty much always getting to go best player available. Here it's Marcus Jones who is ultra fast and agile and could be a nice slot corner option for Tampa. Jones was also among the very most dangerous return specialists in the nation at Houston last year and could double as an elite return man for the Bucs. Jones is simply a playmaker wherever he is in.

61. San Francisco 49ers select:
Velus Jones Jr., Wide Receiver, Tennessee

While the Niners got an ideal Deebo Samuel replacement in the mid first with Treylon Burks, they double down here with Velus Jones. Jones is a 6 foot receiver who ran a blazing 4.31 forty time and is a weapon after the catch with the ball is his hands. He is the perfect player for Kyle Shannahan's offense who will use a committee of sorts to replace Deebo featuring their two rookie pass catchers Burks and Velus Jones. 

62. Arizona Cardinals (via KC) select: Greg Dulcich, Tight End, UCLA

MORE OFFENSE for the Cardinals. They are clearly making a point here. There never seems to be a consistent TE in the desert, and even though they just re-signed Zach Ertz, he's getting up there in age and Dulcich is a great fit and value here in the late second round. Kyler Murray loves throwing the straight line darts to TEs which the 6'4 Dulcich specializes in. 

63. Cincinnati Bengals select: Coby Bryant, Cornerback, Cincinnati

The Bengals go next-door to their good friends the Cincinnati Bearcats to bring in their second rounder. While Sauce Gardner was the top CB in the class, his running mate from Cinncy Coby Bryant was the man who did a lot of the dirty work. Bryant was the one getting targeted all the time with Sauce scaring people away and he did a damn good job. Bryant has the experience to be a day 1 starter and the local Bengals could use his help. I love this pick and the same-city fit. Forgot to also mention that Bryant won the Thorpe Award (best DB in the nation in 2021).

64. Denver Broncos (via LAR) select: Travis Jones, Defensive Tackle, UCONN

With the final pick of our final mock of this off-season, the Denver Broncos find their Shelby Harris replacement. Jones was a monster last season for the Huskies. He towers above everyone at 6'5 and eats up blockers for breakfast. While he will already be a beast in run stuffing, his pass rushing abilities are on the rise and he could develop into a stud interior rusher as well. Good value and upside here for Denver's first pick of the draft.