Jake Oliver’s NFL Mock Draft 3.0
With most of the NFL free agency, the combine, and franchise-changing trades behind us what better time to release my 2.0 NFL Mock Draft for the First Round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The draft will take place in Paradise, Nevada from April 28th to April 30th. Check out my previous Mock Draft here.
This mock will NOT include trades. I’ll be focusing on the needs of each team and what I think that team does. This year’s NFL draft is quite different than years past. Instead of it being a QB-heavy draft, I wouldn’t have a single QB in the top-15 or so players if this was just about talent. Rather, this draft is beyond loaded at the EDGE, OL, CB, and WR positions. I would be shocked if at least 5 OL and 5 EDGE players weren’t taken in the first round alone. If your team needs help in the trenches, this is the year to go get that help. After all, trenches are what decide NFL games more often than not. Just ask Burrow if his offensive linemen could’ve blocked Aaron Donald for more than 2 seconds how the Super Bowl would’ve ended. I’m a huge believer that if you want to truly win the Super Bowl, or be a great team, you need a good offensive and defensive line. Of course, a lot can change on player values and team needs following the NFL combine and NFL free agency. It’s hard sorting through the smoke, fire, and embers. This isn’t what I would take if I were the GMs, but what I think happens.
Some popular names that did not make my first-round mock draft: Matt Corral, Trey McBride, Kyler Gordon, Daxton Hill, Sam Howell, David Ojabo, Nakobe Dean
Without further ado, let’s begin with Jacksonville Jaguars on the clock:
1.01 | Jaguars: Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia
After consulting with some people, the smoke could very well be real with Walker to the Jags. Rumors are that Baalke sees Walker as an Aldon Smith-type player. It’s no secret the Jags need edge help. They made the position they were taking #1 overall clear after they signed Brandon Scherff and franchise-tagged Cam Robinson. Travon Walker has been flying up the leaderboard for the draft. He’s a talented former 5-star recruit. He’s a 3-down player who can provide coverage, pass-rushing, or run-stopping plays. Strong, mobile, and agile, Walker would fit the Giant’s system perfectly. To make it, even more, sweeter, Walker had 36 QB hurries last season. He would form a great combo with Josh Allen in their edge room. Walker’s impressive combination with a 4.51 40, 4.32 shuttle more likely sealed him as a top-10 pick. He’s a high-ceiling, low-floor prospect, one that could pay off handsomely for the Jags. Or it might cost Baalke his job.
1.02 | Lions: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Jared Goff is still under contract for one more year. The Lions have no long-term plan at QB. It’s widely believed that Willis will require at least a year of coaching like Trey Lance, if not more. Yet, Willis has a ton of potential and a great arm. I completely believe choosing Willis over Hutchinson would be a mistake, but the team seems to really like Willis. It could be a smokescreen so they can trade this pick, but who knows. It does help that the team would have an amazing offensive line to help Willis mature faster as a QB. Malik has tons of arm power, but his accuracy is suspect and he’s prone to making the wrong reads/decisions. At Liberty, he struggled mightily with sacks/interceptions due to a very porous OL. Going from one awful OL to the Lions would help a ton. I just hope the Lions have a plan and know what they are doing.
1.03 | Texans: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan
This would be the gobsmacking steal of the draft in my opinion. Hutchinson is the #1 prospect in the draft and should not be here at #3. Yet, it’s becoming increasingly likely that it could happen. That best player is an edge rusher, Aidan Hutchinson, from Michigan. He’s a violent pass-rusher that tries to bulldoze his way through linemen. While he needs to learn some new techniques, he has a great burst off the line of scrimmage. His 4.74 40 proves how fast he is. He’s a building block for that D-line. As such, getting a monster in the trenches will surely help that. This would be a franchise-changing move for the defense. I could see Hutchinson providing the same impact Nick Bosa provided to the 49ers.
1.04 | Jets: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
The Jets believe they drafted their franchise QB in Zach Wilson. Therefore, they must protect Wilson unless they want another Darnold. They hoped they draft their franchise LT in Mekhi Becton too. However, he’s been dealing with injury issues and there’s concern those don’t go away. Either way, this Jets team needs offensive line help in a bad way. If they truly want to see what Wilson can do, they got to keep him healthy and upright. Ikem is battling Neal for the rights of OT1 in this draft class. He’s a Day 1 starter at either left or right tackle. He’s technically sound and strong. This would make 3 out of the Jets’ past 4 first-round picks to be drafted on OL. In my opinion, Ikem is the #1 OT in the draft. Getting the OT1 in the draft here is a no-brainer in my opinion.
1.05 | Giants: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
It’s obvious the Giants need OT/OL help. I don’t think they leave the first round without an OT. Getting what some say is the best OT in the draft at the 5th pick is a steal in their eyes. He’s a massive athlete at 6’7 and over 300 pounds. He’s quite fast and agile for his size. Able to block well in rush or pass. He can grow with Dimes and help him get back on track. Neal’s a proven performer and would become the best tackle and LT the Giants have had in a decade. Plus, this allows them to move Andrew Thomas to RT which is a better spot for him. This is a home run pick for the Big Blue. Give Danny Dimes in the pocket and see what he can be. It’s crucial to the team’s future.
1.06 | Panthers: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
The Panthers missing out on Willis might be a good thing. While it’s still incredibly possible that they take Pickett here, I’m going with them taking the smart route. They need an LT no matter who the QB is. If they don’t get an OT, then the mystery QB will be seeing ghosts faster than Sam Darnold in New York. Cross is a proven starter in the SEC and will start Day 1. Cross plays with a strong mix of balance and speed. After 1,293 snaps the last two seasons, Cross is ready to become the Panthers’ franchise LT and ensure that the QB’s blindside is protected. It’s far too important, especially in today’s NFL.
1.07 | Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon
The slide for Thibs is over as the Giants win the draft or the first round with their top-2 picks. They get a franchise OT and a franchise edge rusher. Not bad at all. Thibs has length, strength, speed, and extreme raw talent that will be able to be molded to succeed. Additionally, it’s hard to take him out of the lineup, even when hurt. Twice this year, he came back from injury just to play football instead of just preparing for the NFL draft. He’s a proven star in the making and would give the Lions an immediate upgrade in the edge-rushing department. Combining him with Azeez Ojulari in their edge room would make for a terrific young duo.
1.08 | Falcons: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio St.
1.09 | Seahawks: Jermaine Johnson, Edge, Florida State
The Seahawks no longer have the Legion of Boom. The Seahawks have a scary depth chart to look at and not in a good way. Besides LB Jordyn Brooks and WRs D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, I don’t think anyone is truly a long-term answer on the roster. The team has little CB depth, no OL depth, no DL depth, and a mystery at QB with only Drew Lock there. The word on the street is that Pete is refusing to admit this team needs to rebuild and wants a veteran QB to compete. Thus, I think they ultimately acquire/sign Baker Mayfield to play at QB. That’s why they go for an edge rusher here with the top OTs off the board. Jermaine Johnson stole the Senior Bowl show away with his impressive technique, power, and speed. Johnson won ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Using his 3-down edge playing capabilities, he’ll never have to leave the field and can aid the Falcons in rising from the NFL defense graveyard. They will have a talented pass-rusher and cornerback as cornerstones of their defense. I wouldn’t be surprised if they take Kenny Pickett though if that happens, expect chaos further down the draft board.
1.10 | Jets: Drake London, WR, USC
1.11 | Commanders: Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
This pick is either a WR or CB. Since the Jets chose London, I have the Commanders going with Sauce. Ahmad Gardner is an excellent corner. He’s got great hands, ball skills, and fluid motions to keep up with WRs. Long, Lean, and athletic, Sauce will help take pressure off of the Jets’ defenders. Sauce would automatically be the #1 corner for Washington. He’s easily the #1 CB in the draft. Don’t forget that he never allowed a TD in college and has no plans to allow one in the NFL. He would be the best corner the Commanders have had since well, for as long as I can remember.
1.12 | Vikings: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
The Vikings get a badly needed DB for their weak secondary while getting a top-5 athletic talent at safety in Kyle Hamilton. The slide is over for him as he goes to the purple people eaters. Getting a potential generational type of safety would be perfect. Kyle is my top athlete in this draft. He blends smarts, instincts, agility, range, speed, and more into a top-tier football player. Houston badly needs help on defense. So to get a 5-tool safety that will be a Pro Bowler and start day 1 will make Vikings fans very happy. He can learn from the aging Harrison Smith before taking over as the franchise safety.
1.13 | Texans: Derek Stingely Jr., CB, LSU
The slide of Stingley is over finally. Due to missing so much time the last couple of years with injuries, his draft stock went from top-5 pick to just first round. Stingley Jr. is a bit of a conundrum. He’s dealt with injuries the past two years, but the talent is undeniable. If you saw his freshman year, you know he has the potential to be the #1 CB off the board. He’s a 5-star talent with great measurables. He’s fast, able to read the QB’s eyes, and would assist the Texans’ meager secondary a ton. He’s a solid playmaker and has the potential to be a bright star.
1.14 | Ravens: Jordan Davis, IDL, Georgia
It’s no secret the Ravens need D-line help, even after re-signing Calais Campbell. heir defense was getting rushed and passed all over left and right last year. So, why don’t they go corner here? Well, this draft is filled with talented cornerbacks, but not nearly as many talented run-stoppers at the IDL position. Thus, they take the pocket pusher, Jordan Davis. He’s the #1 IDL player in this year’s draft. Davis is a 2-gapper, 3-down player. He stuffs the run and ensures that the interior of the line is taken care of. With so many talented running backs in the AFC North, the Ravens must find someone to help stop the run.
1.15 | Eagles: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
The Eagles badly need another WR to pair with Devonta Smith. Jalen Hurts needs more reliable targets if he’s ever to develop as a solid passer. He only has one year to prove his mettle since the Eagles are loaded with picks to trade up for a QB in 2023. Although Williams is hurt, he should recover within a few weeks of the season starting. Jameson is a high-risk, high-reward WR. Jameson has talent and speed and comes at a discount after tearing his ACL in January. The issues with Jameson are his blocking and his play effort. I think Siranni will fix that. What Williams brings to the table is an explosive, dangerous, and wide-catch radius receiver. He’s a YAC monster who will eat up huge chunks of yards.
1.16 | Saints: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
With the Saints’ #1 target of Wilson off the board and after trading up, I have them taking the best option on the board, Kenny Pickett. It’s no secret the Saints need a long-term answer at QB. Jameis only got a 2-year deal that the Saints could cut after one year. Plus, with Jameis, Pickett can sit for a few weeks to a year. Kenny is an NFL-Style QB that is ready to start day 1. I have him having Kirk Cousins/Derek Carr type potential, which is plenty good enough for the Saints to make the playoffs. Pickett has a steady/strong arm, is mobile, and is very accurate. He does everything well, but nothing is stand-out special. He’s a solid QB that you can rely on. He would be the long-term answer and immediately push to start Week 1 with the Saints.
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1.17 | Chargers: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
After acquiring J.C. Jackson, Khalil Mack, Gerald Everett, and re-signing Mike Williams, the Chargers have limited needs. They still need an RT to replace aging Bryan Bulaga and to shore up their IDL/run-stuff game. With the top two IDL players, Davis and Wyatt, gone, they pivot to the best tackle remaining. Senior star tackle Trevor Penning would be perfect for the Chargers. He’s a beast in the rushing game, attacking defenders with power, speed, and strong hands. He’s still learning to refine his pass-blocking but has all the makings of being an NFL-Caliber LT starter in the NFL. With Slater already entrenched at LT, they would make Penning their starting RT and he has Pro Bowl-caliber potential. This would be a smash pick for them. Protect Herbert as he leads you deep into the playoffs! They have to protect their future of the franchise.
1.18 | Eagles: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Darius Slay is no longer a spring chicken. He needs a worthy CB to share the field with. McDuffie has star potential. He can become the #1 lockdown cornerback for the Eagles. He’s easily the CB2 in my opinion of this draft. The Eagles need help in the secondary and McDuffie would form a cornerstone of their defense. McDuffie is arguably just as good as Sauce but in a different way. Trent is good at coverage and ball skills. Yet, what really shines is his speed and tackling skills. He’s a punisher in the outside run game. Trent will rack up the tackles. Plus, with his excellent speed, he can help cover the many talented wideouts in the NFC East.
1.19 | Saints: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio St.
The Saints love their Ohio St WRs and they get a good one here to serve as the WR2 for Jameis/Kenny and alongside returning star Michael Thomas. Olave’s an elite route runner with speed for days. Olave performed great at the combine running a blazing 4.39 40 while showing off his hands. Scouts compare him to Terry McLaurin and if that’s true, then that would be a terrific grab by the Saints. Chris plays tough and bigger than his 6’0 frame. The Saints can’t enter the season without more WR depth and with no great OT left to take, they go after a great WR. Wait for the 2nd round before they snag an OT.
1.20 | Steelers: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Yes, this is a shock, but it shouldn’t be. While he’s my QB4 after Howell, it’s no secret that Mike Tomlin loves Ridder. If the Steelers can’t trade up for Pickett or Willis, then getting Ridder here would be the next best thing. Ridder’s draft stock is rising after an impressive combine. He made excellent throws and ran an amazing 4.52 40. He’s a mobile QB with a strong QB intelligence and an understanding of how to make passes/do what’s best. He understands what the defense is trying to do and makes throws. He’s a leader that will lead teams to the playoffs. I don’t know if he ever will be elite or win a Super Bowl, but he would carry on the Steelers’ traditions of being constant contenders. He’s a weaker arm Big Ben, or a more mobile Alex Smith. Either way, those QBs consistently were in the playoffs and Ridder has that same career outlook. It would be a good pick for the Steelers and really make Najee Harris, Pat Freiermuth, and Diontae Johnson shine in fantasy. Ridder has a ton of potential and the Steelers just might be the ones to help him achieve it.
1.21 | Patriots: Kenyon Green, IOL, Texas A & M
This just feels like a Patriots pick. They know the importance of the trenches. Plus, with no great WR still available and many corners to still be had, they shore their interior line which is so vital to their running and passing game. They can’t afford Mac’s development to be slowed. After all, he did take them to the playoffs as a rookie. Green has the ability to play every single OL position which the Pats love. They adore their versatile players. Along with that, Green has pro bowl potential. He’s a bulldozer that knows how to use his power to push back against rushers. He’s got good leverage and strong hands with a solid frame. Kenyon has what it takes to work well in Bill’s system.
1.22 | Packers: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
1.23 | Cardinals: George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue
The Cardinals get a massive steal with what some say is the Edge Rusher4 in this year’s draft. Yet, he slips to 23 for the Cardinals who badly need to replace Chandler Jones in the edge dept. Playing opposite JJ Watt will help Karlaftis develop quicker and have 1 on 1s while rushing. He’s not getting near enough hype. He’s explosive, powerful, and angry. Once he refines his technique and learns how to channel that anger, watch out. This could end up being a major steal. The Cardinals will need plenty of defensive help if they hope to compete with the Rams in the NFC West.
1.24 | Cowboys: Zion Johnson, IOL, Boston College
After yet another embarrassing playoff loss, the Cowboys’ days of running the table in the NFC East are numbered. Zeke is getting older and so is their talented offensive line. They brought back Gallup and Schultz while losing Amari Cooper and Connor Williams. Thus, you could say O-Line is the obvious want for the team and Zion is the best player on the board at this spot. Furthermore, the team dealt with so many injuries to their O-Line, part of it due to the players getting older. In order to maintain their line for Zeke and Dak, they take Zion Johnson. Zion is able to play guard or tackle. This provides flexibility to the Cowboys. I see him as the future LG starter, replacing Williams. They take the best IOL available and try to protect their stars for as long as possible. Maybe then, Dak won’t be forced to run 13 yards to end the game or be sacked by a monster pass-rush so much. They got to protect Dak if they want any chance to go further in the playoffs.
1.25 | Bills: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
With Tredavious White recovering from a late-season ACL tear and their lack of depth at CB, it’d be wise for the Bills to add an impact corner that has been sliding for some reason. Booth Jr would pair with a healthy White to become one of the best CB duos in the NFL. He’s a technique-sound corner that does everything well. He’s an excellent athlete with good hands, ball skills, and knows how to run routes. While he isn’t known for making huge splash plays, he’s as consistent as they come. Andrew’s able to play in any scheme. In the new-age NFL where they never stop passing, having enough corners is impossible. You don’t have to worry about Booth as he reminds me of Aqib Talib. The Bills would love his fiery work ethic and attitude.
1.26 | Titans: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
If Lloyd was able to play in the SEC, he would be a top-ten pick right now. However, due to playing at Utah, and in the PAC-12, he’s being slept on far too much. Devin’s a playmaker first and foremost. He’s got insane speed which allows him to cover sideline to sideline. He knows how to tackle to ensure the guy goes down and can cover or play man-to-man against the best. He’s a team’s swiss army knife on the defense. The Titans badly need an LB and this would be a perfect fit for them. He would take so much pressure off their D-Line and corners. Lloyd did as well as he could in the combine and would fit the Titans perfectly.
1.27 | Buccaneers: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
The Buccaneers need help at cornerback. With Tom Brady now back in the fold, the need for a QB is dead. Godwin was re-signed, Evans is still there, and they signed Russell Gage to be their new WR3. That means they no longer truly need a WR in the first round. However, they lost Jordan Whitehead at cornerback but managed to keep Carlton Davis. Due to that, I have the Bucs drafting another cornerback. Here, they take the cornerback out of Florida, Kaiir Elam. He compares to Jaylon Johnson and is related to former safety Matt Elam. Kaiir has great size, length, and speed to match up with nearly any WR. He can be patient, has fluid hips, and knows when to pounce on the ball. He’ll play in zone or man and has improved his tackling. He would immediately slot into their #2 CB spot and play a ton for the Bucs. The Bucs will only go so far as their defense takes them, despite Tom Brady.
1.28 | Packers: Boye Mafe, Edge, Minnesota
Honestly, the Packers will most likely just take the best player available here. That’s why I have them taking Boye Mafe. He’s a talented pass-rusher that would provide a long-term complement to Rashan Gary. Coincidentally enough, my comp for him is that of Gary. The Packers edge rush room would be set for a while with Mafe and Gary. He’s an explosive athlete with strong hands, power, and range. He would really aid the Packers in helping their defense keep games low-scoring while aiming to finally break that playoff curse. The 49ers beat them with strong DL play, it’s time for the Packers to return the favor.
1.29 | Chiefs: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn St
1.30 | Chiefs: David Ojabo, Edge, Michigan
Despite suffering a torn Achilles during his pro day, Ojabo’s not expected to fall out of the first round. He’s a great talent with strong speed, agility, and tackling. He’s a growing edge rusher that would do well taking a year to learn. With this injury not being the career-ender it used to be, Ojabo could take a rookie year of learning/growing before fully breaking out in year 2. He’s got great feet and hands to punish opposing tackles while maintaining balance. I see no reason as to why he would not be taken in the first round. For the Chiefs, they badly need an edge rusher to pair with Chris Jones. Ojabo would give them a pro bowl potential player that could impact the team by mid-late season.
1.31 | Bengals: Tyler Linderbaum, IOL, Iowa
The Bengals have done great in free agency signing players to help their offensive line. They’ve signed La’el Collins to play tackle, Alex Cappa to play Guard, and Ted Karras to play center. However, they still need another guard at a minimum. That’s why I have Linderbaum here. He can play center or guard and projects to be a Pro Bowl-caliber player at both spots. The strong, mobile, and technique-sound guard/center would provide stability along the line and help Burrow/Mixon reach more of their potential.
1.32 | Lions: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
Yes, it’s so tempting to project a WR or CB to the Lions, however, they have bigger needs. The Lions really only have Tracy Walker in the DB room. They need a special talent that can aid in free safety but can tackle hard. That’s why they should take Daxton Hill. Hill is a fast playmaker that can play the rush, cover, or do anything you need. He reminds me of a much-younger Honey Badger. He doesn’t excel at any one aspect but does everything quite well. The Lions should be taking the best player available that fits their team. Since they don’t have any need for another O-Line player, I give them the best defender on the board. Plus, it’s not like they don’t need more defensive help facing the Vikings and Packers 4 times a year minimum.
As always, May the Force be with You… and keep an eye out on my next mock draft in a couple of weeks!
