NFL Draft 2022: Mock 1.0
With the Super Bowl behind us what better time to release my 1.0 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.
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.
Some popular names that did not make my first-round mock draft: Breece Hall, Matt Corral, George Pickens, Kaiir Elam, Carson Strong, Sam Howell, and Trey McBride.
Without further ado, let’s begin with Jacksonville Jaguars on the clock:
1.01 | Jaguars: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
While it was quite tempting to go with an edge rusher for the Jaguars, I think they have realized that they just can’t afford to not protect Trevor Lawrence. After the failed Urban Meyer experiment, there’s hope that Urban didn’t hurt Trevor’s growth too much or stunt his potential. Of course, it doesn’t help that he was sacked or forced out of the pocket an obscene amount of times. That’s where Neal comes in. 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 TLaw and help him get back on track.
1.02 | Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan
Another tough pick here as do the Lions go Aidan or Kayvon. I lean towards Aidan for two reasons, one is that they can market him real well since he grew up in Michigan and went to Michigan. The 2nd is that he’s 1a/1b with Kayon for edge rushers in this class. 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. Detroit was 2nd worst in the NFL in terms of pass-rush win rate. As such, getting a monster in the trenches will surely help that. If you play in IDP, he’s a big get for your team. If you’re a Lions fan, this is a huge win as well.
1.03 | Texans: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon
The Texans just need playmakers. Their defense is woeful. They had the 4th-fewest sacks which is where Kayvon will come in handy. He 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. The Texans would be wise to draft Kayvon to increase their talent, and since it’s not like extremely high-potential edge rushers are super easy to get.
1.04 | Jets: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
The Jets believe they drafted their franchise QB in Zach Wilson. They hoped they draft their franchise LT in Mekhi Becton too. However, there have been rumors that they might look to trade Becton. 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 got great hands and strong core strength to go along with balance. This would make 3 out of the Jets’ past 4 first-round picks to be drafted on OL. He’s too good to pass up here in my opinion.
1.05 | Giants: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi St.
Perhaps this is a run on offensive tackles as I have the Giants taking Charles Cross, a great tackle. He’s a proven starter in the SEC and can play Day 1. The Giants’ #1 priority is that they MUST improve their OL if they want to see Saquon return to form and find out how good Daniel Jones can be. He simply must be given time to make his reads. Cross plays with a strong mic of balance and speed. After 1,293 snaps the last two seasons, Cross is ready to become the Giants’ franchise LT and ensure that at least Danny Dimes’ blind side is protected.
1.06 | Panthers: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Admittedly, this would be a very bold move that would either pay off mightily or crash and burn. That’s because Penning is currently projected to go in the teens, however, I just have a hard time believing that the Panthers are going to continue to ignore their abysmal offensive line. If this pick isn’t traded for a QB, then I think Coach Rhule panics a tiny bit and goes for the next best offensive lineman. That would be the Senior Bowl rising star, Penning. 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. If they take a rookie QB without fixing their OL, well, that QB is going to be seeing ghosts really soon.
1.07 | Giants, via Bears: David Ojabo, Edge, Michigan
Finally, the run-on lineman is over. Here, the Giants focus on their second priority. That priority is to obtain talent and pass-rushing for new Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale’s defense. Wink’s defenses are very pass-rush heavy so taking one of the best edge rushers in the class would be a good call. Ojabo is a player with great measurables but hasn’t quite put it together just yet. However, with a legendary coach like Wink who has molded many edge rushers, I can’t see them passing up on the immense potential that Ojabo has. He’s got terrific length, speed, and explodes off the LOS. The Giants surely want to improve on their 30th ranking in pass-rush win rate.
1.08 | Falcons: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Potential generational type safety is finally off the board. It’s a bit of a shock to see him slide this far, but it would’ve felt hard to put him in any of the team’s picks aside from maybe the Jets. As such, the Falcons get a massive steal. They can pair Hamilton with star corner AJ Terrell to form a great defensive backfield. Kyle is my top athlete in this draft. He blends smarts, instincts, agility, range, speed, and more into a top-tier football player. Atlanta badly needs talent, especially on their defense. To get a 5-tool safety that will be a Pro Bowler and start day 1 will make Falcons fans very happy. This is like getting Pitts all over again.
1.09 | Broncos: Jermaine Johnson, Edge, Florida State
Admittedly, I believe that the Broncos trade this pick for a QB. The team is ready to win now. However, should they keep this pick, I doubt they take a rookie QB. Instead, I see them going with a veteran QB and using this pick to replace one of the best players in franchise history. Von Miller was traded and is now a free agent. If they don’t sign Von back, they will be left a massive hole in their pass-rushing group. That’s where Jermaine comes in. He stole the Senior Bowl show away with his impressive technique, power, and speed. He 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 Broncos in rising from their NFL-worst pass-rush win rate. Getting another pass-rusher is important to helping the Broncos get to the great QBs in the AFC West.
1.10 | Jets via Seahawks: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Here, the Jets just take the best player available. They got help for their offensive line and now they help their defensive backs. 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 Jets’ meager secondary a ton. They need playmakers and Stingely is definitely a playmaker.
1.11 | Commanders: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
I believe this is still too high for Willis, but I think the Commanders take him here. I can see Ron Rivera believing that he’s Cam Newton 2.0. One that can rush but also throw deep and pass. The Commanders need a QB and Willis could grow with them. After a huge Senior Bowl by Willis, perhaps Ron thinks that he and his coaches can mold him into being yet another great young QB. This is a huge risk, but sometimes the reward can pay off the risk. I know Ron wants a vet QB but those are hard to come by. Instead, they go with a mobile passer that hopefully provides some stability at their QB position.
- Suggested Read: Dynasty Rookie Watch: 9 Players To Watch For
1.12 | Vikings: Jordan Davis, IDL, Georgia
The Vikings are in bad shape at the corner and defensive line positions. Their 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 cornerback, 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 NFC North, the Vikings need someone to help stop the run.
1.13 | Browns: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
This was a difficult selection since the Browns could use so many positions, even a QB. However, I think they want to see what a healthy Baker Mayfield can do with some actual weapons. Everyone on the Browns got hurt last year. Thus, they go with a WR to replace OBJ and one that fits their offense better. Burks is a talented playmaker that can line up in the slot or outside. Even better, he’s a great jump ball catcher. He’ll even play wide back like Deebo if he’s asked. Treylon and Garrett Wilson are 1a/1b in this year’s WR draft class. I lean Burks since he fits the Browns’ offense better and will provide a huge target for Baker to throw to.
1.14 | Ravens: Kenyon Green, IOL, Texas A&M
Anyone who watched the Ravens last year saw that they need an offensive line. The line was porous last year letting full-sized yachts pass through. It’s no surprise that Lamar wasn’t able to survive behind it. Due to that and the fact that the Ravens must protect their QB, they go with a talented interior lineman to help stop the pocket from being pushed. Additionally, Green will help open up lanes for their RBs to run through. Green is an angry blocker that can play LG, RG, or RT. I think they will use him at LG to try to finally replace Marshall Yanda. Their one goal in the first round must be to protect Lamar.
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1.15 | Eagles via Miami: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
The first of the Eagles’ three first-round picks is to aid their ailing corners. Darius Slay is still a top talent, but he’s getting older. I don’t know if you truly trust Avonte Maddox to step up and be a true #1. Thus, they take what some say is the #1 corner in this year’s draft in Ahmad Gardner. Sauce, as he is known, 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 Slay. Perhaps in a year from now, Sauce is actually the CB1 for the Eagles.
1.16 | Eagles via Colts: George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue
The 2nd, and 2nd in a row, of the Eagles’ 3 first-round picks, courtesy of the Colts, will allow the Eagles to help their defensive line. Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox are no longer spring chickens. Instead, they are entering the twilight of their career. With Derek Barnett finally a free agent, the Eagles replace him with a better edge rusher. Karlaftis may come from Purdue, but 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. One that sets up the Eagles’ pass-rushing for years to come.
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1.17 | Chargers: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
The Chargers are in need of run-stoppers and help at corner. With the number 1 run-stopper off the board already, they decide to help Asante Samuel Jr. at cornerback. Henceforth they take the young and talented corner from Washington. 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 AFC West. This is the best player available pick for the Chargers’ needs. It’s a perfect pick for their team too.
1.18 | Saints: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
While the Saints do need a QB, I see them re-signing Jameis. Plus, with their current cap situation, I’m not sure what else they can truly do. If they want to improve an expensive position like at WR, then they must do it through the draft. That’s why I have them taking Garrett Wilson. He’s just as good as Burks and fits the Saints’ scheme to a tee. Garrett plays aggressive, fast, and knows how to run routes. He’s a YAC monster and would make many big plays. Furthermore, you already know that the Saints love Ohio State WRs. Why not bring him in and load up on one more run with the veterans they have on the Saints roster.
1.19 | Eagles: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
I know that the Eagles traditionally don’t care about the linebacker position for some odd reason. However, perhaps it’s finally gotten to the point that they must address it. I don’t see how they can keep ignoring it. That’s why with their third first-round pick, I have them selecting Nakobe Dean. They could go Lloyd as well, but in this mock, I have them with Dean. Dean is a great tackler that steps up against the rush. He’s fast and agile enough to be able to provide great coverage. He’s a solid all-around linebacker. He reminds me of Devin White a bit and would fit in perfectly with Philly’s defense. Please, Philly, fix your LB corps.
1.20 | Steelers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
1.21 | Patriots: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Jameson is a high-risk, high-reward WR. That fits perfectly with Bill’s recent draft history. Mac Jones needs a young #1 WR to grow with. The Patriots need WR talent. Jameson has both and comes at a discount after tearing his ACL in January. The issues with Jameson are his blocking and his play effort. Too often, he’ll take plays off, especially if he isn’t being thrown the ball. I think Belichek will snap that right out of him. 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. Additionally, his route running stepped up quite a bit late in the season. Mac gets his WR to grow with, from Alabama too.
1.22 | Raiders: Tyler Linderbaum, IOL, Iowa
Oh, the Raiders. While it would be fun to project yet another Clemson defender or super-fast WR, I won’t. I will avoid the meme. Instead, I’ll give them a player that will help make up for their awful trade of Rodney Hudson last year. After they dealt their center to the Cardinals before last season, the Raiders dealt with numerous offensive line and snap issues. Now, they get a young and talented center in Linderbaum. He’s a future Pro Bowler and has all the look of a great center for years to come. The strong, mobile, and technique-sound center would provide stability along the line and help Carr/Jacobs reach more of their potential.
1.23 | Cardinals: Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia
After that miserable showing against the Rams, it’s been wild times in the desert. Rumors of a Kyler Murray trade, (he’s not being traded), and numerous free agents leave the Cardinals with many holes to fill. They need an edge, RG, WR, RB, and CB. Thus, they could go so many different ways, however, I have them taking an edge rusher. Why? Well, it’s no guarantee the team re-signs Chandler Jones, and even if they do, he’s getting older. You can’t rely on JJ Watt to remain healthy. Additionally, the only other pass-rusher, Markus Golden, isn’t a sure bet to be back either. Forced to take an edge rusher, I have them going with Travon Walker from Georgia. 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 Vance Joseph’s system perfectly. To make it, even more, sweeter, Walker had 36 QB hurries last season. That’s a player that the Cardinals desperately need.
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. Two of their stars, Dalton Schultz and Michael Gallup are free agents, and so is their guard Connor Williams. 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.
1.25 | Bills: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
The Bills showed their lack of coverage abilities against the Chiefs in their OT loss in the playoffs. With Levi Wallace a free agent, and Tredavious White recovering from a torn-ACL, the Bills are in need of another great corner. That’s where Booth Jr. comes in. 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. The Bills play a lot of man-coverage and that’s Andrew’s specialty, though he’s able to play any type of scheme. In an increasingly-pass-oriented league, you can never have enough talented corners.
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 is 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. Watch for Lloyd to rise the ranks soon, if he performs at the combine.
1.27 | Buccaneers: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
With the news that Tom Brady “retired”, or won’t be back with the Bucs again, the Bucs are in a state of panic. They have an elder win-now roster that is in need of a QB. I ultimately think they deal this pick for a vet QB, but they might not. They might keep it in order to provide more weapons for said vet QB or to help out a QB they sign. Unless they believe in Kyle Trask that is. With Godwin recovering from a Torn ACL and being a free agent, I have the Bucs taking a talented WR from Ohio State in Chris Olave. He’s the best player available right now and would fit Bruce Arians’ offensive scheme perfectly. Olave has blazing speed that he mixes with precise route running to consistently get open. Chris is a deep threat and in an air-raidesque style offense like the Bucs, that’s exactly what they need. He can separate and provide yet another target on this talented Bucs’ offense.
1.28 | Packers: Devonte Wyatt, IDL, Georgia
Will Aaron Rodgers be back is the question we are all wondering. Despite that, the Packers still need good young players. After they get sniped on Olave, I have them taking another interior defender to assist Kenny Clark. Kenny Clark isn’t able to stop the run and push the pocket all by himself. Wyatt aids that in a huge way. He will be able to draw attention from the O-Line, which frees up Clark to do what he does best, that being punish the running back or QB. Wyatt is a fast-rising player after his play during the Senior Bowl. Devonte holds the line of attack and then pushes the pocket. He’s a solid defender that will solidify that Packers defense. This will free up Rashan Gary to be able to pass-rush easier as well. It’s just a solid pick that seems very Packers-like.
1.29 | Dolphins via 49ers: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
Courtesy of the 49ers giving the Dolphins this pick to select Trey Lance, who might not even play in 2022, the Dolphins get to make a 1st round selection. They need offensive line help, especially ones that fit the new coach, Mike McDaniels’ Shannahan scheme. That scheme is a zone-rushing attack. That’s why I have them taking the best tackle available, Bernhard Raimann. He’s a perfect fit for them. His talent lies in zone blocking. He’s fast, mobile, and has very strong hands, all of which is due to being a former TE. That’s why he’s able to move around the line and block very well. I project him as a future LT. In what should be a heavy rushing attack, look for the Dolphins to get a lineman that will work in this system.
1.30 | Chiefs: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
Yes, it’s so tempting to project a WR to the Chiefs, however, they have bigger needs. Perhaps, if they had corners and safeties that could have covered the Bengals trio of WRs, then they would have made the Super Bowl. Plus, with Tyrann Mathieu and three other DBs becoming free agents, they either need to pay up or draft another young DB. 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 Chiefs will need that as they seek to return to being the top team in the AFC next year. They have many playmakers on the offense, it’s time to get another one for the defense.
1.31 | Bengals: Darian Kinnard, IOL, Kentucky
Truly, did you expect any other type of player to be taken by the Bengals in the first round? After losing the Super Bowl due to a porous offensive line that the Aaron Donald-led Rams rushing attack ate for dinner, expect the Bengals to go O-Line heavy this offseason. What better way than to take a surefire future Pro Bowl guard in the first round. The Bengals must protect Joe Burrow and prevent him from becoming another Andrew Luck. Darian Kinnard is a talented OG/T that can do anything you want on the line. He’s an all-around solid player with a wide-body and long arms. He moves very well for his size and is technically sound. I project him as either being an RT or RG but will solidify that spot for the Bengals for years to come. A huge need for the Bengals gets filled in the first round.
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1.32 | Lions via Rams: Drake London, WR, USC
I guess the Rams trading their firsts for the next two years to get Stafford was worth it. They won the Super Bowl. To get a top talent in London this late is an absurd steal. The Lions need a playmaking WR, especially a dominant huge WR in London. He would provide excellent play with Goff while maturing into a star when the Lions get their next young QB, in a year I presume. The Lions need to avoid drafting a QB this year. Build the team around them, then go for the QB. The QB is the last piece. London would bring size, speed, huge catch radius, and an obscene amount of toughness to the Lions. The perfect complement to Amon-Ra St. Brown. Coming off a broken ankle, perhaps he falls this far. Either way, look for the Lions to get a WR at this spot.
Watch for my 2.0 mock draft!
As always, May the Force be with You, and Happy Mock Drafting!
