Jake Oliver’s NFL Mock Draft 2.0
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.
Some popular names that did not make my first-round mock draft: Kenyon Green, Matt Corral, George Pickens, Carson Strong, Sam Howell, and Trey McBride.
Without further ado, let’s begin with Jacksonville Jaguars on the clock:
1.01 | Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan
What a surprise it was to see the Jaguars franchise tag Cam Robinson and sign Brandon Scherff to play tackle and guard respectively. With those two in tow, their need for a tackle is lessened to the point the Jags can just take the best player in the draft. 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’ll be a perfect partner to Josh Allen in their edge department. 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.
1.02 | Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon
With the Lions missing out on their homegrown prospect Aidan Hutchinson, the team takes the 2nd best edge rusher in the draft. That is Kayvon Thibodeaux. 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. He would seriously help the Lions’ 2nd worst NFL pass-rush win rate. They finally have a star on the defense.
1.03 | Texans: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
The Texans need star players. They need talent period. 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 Texans fans very happy. Don’t be surprised if they don’t draft a QB. I think they want to build the defense, get a WR for Davis Mills and see what he can do. They might’ve found their next QB last year. Might’ve.
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.
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.
1.06 | Panthers: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
While I completely believe this would be a mistake for the Panthers to take Willis for multiple reasons, I think they do. Coach Rhule and company have been unable to build an offense for years and have proven inept at trading for a QB. Combine that with an offensive line that is worse than many college teams’ and drafting a rookie project QB could very well make him into the next Sam Darnold. 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 Panthers’ awful OL wouldn’t help his progression as a QB. This very might stunt his growth as a QB and make him rely even more on his mobility. Yet, I think the Panthers reach for the franchise QB that they so desperately want. Just have to hope they don’t ruin Willis in the progress of them building an OL. I honestly hope they go OT here. Badly.
1.07 | Giants: Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia
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 Azeez Ojulari in their edge room. Walker’s impressive combine with a 4.51 40, 4.32 shuttle and more likely sealed him as a top-10 pick. The Giants helping their OL and DL in the first round would be amazing for their future and make fans very happy.
1.08 | Falcons: Jermaine Johnson, Edge, Florida State
After the disastrous attempt at making big-money free agent Dante Fowler be a good pass rusher, the Falcons are back at square one with no edge players. Thus, I think the team goes best player overall and takes Edge Rusher, Jermaine Johnson. 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 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.
1.09 | Seahawks: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
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. With very little offensive line depth and Duane Brown being a free agent, I have the Hawks taking a potential replacement LT. 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 Seahawks’ franchise LT and ensure that the QB’s blind side is protected.
1.10 | Jets: Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
This pick is either a WR or a CB. The Jets badly need help at both spots despite Elijah Moore and Jordan Whitehead’s presence. After going for the O-Line with their first pick, I have them helping out Coach Saleh build the defense he wants. After all, with the new WR in the division Tyreek Hill turning the Dolphins offense into a vastly improved one, the Bills’ elite offense, and the Pats’ growing offense, they need to form a good defense. With so many good WRs to cover, I have them taking #1 corner Sauce Gardner. 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 the Jets. 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 Jets have had since Revis.
1.11 | Commanders: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio St.
1.12 | Vikings: Jordan Davis, IDL, Georgia
The Vikings are in bad shape at the corner and defensive line positions. Honestly, it was quite hard debating between Stingley Jr. and Davis. I decided that the Vikings’ new coach O’Donnell knows the key to winning is through the trenches. 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 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 NFC North, the Vikings need someone to help stop the run.
1.13 | Texans: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
As I said earlier with the Texans just needing help everyone on the defense, it would be super easy to give them an edge rusher. However, I think the best player available is the short but strong Trent McDuffie. He’s easily the CB2 in my opinion of this draft. The Texans need a #1 CB and McDuffie would form a cornerstone pair in the secondary with Kyle Hamilton. 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 South. This is the best player available pick for the Texans’ needs. It’s a perfect pick for their team too.
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1.14 | Ravens: George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue
The Ravens need help in the trenches, but with the signing of Moses at RT, the line can wait a tiny bit. As for the defensive line, well besides Oweh and perhaps Campbell, there’s no one else. That’s why I have them taking rising star George Karlaftis to help their pass-rush. 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.
1.15 | Eagles: Devonte Wyatt, IDL, Georgia
After the Fletcher Cox drama with him coming back on a 1-year deal, the Eagles IDL needs help. It’s clear that Cox is soon off the team and with the DL getting older every year, it’s time to draft an impact young player. That’s why I have them taking Devonte Wyatt with the first of their three first-round picks. Wyatt is great at clogging lanes and stopping the rush. 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 and NFL Combine. Devonte holds the line of attack and then pushes the pocket. He’s a solid defender that will solidify the Eagles’ DL.
1.16 | Eagles: Drake London, WR, USC
Despite not running at the combine or pro day, London is still rising on NFL draft boards. The Eagles need a big-bodied playmaking WR to partner with Devonta Smith. Giving Hurts as big a target to throw to will help his inaccuracy and deep-ball. London would bring size, speed, huge catch radius, and an obscene amount of toughness to the Eagles. The 6’4 WR would tower over DBs. In fact, before his broken ankle, he almost had 1,000 yards receiving in only 8 games in his last year at college. No worries on the ankle either as he will be ready to go by rookie minicamp. The Eagles’ offense would be set up for years with their two star WRs.
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 be 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!
1.18 | Saints: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
With the Saints’ #1 target of Wilson off the board and no OT to take after Penning is gone, I have them taking the 3rd and 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.
1.19 | Eagles: Derek Stingley 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 Eagles’ meager secondary a ton. No longer would it all fall on the shoulders of aging Darius Slay. He would finally have some help besides on/off Avonte Maddox. They need playmakers and Stingely is definitely a playmaker.
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.
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. I think Belichek 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. After only one year, Mac gets his WR to grow with, from Alabama too.
1.22 | Packers: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio St.
After the shocking trade of Davante Adams, the Packers are in the market for a WR. It would be the first time in quite a long time if the Packers took a WR in the first round. However, they don’t have much money to sign one and most of the big names are already gone. Due to that and the fact that they want to maximize Arod’s closing window, the Packers take Chris Olave. 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 Packers. Chris plays tough and bigger than his 6’0 frame. In fantasy, this would be a must-have player since Olave would immediately become Arod’s number one target.
Suggested Read: Davante Adams Trade Fantasy Impact
1.23 | Cardinals: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
The Cardinals have three big needs, Edge rushing, CB, and WR. Yet, they have been really quiet in free agency so far. It’s quite confusing. The team has a bunch of star vets with a star young QB that’s on a rookie deal. Thus, they should be maximizing these next two years. Nevertheless, they haven’t. However, after losing Christian Kirk in free agency to the Jaguars, I have them taking a better WR to replace him. 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. Burks’ struggled a tiny bit at the combine running a slower than expected 4.55 40, but I am not worried. He’s proven his skills in the game and on tape. He would give the Cardinals a much-needed WR1 if Nuk misses time and would force coverages to respect him. This would help the entire offense and give Kyler another talented big target to throw to. If he reaches his comp of AJ Brown, then this is an absolute dinger of a pick.
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: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa St.
It’s a little-known secret that the Bills need a running back. They can’t keep allowing Josh Allen to lead the team in rushing yards and touchdowns. That’s not a very good way to ensure he’s healthy long-term. Getting the best running back in the draft would do wonders for the Bills. Breece would come in and immediately add some fire and punch to the team’s rushing attack. He’s 5’11 and 217, the perfect size for a long-term running back. Plus, he’s fast as he ran a 4.39 40 at the combine. In 2021, he had 1,472 rushing yards and 20 TDs. Never mind just his rushing, but Breece can catch as well. He’s a do-it-all back. One that could finally push the Bills over the top in the AFC. With an actual rushing attack, no longer does it all have to rely on the talented Josh Allen.
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 good as he could in the combine and would fit the Titans perfectly.
1.27 | Buccaneers: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
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. The slide for Booth is over as he becomes the new CB2 in the Bucs’ great defense. 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.
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
After the Chiefs signed Juju Smith-Schuster, I didn’t think they were going to have to draft a WR. Then, they traded away star WR Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins. It was a stunning trade. No one was expecting it and it promptly forced the Chiefs right back into the market for a WR. While I think the Chiefs attempt to trade up to acquire a higher-tier WR, they stay put here and take Dotson. Dotson is no slouch either. In his final year at Penn St, Dotson had 91 receptions and 1,182 receiving yards. That’s pretty good. He’s agile, a skilled route runner, able to separate, and has strong hands. He’s not nearly as fast as Hill, but he’s good at the deep ball by using his hips and separating ability. Dotson would be a great WR2 to Juju for the Chiefs.
1.30 | Chiefs: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
While the Chiefs lost Tyrann Mathieu to free agency, they replaced him by signing Justin Reid. With that move, their need for safety dropped quite a bit. However, they still need help at corner. That’s why I have them taking talented Kaiir Elam out of Florida. Elam has amazing size at corner by standing 6’1 and nearly 200 pounds. That’s impressive for a cornerback and will allow him to line up against the giant WRs in the AFC West. The Chiefs won’t be able to survive the newly loaded division without being able to defend all the talented WRs. Elam is fast enough for any WR by running a 4.39 40 at the combine. He would slot in as their CB1 in Week 1 and give them a long-term plan for the position.
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.
Watch for my 3.0 mock draft!
As always, May the Force be with You, and Happy Mock Drafting!
