2022 NFL Mock Draft version 1.0
Here is the pre-combine 2022 NFL mock draft. It is always fun to deal with hypotheticals, and we will do that here. Of course, a lot will change during and after the combine, once free agency begins and trades before the draft. But here is one take on what may happen.
ROUND ONE
1 – Jacksonville Jaguars
The priority has to be developing and thus protecting Trevor Lawrence. Drafting a franchise left tackle to protect your franchise quarterback should be a no-brainer. This 6’7”, 350-pound behemoth moves like a much smaller man and is proven against SEC competition. Even if Jacksonville places the franchise tag on current left tackle Cam Robinson (which would be wise), Neal can play right tackle or guard this year while adjusting to the NFL and then take over at left tackle in 2023.
2 – Detroit Lions
Let’s not complicate this; select the BPA (best player available). Especially for a team that is building and has a variety of needs. Mel Kiper, Daniel Jeremiah, Todd McShay, and PFF (Pro Football Focus) list Hutchinson as the number one prospect in this draft. Plus, he played at Michigan, so the locals will be happy. So this should be an easy pick.
3 – Houston Texans
Sure, number three overall is very early to take a safety. But Hamilton is not just a safety. He is a unicorn. Someone with his size should not be capable of everything he does. So here is Bucky Brooks’ description.
“Hamilton is a future all-star with a game built on instincts, awareness and elite athleticism. He covers ground like a center fielder while packing a punch like an All-Pro linebacker. As a middle-of-the-field defender with size, range and versatility, Hamilton is the type of player whom defensive coordinators build game plans around.”
Hamilton is a defensive playmaker who will make every defensive player on the Texans more effective. Always draft the unicorns.
4 – New York Jets
6’5”, 210 lbs with great hands, the ability to get deep, is always open because of his ability to win 50/50 balls, and is known as a great route runner. I heard him compared to Mike Evans or Keenan Allen. Okay, the deep game of Evans with the route running of Allen. Isn’t that DeAndre Hopkins? Sign me up. 4th overall may be early for London, but I do not think he will be available when the Jets pick again at 10. Plus, this is a copycat league, and we just saw how a rookie playmaker could influence a team with Jamar Chase’s impact on the Bengals. This selection gives Zach Wilson three playmaking targets in London, Elijah Moore and Corey Davis. This pick will make the possibility of a second-year leap by Wilson more likely.
5 – New York Giants
The Giants have found a left tackle in Andrew Thomas, but the rest of the offensive line is a mess. If the Giants really plan to find out what they have in Daniel Jones and Saquan Barkley, they better fix that mess. Ekwonu could end up at right tackle or guard, depending on whom the Giants add in free agency and the draft. But one thing is sure, Ekwonu will bring a road grading mentality.
6 – Carolina Panthers
Many people will see this as a reach at number six overall. But you have to have a quarterback in the NFL, and the Panthers need one who can come in a play now. Pickett is highly experienced and should be ready to roll on day one. Bucky Brooks, Daniel Jeremiah, and Mel Kiper all have Pickett as their number one quarterback. Plus, Pickett played at Pitt, and David Tepper, the Panthers’ majority owner, is a big Pitt booster.
7 – New York Giants
I realize that 7th overall is extremely high for a center. Center is not a premium position. But, Linderbaum is a premium talent. Adding Ekwonu and Linderbaum to their offensive line, combining them with Andrew Thomas at the left tackle, gives the Giants three top-shelf linemen to be the foundation for a successful offense. Even if they move off of Daniel Jones in the offseason, the foundation they can build with two top-tier talents will support whatever direction they decide to go. Some have said that Linderbaum is the best center prospect to come out in a decade. Always draft special.
8 – Atlanta Falcons
Last season, the Falcons were last in the NFL in sacks with 18. The next worse team had 29. And, they have already cut their team leader in sacks from last year in Dante Fowler Jr. Their need for pass rushers may be the most significant need for any team in the NFL. They will be thrilled in Thibodeaux falls to them, and someone will sprint to deliver the card to the commissioner.
DOUBLE TRADE ALERT
9 – Pittsburgh Steelers
First, Denver will be sending this 9th pick to the Green Bay Packers in the Aaron Rodgers trade. In a previous article (Read Here), I covered this likely trade (at least in my mind).
Second, since Green Bay will be embarking on the Jordan Love rebuild, they will be looking to acquire as many assets as possible. So, they trade this 9th pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 20th pick, a 1st rounder next year, and a 4th rounder this year and next year. Basically, the same deal the Bears gave the Giants last year to move up from 20th to 10th and draft Justin Fields. So, this deal, combined with the previous Rodgers trade, will give Green Bay two 1st rounders this year, three 1st rounders next year, and two more in 2024. Now, that is some ammunition to rebuild a Super Bowl roster.
Okay, let’s first discuss Aaron Rodgers. Yes, I realize that he is still a Green Bay Packer. But, I believe he is more likely to be a Bronco next year than a Packer. And, that means the Packers will be on a rebuild. So, until that changes, back to the Steelers pick.
Malik Willis probably has the most upside of any of the QBs in this year’s draft. And Mike Tomlin is already on the record saying that he wants his next quarterback to have mobility. Willis has mobility covered as much as any quarterback outside of Lamar Jackson, maybe. Willis will make the Steeler offense fun to watch again.
10 – New York Jets
Having already acquired an offensive playmaker in Drake London with the 4th overall selection, the Jets now get a defensive playmaker by securing the top cover man in this draft. Alabama only threw at Gardner one time in the CFP playoff game, and that attempt was an incompletion. So even Alabama knew not to go after him. Plus, he has a reputation as a strong tackler and blitzer. The Jets drafted a weapon, and now they get a player to take other teams’ weapons away.
11 – Washington Commanders
Many people will project this to be a QB pick, but I do not think so. My thinking is that Washington will have already acquired their QB in Jimmy Garoppolo (until that does not happen I am operating under that assumption) . So now, they get him a weapon. Many people will also have Garrett Wilson drafted ahead of Burks. But Washington already has a player similar to Wilson in Terry McLaurin. So now, they go get a 6’3”, 225-pound athletic freak they can use in various ways all over the field. Plus, Jimmy is comfortable using a weapon such as Burks due to his experience with Deebo Samuel. This selection will make the Washington offense fun.
12 – Minnesota Vikings
This year, the Vikings will probably need to draft a few CBs and get it started with Stingley. Stingley is a gifted corner with three years of experience against the best in the SEC. Stingley will be ready to come in and contribute right away.
13 – Cleveland Browns
Like the Falcons finding Thibodeaux falling right into their laps with the 8th pick, the Browns will have Wilson fall into theirs. It is the perfect marriage between need and BPA. The Browns will sprint to the podium to select Wilson as their new WR1. While Wilson does not have the size of London or Burks, he may be the best overall WR in this draft.
14 – Baltimore Ravens
Cross should go way before the Ravens pick. But if he is available, I do not think they will pass on him. According to PFF, Cross only gave up 16 QB pressures on 719 pass-blocking snaps last season. IN THE SEC! The Raven offense struggled considerably during the previous few seasons once Ronnie Stanley was hurt, and Orlando Brown is long gone. The Ravens need to strengthen their offensive tackle situation to ensure offensive productivity.
15 – Philadelphia Eagles
It is going to be a fun draft for Eagles fans. With three of the next five picks, the Eagles will add a bunch of talent to their roster. With the first of those picks, they select Devin Lloyd. Lloyd can impact a game as a pass rusher, run stopper, and pass defender. The Eagles select this athletic Swiss army knife, hoping he has a similar impact to Micah Parsons’s on the division rival Cowboys.
16 – Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles need help in the defensive backfield and select whichever CB they have highest on their board with one of these two picks. We will go with McDuffie. McDuffie is slightly smaller than the others in the top tier of cornerbacks but seems to have fewer questions otherwise. Two top-shelf defenders will be an excellent start for the Eagles.
17 – Los Angeles Chargers
There will be a significant temptation for the Chargers to use this pick to draft a weapon for Justin Herbert. But I think they will resign Mike Williams reducing the need. So, I think they will focus on building their offensive and defensive lines to strengthen the team around Herbert. They will take the best available lineman according to their chart. In this case, getting a second pass rusher to team with Joey Bosa will keep opposing QBs uncomfortable.
18 – New Orleans Saints
New Orleans will be embarking on a rebuild whether or not they want to admit it. Many players will be leaving with their current cap situation and not many free-agent additions. The Saints will not have any money to acquire any of the veteran quarterbacks that may become available. Look, there is a reason Sean Payton retired. So, they will use this selection to draft their QB of the future. When you watch Howell play, he reminds me of Drew Brees, except more athletic. Howell has plenty of experience and has proven he can be effective with and without premium weapons. The Saints will start the year with Taysom Hill and slide Howell in once the season is lost.
19 – Philadelphia Eagles
I think there is a pretty good chance the Eagles look to trade this pick. But with teams already making their moves for QBs, there will not be a market. So, the Eagles select a pass rusher in Tavon Walker and get first-round upgrades on all three levels of their defense. This foundation will make the Eagles’ defense nasty for the foreseeable future.
20 – Green Bay Packers
Davante Adams will be in Denver by draft day (at least I believe it). And, most likely, Valdez-Scantling will also get a contract elsewhere. There will be predictions aplenty for the Packers making a 1st round WR selection. That will not happen. Quite simply, that is not what this franchise does. Instead, they will be adding foundational pieces at premium positions. With Rodgers gone, they will need to ensure the offense can run the ball with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. So, the Packers select a nasty right tackle who can come right in and maul some folks. Plus, Penning played at Northern Iowa, so he will have no trouble transitioning to Green Bay.
21 – New England Patriots
Nakobi Dean is a premium talent but will be available because he does not play a premium position. However, he is the perfect player for Bill Belichick. Dean is an exceptional athlete, but is also known as a cerebral player. This selection will be an ideal match of player and team.
22 – Las Vegas Raiders
This selection is a challenging pick to predict. We are not sure what to think about the new regime in Las Vegas. But here we go. Alex Leatherwood did not work out at right tackle last year but played better at guard late in the year. My thinking is they will bring in another tackle this year and let Leatherwood develop at guard, strengthening the line overall.
23 – Arizona Cardinals
Chandler Jones will most likely be gone. And, there will be many high-quality pass rushers available at this point in the draft. Ojabo is a physical freak (I cannot wait to see how he tests at the combine) who was productive and has even more potential. The Cardinals have been going with supremely athletic defenders the last few years and will do so again.
24 – Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys need to start rebuilding both the offensive and defensive lines. But, Jameson Williams will be difficult for Jerry Jones to pass on. However, I think the Cowboys will stay disciplined and select a lineman. Wyatt will help against the run and collapse the pocket with his pass rush. Teams will need to pay attention to Wyatt, keeping Micah Parsons clean to make plays.
25 – Buffalo Bills
Did you see the Buffalo Bill game against New England when the Patriots only threw the ball three times and won? That had to be an extremely frustrating game for the Buffalo management. Everyone knew the Patriots would run the ball every play, and they still couldn’t stop them. The Bills have added a bunch of young edge rushers the last two years. Now, they add the monster run-stopper right in the middle. Emotional pick, yes. Good pick, also yes.
26 – Tennessee Titans
A few years ago, the Titans selected Jeffrey Simmons with the 19th pick in the draft. Simmons was projected to be a top-five selection early but fell because of some predraft questions. Now, he is an absolute monster in the middle of the Titan defense. DeMarvin Leal was also projected as a top-five pick early in the process and is dropping. The Titans will benefit again and select a top talent late in the first round. Will it be another home run? Time will tell.
27 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Many people will see this as a QB landing spot, but I do not think so. Bruce Arians is crotchety about playing rookies in general. What are the chances he will want to play a rookie QB? Plus, are the available QBs an upgrade over Kyle Trask, whom they selected in the second round last year? The Bucs will take the BPA, in this case, an excellent cornerback in Andrew Booth Jr.
28 – Green Bay Packers
Yeah, yeah, I know. What about WR? We already talked about that. The Packers strengthened the offensive line with their previous pick, and now they strengthen their defensive line. In rebuild mode, both Preston and Za’Darius Smith will be gone. So, the Packers get an impressive pass rusher to pair with Rashaan Gary. This rebuild is going really well.
TRADE ALERT
29 – Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts trade their 2nd rounder (48th overall) and 1st rounder next year to the Miami Dolphins for this 29th pick.
This portion of the draft is a prime target for a team trading up to select a QB because they can keep the player on their rookie deal for the 5th year. That extra year adds a lot of value to the pick, especially with the QB position. It will be challenging for the Colts to separate from Carson Wentz this year due to his salary and the draft capital they surrendered to acquire him. However, the Colts can select Wentz’s eventual replacement by kicking the can down the road and giving up their first-rounder next year.
30 – Kansas City Chiefs
Come on, how does this happen? Williams could have been a top 10 pick before his injury in the National Championship Game. But now he is available to the Chiefs. Sure, they need to address the defense. But how do they not select Williams? Add his speed to the speed they already have, and it will not be any fun to defend. I certainly will enjoy watching Mahomes chuck the ball around. Travis Kelce may get 200 catches underneath because teams will have to start playing four deep.
31 – Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals will be selecting offensive line, offensive line, and more offensive line. Or, at least they should be. They simply must do a better job of protecting Joe Burrow. Kenyon Green can play all over the line, giving the Bengals line talent and flexibility. The Bengals can acquire the best values out there for linemen and then determine where everyone plays.
32 – Detroit Lions
The Lions pick again at 34, with the Jaguars selecting at 33. There is no question that the Jags will not be selecting a QB. So, the Lions could choose someone else and then come back with the quarterback at 34. But remember the 5thyear option on 1st round picks. Having that option on a QB is extremely valuable and worth the risk of losing another player you like. Corral may be as talented as any QB selected above him. Plus, the Lions can let him learn behind Goff. Perfect landing spot.
ROUND TWO
Here we go with the second round of our 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
33 – Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars pass on Hutchinson in the 1st round, which is brilliant for two reasons. One, protect your franchise QB. Two, it is a deep class of pass rushers, and they can still get a talented one with this pick. Ebiketie has a high ceiling, giving the Jags quality depth rushing off the edge.
34 – Detroit Lions
The Lions simply must upgrade their pass catchers. Dotson has 1st round talent.
35 – Houston Texans
Olave is another receiver with 1st round talent.
36 – New York Jets
Thanks to his time in San Francisco, Robert Saleh understands the need for quality depth on the defensive line. Hall adds inside/outside flexibility with big-time talent.
37 – New York Giants
The Giants strengthened the offensive line considerably in the 1st round with Ekwonu and Linderbaum. Now, they add a pass rusher to boost the defensive line.
38 – New York Jets
Pass catcher with good blocking skills. The top WR in the class in the 1st round, and now the top TE in the class in the 2nd. Excellent additions for Zach Wilson.
39 – Chicago Bears
The Bears absolutely must improve their offensive line.
40 – Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons double down with pass rushers, which is a good decision when they only had 18 sacks in 17 games last season.
41 – Denver Broncos
With Rodgers playing QB, the Broncos will often be playing from ahead. So, pass rush.
42 – Seattle Seahawks
I think Russell Wilson will not be happy with this pick. But, possible 1st rounder at a position of need.
43 – Washington Commanders
The Commanders will love this pick if Zion Johnson is not selected earlier. Scherff feels like he is going to be gone. Johnson will try to fill the big hole he will leave.
44 – Minnesota Vikings
Cousins is not planning to sign an extension this year. And Minnesota may need to move on after next year due to the cost. Strong has the ability. The question is his injury history. Strong sits, learns, heals, and strengthens for a year, then the team can build around his rookie contract while Cousins gets paid elsewhere.
45 – Cleveland Browns
The Browns have excellent CBs already, but Gordon is another 1st round talent DB available with the 45th pick. Great value.
46 – Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens continue to effectively team build by addressing the defensive line after addressing the offensive line in the 1st round. Jones is a monster DT to plant inside.
47 – Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have committed high-value picks to the offensive line the last few years but are yet to get it right. Well, gotta throw another dart at it. Kinnard may end at tackle or guard. But he adds another player to compete and upgrade the offensive line.
48 – Miami Dolphins
Wow, great value with the 48th selection. Hill is a versatile defender that can help in many areas.
49 – Los Angeles Chargers
Pickens may have the highest upside of any wide receiver in this year’s draft.
50 – New Orleans Saints
Pitre is a versatile defender that will add flexibility to the Saints’ defensive backfield.
51 – Philadelphia Eagles
After significant additions to the defense in the 1st round, the Eagles take a shot on an offensive playmaker. Watson’s size opposite of Devonte Smith is a good compliment. And his speed will take the top off of the defense, opening up the underneath for Smith and Dallas Goedert.
52 – Pittsburgh Steelers
The absolutely massive Faalele is at his best moving forward. And Pittsburgh will be running the ball with Malik Willis and Najee Harris.
53 – New England Patriots
Another perfect player for Belichick. Sanders can rush the passer but is also very good against the run. Smart and versatile, just how Belichick likes them.
54 – Las Vegas Raiders
It will certainly be interesting to see how the Raiders do in the first post-Mayock draft. I am pretty sure they can’t do worse. Here, the Raiders get yet another CB that could be a 1st rounder. I am starting to think there may be an earlier CB run, or at least should be.
55 – Arizona Cardinals
Salyer is the perfect addition to the Cardinals’ offensive line. Salyer has the flexibility to effectively play multiple positions and provide quality protection at any of those spots.
56 – Dallas Cowboys
Another top athlete for this defense, this selection continues to build the defense around Micah Parsons. Harris can replace Vander Esch and allow the flexibility to use Parsons as a pass rusher when needed.
57 – Buffalo Bills
This selection is more about fit than the best WR available. Cole Beasley is 33 years old and a possible money-saving cut for the Bills. Even if he is back this year, they need a log term guy in the slot, which brings us to Moore. Moore is more quick than fast and will be deadly out of the slot giving Josh Allen a long-term underneath target. A year of learning from Beasley will help that much more.
58 – Atlanta Falcons
After selecting pass rushers with both of their initial picks, the Falcons will be thrilled to land a player of Bell’s capabilities at this point.
59 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Vita Vea will need a new running mate with the expected departure of Ndamukong Sue.
60 – Green Bay Packers
See, this is why the Packers do not draft WRs in the 1st round. Because here the Packers are in the second round getting a potential stud like Tolbert. My proposed trade to Denver brings in Jerry Jeudy to replace Davante Adams, and Tolbert will replace Valdez-Scantling. So this Packer rebuild is looking pretty good.
61 – San Francisco 49ers
The key to a good running game? Offensive line.
62 – Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs passed on defensive line help in the first round because Jameson Williams was available. Now they still find one here in Thomas.
63 – Cincinnati Bengals
Offensive line, offensive line, and more offensive line. Rhyan is another guy with some positional flexibility joining 1stround pick Kenyon Green. Bring them in, let them compete, improve quality and depth.
64 – Denver Broncos
Another quality defender for the Broncos.
There you go. Our 2022 NFL Mock Draft version 1.0. Enjoy.