These are my final predictions for the 2022 NFL Draft.
ROUND ONE
1 – Jacksonville Jaguars
Ikem Ekwonu – OT/OG
Okay, there is much talk about Aidan Hutchison being the top pick. Currently, Tavon Walker has become the betting favorite. Everyone seems to believe the Jaguars’ focus is on pass-rushers instead of the offensive line, but I am not as sure. I realize they placed the franchise tag on Cam Robinson and are working on a long-term deal. And they signed Mark Scherff at guard. But in the end, you must protect your franchise QB, and right now, their line is average at best. Ikem and Evan Neal represent top-four player ratings in the class, at least according to NFL.com. My belief is the Jaguars will skip the DL and select a stud offensive lineman.
Now, I get the Trent Baalke likes traits over production. And, Ikem seems to have more ability to play guard if that is where he begins and/or remains there long term. So, I will switch off Evan Neal and say they will take Ikem with this selection. However, I am not sure why Evan Neal is not considered a traits guy. Did you see that box jump?
2 – Detroit Lions
Aidan Hutchinson – Edge
Best player available at a position of need and priority position in the NFL. Done!
3 – Houston Texans
Evan Neal – OT
Okay, I think this is also an easy pick. The Texans also have a terrible line and need to protect a young QB. I will not call Davis Mills a franchise QB at this point. But the best way to find out is to protect him and give him some weapons. I am not convinced that Neal does not go 1st to the Jaguars. If Neal does at one, then this will be Ikem.
4 – New York Jets
Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner – CB
In my previous mock, I had the Jets selecting Sauce with the 10th pick. The reality for the Jets is they will not get Sauce with the 10th pick, so they will need to take him here. Selecting Gardner gives the Jets a shutdown corner who did not give up a touchdown his entire college career. 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. He is long and fast. There is absolutely nothing to dislike about his profile.
5 – New York Giants
Charles Cross – OT
PFF (Pro Football Focus) had the Giants rated at the 30th offensive line in the league at the end of last season. And four of those starters are gone. The Giants will take an offensive tackle with the first of their two top picks.
TRADE ALERT
The Panthers do not select again until the 4th round at pick number 137. And they have a bunch of needs. They desperately need to trade back and get more early-round draft capital. So there will be a fire sale for this pick. Minnesota and Baltimore will be in the hunt, but Philadelphia will be the team that will give up a second-rounder to come all the way up to 6th.
Philadephia Eagles trade the 15th and 51st pick for the 6th pick.
6 – Philadelphia Eagles
Travon Walker – DE
The betting favorite to go 1st overall will last until now. Because of that, the Eagles will make a move to get the high ceiling of Walker, who can play anywhere on the defensive line. He will be a nice chess piece for the Eagles for years to come. In my early mock, I had the Eagles selecting Walker at 19th because I feel he is a perfect fit for their defense. Unfortunately, that projection was too late, but he is still an ideal fit. So, the Eagles will make a move and select Walker.
7 – New York Giants
Jermaine Johnson II – Edge
The Giants will be willing to trade down but will not do so at a discount. So instead, they end up sticking and picking a perfect guy for their defense. Johnson has been moving up the charts during the draft evaluations. He has a high ceiling and a very low floor. The Giants get a stud pass rusher after selecting a stud tackle. Premium players at premium positions. Outstanding work by the Giants with these two picks.
8 – Atlanta Falcons
Malik Willis – Quarterback
The more I have considered QBs in the draft, the more I believe Willis will end up in Atlanta. He is perfect for their situation. They have many needs but still have four picks on day two to add to their roster. This will be a rebuilding year for the Falcons and a perfect situation for Willis. They can build their offense to suit Willis, and it will work perfectly for their current starter Marcus Mariota. Willis can work and learn behind Mariota until he is ready to take the reins. Plus, Willis is a local kid. This spot is the perfect landing spot for Willis.
9 – Seattle Seahawks
Trevor Penning – OT
Everyone keeps saying how teams will be targeting Penning in the teens to early 20s portion of the draft. If everyone thinks he is of great value at that point, why would he make it there? Pete Carroll wants to run the ball, and this guy is an absolute mauler. Plus, you can ask Russell Wilson if the Seahawks have a need at tackle. This selection seems destined.
10 – New York Jets
Drake London – Wide Receiver
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. In my earlier projection, I had the jets taking London 4th overall and Gardner 10th. I still think both picks work perfectly for the Jets and will just be switched in the order. The NFL 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 pick will make the possibility of a second-year leap by Zach Wilson more likely, and it certainly removes all excuses.
11 – Washington Commanders
Kyle Hamilton – Safety
In my first mock, the Texans selected Hamilton 3rd overall. The Commanders benefit from his sliding due to some questions about his speed. Putting Hamilton’s playmaking at the back of the Washington defense will help them unlock their potential.
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.”
Home run pick.
12 – Minnesota Vikings
Derek Stingley Jr. – CB
In my first mock, I had the Vikings selecting Stingley. Since that time, he has only improved his draft stock. I suspect the Vikings will be looking to trade up and select Stingley, assuming he will not make it to 12. However, with the way I see the picks falling, the Vikings may just be able to stick and pick. 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.
13 – Houston Texans
Garrett Wilson – WR
I had the Browns selecting Wilson with this pick in my original mock. The Texans will use the Browns’ pick to do the same. With the Evan Neal selection, the Texans have bookend tackles to help secure the pocket around Davis Mills. Now, they add a gifted pass-catcher to team with Brandon Cooks. Lovie Smith is an outstanding defensive coach, and they will rely on him to develop later-round defenders while they give offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton lots of new toys.
14 – Baltimore Ravens
Kayvon Thibodeaux – Edge
The Ravens have often expressed their interest in pass rush this year. And maybe the most gifted rusher falls into their laps at 14th. Thibodeaux will fall because of some questions about his focus, but the Ravens will feel confident about their culture allowing him to shine. This selection could easily end up being the steal of the draft. Plus, it won’t hurt that he will have a chip on his shoulder.
15 – Carolina Panthers
Kenny Pickett – Quarterback
Many people will see this as a reach if they select Pickett at number six. But by trading back, picking up a second-rounder, and still selecting the guy they want, the Panthers will have played the draft to perfection. Pickett is highly experienced and should be ready to roll on day one. Plus, Pickett played at Pitt, and David Tepper, the Panthers’ majority owner, is a big Pitt booster. It is always good to keep the owner happy.
16 – New Orleans Saints
Chris Olave – WR
You hear Olave constantly described as a silky-smooth route runner with deep speed. The Saints need another weapon to open up the passing game. This is a perfect match.
17 – Los Angeles Chargers
Bernhard Raimann
Jameson Williams will be very enticing in this spot. Adding another weapon for Justin Herbert would make a lot of sense. However, locking down the right tackle spot opposite last year’s first-rounder Rashawn Slater probably makes more sense. A pair of bookend pass blockers may unlock this offense even more than another playmaker. Raimann has the potential to be a left tackle in the NFL. Being a right tackle should just accelerate his growth.
TRADE ALERT
Philadelphia has a group of players that they are considering when Green Bay calls. As an organizational philosophy, Green Bay does not typically select wide receivers in the 1st round. But this is a unique situation, and the exceptions make the rule.
Green Bay trades the 22nd and 92nd pick to Philadelphia for the 18th pick.
18 – Green Bay Packers
Jameson Williams – WR
Williams had the look of a top 10 pick before his injury in the College Football Playoff game against Georgia. Now, the Packers see the value at the 18th overall pick and make a move. Hopefully, Williams does two things between now and the beginning of the season. Rehab and follow Aaron Rodgers everywhere he goes.
19 – New Orleans Saints
Tyler Smith – OT
I suspect the Saints are planning to get Raimann with this pick. But in this scenario, the Chargers have already snagged him. So they go with the extremely promising plan B in Tyler Smith. There is a chance Smith does not make it at left tackle, but he should be a pro-bowl level player at guard at worst. This guy is just nasty. Many people will be expecting the Saints to take a QB with one of their two picks. But none of the available options are worth the draft position. Good organizations do not make mistakes like reaching for a QB.
20 – Pittsburgh Steelers
Jordan Davis – DT
Again, many people will be predicting QB at this spot, but as I said, good organizations do not make the mistake of overreaching for the wrong QB. Will the Steelers see any available QB options as significant upgrades over Trubisky? I don’t think so. The Steelers also need to address their offensive tackle situation, but there will not be any good options there either. But, I believe there is an obvious selection that fits the draft board and team needs. Do you know who was the worst in the NFL last year in rush defense?
21 – New England Patriots
Devon Lloyd – LB
Linebackers will be dropping in this draft. One of the big reasons is that there is a ton of depth at the position, and high-quality backers will be available in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Linebacker is already not a high-value position, and teams will prioritize other positions. Bill Belichick benefits by getting a perfect player for his constantly changing defense. Lloyd is efficient at stopping the run, rushing the passer, and defending against the pass. Belichick will love this guy.
22 – Philadelphia Eagles
Trent McDuffie – CB
Howie Roseman continues to effectively wheel and deal. First, he uses assets to move up and get Travon Walker. Then, he moves back and adds assets while still getting a targeted player. These moves were outstanding maneuvering by Roseman. McDuffie is a technician with no fundamental weaknesses outside of length. With McDuffie and Walker, the Eagles get two players who bring sparkling athletic profiles, effort and work ethic to their defense. These types of players are how you build an effective culture.
23 – Arizona Cardinals
Devonte Wyatt – DT
The Cardinals have been going with supremely athletic defenders the last few years and will do so again. Plus, having Wyatt drawing attention on the inside will help free up those two 1st round linebackers to make more plays. The Cardinals continue building their defense.
24 – Dallas Cowboys
Kenyon Green – OG
The Dallas line has been slowly regressing due to age, injury, and departures over the last few years. Green will help put more shine on what is still a team strength. Green also helps shore up the depth across the line with his ability to play multiple positions. All of the Cowboy skill players will be thrilled with this selection.
25 – Buffalo Bills
Breece Hall – RB
I do not hate the idea of first-round running backs, especially in the late first round. The advantage is that you get the 5th-year option. From an organizational position, you can just run them into the ground and then move forward instead of giving them a second contract. And if they are still effective, you can franchise them and squeeze out the 6th season before the wheels come off. I feel sorry for the running backs, but this is a reality. Hall has a spotless resume. He has a top athletic profile and production in running and passing games. Hall is the rare three-down back. Add him to the prolific passing attack of the Bills, and you had better win that coin flip.
26 – Tennessee Titans
Desmond Ridder – QB
Ryan Tannehill is 34 years of age and showed regression last year even before his three interceptions in their playoff loss. Plus, the Titans have a potential out in his contract following this upcoming season. Therefore, it is the perfect time to work on the transition plan. Ridder has the athletic profile, arm talent, experience, and character to be the future for the Titans. This is the perfect landing spot for Ridder. Plus, it does not hurt that Mike Vrabel is good friends with Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell.
27 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Zion Johnson – OG
It is always nice when the players at the top of the draft board match up with positions of need. Tampa needs to find another guard and potentially get the top one available in the draft. Johnson will be another foundation piece to this line and help Tom Brady stay clean and productive.
28 – Green Bay Packers
Treylon Burks – WR
Okay, yes, I know the history of Green Bay avoiding first-round wide receivers. And yes, I have them selecting not one but two wide receivers in the first round. But again, it is the exceptions that make the rule. Rodgers is generally agitated with young WRs who do not end up where he wants them. And Burks is not exactly known for his route running. However, Burks can give this offense some big plays on quick hitters, and Rodgers does like those. This team will have to run the ball, and Burks will keep teams from loading up against the run because he can exploit the edges and seams. Plus, we all know San Fran knocked Green Bay out of the playoffs, so having a Deebo Samuel type player will be enticing.
29, 30 – Kansas City Chiefs
Andrew Booth Jr. – CB
George Karlaftis – DE
We are just going to group these two picks together. Most people expect the Chiefs to be in the market to move up into the late teens or twenties. They have extra draft capital with 12 total picks, including two in each of the first four rounds. They will be on the phone, but I do not have them finding a taker unless they overpay considerably. The Chiefs say they have 16-18 players with first-round grades. Now, while I do not think they find a way to move up, I think they do still get two first-round graded players when these two fall down the draft. Plus, both are positions of need for the Chiefs. Sometimes you win by losing.
31 – Cincinnati Bengals
Tyler Linderbaum – Center
The Bengals did an excellent job of upgrading their offensive line to this point of the offseason. However, I think the possibility of adding Linderbaum will still be ideal. PFF (Pro Football Focus) has identified Linderbaum as the highest-rated center in their history of rating college players. Yes, the Bengals added Ted Karras in free agency to play center. But I think everyone forgets that Karras was primarily a guard last year in New England and can slide over while providing position flexibility. Now, you get a guy who can play ten years at a pro-bowl level working with your franchise quarterback. This is perfection.
32 – Detroit Lions
Matt Corral – QB
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. So, this is yet another perfect landing spot for a QB.
Round Two
33 – Jacksonville Jaguars
Boye Mafe – Edge
The Jags went with the offensive lineman with the first pick. The second reason that was a good choice is that there is some depth at pass rusher. And, now they get a high upside edge.
34 – Detroit Lions
Jahan Dotson – Wide Receiver
First-round ability.
35 – New York Jets
Arnold Ebiketie – Edge
Depth at pass rusher with first-round ability.
36 – New York Giants
Kaiir Elam – CB
The Giants will be thrilled to get a corner with strong man-to-man matchup skills for Wink Martindale’s defense.
37 – Houston Texans
Daxton Hill – CB/Safety
The Texans begin to address the defense. There may not be the extreme high-end talent atop this draft pool. However, there is plenty of depth. All of these second-round projections could be selected in the first round Thursday.
38 – New York Jets
Quay Walker – LB
The Jets have added quality on all three levels of their defense.
39 – Chicago Bears
Christian Watson – Wide Receiver
The Ravens went to add speed at WR because they knew it would open things up for Lamar underneath. The Bears will take the same approach by adding an absolute freak of an athlete. In addition, if there is one thing Justin Fields does very well, it is throwing the deep ball. Watson and Darnell Mooney stretching the field will be fun.
40, 41 – Seattle Seahawks
Kyler Gordon – CB
David Ojabo – Edge
Sam Howell will represent pretty good value here. But somehow, I do not think that will be their direction. Ojabo and Gordon also represent good value and give two outstanding pieces to their defense. Run the ball and play defense. This is team building the way Pete Carroll wants. I will stop saying it at this point, but here we are at 40 and 41 with first-round talent players. This is a deep, deep draft.
42 – Indianapolis Colts
George Pickens – Wide Receiver
The Colts get a talented weapon to go on the opposite side of Tee Higgins. If Paris Campbell can finally stay healthy, Matt Ryan will have a pretty good set of weapons in the passing game.
43 – Atlanta Falcons
Nic Bonnito – Edge
Do you know which team was last in the NFL in sacks last year? Yes, it was the Falcons with 18 sacks in 17 games. The next lowest total was the Eagles with 29. So the Falcons had far and away the worst pass rush in the NFL last year. And they lost the guy who had the most of those 18 sacks.
44 – Cleveland Browns
Skyy Moore – WR
Skyy Moore may end up being the steal of the draft at 44th. He will be the perfect complement to Amari Cooper and Peoples-Jones on the outside.
45 – Baltimore Ravens
Travis Jones – DT
Thibodeaux on the Edge at 14 was an absolute steal, and I feel this selection is as well. Adding these two guys to that defensive line will solve a lot of problems.
46 – Minnesota Vikings
Roger McCreary – CB
Wow, I said the Vikings might take a few CBs in the draft, and now they have Stingley and McCreary. The Vikings will be ready to play some man-to-man.
47 – Washington Commanders
Nakobi Dean – LB
I realize that many people have Dean going much earlier than this, but I believe he will fall. There is a lot of quality depth at LB, and it is not a highly valued position. Plus, Dean is small, even for today’s NFL. I believe this is a similar situation to last year with Jerimiah Owusu-Koramoah. Dean was ranked in the top 10-15 players in the draft by most pundits. But he fell to the 20th pick in the second round due to his size. Dean will have a similar slide, but he will land in a perfect situation with the Commanders. Their defensive line has the tackles that will eat up blockers and allow Dean to roam free. Hamilton and Dean could escalate that defense to the elite.
48 – Chicago Bears
Luke Goedeke – RT
The last offensive tackle selected was at 19 with Tyler Smith. Smith was at the end of the first tier of tackles. Now, the Bears will begin the run of the second tier of offensive tackles with this selection.
49 – New Orleans Saints
Jalen Pitre – CB/Safety
Okay, maybe this is the final landing spot for Sam Howell. But I feel the Saints are looking to add high-end players at other positions, and Pitre should not be available at this point in the draft. Again, deep, deep draft.
50 – Kansas City Chiefs
Logan Hall – DE/DT
Watching tape of Hall, he completed reminded me of a young, slimmer Chris Jones. 6’6″, 283 pounds, and running around in those red Houston unis, my brain completely saw Jones. Now he and Karlaftis will join Jones and Frank Clark on what will be an imposing defensive line. Last year the Chiefs rebuilt their offensive line. This year, they rebuild the defensive line.
51 – Carolina Panthers
Nicholas Petite-Frere – OT
I would expect the Panthers to try and turn this pick into a pair by trading back. But if there are no takers, they will go with their highest-ranked tackle.
52 – Pittsburgh Steelers
Sam Howell – QB
If one of the QBs falls this far, I think the Steelers will go ahead and add competition to the room.
53 – Green Bay Packers
Troy Andersen – LB
6’3″, 245, and ran a 4.42 in the forty. This guy is a physical freak. He will need development time but can be an absolute beast on special teams. Did anyone see how the special teams collapsed against the 49ers in the playoffs?
54 – New England Patriots
Josh Pascal – Edge
Rush the passer and set the edge against the run. This guy is another of those Bill Bellichick kind of players.
55 – Arizona Cardinals
Lewis Cine – Safety
This guy, at the 55th pick? Yes, please. Deep, deep draft.
56 – Dallas Cowboys
DeMarvin Leal – DE/DT
The Cowboys shore up the offensive line with a flexible lineman from Texas A&M in the 1st round. And they now shore up the defensive line with a flexible lineman from Texas A&M in the 2nd round.
57 – Buffalo Bills
Perrion Winfrey – DT
The Bills have added to their D tackles in free agency. But they always seem to be unafraid of doubling down at a position. They continue to build the depth of that defensive line with Winfrey.
58 – Atlanta Falcons
Kingsley Enagbare – Edge
Did I mention that the Falcons were last in the NFL in sacks last season? So it would not surprise me if they select three edge players this year.
59 – Green Bay Packers
Cole Strange – Center/Guard
Strange brings interior flexibility to the Packers. And the Packers will certainly be looking to upgrade the offensive line with multiple picks this year.
60 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tariq Woolen – CB
Injuries took a toll on the corners last year for the Bucs. So, they add depth.
61 – San Francisco 49ers
Cam Jurgens – Center
Even if Alex Mack plays for another year, the 49ers will need to address the center position.
62 – Kansas City Chiefs
Marcus Jones – CB
Four picks on defensive players, no one will expect that. But with Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs can score with anyone. So they need to develop the ability to stop someone once in a while.
63 – Cincinnati Bengals
Jamaree Salyer – OT/Guard
Yes, yes, the Bengals added a lot of guys to the offensive line in free agency. And, I have them adding a center in round one. However, Salyer is the perfect fit because he can play multiple positions adding to the depth and talent of this line. So, now, you can consider this line enormously improved.
64 – Denver Broncos
Drake Jackson – Edge
Pass rush upside with one of the picks they got for Von Miller.
Round Three
65) Jacksonville Jaguars: Luke Fortner – Center
66) Detroit Lions: Leo Chenal – LB
67) New York Giants: Logan Bruss – Guard/OT
68) Houston Texans: Kenneth Walker III – RB
69) New York Jets: Jaquan Brisker – Safety
70) Jacksonville Jaguars: Christian Harris – LB
71) Chicago Bears: Zach Tom – Center/Guard/Tackle
72) Seattle Seahawks: Darian Kinnard – Guard/Right Tackle
73) Indianapolis Colts: Abraham Lucas – OT
74) Atlanta Falcons: Jalen Tolbert – WR
75) Denver Broncos: Trey McBride – TE
76) Baltimore Ravens: Cam Taylor-Britt – CB
77) Minnesota Vikings: Sam Williams – Edge
78) Cleveland Browns: Dominique Robinson – Edge
79) San Diego Chargers: Alec Pierce – WR
80) Houston Texans: Greg Dulcich – TE
81) New York Giants: Dylan Parham – Guard/Center/Tackle
82) Atlanta Falcons: John Metchie III – WR
83) Philadelphia Eagles: Channing Tindall – LB
84) Pittsburgh Steelers: Daniel Faalele – RT/Guard
85) New England Patriots: Martin Emerson – CB
86) Las Vegas Raiders: Max Mitchell – OT
87) Arizona Cardinals: Kyle Phillips – Slot WR
88) Dallas Cowboys: Khalil Shakir – WR
89) Buffalo Bills: Calvin Austin III – Gadget
90) Tennessee Titans: Sean Rhyan – Guard/RT
91) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chad Muma – LB
92) Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Cross – Safety
93) San Francisco 49ers: Damarri Mathis – CB
94) Kansas City Chiefs: Tyquan Thornton – WR
95) Cincinnati Bengals: Bryan Cook – Safety
96) Denver Broncos: Zyon McCullum – CB
97) Detroit Lions: Zamir White – RB
98) New Orleans Saints: Carson Strong – QB
99) Cleveland Browns: DeAngelo Malone – Edge
100) Baltimore Ravens: Rasheed Walker – RT/Guard
101) Philadelphia Eagles: Isaiah Spiller – RB
102) Miami Dolphins: Dohnovan West – Center
103) Kansas City Chiefs: James Cook – RB
104) Los Angeles Rams: Jalyn Armour-Davis – CB
105) San Francisco 49ers: Rachaad White – RB
