Two weeks have passed in the NFL, and many early narratives are forming. The NFC West is a juggernaut, and the Broncos and Raiders are off to fast starts in the AFC. Sam Darnold is looking good for Carolina, and no one looks to be stopping the Bucs. On the flip side, seven teams are 0-2 and already looking to the 2022 NFL Draft, which is where the newest 2022 NFL Mock Draft here comes into play.
With all the shuffling at the quarterback position, a new quarterback takes center stage as the first to come off the board. Corners and safeties are popular selections, along with edge rushers. Wide receiver also sees a few players come off, and there are some fun fits in the 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Let’s dive in to the latest mock!
Note: This mock used the current 2022 draft order from Tankathon, and the NFL Mock Draft Database simulator.
2022 NFL Mock Draft (Round 1 Projections)
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon
After two weeks, the Urban Meyer experiment is going a little haywire. The defense has struggled mightily against the Texans and Broncos, and things won’t get easier going forward. Trevor Lawrence has been up and down to this point, but interceptions will diminish when he learns what he can get away with. Offensive line makes sense, as Cam Robinson’s contract is expiring, but there’s no way the Jags can pass on Kayvon Thibodeaux. He’s too good on the edge and would join Josh Allen and K’Lavon Chaisson to form a great trio to get after quarterbacks.
2. New York Jets: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
The Jets are up next in the 2022 NFL Mock Draft, and they are another team who could bolster the offensive line. However, the corner group is barren, and the hope is that Bryce Hall can get there. However, Derek Stingley is an elite talent at the position, and currently the top guy in the 2022 NFL Draft. Stingley’s football IQ, instincts, and ball skills would make the Jets defense loads better.
3. Atlanta Falcons: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
The questions have begun surrounding the Falcons, especially after two rough losses in a row. Should they have selected Justin Fields to begin the rebuild? Maybe, but now it’s about getting a team together for whoever comes after Matt Ryan. The offensive line is in shambles, and Evan Neal could help it out. His power, balance, and athleticism would look good on either side of the line.
4. Detroit Lions: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
The top player in the 2022 NFL Draft (in this writer’s opinion) falls to the Lions here at four. Quarterback could be an option here, but why rush a rebuild in what could be a real lackluster class? Jared Goff can be competent in the offense. The defense needs some help, especially on the back end, and Kyle Hamilton can do it all with his range, instincts, and tackling ability in space.
5. Philadelphia Eagles (via IND): Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi
The first quarterback domino falls in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, as the Eagles go a different direction just two seasons after drafting Jalen Hurts. Matt Corral has played the best of anyone at quarterback so far this season in what has been a muddled class. He has the arm talent, mobility, leadership, and has cut down on the turnover worthy plays from a year ago.
6. Minnesota Vikings: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
A brutal loss to Arizona has the Vikings sitting at 0-2, and after two weeks of being pulverized through the air, going back to the cornerback well makes sense. Kaiir Elam has the size and fluid change of direction skills to succeed in man coverage, and he performed really well against Alabama this past weekend.
7. New York Giants: Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma
If the Giants end up picking this high, as they are here in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, it’s possible Joe Judge is gone and the front office starting anew will want their guy at quarterback. He’s struggled with decision making so far this season, but Spencer Rattler has very good arm talent and playmaking skills out of structure to work with the weapons currently in house.
8. New England Patriots: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
The Patriots got back on track this past week, and facing a rookie quarterback is always a boost for this franchise. They will likely have questions in the secondary after this season, and getting a top corner in a loaded 2022 NFL Draft class makes sense. Trent McDuffie has great skills in man and zone along with great closing speed and open field tackling ability.
9. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA): Brandon Joseph, S, Northwestern
The Eagles are back up in the 2022 NFL Mock Draft, and the secondary would likely be the logical next place to address. This may be a reach, but Brandon Joseph has the skill set to play on the back end. His smarts, instincts, and range would help out a secondary that gives up big plays after the catch.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
The Bengals may need to admit their faults from the 2021 draft, and shift the focus to bolster the line in the 2022 NFL Draft. Kenyon Green moved from guard to right tackle this season for the Aggies, and is playing very well so far. His versatility could be huge for the Bengals to fill in wherever they need.
11. Houston Texans: Sam Howell, QB, UNC
The Texans have surprised thus far, routing the Jaguars and staying tight with the Browns. It’s still a team in a full reset, so quarterback makes the most sense. After a tough start against the Hokies, Sam Howell has responded well, showing off the deep accuracy and mobility. He can develop into a quality starter in the NFL.
12. New York Giants (via CHI): Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
The Giants have struggled mightily to protect Daniel Jones, and now need to protect Rattler, who was already selected in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Looking towards the interior makes a ton of sense. Tyler Linderbaum has the athleticism, explosion, and football IQ to be a dominant center in the league.
13. Philadelphia Eagles: DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
The third of the Eagles selections in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft is here, and it’s one that brings really good value. Yes, Philly has a very good defensive line, but it’s one that has a few players on a wrong side of 30. DeMarvin Leal injects some more youth into that group, along with rare versatility. He can play both 5-tech and 3-tech and get after the quarterback in each spot.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers: Carson Strong, QB, Nevada
The Steelers still have issues with the deep passing game and attacking the middle of the field, and the 2022 NFL Draft could be the solution for the Steelers at quarterback. Carson Strong may not have great mobility, but he has a good command pre-snap and a rocket for an arm that make tight window throws and deep throws down the field.
15. Baltimore Ravens: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
Odafe Oweh has looked great so far for the Ravens as a rookie, and they should be one of the top AFC contender once again. Justin Houston won’t be around for too long though, and getting a rusher with great hand usage, power, and closing speed in George Karlaftis would be great for the defensive line.
16. New Orleans Saints: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
So far it’s been a Jameis Winston tale for the Saints, and they sit at 1-1 with two polar opposite performances. With a lack of sure fire targets outside of Michael Thomas, finding another threat will be huge in the 2022 NFL Draft. Here, the Saints select Garrett Wilson, who has a well-rounded game with great route pacing, ball skills, and separation skills.
17. Dallas Cowboys: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
It’s good to see Trevon Diggs improving in his second season, and Micah Parsons made noise on the edge this past week, but the Dallas Cowboys still need help on defense. Michigan safety Daxton Hill can help out the secondary by playing in the slot and in two high looks to shore up holes and limit big plays.
18. New York Jets (via SEA): Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
Losing Carl Lawson for the season really hurt the Jets, especially on the outside with their pass rush. Yes, the line could be addressed, but getting after the quarterback is important and Robert Saleh will want to bolster it. Drake Jackson has the quickness and athleticism to threaten the outside track and get after quarterbacks in the AFC East.
19. Buffalo Bills: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
The Bills get a steal here in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, selecting Clemson corner Andrew Booth. Booth could end up fighting for “CB1” in the 2022 NFL Draft with his incredible ball skills and transitions. Buffalo needs a cornerback opposite Tre White, and Booth could come in and be effective from day one.
20. Tennessee Titans: Jahleel Billingsley, TE, Alabama
The Titans could easily look to help out other positions in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, but why not create even more of an offensive juggernaut, and an Alabama-led one at that. Jahleel Billingsley could be a matchup nightmare threat working over the middle as a tight end who lines up in the slot and inline, and can develop into a good blocker if he adds weight.
21. Green Bay Packers: Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati
The Packers righted the ship Monday night against the Lions, and the offense looks ready to be great once again. The defense, however, has struggled to get pressure so far this season, and both Smiths could be out after the season. Myjai Sanders will be a popular pick, as his loose, flexible, and explosive profile make a ton of sense to pair opposite Rashan Gary.
22. Washington Football Team: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Taylor Heinicke made some big plays down the stretch for Washington, but getting a quarterback is important for the Football Team in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Malik Willis is making serious strides with accuracy and has elite skills in space. He can thrive with the vertical threats in this offense and elevate this franchise.
23. Cleveland Browns: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
The Browns could easily go with a “best player available” strategy in the 2022 NFL Draft, and they do here by selecting Treylon Burks. Rashard Higgins could be gone next season, and Burks would be an excellent replacement. He could thrive in the slot with his speed and toughness, and has the ball skills and body control to threaten deep and in the red zone.
24. Carolina Panthers: Sean Rhyan, OT, UCLA
The 2022 NFL Draft won’t be as strong at tackle, but the Panthers should still look that direction to solidify the tackle position. Sean Rhyan is the pick in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, and he has great footwork, mirroring skills, and a very good anchor. He could step in to be the left tackle of the future.
25. Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia
The Chargers have the makings of a contender on offense, and have two of the best rookies so far this season. Brandon Staley can clearly boost the defense, but he needs more help on the defensive line. Jordan Davis is the pick here, as he can occupy plenty of space against the run and has developed more twitch as a pass rusher.
26. Kansas City Chiefs: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
It’s tempting to go offense here with some top receivers left on the board, but the Chiefs stay smart in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft and help out the secondary, which is set to have several free agents next winter. Ahmad Gardner has great instincts in zone coverage and stays physical, but needs to work on his transitions to rise further. Still, he’s a very solid pick at this point.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State
The Bucs will likely lose a couple players next offseason, and the offensive line could be where that happens. Ikem Ekwonu fits best as a guard at the next level, and his demeanor as a mauler will fit in well with the tone this line likes to set.
28. Miami Dolphins (via SF): Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College
The Dolphins need some patchwork on the offensive line, and the Austin Jackson pick is looking more and more like a reach. In this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the Dolphins add Zion Johnson, who has both tackle and guard experience for the Eagles. He plays with great balance, aggressiveness, and is good in pass protection. He’d thrive wherever Miami needs him.
29. Denver Broncos: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
The Broncos are looking good with Teddy Bridgewater running the show, and the defense is playing sound football. Things could look different in 2022 without Von Miller, and selecting Aidan Hutchinson in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft will help ease the blow. Hutchinson has the athleticism, rush moves, and motor to be a menace on the edge.
30. Detroit Lions (via LAR): Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The Lions have a great group of targets in the passing game in T.J. Hockenson, D’Andre Swift, and Jamaal Williams, but they need to find a consistent, reliable target at receiver. Chris Olave can be that. He’s a sharp route runner who also has great buildup speed to win deep. Olave has reliable hands and checks all the boxes to help out Goff.
31. Las Vegas Raiders: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
What a start for the surprising Raiders, and they are thriving with Derek Carr leading them and the defense playing up to snuff. Getting another linebacker who can wreak havoc in the middle makes sense in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, and Nakobe Dean would be a great add. His closing speed as a blitzer and skills in coverage make for a great player.
32. Arizona Cardinals: Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina
The Cardinals round out this 2022 NFL Mock Draft here at NFL Mocks, and it’s possible Chandler Jones is on the way out after the season. Keeping a consistent pass rush will be key, and Kingsley Enagbare could be the solution. He has a great arsenal of moves and defends the run well by setting a strong edge.