The latest 2022 NFL Mock Draft features the Jets landing a potential superstar rusher and three quarterbacks in the top 11.
The 2022 NFL Playoffs are underway, and as we sit here, five of the six games from Super Wild Card Weekend have been completed. While the results have felt straightforward, with four of the five favorites winning, there have been some stunning moments along the way. The referee crews have proven to be ineffective. Both Dallas and San Francisco tried to lose multiple times. The Chiefs got down early and roared back, and the Bengals got their first playoff win in 30 years.
2022 NFL Mock Draft: Projections after Wild Card Weekend
After Monday Night, the 2022 NFL Draft process will begin for another six teams. The Eagles have three picks in the first round and a decision to make at the quarterback position. The Patriots could use some playmakers on both sides of the ball. Let’s take a look at another mock of first round projections here at NFL Mocks that features a few surprises! Off we go!
This mock draft was completed using the NFL Mock Draft Database Simulator!
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
The Jacksonville Jaguars need to make it a priority this offseason to protect Trevor Lawrence, who had his best game of the season in week 18. The tackle class doesn’t look especially deep, and Evan Neal is a fantastic talent worthy of the top pick. Whether or not Walker Little is a factor going forward at tackle, Neal could play on the right or left side.
2. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
The Detroit Lions are up next in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, and it’s a best case scenario to decide between the top two edge rushers. The Lions need that cornerstone off the edge for their defense, and they roll with Kayvon Thibodeaux here. Thibodeaux has the ridiculous upside as a pass rusher and already brings plenty as a run defender to make an early impact.
3. Houston Texans: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State
The Houston Texans surprise here at three in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, opting for offensive line over a top edge rusher. If they really want to reset, trading Laremy Tunsil might be an option. Even if not, getting a strong offensive line together for Davis Mills in 2022 makes a ton of sense. Ikem Ekwonu brings that nasty element as a run blocker and has improved in pass protection.
4. New York Jets: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
What a steal for the New York Jets here! Protecting Zach Wilson and getting the offensive line right is important, especially on the right side, but Robert Saleh and the defense get a big time talent in Aidan Hutchinson. Hutchinson is athletic, productive, and could be a cornerstone on Saleh’s defense.
5. New York Giants: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
The New York Giants have two picks in the top seven, and it’ll be interesting to see what the new regime thinks of Daniel Jones. For now, we’ll say he’s the guy for 2022 and address the trenches in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Charles Cross is a phenomenal pass protector who would form an unbelievable duo with Andrew Thomas.
6. Carolina Panthers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Don’t be fooled. The Carolina Panthers will likely be in the quarterback market in some fashion. They could still be the prime trade-back candidate, but if there aren’t takers, quarterback could be the move, especially with the top three tackles gone. Kenny Pickett had the best quarterback season in 2021 and has improved with poise, accuracy, and playmaking ability.
7. New York Giants (via CHI): David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
The second trench pick for the Giants address a position that’s plentiful in the 2022 NFL Draft. Edge rusher is loaded, and a player like David Ojabo has incredible tools to work with as a pass rusher. The ceiling is as high as any rusher in the class, and the Giants take him to pair with Azeez Ojulari.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Taking the best player available is a good call for the Atlanta Falcons, who did better than expected down the stretch in 2021. In this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, they take a safety early despite drafting Richie Grant in the second round in 2020. Kyle Hamilton is an incredible player who can make an impact from any alignment on the field.
9. Denver Broncos: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
It’s going to be a fun offseason to talk about the quarterback position in Denver, and it feels unlikely that rolling with Drew Lock is the solution. In this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the Broncos roll with a quarterback, selecting UNC’s Sam Howell. Howell did very well in 2020 with great weapons around him, and the Broncos have a great group of skill position players in place already.
10. New York Jets (via SEA): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Yes, the Jets missed out on offensive line, but this pick would be a truly fun one. Treylon Burks might be the most interesting player in the 2022 NFL Draft because of his skill set. He has the play speed, size, ball skills, and versatility to thrive in the Mike LaFleur offense. Burks and Elijah Moore would be scary winning at all levels in East Rutherford.
11. Washington Football Team: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Like the Broncos, it feels like the Washington Football Team is just a quarterback away from consistently contending in the NFC East. Here, they roll with the tools of Malik Willis. Willis has the chance to show off the tools down at the Senior Bowl and get a team to fall for those tools. Washington does here and will give him time to get to NFL speed.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Another steal here! It’ll be interesting to see who is first to take a corner in the 2022 NFL Draft, and in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft it is the Vikings. Quarterback could become a need, but the defense could use plenty of reloading this offseason. Even if Patrick Peterson returns, Derek Stingley Jr. would be a great pick. He has the instincts, ball skills, and abilities in man coverage to succeed.
13. Cleveland Browns: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
The Cleveland Browns will have plenty to figure out in terms of the direction they go at quarterback for 2022 and will likely explore options all offseason. It seems unlikely that they’ll approach the 2022 NFL Draft with the aggressiveness to draft one. The defensive line could use some help, and with Jadeveon Clowney potentially leaving via free agency, George Karlaftis would be an excellent pick to form a lethal pass rushing duo with Myles Garrett.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
The Baltimore Ravens maybe look more full at corner going forward than say, the defensive line, but some guys are getting up there in age. In this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the second corner comes off the board. Ahmad Gardner might need some ironing out in terms of grabbing late, but he’s physical, feisty at the catch point, and is great in run support.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA): Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
The Philadelphia Eagles have three picks, and it’s likely building around Jalen Hurts. It starts at center and getting a very good replacement for Jason Kelce should he retire. Tyler Linderbaum has the similar quicks, athleticism, and space blocking skills. His awareness in space is special, and he could come right in with a near-seamless transition.
16. Philadelphia Eagles (via IND): DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
It’s going to be an interesting offseason regarding the Eagles’ defensive line. Should Derek Barnett return? Will Fletcher Cox be let go? Is Ryan Kerrigan back? With all those questions, defensive line makes sense here in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. DeMarvin Leal would be a nice fit moving around in Philly’s front to defend the run and rush with his power, quickness, and pop in his hands.
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia
The Los Angeles Chargers have some big holes they can address in the first round, from wide receiver to linebacker and even edge. However, with Jordan Davis staring you in the face in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, it’s hard to pass. Davis does his work on early downs, and doesn’t offer much as a pass rusher, but in a Brandon Staley defense that needs a true run stuffer, the fit is perfect.
18. New Orleans Saints: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
The ACL injury to Jameson Williams was so tough to see, and hopefully he recovers and gets to full strength for late in 2022 or 2023. It still seems likely that he goes in the first round. The speed, catch radius, and separation quickness are there to be a dynamic weapon in the NFL. The Saints need something opposite Michael Thomas, and Williams would be excellent.
19. Philadelphia Eagles: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
The final pick for the Eagles in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft address a major need. The secondary, including Darius Slay, looked rough against the Buccaneers. They need to find the long term lockdown corner, and Kaiir Elam can be it. Elam has the size, transitional quickness, and catch point prowess to be that guy.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi
It’s been an incredible career for Ben Roethlisberger, but the writing has been on the wall. The quarterback solution isn’t on the roster right now, so it’s to the draft well with this one. Matt Corral operates a ton in the RPO/quick game that Matt Canada likes, but has sufficient arm strength to take shots down the field. He also brings the mobility and out of structure element.
21. New England Patriots: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
The New England Patriots got the doors blown off on Saturday night, and the biggest issue was the free agents not stepping up. Kendrick Bourne had the best performance on the offense, but they need to find a number one guy for Mac Jones. Ohio State has a pair of guys that could work here, but Garrett Wilson is the pick in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Wilson is a strong player in all three phases who can separate, win at the catch point, and win post-catch.
22. Las Vegas Raiders: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
The Las Vegas Raiders are a team that has questions, in terms of the quarterback potentially on the move and on the defense. Defense is the move here for this team, and getting a leader like Nakobe Dean makes a ton of sense. Dean is a phenomenal processor, has the sideline-to-sideline range, and can be a nightmare when coming on a blitz.
23. Arizona Cardinals: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
The Cardinals will likely have some question marks at corner and edge rusher, especially if Chandler Jones walks in free agency. It’ll be important to get the defense right, especially at corner. Marco Wilson has a ways to go, and Byron Murphy looks best in the slot. Andrew Booth is a great cover corner with excellent eye discipline, ridiculously good ball skills, and sticks his nose in defending the run.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
A lot of blunders cost the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, and there are definite questions about the secondary. However, the interior offensive line is one to watch as well. Kenyon Green is a great player who can move around the offensive line and succeed in several spots.
25. Cincinnati Bengals: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
It was incredible to see the Cincinnati Bengals get the monkey off the back and finally win a playoff game this century. Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and the offense are rolling. Peeking ahead to the offseason, the offensive line and corner are the two areas to address in the 2022 NFL Draft. They go corner here, selecting a versatile cover corner in Trent McDuffie, who plays with a great motor and is an excellent tackler.
26. Miami Dolphins (via SF): Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
It feels like a rotating wheel of chaos to keep going back here for the Miami Dolphins, but offensive line continues to be a need for a team that can’t figure it out or draft well. In this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, they get a road-grader type at tackle in Trevor Penning, who could be one of the biggest risers in the process with a strong Senior Bowl.
27. Buffalo Bills: Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College
The Buffalo Bills are rolling right now, and don’t really have any glaring needs outside of corner, which has done well in a patchwork performance. The interior makes sense to keep the pocket clean for Josh Allen going forward. Zion Johnson is a darn good interior player who rarely ever gives up ground in pass protection, while also can reset the line in the run game.
28. Detroit Lions (via LAR): Drake London, WR, USC
Bypassing quarterback is the way here for the Detroit Lions in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, as four are already off the board. If they roll with Jared Goff in 2022 and plan to draft a quarterback in 2023, getting everything set will be important. A number one receiver is part of that, and Drake London can be that with elite size, YAC skills, and catch point prowess.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
The Kansas City Chiefs obviously looked like world beaters when they got things going against the Steelers. The offense stayed creative and effective, and Patrick Mahomes was dealing after the fluky interception. Defense feels like the way to go in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, and edge is the position. Travon Walker is a unique player with incredible power and athleticism. His best football could be ahead of him rushing the passer in the NFL.
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
If the Buccaneers lose Carlton Davis to free agency this offseason, it would leave a major hole in a secondary that’s had questions all season long. Roger McCreary is the type of player who could step into a starting role in that scenario. He’s been excellent in the SEC against top competition for years and can be a man coverage stud on a defense that likes to bring the blitz.
31. Tennessee Titans: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
The Tennessee Titans have a great opportunity ahead of them to reach the Super Bowl, getting healthy at the right time. Their biggest issue will be at the second level if they don’t reach the promised land, and luckily the 2022 NFL Draft has a linebacker that can help them out. All Devin Lloyd does is make plays, from deflecting passes to disrupting things in the backfield.
32. Green Bay Packers: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The Green Bay Packers finish out this 2022 NFL Mock Draft with a scenario that would likely excite fans. Wide receiver is the move here with Chris Olave available. Olave does so much well in terms of separating as a route runner, while also succeeding in winning downfield. He’s got good hands and could be an elite WR2.