The Jets go trenches early, the Saints go quarterback, and much more in this latest two round 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
Somehow, some way, we’ve made it through one Sunday without football. The good news, though, is that we’re in the thick of draft season. The 2022 NFL Draft should be absolute chaos. Obviously, evaluations will be all over the place, and without a sure fire top signal-caller, who knows what will happen.
Speaking of the quarterbacks, we also don’t know how the draft order will look a couple months from now. Veteran quarterbacks could be on the move, with a couple headlining the list in Jimmy Garoppolo and Russell Wilson. Aaron Rodgers could be, but we will see.
The interesting news surrounds the NFL combine, with around 150 potential draft picks threatening to boycott the event without a relaxation on protocols. If they really do not show up, it creates another year of unverified testing and another year with chaos in the first round.
2022 NFL Mock Draft: Latest Two-Round Projection
With all that uncertainty, let’s try to navigate through the madness and project what happens in the first two rounds. This 2022 NFL Mock Draft features plenty of surprises, new pairings, the Jets going trenches early, the Giants shaking it up, and more! Let’s dive in!
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
The Jacksonville Jaguars are on the clock for the second year in a row, and this time, there’s much less of a consensus. They’ve got their franchise quarterback, so the options here are protect Trevor Lawrence, or go get one of the top edge rushers.
Once again, we’re on the mission of protecting Lawrence. Even if the Jaguars bring back Cam Robinson, plugging him in at guard makes sense, and you get a true left tackle in Evan Neal. The elite size, ability in the run game, and fleet feet and power as a pass protector give Doug Pederson a cornerstone piece along the line.
2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Aidan Hutchinson just feels like a Detroit Lions selection, and he is in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft and probably a couple hundred more before draft day. The Lions do need to have someone anchor a pass rush that is still lacking a bit more, and Hutchinson has a great baseline of traits. He’s a good athlete with strong hands and good quickness to change direction. He can come in and produce six-eight sacks in year one.
3. Houston Texans: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
The Houston Texans could do a lot of things at number three overall. It feels like they’re going to hand the keys over to Davis Mills for 2022, and they should. Protecting him with a top offensive lineman makes sense, as does going best overall player. Defense feels like a strong candidate here, and it would be hard to pass up on Kayvon Thibodeaux. He’s the pick in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
Thibodeaux is getting the odd “does he like football?” treatment already this offseason, but he’s a darn good football player with impressive upside. He wants to run through tackles every chance he gets, playing with good leverage and hand placement. With his athleticism, there’s much more to unlock as a pass rusher.
4. New York Jets: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, North Carolina State
The New York Jets have a chance to take a big step forward in 2022, and the 2022 NFL Draft is why. They have four picks in the top 40 and two in the top 10. In the first round of this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, it’s going to be all about the trenches.
Ikem Ekwonu is going to be a dream in the run game. He’s a pancaking machine, and will drive defenders off their spot. His space blocking is very good, and pass protection has improved. Ekwonu can form a great bookend duo with Mekhi Becton, who hopefully stays healthy.
5. New York Giants: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
It’s hard for the New York Giants to not continue the tackle run here early in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, but we’re taking things a different direction this time around. The defense was a unit that played great football in 2020, and had their moments once again in 2021. A healthy Xavier McKinney was welcomed to the secondary, but another safety joins the room in Kyle Hamilton.
Hamilton would be a phenomenal chess piece on defense, who can play in single high/two-high looks with his excellent range. He also can thrive in the box as a reliable tackler with great closing speed. His awareness in zone coverage and ball skills make for a complete player.
6. Carolina Panthers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
The Carolina Panthers have a serious conundrum at quarterback, with Sam Darnold on the hook for $18 million. They tried out Cam Newton late last season, and that didn’t work out either. The way that Matt Rhule extends his time in Carolina is by getting another potential franchise quarterback.
Kenny Pickett made the leap in his final season at Pitt, making NFL level throws in structure, showing off impressive poise, and making some plays on the move as well. The floor is incredibly high, and he should be able to come in and succeed with the weapons in place.
7. New York Giants (via CHI): Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
The Giants are back up on the clock in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, and it’s surprisingly another pick on the defensive side of the ball. Going with best players available makes sense for a team reloading, and they get another edge rusher to pair with Azeez Ojulari in Jermaine Johnson II.
Johnson has been winning the 2022 NFL Draft process so far. The transfer from Georgia put up a productive 2021 season for the Seminoles (12 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss). He plays with heavy hands, setting a strong edge in the run game, and showed off a good variety of pass rush moves at the Senior Bowl down in Mobile.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
The Atlanta Falcons are in a good position in the 2022 NFL Draft, and should get a very good player to fall in their lap at eight. From potentially landing Hamilton, to a top wide receiver to replace Calvin Ridley, or a top edge rusher, they’re in a great spot.
Instead of those options above, they decide to form a dominant duo at corner in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. A.J. Terrell took a major step in 2021, and Ahmad Gardner joining him would be a great deal for a Dean Pees defense. Gardner didn’t allow a touchdown in college, and plays a physical brand of press.
9. Denver Broncos: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
We’ve got a lot to find out about the Denver Broncos once free agency gets going. Could they still have the ninth pick when the 2022 NFL Draft rolls around? Maybe not, but with a pretty good roster, they can get the best player available at this point in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
Charles Cross would be great value here at nine, and would help fill the weak link along the offensive line. Cross is an excellent pass protector, with quick feet, movement skills to recover, and enough of an anchor to handle power rushers. He would move over to the right side here, which could take an adjustment, but it’s worth the gamble.
10. New York Jets (via SEA): Travon Walker, DE, Georgia
The Jets go back to the trenches in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, and it might be a bit of a surprise here. Even with Carl Lawson returning in 2022, the edge rushing group needs more work. Enter Travon Walker, who carries a high grade around the NFL and on some big boards (including Dane Brugler’s).
Walker has moved along the line at Georgia, from inside at three technique to five technique and on the edge to rush the passer. His blend of power and athleticism is easy to find on tape, and he can also drop into coverage comfortably. The best could be yet to come for Walker in Robert Saleh’s defense.
11. Washington Commanders: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Are the Washington Commanders the team that goes after a quarterback via trade? It’s possible, and they could end up with Garoppolo or someone like Derek Carr if he’s made available. For now, though, the team that feels like a quarterback away selects one in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
Malik Willis is the selection here at 11. Willis was a big winner down in Mobile, excelling in the pocket and showing off his skill set, even on a rainy day of practice. The tools are there, from a strong arm, to impressive speed and power as a runner. As he grows into the mental side of the game, he can buy time and make defenders miss while he scrambles to find open guys.
12. Minnesota Vikings: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
The Minnesota Vikings will likely roll with Kirk Cousins in 2022 with Kevin O’Connell taking the reins as head coach. Even with an offensive coach, the defense is the unit that still needs serious help. In this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, that’s the route they go.
David Ojabo has all the tools as a pass rusher, from winning around the arc, to converting speed to power, and winning with good hand usage and an impressive ghost move. He must improve against the run, but the insanely high ceiling is too good to pass up and he’ll get a rotational role in year one.
13. Cleveland Browns: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
The situation in Cleveland continues to worsen at the quarterback position, mostly due to Odell Beckham Jr. winning a Super Bowl while returning to form before his injury. It’s clear that Baker Mayfield has to regain trust in the building. The good news is 2022 likely gives him that chance.
The Browns need weapons for Mayfield, and they get one in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, selecting the first receiver. Garrett Wilson is a three-phase maestro, who can win pre-catch as a route runner, attacking blind spots well while understanding and taking advantage of leverage. He attacks and secures at the catch point, and is slippery in space after the catch.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
The Baltimore Ravens definitely have needs in the trenches in 2022, especially if Calais Campbell doesn’t return. Justin Houston might not be back either, and their situation at right tackle is dire. It may be a little too early to go Trevor Penning, so an audible is called in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
Anthony Averett and Jimmy Smith are free agents, and Marcus Peters is a free agent in 2023. Corner has a deep group in the 2022 NFL Draft, and as the Ravens often do, they get a value pick here in Derek Stingley Jr. Stingley has the production and pedigree, but hasn’t built well on the freshman season. The Ravens take the chance on a phenomenal talent.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA): Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
The Philadelphia Eagles are up with back-to-back selections in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, and the first of the two picks focuses on the secondary. Darius Slay has been playing well, but it’s hard to know how long he’s around. Even if he is for a few seasons, they don’t have another effective corner to play on the outside.
Andrew Booth would fill that role. Booth has tremendous eye discipline, ridiculously good ball skills, and has impressive closing speed and a penchant for finishing as a tackler, especially against the run. His addition would be welcomed on defense.
16. Philadelphia Eagles (via IND): George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
It’s very clear that the Eagles will continue to put resources into the defensive line, and this year should see more of a commitment along the edge. Derek Barnett just never really panned out at the position, and Brandon Graham is in the twilight of his career. They need to find a player opposite Josh Sweat, and they do in George Karlaftis.
Karlaftis is a better athlete than given credit for, and the combine should remind draft fans and analysts. He may not have the crazy bend, but he’s a true technician who plays with great power, trimming the edge and flattening his angle with good hand usage. His motor runs hot as well.
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
The Los Angeles Chargers have a bright future with Justin Herbert at quarterback and Brandon Staley running the show. Obviously, their run defense is what really failed them down the stretch. Even with a top player on the board to help with that, they instead go with a more premium position in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
With Mike Williams potentially leaving, wide receiver becomes a need. Jameson Williams would be a phenomenal addition here, possessing the speed to be an elite vertical threat. Herbert to Williams 75-yard touchdowns would be commonplace, and Williams has the separation quickness to be a part of the quick game as well.
18. New Orleans Saints: Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi
What do the New Orleans Saints do here at 18? There are obviously questions about the offensive line with Terron Armstead’s looming departure, and wide receiver was brutal in 2021 without Michael Thomas. There is the issue of quarterback as well. Jameis Winston could return, but nothing is set in stone just yet.
Matt Corral is the pick here in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Corral has had a wild two season, showing off impressive throws in 2020, but at the expense of ball security. The 2021 season helped hide weaknesses in a mostly RPO offense. Corral has the quick release and footwork to operate in the quick game, and enough arm strength to threaten all areas of the field. He also has the mobility to be a playmaker when things break down.
19. Philadelphia Eagles: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
The final of the three Eagles first round picks in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft has arrived, and with it a change of sides. After addressing defense with their first two picks, it’s time to get some help on offense in the form of another target for Jalen Hurts in the passing game.
Treylon Burks adds more speed to the offense alongside Quez Watkins, but he brings the element of size that’s lacking. Burks can win at the catch point with exceptional body control, great hands, and the ability to separate late at the catch point. He can get some manufactured touches as well and show off the easy acceleration and angle-erasing speed he has in space.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
The Pittsburgh Steelers could be a team to go quarterback early in the 2022 NFL Draft, but it’s also possible they roll with a cheap veteran option or Mason Rudolph and work on a short rebuild. What really needs the rebuild is the offensive line. It’s not fair to give up completely on Kendrick Green, but moving him to guard makes sense going forward.
Tyler Linderbaum would be a phenomenal addition. Yes, he’s a bit undersized, but he’s got the power of a wrestler, excellent movement skills, and great awareness as a space blocker.
21. New England Patriots: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
The New England Patriots are a hard team to put in a box strategy-wise. They have to keep pace in an AFC that can score points at will, and needs to get help on the second level of the defense and on the back end, especially if J.C. Jackson doesn’t return. In this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, finding the next quarterback of Bill Belichick’s defense is the move.
Nakobe Dean is a spectacular player. Don’t let his smaller stature fool you. Dean’s processing is excellent, he plays with his hair on fire as a blitzer, and he has the speed to work sideline-to-sideline. His coverage skills are very good too.
22. Las Vegas Raiders: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The Las Vegas Raiders have work to do on offense. Derek Carr and Hunter Renfrow really keep the unit afloat after losing their deep threat midseason and the gutting of the offensive line the offseason prior. With Josh McDaniels in the fold, things will be more precise with timing in the passing game.
So why not get a great separator in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft? Chris Olave is that guy, with great route running skills. He’s got a masters degree as a route salesman, and can win at all levels. He’s a plus tracker of the football and will also fill in the role of the deep threat in the offense.
23. Arizona Cardinals: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
The Arizona Cardinals are dealing with a bit more this offseason than fading down the stretch again. Their playoff loss to the Rams was a culmination of their second half, which featured losses to the Lions and Panthers. Now, Kyler Murray and the organization have something weird going on in terms of trust and confidence going forward.
The best way to reconcile with your quarterback? Get more protection up front. That’s the move in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, and Kenyon Green is the selection. Green has rare versatility, and can play right tackle or either of the guard spots. He has great skills in pass protection and can be a road-grader in the run game.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia
The Dallas Cowboys got a special season out of Micah Parsons, but the defense still has a ways to go. They’ve got a good pass rush, but stopping the run should be part of the reload in the trenches. They can get a top talent in that department here, and they do in Georgia’s Jordan Davis.
Davis has elite size, and can take on multiple blockers at the point of attack. In addition to eating space, Davis can get upfield and make plays in the backfield as well. He needs to unlock more as a rusher, but his early down dominance will be much appreciated.
25. Buffalo Bills: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
The Buffalo Bills looked like the team of destiny, as Josh Allen was dominating in the postseason. He never got the ball back against the Chiefs, and the rest is history. This is still a team that should contend for a long time, but to stop elite offenses, they need more at the corner position. That’s the direction in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
Trent McDuffie would be a great addition to the secondary and pair really well with Tre White. McDuffie is great in man and zone coverage, is a great tackler, plays with a hot motor, and plays physical ball at the catch point despite his size.
26. Tennessee Titans: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
The Tennessee Titans have spent the last couple drafts trying to make sure the offensive line has no holes in it, and the results haven’t been great. Isaiah Wilson didn’t work out, and Dillon Radunz looks like a guard at the NFL level. It’s back to the offensive line well in the 2022 NFL Draft, and it’s someone Mike Vrabel will like.
Trevor Penning brings a physical edge to the run game, and he looks to finish opponents every chance he gets. His pass sets are solid, but his anchor does need some work. The good news is that a majority of his reps will be asking him to run over defenders to pave the way for Derrick Henry.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took a serious blow with Tom Brady announcing his retirement, leaving just Kyle Trask and Blaine Gabbert at quarterback. They also have free agents pending across the board, most notably Chris Godwin, Carlton Davis, and Ryan Jensen. If Davis walks, the secondary needs help.
Kaiir Elam would bring immediate help and become the new shutdown corner in Tampa. At 6’2″, Elam has the size and physicality to succeed in press, has impressive transitional quickness for his size, and has great ball skills along with staying feisty at the catch point.
28. Green Bay Packers: DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
The Green Bay Packers might be dancing once again with Aaron Rodgers in 2022, which puts them in reload mode again in the NFL Draft. Receiver would be a tempting option here, but getting more help for a defensive line that could lose multiple contributors is the best option.
DeMarvin Leal is a bit of a tweener, which could be contributing to his fall. At 290 pounds, his best work is done as a run defender on the edge and a pass rusher that kicks inside on third down. He’d be a great running mate for Kenny Clark to work along the defensive line, and helps out both phases for the defensive line.
29. Miami Dolphins (via SF): Drake London, WR, USC
The Miami Dolphins will have a new identity with Mike McDaniel running the show as head coach. They might dip into the free agent pool to help out the offensive line, and running back will certainly be high on the list of offseason needs. The receiver room isn’t exactly full either, and that’s the direction in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
Drake London would be a phenomenal get by the Dolphins at 29. He blocks very well, which will be important to McDaniel, and he can win quickly in the passing game while dominating at the catch point down the field, which will be helpful for Tua Tagovailoa. London and DeVante Parker on the outside allows Miami to get creative with Jaylen Waddle as well.
30. Kansas City Chiefs: Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia
The Kansas City Chiefs are another AFC team that should work on the defensive side of the ball in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. The edge rushing group offers a ton of possibilities at 30, but a pass rusher on the interior to pair with Chris Jones would give offenses nightmares before game day.
Devonte Wyatt has a wicked first step, impressive moves as a rusher, and very good closing speed. He can work around the arc quickly with speed and push the pocket with his power.
31. Cincinnati Bengals: Zion Johnson, G, Boston College
The Cincinnati Bengals had an incredible run to the Super Bowl, hanging on the play of their defense, clutch throws from Joe Burrow, and clutch kicks from Evan McPherson. The offensive line didn’t do them many favors, giving up nine sacks against Tennessee and seven more in the Super Bowl against the Rams. That unit up front needs to reload heavily for 2022.
Zion Johnson would be an excellent start here for the Bengals. He’s a fantastic guard prospect with a great anchor and grip strength. He works to the second level well in the run game, and flashed reach block ability down in Mobile. Versatility might be added to the bag as well, as Johnson got snaps at center during Senior Bowl practices.
32. Detroit Lions (via LAR): Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
The Detroit Lions continue their path to building a top defense in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, and after landing Hutchinson, it’s time to get a playmaker at the second level of the defense. That player is available here in Utah’s Devin Lloyd.
From rushing on the edge to blitzing, getting his hand in passing lanes to making plays in the backfield against the run, Lloyd does it all. He’d be a great addition for the Lions to move around and just make plays on defense.
2022 NFL Mock Draft: Second Round
33. Jacksonville Jaguars: George Pickens, WR, Georgia
34. Detroit Lions: Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
35. New York Jets: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
36. New York Giants: Darian Kinnard, OT, Kentucky
37. Houston Texans: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
38. New York Jets: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
39. Chicago Bears: Sean Rhyan, OT, UCLA
40. Denver Broncos: Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State
41. Seattle Seahawks: Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State
42. Washington Commanders: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
43. Atlanta Falcons: Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
44. Cleveland Browns: Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma
45. Baltimore Ravens: Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
46. Minnesota Vikings: Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati
47. Indianapolis Colts: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
48. Los Angeles Chargers: Travis Jones, DL, Connecticut
49. New Orleans Saints: John Metchie III, WR, Alabama
50. Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State
51. Philadelphia Eagles: Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming
52. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
53. Las Vegas Raiders: Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State
54. New England Patriots: Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama
55. Arizona Cardinals: Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
56. Dallas Cowboys: Jamaree Salyer, OL, Georgia
57. Buffalo Bills: Perrion Winfrey, DL, Oklahoma
58. Atlanta Falcons: David Bell, WR, Purdue
59. Green Bay Packers: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
60. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
61. San Francisco 49ers: Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA
62. Kansas City Chiefs: Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati
63. Cincinnati Bengals: Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi State
64. Denver Broncos: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati