2-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Steelers, Seahawks Trade Up For QBs

The Steelers and Seahawks make big moves up in the first round of this 2-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft.

We’ve got under a week to go until the 2022 NFL Draft, and it’s going to be a long week of rumors, anonymous source quotes, and speculation. It will be excellent when the draft finally gets here, but until then, we’re going to keep forecasting.

What speculation is true right now? It’s hard to say, but the buzz around Derek Stingley Jr. is where we believed it would be after he aced his pro day. Now, there’s talk about Houston’s interest in him at three, the Chargers having interest, and Seattle as well in the top 10. The Jaguars have reportedly narrowed it down to four guys at the top pick, which might be more than many believe. The Panthers still hold an important domino at six, and that’s where the trade intrigue and quarterback intrigue begin.

2-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Trades Include Move-Ups For QBs

Let’s dive in to see how the first two rounds could shake out, which feature a couple big moves to acquire quarterbacks from the Steelers and Seahawks.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

As just mentioned, the Jaguars are narrowing their board at number one overall. With a week to go, it’s still Aidan Hutchinson in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Hutchinson has the production, athleticism, and leadership to become a cornerstone on the defense, and can create a phenomenal duo with Josh Allen to get after quarterbacks.

2. Detroit Lions: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

It would certainly be nice for the Detroit Lions to get the local guy, but they settle for a good consolation prize in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Travon Walker has been the big riser in the 2022 NFL Draft on the defensive side of the ball. While the production isn’t there, he’s already phenomenal defending the run, and has the athleticism and power profile to develop into a top edge rusher with time. It’s a big swing, but in this draft, why not take big swings?

3. Houston Texans: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

The Houston Texans are truly the wild card at three. The belief in Tytus Howard shrinks the odds for offensive line. It doesn’t seem like Kyle Hamilton will go this early. In this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, it’s corner, and it’s Ahmad Gardner.

Gardner has reached consensus CB1 in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he has the size, length, and physicality to work in press-man coverage. His instincts are there to close quickly from top-down in zone as well. He would instantly ignite that Texans secondary.

4. New York Jets: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

The New York Jets have often been linked to a couple players at four, and one of them is Kayvon Thibodeaux. The Thibodeaux slide might be over-exaggerated, and we know Robert Saleh likes edge rushers. Thibodeaux bring the athleticism and potential to be a double-digit sack player with the power to hold up agains the run.